I can’t emphasize enough how, in my opinion, this is the greatest way to get satellite installed at your tailgate. I place the tripod on the ground, place the satellite on top (it’s not too heavy), connect the cables (2 minutes), and then wait for the antenna to automatically connect to the satellite. It only takes about 5-10 minutes in total. I mean, it’s ridiculously simple for me.
I recommend utilizing a digital antenna like this one from Amazon if you want something a little more basic than satellite TV at your tailgate (affiliate link takes you to Amazon).
This allows you to see your local channels for free over-the-air broadcasts. More information on this tailgate TV setup option can be found further down in the post.
***Winter is also approaching. The portable heater I use for my tailgate is seen below. Warm and simple to put up. Visit our article on the best tailgating heaters to learn more.
If you want to take your tailgate to the next level, you’ll need a tailgate TV setup. And if the only way you can watch TV at your tailgate right now is to awkwardly grab glimpses of the TV at the tailgate next to you, we can help.
Despite the fact that I’ve already stated that the DISH Playmaker is my preferred option, we’ll go over how to set up TV at a tailgate in this article so you can understand your alternatives and choose the one that best suits your needs.
The good news is that there are a variety of ways to learn how to set up a TV at a tailgate, including:
- Using a Smart TV as a Wi-Fi hotspot
- Antenna for Digital Television (simplest method)
- Dish for receiving satellite signals (DISH Network or DIRECTV)
- Mirroring the screen (worst option)
If terms like “hotspot” and “screen mirroring” make it sound like you’ll need a computer science degree to implement them, be assured that you won’t (we provide instructions below). We’ll also go over the benefits and drawbacks of each of these methods so you can decide which one is best for your own tailgate TV setup.
However, if you’re searching for quick tips on how to set up TV at a tailgate, here are some suggestions:
- The simplest option is to use a digital TV antenna.
- Best Option: Get a DISH Playmaker portable satellite with a pay-as-you-go plan and pair it with a digital TV antenna to get both normal and cable television.
- At Amazon, you can get the necessary equipment (affiliate link takes you to Amazon).
What’s the best way to watch TV while tailgating?
A portable antenna is an excellent alternative if you’re tailgating for your local teams. You’ll be able to watch the game in high-definition local broadcast. For local fans, the King OmniGO is fantastic. For the sophisticated tailgating fan, the KING OmniGO multidirectional over-the-air HDTV antenna is a must-have.
What’s the best way to follow a satellite?
You must first choose between DISH Network and DIRECTV to purchase a satellite for tailgating. DISH Network, in my opinion, is the best alternative for tailgating. (Yes, you’ll need to sign up for one of these two services.) You will not be able to use the satellite service for free.)
How much does DISH Tailgater cost per month?
DISH Outdoors is available for for $5 per month. All of the programming that you can view in your living room is available at the stadium if you have a DISH subscription. For only $5 per month, add DISH Outdoors to your existing DISH service and have both home and outdoor TV on the same bill.
#1: Use Your Smart Phone as a Hotspot
Our recommendation is to set up a mobile hotspot on your smartphone, which creates a personal WIFI network. Then, using that newly created WIFI network, connect a smart TV or other device. This may appear to be difficult, but it is not. The only issue you might have is with mobile data consumption, which we’ll go over later.
What is a mobile hotspot, and how does it work?
A mobile hotspot is a device that allows you to turn your phone’s 4G network into a personal, secure WIFI access point to which you can connect other devices.
Your phone is connected to your provider’s network, which may be Sprint, AT&T, or Verizon. This is what enables your phone to connect to the internet even when you are not connected to the internet via WIFI (like at the store or at the office, etc.).
What about your other devices, as far as this article is concerned?
Let’s imagine you want to connect a smart TV or a laptop to wifi at your tailgate.
That smart TV, unlike your phone, does not have access to AT&T or Sprint’s 4G network. That smart TV won’t be able to connect to a 4G network while on the go.
When you use your mobile device to build a hotspot, you’re creating a wireless internet network to which you may connect these other devices.
