Should You Tailgate With Your BMW?

BMW owners like to keep their vehicles spotless, but sometimes a special occasion calls for an exception. If you plan on tailgating this summer, your BMW can handle the job just fine. However, you need to have all the tools/equipment and know the tricks that tailgating experts use to keep their vehicles clean.

Travel Tips

To start, you should inspect the tailgate’s location and identify potential spots for your BMW. Paved and grass spots are both sufficient, but paved is the safer option because of the potential for rain. You don’t want to get your vehicle stuck in the grass or track mud into your car. In any case, keep a close eye on the weather forecast to make sure you pack the necessary clothes.

You should also plan your entrance and exit routes beforehand. Tailgates can turn into traffic jams in the blink of an eye, so you need to know exactly where you’re going. If you’re lucky, you might find an alternative route and dodge the main flow of traffic.

Start the day with a full tank of gas and fully charged cell phone. You shouldn’t have to worry about travel or communication during the tailgate. Prepare all your devices for the big day so you can focus on having fun!

Vehicle Protection

Tailgates can get messy with food and partygoers moving around, so you need to give your BMW the proper covering. Here are some tools you can use to shield your vehicle from external factors:

Canopy tent: cover the area around your BMW’s trunk with a large canopy tent to provide shelter from the elements.

Cargo mats: line your vehicle with heavy-duty cargo mats to prevent stains from food and beverages. You can remove and shake out the mats when the tailgate is over.

Hitch cargo carrier: your BMW probably has plenty of trunk space, but if you want to avoid storing food inside your vehicle, consider getting a hitch cargo carrier.

Although tailgates aren’t considered classy events, your BMW is still a classy vehicle. Give it the protection it deserves with these helpful tools.

Essential Equipment

All tailgates require a special array of equipment, including containers for food storage, seating arrangements, eating utensils and more. Here’s everything you need, from start to finish:

Fans, blankets, rain jackets, etc. depending on the weather forecast
Portable battery for charging mobile devices
First Aid Kit
At least two large coolers
Portable grill and grilling utensils
Crockpot for hot food
Condiments
Small fire extinguisher (just in case)
Plates or bowls for food display
Foldable table
Tablecloth
Foldable lawn chairs
Napkins/paper towels
Disposable cups, plates and utensils
Trash bags or bins
Clear tote bags

When the tailgate is over, you don’t want to leave all your belongings in your BMW. That’s why you must have a few clear bags on hand. Clear bags allow you to carry loose items into the stadium without holding up security protocols.

Food Storage

While your BMW will get some attention, the food is the tailgate’s main attraction. Grilling is almost expected, so your food selection should contain at least one meat entree, one hot side and various finger foods, such as chips and pretzels.

Store your perishable food in a large cooler with several inches of ice. The container must remain below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the meat fresh. Most coolers can easily maintain the appropriate temperature, but check your product to make sure.

You should store your beverages in a different cooler for one specific reason: people will constantly open and close the beverage cooler, increasing its inside temperature. By separating foods and drinks, you keep the food cooler sealed shut.

Display your grill and food items at least 10 feet away from the BMW. You don’t want anyone to think they can cook or eat while sitting in your car’s trunk space, even if you have the necessary protection. Your vehicle is the tailgate’s gathering place, but it doesn’t have to be the hub for all activities.

Sanitation

Tailgates aren’t the most sanitary environments for cooking and eating, so you need to take extra precautions. Wash your hands before handling food and provide these cleaning devices:

Napkins
Paper towels
Moist towelettes
Hand sanitizer
Disinfecting wipes

Tailgates also gather a lot of trash, so bring some large trash bags or cans and station them in high-traffic areas around your vehicle. Make sure garbage and recycling each have a designated bag/can.

Entertainment

BMWs are great vehicles for providing entertainment. They have powerful sound systems for music and make for attractive centerpieces. Your family and friends will be excited to rally around a luxury vehicle in a sea of pick-up trucks and minivans. Still, music isn’t the only entertainment a tailgate needs. Bring yard games like cornhole and spikeball to keep your guests happy.