How to Set Up a Tailgate Grill Off Your Truck Hitch (Plus a Game Day Menu)
A good tailgate comes down to three things: hot food, a setup that goes up fast, and a grill you can pack away before the gates open. We have been building portable stainless grills since 1976, and tailgating is one of the places our customers use them most. This guide covers how to set up a grill right off the back of your truck, what to bring, and a simple game day menu that feeds a crowd.
Why a hitch mount works for tailgating
Most tailgate grills end up on a folding table or on the ground. Both take up space and both get knocked around. A hitch mount puts the grill on your vehicle at a comfortable working height, off the pavement and out of the foot traffic.
Our Trailer Hitch Slide Mount slides into your receiver and holds a Magma rectangular grill or a Crossover firebox. The grill sits behind the truck with the tailgate down as your prep counter. When you are done, the grill and mount come off and go back in the bed.
If you park in a lot where you cannot use the hitch, or you want the grill out in the middle of the group, the Quad Pod Stand does the same job on four legs. It is anodized aluminum, folds down small, and works with our single mount grills and the Crossover.
Picking the right grill for the lot
For most tailgates we recommend the Anacapa Gas Grill. It has 162 square inches of cooking surface, 11,200 BTUs, and weighs 14.5 pounds. That is enough grill space to cook for about six people at a time. The legs fold away, the lid locks for transport, and it runs on the same 1 lb propane canisters you can buy at any hardware store. One canister runs about two to four hours depending on how hot you cook.
If your crew wants more than burgers, the Crossover Series lets you swap the grill top for a flat top plancha or a pizza oven on the same firebox. Breakfast burritos on the plancha for an early kickoff and pizza at halftime is a real option.
Tailgate grill checklist
- Grill and hitch mount or Quad Pod Stand
- Two or three 1 lb propane canisters (always bring one more than you think you need)
- Long tongs, a spatula, and a grill brush
- Instant read thermometer
- Two cutting boards: one for raw meat, one for everything else
- Cooler with meat on the bottom and drinks on top, so the drink cooler gets opened, not the meat cooler
- Foil, paper towels, trash bags
- A padded storage case for the ride home while the grill cools
Game day menu for 6 to 8 people
This menu is built around the Anacapa's grill size and cooks in about an hour from setup to serving.
Smash burgers
Pack 2 lbs of 80/20 ground beef into eight loose 4 oz balls at home and store them in a container. At the lot, preheat the grill on high for 10 minutes. If you have a Crossover plancha, smash each ball flat with a stiff spatula and cook about 2 minutes, flip, add cheese, and cook 1 more minute. On a grill grate, press them into thin patties first and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve on toasted buns.
Beer brats
Simmer brats in a pan of beer and sliced onions at home the night before, then chill them in the liquid. At the game, grill over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning often, until browned and hot all the way through (160°F inside). Pile the onions on top.
Grilled street corn
Grill husked corn over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until charred in spots. Brush with mayo, roll in crumbled cotija, and finish with chili powder and a squeeze of lime.
Cleaning up and packing out
Turn the grill up to high for five minutes after the last cook to burn off residue, then brush the grate. Shut off the valve and remove the canister before the grill cools. Once it is cool to the touch, fold the legs, lock the lid, and pack it in its case. Stainless steel handles the trip home well, but wiping it down within a day keeps it looking new.
Frequently asked questions
Can you mount a grill to a trailer hitch?
Yes. A hitch grill mount slides into your vehicle's receiver and holds the grill behind the truck. Our Trailer Hitch Slide Mount fits Magma rectangular grills and Crossover fireboxes.
What size grill do you need for tailgating?
For groups of six to eight, a grill with around 150 to 200 square inches of cooking space works well because you can cook in rounds while people eat. The Anacapa has 162 square inches.
How long does a 1 lb propane canister last on a portable grill?
On the Anacapa, one canister runs about two to four hours depending on your heat setting. Bring at least one spare for a full tailgate.
Is it safe to grill in a parking lot?
Most stadiums allow grilling in designated tailgate lots, but rules vary. Check your venue's policy, keep the grill away from vehicles' fuel fill areas and fabric canopies, and never leave a lit grill unattended.
Looking for more ways to use your grill away from home? Read our guide to setting up an overland camp kitchen or learn how to make pizza anywhere.