It’s essentially a way for your smart phone’s wireless internet capability to be shared with other devices.
You don’t need any extra devices or bother about setting up satellites to get an internet connection with mobile personal hot spots because they have lots of internet speed.
Simply follow the instructions outlined below and you will be ready to go.
If the internet starts to slow down due to too many devices connecting to it, you may always set up additional hotspots from multiple mobile devices if you’re tailgating with a large group.
If you have a smart TV, you may connect it to your mobile hotspot and use it to stream any apps or programs to which you have a subscription.
There are streaming sites that provide all of your favorite live sports as well as a variety of other programming.
Kids can connect iPads to the hotspot and play games if they’re at the tailgate.
Personal hotspots have one main disadvantage: they use data from your telephone plan. Depending on how many devices are connected to your hotspot and how many games or videos you are streaming, you can use up to 1 GB every hour.
If you just want to connect a laptop or tablet to your hotspot, this won’t be a problem, but if you want to stream a smart TV for several hours, you’ll want to make sure you have the right data plan in place to avoid overage penalties.
In comparison to other devices, smart TVs consume a lot of data.
So, if you want to stream content to a Smart TV, you’ll be able to consume a lot of data quickly.
If you have an unlimited data plan with your cell phone provider, this is obviously not an issue.
So, at the very least, look into the cost of an unlimited data plan with your carrier (start here).
However, keep in mind that once you reach a particular level of usage, certain unlimited plans may impair the visual quality.
Your service provider should be able to provide you with some guidance on this.
Many providers continue to offer unlimited data plans.
It may be more expensive than you’re used to, but it’s well worth it if you’ll be tailgating frequently, especially if you want to connect a TV to your hotspot.
Overage costs are the last thing you want to deal with.
You should also inquire about the possibility to reduce your data plan throughout the year, so that once tailgate season is over, you can reduce your data plan until the next year.
You’ll also need to make sure that your tailgating location has a cell signal, otherwise you won’t be able to set up your hot spot. Because modern 4G coverage maps are so good, this is unlikely to be an issue, but if you live in a rural region, it’s worth investigating.
You should also check that your smart TV is compatible with your personal hotspot.
Most smart TVs are, but you should double-check at home before driving all the way to the stadium and discovering it isn’t compatible.
How To Setup A Mobile Hotspot
Setting up a hotspot may appear difficult, but it is not. This can be accomplished in three easy steps. Let’s take a look at how this works with my iPhone as an example:
Step 1: Go to your phone’s settings and look for the “Personal Hotspot” option.
Step 3: Connect your other devices to the personal, secure hotspot you’ve just created using the password.
Level 1: Advanced Tailgaters
Although the Advanced Tailgater is a traditionalist at heart, he appreciates the fundamental amenities that electricity affords.
For example, you might prefer a charcoal barbecue but also wish to use a pressure cooker to augment it. You may bring an electric cooler for the soda and wine instead of buying ice.
You’ll also want to make sure you have a good-sized TV for your viewing party, as well as some phone chargers so that everyone can post images of their awesome tailgating party on Instagram.
We recommend a modest inverter generator with a power output of 1,000-2,200 watts for these consumers. This should suffice for a few gadgets that do not require the use of an electric motor. Without giving up a few basic electrical gadgets, you can still have the old-fashioned tailgate experience you crave.
Note: If you think your appliances will use more than 80% of your generator’s power on a regular basis, consider becoming an Expert Tailgater.
Level 2: Expert Tailgaters
At their tailgating party, the Expert Tailgater takes basic electricity needs for granted and expects the next level of convenience and enjoyment.
In addition to everything the Advanced Tailgater has, we’re talking about a huge TV, coffee maker, and kegerator. While charcoal-grilled food is delicious, the Expert Tailgater prefers to use an electric grill to maximize their enjoyable experience. On a hot day, don’t forget to bring a powerful fan to keep everyone cool.
We recommend a medium inverter generator with a power output of 3,000-5,000 watts for these applications.
