Tailgating 101 – Smart Power, Big Fun!
Going to the game this season? Before you head to the parking lot for pre-game fun, review our quick check list and information to ensure your vehicle starts long after the game ends.
- Ensure your battery is in good shape
- Have your battery tested by AAA prior to heading to the game.
- Look at the year of production on your battery (typical life is 3-5 years). If your battery is older than this, consider a proactive battery replacement.
- Know your battery RC or Ah capacity
- RC (Reserve Capacity) is the number of minutes a fully charged battery at 80°F (27°C) is discharged at 25 amps before voltage falls below 10.5 volts.
- Ah (Amp Hour) is the energy a battery can deliver continuously for 20 hours at 80°F (27°C) without falling below 10.5 volts.
- In both cases, the larger the number, the longer you can run accessories before needing a charge.
- Pick the correct inverter for your estimate use
- Lifewire.com contains specific instructions on how to choose an inverter that will meet your power demand needs and even has a couple of handy tables to help estimate power draw of common devices.
- Consider an additional battery or devices
- Long days of continuous power may require more than your battery can deliver. For added peace of mind, it may be beneficial to purchase a second battery for these cases. Most marine batteries have additional terminals to mount inverters or accessories and are a great alternative to using your vehicle’s battery.
- If you stick with your vehicle battery, consider an alternative jump pack or a solar trickle charger to confirm you can crank your vehicle after all the fun.
Regardless of which sport you enjoy, we hope these tips help certify you have enough juice to start your vehicle at the end of the game. If not, AAA Mobile Battery Service will come to you, almost anywhere you are, and get you back on the road with a replacement battery. To learn more or receive a free instant quote, visit AAA.com/Battery.
