How to Tailgate Out of Your Pickup: A Silverado and Sierra Owner's Guide
From six-way tailgates to in-bed power outlets, here's how to turn a Silverado or Sierra into the best parking-lot kitchen at the stadium.
Tailgating at a sporting event is all about community, good food, and friendship. Whether you're gathering before the game or celebrating after, squeezing in one last lake trip of the season, or camping under the stars, dropping the tailgate to reveal a snack—or a full feast—is one of the best ways to put your truck's features to work.
Not sure where to begin? Start with these five tips.
1. Select your setup
Every truck has a tailgate, and every tailgate doubles as a built-in sideboard for snacks. A standard gate works fine as a display and serving area, but Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra owners with the available Multi-Flex or MultiPro tailgate, respectively, can choose from six configurations to load, access, organize, and nosh.
The 2026 Silverado 1500 and 2026 Sierra 1500 are built to tow, which means you can roll out with a camper—a place to warm up food and keep drinks frosty. Having your own bathroom on wheels doesn't hurt, either.
2. Pack your food and gear
Menus vary by region: fried chicken, lobster rolls, chili, or pizza. Don't forget the chips, dips, and cookies. Many Silverado and Sierra models offer available 120-volt AC outlets for small appliances—a coffee maker for early kickoffs, a blender for evening beverages, or a slow cooker full of queso.
The GMC and Chevrolet accessories pages carry dealer-installed gear like a cargo organizer or a bed cover. Nobody likes soggy or tumbled snacks: plastic totes and canvas bags keep food dry and contained, and bungee cords strap them down inside the bed.
Paper or melamine plates are the easy call, depending on how much you enjoy washing dishes afterward. A tailgate is no place for breakable dinnerware—unless you're super fancy.
3. Get to your spot and set up
Even if you're just driving across town for a home game, available Super Cruise1 hands-free driver assistance manages steering, acceleration, and braking on compatible roads. You'll arrive fresh and ready to assemble your feast and cheer on your team.
Once you've staked out a great parking spot, set up camp: unload the chairs, tables, and decorations, and stay alert for chatty neighbors eyeing your homemade lemon bars. A bed mat from the accessories catalog creates a flat, grippy surface for a galvanized tub filled with ice and root beer or a dish of 7-layer dip.
Tailgating early in the season? Toss a canopy or tent in the bed for shade. If your Saturdays are spent at the University of Florida, Florida State, or Miami, just keep that shade at the ready all year long.
4. Accessorize
Music is essential to any camping trip or tailgating party. Bring your own with a boom box—rise up, Gen X—or a Bluetooth speaker connected to the Silverado or Sierra's infotainment system.
We're big fans of tailgate-ready coolers, available through the GMC and Chevrolet accessories sites. You don't need much more than a cooler and a bag of sunflower seeds for a basic tailgate party; work up to the larger coolers for spreads worthy of a big celebration.
5. Easy cleanup
Now's the time to whip out the trash bags and sweep away the crumbs. Pack up the plates, leftovers, and gear, then close the tailgate. Rest for a few days; repeat.
1 Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Always use Super Cruise in accordance with local laws. Do not use a hand-held device. Requires active Super Cruise plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit the Super Cruise pages on Chevrolet.com or GMC.com for compatible roads and full details.
