Okay, So let’s face it there’s nothing better than throwing an electric grill, some food and a few light refreshments into the back of your truck and heading off for a pre-game or after game tailgating party, Right?
But can your truck handle the demand for power?
No one wants to hang around the back of your truck with the engine running. All that noise and fumes is a real party killer!
So, what’s the answer?
Well, a silent or low noise portable generator of course. But which one? There are over 30 Brands to choose from with many types per brand which gives you a confusing array of generators to choose from.
You simply want to know which affordable portable generator is best for tailgating, Right? Then click here to skip the article and see our recommendation.
Our Top pick maybe a little contrivershal as it’s not the most expensive and it’s not the most popular brand.
But for a tailgate party you don’t want to spend thousands on a portable generator that may only be used for a few hours each month. You simply want a reliable and powerful generator that will power a small TV, maybe a laptop, and an electric grill. Or most importantly a small refrigerator to keep those beers cool.
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Here are the 7 Best Portable Tailgating Generators
Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Types of Generators to consider
When you’re looking for a portable generator for tailgating there are only three options that you should consider: Portable Dual Fuel Generators, Inverters, and Electric Power Banks.
There are obviously pros and cons for each type and you can see from the 7 Best Generators for Tailgating we listed how extreme some of these are.
Portable Generators
Usually powered by gas or diesel a portable generator can provide temporary electrical power when needed. They use a combustion engine to conduct electricity and can be plugged into appliances via the sockets.
They have enough power to run a combination of electrical items such as TVs, freezers, and refrigerators. Often slightly larger than inverter generators, many do come with the option of running on dual fuels.
Inverters
An inverter generator creates AC power via an engine connected to an alternator. It then converts the AC to DC by using a rectifier. It relies on high-tech magnets to do this and uses advanced electronic circuitry during its three phases; output of AC, conversion to DC, inversion to AC.
They are more energy-efficient as the engine speed adjusts itself according to how much power is needed and can be set to any voltage and frequency when used with the proper equipment.
Inverter generators are best suited to car batteries and laptops and can be easily carried in Cars, Trucks, RV’s, and boats.
Portable Power Stations
A portable power station is a rechargeable, battery-powered generator. They are small enough to carry with you in your car or backpack. These machines work without noise, fumes, or pollution.
This makes them safe for use both outside and inside use and perfect for the back of your truck or tailgating party.
Portable power stations distinguish themselves from your standard generator with their compact design and silent function. As they do not require flammable fuel, they are safe to keep close.
Noise Level
Generators can vary widely in their noise level. You can find one that emits little more than a hum, one that is not much louder than a conversation, or one that could be compared to a lawnmower. The noise level you require will depend upon personal preference, as well as the situation you are in.
For example, in a campground, there are rules to how loud generators can be. This is, of course, to preserve the natural atmosphere. In a private setting, you can use a generator that will make a bit more noise.
Most generators are between 50-80 decibels, with those on the lower end (50-60) being some of the quietest there are. The trade-off is that the more powerful the generator, the greater its noise level.
No one wants a noisy generator in the back of their truck spoiling the party.
7. A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000-Watt
The A-iPower SUA2000iV offers clean and smooth power. It gives you 2,000 watts of surge power and 1,600 watts of running power. The smooth 79cc engine is the heart of this generator, reliable and quiet it makes it perfect for events such as, camping, tailgating, RV-ing, and many other applications.
Weighing in at 46 lbs., you can take this portable power anywhere. At 58 dB, you get ultra-quiet operation. The Inverter technology produces pure sine wave power, meaning it’s safe for electronics such as televisions, tablets, laptops, and other sensitive equipment.
The SUA2000iV also has parallel capability. With parallel cables (cables sold separately), two generators can be combined for nearly double the power, eliminating the need for and expensive parallel kit. A built-in fuel gauge helps remind you when it’s time to refuel.
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
6. Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt
Editors thoughts…. If you need a generator to rely upon, then this is it. Latest Prices On Amazon
The Honda EU2200i inverter portable generator gives you amazing value and even delivers 10% more power (200 watts) than the award-winning EU2000i model, One of Hondas most popular portable models for the same price. Which is one of the most commonly used portable generators for tailgating.
The heart of the additional power the new generator delivers is the awesome Honda GXR120 engine. With more power, better performance and improved ease of use and maintenance, the Honda EU2200i is the perfect choice for consumers to power what they need for work, home or play.
In addition to more wattage, the all-new EU2200i delivers consumers additional user-friendly features including a fuel shut off valve that allows the engine to run with the fuel supply off, helping prevent issues related to stale fuel going into storage.
It has a large spout and oil drain gutter for cleaner and easier oil changes. A smooth, light effort recoil and a user-friendly design that incorporates color-coded startup points to start the generator and increased ventilation that improves airflow resulting in better cooling of key components.