Level 3: Ultimate Tailgaters
Tailgating isn’t just a hobby for the Ultimate Tailgater; it’s a way of life. They set the tone for others by defining what it means to tailgate. Friends and family members are counting down the days until they get to enjoy the Ultimate Tailgater’s celebration.
The Ultimate Tailgater proudly adds lavish things like an ice cream maker, margarita blender, and nacho cheese machine to the Advanced and Expert Tailgaters’ arsenals for a gluttonous day of uncontrolled partying. During the pre- and postgame, a speaker system blasting everyone’s favorite party favorites keeps fans on their toes.
Some others will even bring their full RV out for a mobile experience. At that point, they essentially become food and beverage vendors, selling everything you didn’t realize you needed at a tailgate.
We recommend 5,000 watts or more for the Ultimate Tailgater. Another approach for doubling the power is to connect two smaller inverter generators in parallel. If an RV is involved, inverter generators with RV outlets are available to keep things running.
Is there a tailgater on Directv?
There was a solution to my tailgate party conundrum, though I didn’t realize it at the time. Tony’s tailgate trailer lacked DIRECTV. I could have watched the game with my own little cheering section if I had the correct satellite dish, receiver, and equipment. Although it was a long time ago, I believe DIRECTV had a portable standard definition solution at the time. Today, having DIRECTV in a tailgate trailer would be preferable. Since its SD programming days, DIRECTV has gone a long way. Tailgate trailers, RVs, and campers with current DIRECTV satellite equipment can watch high-definition and live 4K programming.
What is the function of the Directv tailgater?
You only need a mobile receiver and a subscription to one of our packages to get started. To locate a store in your region, contact Winegard or KING (for tailgating). If the vehicle is on the move and you are using mobile equipment, you may not be able to order movies or Pay Per View.
Is it possible to use DISH tailgater at home?
At my current residence, I am already a DISH customer. Is it possible to add Tailgater to an existing account? Yes, you may add the Tailgater to your existing account and enjoy the same programming you do at home while enjoying the great outdoors*!
Is there a DIRECTV RV package?
You don’t need a separate account for mobile if you already have DIRECTV in your house, either as a standalone service or as part of a package with CenturyLink. Mobile services are seen as an add-on to the home service.
If you want service in two non-moving locations, such as two houses, two apartments, or a house and an apartment, you’ll need two DIRECTV accounts. If you want service in one home and an RV, however, you just need one account.
So, what’s the difference between the package for cars, minivans, and SUVs and the one for RVs? In a nutshell, access. The first service only works within a certain radius of your home broadcast region. Your service features will most likely be impaired if you reach a range outside of where your local news coverage finishes.
For use in an RV, do not purchase the Cars, Minivans, and SUVs bundle. Make certain you obtain the right RV package.
The RV package includes service all throughout the United States. Over 185 channels of movies, TV series, sports, and family entertainment will be available to you.
The Select plan is $35 per month. MTV, TBS, and CNN are among the prominent cable channels available.
The Choice bundle adds various ESPN networks, a year of HBO, NFL Sunday Ticket, and more for $45 per month.
Finally, the Ultimate bundle includes all available channels, including premium channels, sports channels, and specialized channels that cater to a wide range of interests. It costs $60 each month.
Distant Network Services
Most individuals supplement their RV package with Distant Network Services (DNS), which allows them to see ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC as well as other local networks. It’ll set you back $15 per month.
To get local channels through DNS, you’ll need to file an affidavit and a copy of the RV’s vehicle registration with DIRECTV due to FCC requirements.
Depending on where you are in the country, local services are provided by either New York or Los Angeles. While you may not be interested in watching local news in New York or Los Angeles, especially if you live outside of those cities, many individuals enjoy having access to the main networks.
Live events such as professional and collegiate sports, as well as major events such as the Academy Awards, will be available to view.
When you want to use your home account with Distant Network Services, things get a bit complicated. If you want your home account to receive local programs, you can’t have the DNS on the same account as your home account.
If you travel regularly and aren’t interested in watching local channels at home, Distant Network Services is an excellent option.
