Celebrate your favorite team with these products.
By Peggy Jordan, F401999, Associate Editor
September 2008
Have you already double-checked your team’s game schedule for the upcoming season? Already found yourself planning which foods to grill, and contemplating where you’ll set up at the parking lot? If so, you’re probably a motorhomer who uses your coach for the fine purpose of tailgating.
Whether you drive hundreds of miles to get to a college or NFL game or you just meander a few miles to the stadium “” or track, if you’re a racing fan “” the following food preparation items and related tailgating toys and paraphernalia will enhance the experience for you and your like-minded friends. And if, by chance, the only “tailgate” time you spend is in the campground or your own backyard, you will still find these items useful “” or at the very least a lot of fun.
Please keep in mind that some items listed here are available from more than one store or Web site, so prices may vary from those published. Items were available as of press time.
Good Grillin’
Camp Chef Pro 60
If you enjoy grilling for a crowd but don’t like to haul charcoal, you’ll especially want to check out this double-burner cooker. The Camp Chef Pro 60 has a 448-square-inch cooking surface (14 inches by 32 inches) and runs off of propane. This versatile cooker is capable of not only basic grilling but roasting as well. It comes with a three-sided windscreen and ample shelf space where chefs can prepare or place food.
The Pro 60 provides 30,000 Btus per burner and weighs 53 pounds. Regular price is $249.99 from Camp Chef, http://www.campchef.com/; (800) 650-2433.
Freedom Grill 100
The Freedom Grill 100 mounts onto any 2-inch hitch receiver, making it a true traveler. Its patented arm locks into place for driving and swings away for cooking and access. The grill is made of stainless steel, so it’s tough enough to stay outside the vehicle “” no inside storage required. RVers who tow a vehicle can still use the Freedom Grill by purchasing an extended ball mount; the mounts are available where most towing supplies are sold.
The Freedom Grill 100 has two 15,000-Btu burners and 384 square inches of cooking space (24 inches by 16 inches), and it accepts standard 20-pound propane tanks. It is priced at $899 and is available from Freedom Grill dealers or from the company at http://www.freedomgrill.com/; (866) 964-7455.
Weber Char Q Charcoal Grill
If the scent of burning charcoal starts your mouth watering, the Weber Char Q charcoal grill will catch your attention. It weighs only 32 pounds and offers 280 square inches of cooking area. The grill features a two-piece porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grate, a cast-aluminum lid and body, a removable ash catch pan, and a charcoal holding tray. A rolling cart that makes it possible to move the grill to the action is available. The cart folds down to take up less space when not in use and fits other Weber Q grills. The Char Q is priced at $179 and the cart at $49.99. Both are available from Weber (http://www.weber.com/; 800-446-1071) or any number of online and regular retail locations.
Cookin’ Up Some Fun
Coleman Outdoor Slow Cooker
Add some of your own homemade chili or warm dip to your next menu with the RoadTrip Heat N Serve slow cooker. This completely portable cooker has a removable, 6-quart stainless-steel container for easy food prep and cleaning, and push-button ignition for fast-start lighting. The 4,000-Btu burner runs on propane for up to 10 hours on low and five hours on high “” and this unit can even make popcorn. Coleman’s online price is $72.49; visit http://www.coleman.com/ or call (800-835-3278) for details. The cooker also is available at various retail outlets.
Grillslinger Grilling Tool System
Become a barbecue tool “slinger” with the Original Grillslinger Barbecue Tool System, which keeps all the tools you need for grilling handy and frees up valuable space around the grill. It includes an adjustable tool belt (fits waist sizes from 30 inches to 60 inches) and three stainless-steel grilling tools. Pouches and pockets can hold everything from an oil dispenser to a pepper grinder to a spatula. The Grillslinger was designed by New Zealand chefs and is available from the manufacturer at http://www.grillslinger.com/, or other retailers such as http://www.americantailgater.com/ (888-844-4263).
NCAA Logo Branding Irons
Got a burning desire for victory? Sear it right into the next steak or chop or chicken you cook with these NCAA branding irons. They sell for approximately $30 each and are available in a variety of college team logos from a number of online and college retailers, including http://www.americantailgater.com/ (888-844-4263) and http://www.bbqgrillgifts.com/.
Takin’ Care Of Beverages
Plastic Party Cooler With Stand
Coleman’s insulated plastic party cooler keeps beverages cold for 12 hours, holds up to 48 12-ounce cans, and, best of all, you don’t have to bend down to reach the goods. This cooler is 30 inches tall when set in its stand, and molded side handles make it easy to move. A handy drain helps remove melted ice. Two models are available for $99.99 and $109.99, respectively, at http://www.coleman.com/ (800-835-3278) and also at a variety of retail locations.