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
5. WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt
From emergency backup to recreational power, WEN generators have been helping you keep the lights on since 1951. Their extensive line of inverter, dual fuel, and traditional gas power generators means they have the exact generator you need.
Whether you’re tailgating, camping, or preparing for natural disasters, it’s always better to know that you have a reliable power generator standing by.
One of the best features is the eco-mode feature that allows the motor to automatically adjust its fuel consumption, in turn saving you money by preventing unnecessary gasoline usage.
It produces clean, reliable power and limits total harmonic distortion to under 0.3% at no load and under 1.2% at full load, making it safe enough to run laptops, cellphones, tablets, and other sensitive devices.
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
4. Jackery Power Station Explorer
The Jackery 240 power station has a large 16.8 Ah lithium-ion battery, which can power appliances that use 120 volts. A clean looking, lightweight power station with simplistic features and plenty of powering options. The front panel has a good choice of sockets and an LCD display to see battery status and rate of charge and discharge.
You can use your own car or a solar panel to charge the unit. The package comes with a car charger cable that will plug into the 12-volt outlet of your car and into the input of the station.
So, you can keep using your devices without running the battery down. You can also charge your power bank by using solar panels. Perfect for tailgating and garden BBQs.
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
3. Yamaha EF2000iSv2
Yamaha’s EF2000iSv2 inverter generator quietly powers a wider range of applications for an long period of time, while still being portable and retro-cool. The completely new controller with advanced programming gives the EF2000iSv2 the ability to power a wider range of appliances than previous generation EF2000iS. At less than 45 pounds, it is lightweight, very compact which makes it easy to store and transport.
If you need extra power the EF2000iSv2 has you covered!
A convenient parallel function lets you connect two generators to deliver up to 30 amps. The EF2000iSv2 may be connected in parallel with an earlier model Yamaha EF2000iS.
One of the best features is the Smart Throttle which varies the engine speed based on load. This dramatically improves fuel economy and reduces noise. Runs up to 10.5 hours at ¼ rated load on a tank of gas.
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
2. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel
Editors thoughts…. Long run time with dual fuel option. Powerful and packed with the latest features. Prices on Amazon here!
The Champion 3400-Watt Portable Inverter Generator is the perfect combination of versatility and convenience whether you need power for your home, RV or Tailgating party. The handy electric start includes a battery, plus Cold Start Technology ensures a quick start in cold weather.
Connect your sensitive electronics with confidence since this inverter produces clean smooth power. Designed for safety with a low oil shut-off sensor, this inverter has a 0.6-quart oil capacity (recommended 10W-30).
Operate your Dual-Fuel generator right out of the box on gasoline or propane, and easily switch fuels with a quick turn of the fuel selector dial. Using gasoline, the 192cc Champion engine produces 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts and will run for 7.5 hours at 25% load. It produces 3060 starting watts and 2790 running watts and will run for 14.5 hours at 25% load when using a 20-pound propane tank.
Champion’s Inverter Technology includes smart Economy Mode, which can reduce the electrical load, providing quieter operation, extended engine life, and better fuel economy.
Read customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
1. Pulsar G2319N 2,300W Inverter
The G2319N portable inverter generator produces 2,300 peak watts and 1,800 running watts of power and is capable of up to 4.8 hours of run time at half load on just 1.18 gallon of fuel.
It’s exceptionally lightweight and its extremely durable design makes it perfect for Tailgating. Features like the dual 120V outlets, 12V ‘cigarette’ outlet, & Direct connect USB port provide you with pure, safe electrical power perfect for cellular devices, laptops, & other mobile devices.
Quiet inverter technology with parallel capability makes the G2319N an economical & reliable choice in power source for your next adventure or outdoor event.
A low cost powerful portable generator perfect for tailgating.
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
Our Pick– The best Tailgating Generator
So, I guess you’re wondering why we picked the A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator as our NO1 Choice for tailgating. Especially when you look at some of the other top models like Yamaha EF1000is and the Durostar DS4000S.
Well, simply put it all came down to price and performance!
Many of the other brands and models were priced over $800 and for the same power output and with great performance the A-iPower had too much going for it at such a low prices to not be our favorite pick.
Saving Hundreds of dollars compared to the other models was such a bonus. If you think this model lacks anything in performance or reliability then head over to Amazon and read the dozens if not hundreds of glowing reviews.
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Conclusion: Portable Generators for Tailgating
To be honest… any of the portable generators on the list above will be just fine. However, some are heavier, more expensive, and even louder than the A-iPower 2000 Watt Generator.
Don’t rule out silent power banks!
These have come along way since the first small mobile phone charging power banks bought for a few bucks. These high tech bits of kit are used to power everything from film set equipment to sporting events broadcasting computers and lighting.
So, they can easily power a refrigerator and a TV to watch the game on. To see our full buyers guide click here.