50-Quart Wheeled Cooler
The 50-quart wheeled Coleman Ultimate Xtreme cooler keeps ice cold for up to six days in temperatures up to 90 degrees and holds up to 72 cans with ice. It includes a tray; drink holders; and two-way carrying handles. The cooler is priced at $84.99 online at http://www.coleman.com/ (800-835-3278) and at a variety of retailers. Other sizes are available.
Tervis Tumbler Sets
FMCA.com offers FMCA logo tumbler sets that let you support your favorite motorhoming team! These are actually just as good at keeping your soup or coffee warm as they are at keeping cool beverages cold, because of their double-wall insulation, which also reduces the need for coasters. They’re made of high-grade polycarbonate and are top-shelf dishwasher safe. The 12-ounce tumbler set, with four tumblers, sells for $26; a set of four 16-ounce tumblers is $28. Extra-large 24-ounce tumblers are sold two per set for $24. Visit http://www.fmcastore.com/ or call (800) 543-3622 to order.
Put It Right Here
NFL-Licensed Tailgating Table
Set out everything on this foldable, portable table that also touts your NFL team of choice. The table is 57 inches by 19 inches by 32.5 inches, and has a high-strength steel frame and aluminum top. It’s made by Northpole Ltd. and sold by various retailers, such as http://www.guybuys.com/.
Football Snack Helmet
Put the chips, pretzels, veggies, or what have you in the top; the dip in the helmet’s faceguard; and let the games begin. This pro-size football helmet shows off your team spirit, as it’s available in the colors of NFL teams and most NCAA football teams. Food is placed in removable plastic compartments. The helmets are available for $44.95 from http://www.americantailgater.com/ (888-844-4263) and from other online retail outlets.
Have A Seat
PICO Arm Chair
This revolutionary folding director’s chair weighs less than 10 pounds and folds to travel bag size, yet it opens easily to a chair that can accommodate up to 250 pounds. The carrying bag converts for use as a storage caddy on the chair back. A beverage holder and a media pocket are attached to the armrest. The PICO arm chair is constructed of nylon mesh and an aluminum/steel hybrid frame. Its closed dimensions are 20 inches by 3.75 inches by 12 inches. FMCA’s $112 price is the best we’ve found on the Internet. Visit http://www.fmcastore.com/ or call (800) 543-3622.
Adult Chair by Logo Chair
Logo Chair Inc. makes chairs with your Major League Baseball or NCAA team logo of choice printed right on them. These durable chairs are made of powder-coated steel and double-layer polyester, and feature foam padding on the chair back for extra comfort. They hold up to 250 pounds and come with a water-resistant carrying bag with shoulder strap, plus they have an adjustable armrest with a drink holder. They’re available for approximately $35; for NCAA logos, check your school’s local bookstore or Web site; for Major League Baseball logos, see general online merchandisers such as Amazon.com.
Let’s Play!
Tailgate Toss
Whatever you call it where you live “” cornhole, tailgate toss, bean bag toss, or sacks and holes (sack-hole), etc. “” it’s a great way to pass time before or after the game. This officially licensed Tailgate Toss game set comes with two beautifully painted boards in your chosen team’s logo, plus a set of eight matching toss bags and game instructions. Choose from college teams, professional football, professional baseball, and NASCAR themes. Most Tailgate Toss sets are sold online for $99.99; prices for smaller-sized sets are lower. Available from http://www.tailgatetoss.com/ (317-848-8800); also sold at college bookstores, sporting goods retailers, and NFL concessionaires.
Odds ‘N Ends
“House Divided” Mats
Sometimes even your own spouse or children refuse to back your team, because they support another instead! At least “A House Divided” mats can make light of this potentially heavy situation. These 34-inch-by-44.5-inch mats sell for $54.99 from http://www.fanmats.com/; (800) 525-5923. The company also sells mats in mall kiosks across the United States, and offers a variety of regular mats that can help you show your support for NASCAR, NBA, MLB, NFL, collegiate teams, and the U.S. military.
Collapsible Trash Can/Cooler
Is the party starting or ending? Regardless, you will want this collapsible container made by Logo Chair Inc., which can function as a beverage cooler or as a container for light trash disposal. It stands 19 inches tall, has a 16-inch diameter, and can accommodate a 33-gallon trash bag. You can pick a variety of team logos at http://www.guybuys.com/, including Major League Baseball and colleges. The trash can/cooler sells for approximately $24.95.