This Halloween, the Best House on the Block Might Be a Driveway
When I first started tailgating, I thought I knew exactly what it was all about. The roar of generators, the smell of charcoal, the scramble to find enough outlets, and the endless hunt for ice to keep drinks cold. That was tailgating to me: noisy, messy, and always a lot of work.
After years of doing it the old way, I decided to change the game. I showed up one weekend with my Ford F-150 Lightning, and everything about tailgating changed. And more recently, Ford invited me to join other Ford electric vehicle customers to “frunkgate” before a football game, showing off our setups.
No generator. No fumes. No tangled cords. Just my truck quietly powering it all: lights, a slow cooker,1 a big-screen TV, an electric grill, even the music. All running seamlessly off Ford’s Pro Power Onboard,2 dependable power and everything I need built right into the truck.
And the best part? The frunk. I turned it into my ultimate serving station, stocked with chilled drinks and snacks, ready to go the moment I pull in. No cooler, no generator, no hassle. Smooth, effortless, and completely electric.
That’s when I realized this wasn’t tailgating anymore. This was frunkgating, and it took the pre-game experience to a whole new level.
Now, every game day, I see more Lightnings pulling into the lot. People are catching on powering TVs, lights, grills, inflatable decorations, and even full outdoor kitchens, all from their trucks.
For me, frunkgating isn’t just a new way to tailgate. It’s proof that technology can take a great tradition and make it even better, quieter, fume-free, smarter, and way more fun.
Game day will never be the same, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Your Official Three-Step Frunkgating Playbook from Ford
Ready to transform your tailgate? Here are a few tips from Ford to help you make the most of your electric vehicle’s features on game day.
1. Be the Party's MVP with Pro Power Onboard. Your F-150 Lightning isn't just a truck; it's a mobile power station. Use the outlets in the bed and frunk to run everything from a slow cooker and an electric grill to a big-screen TV and a sound system.
And remember — a great tailgate is all about the atmosphere. Use Pro Power Onboard to string up some lights for an evening game, power inflatables, or plug in an electric blanket to stay warm during those late-season matchups. It’s the little things that create an unforgettable experience.
2. Master the Art of the Frunk. Think of the Mega Power Frunk in your F-150 Lightning as your new command center for hot and cold items. It's the perfect spot for drinks and pre-prepped food.
For Mustang Mach-E owners, the frunk is a game-changer, acting like a tub that’s washable and has a drain hole for easy cleanup.
3. Power On with Confidence. Don't let power consumption be a concern. Running your tailgate essentials for several hours will only use a small fraction of your vehicle’s battery.3 You can power the pre-game party for hours and still have plenty of range to get home.
Share your Frunkgating setup with Ford by posting on Instagram and tagging @fordelectric, or submit your story and photos here.
1To protect against electric shock, do not place or immerse cord, plugs, or appliance in water or other liquid.
2The 2025 F-150 Lightning® pickup with extended-range battery can support over 10 days of continuous tailgating using available Pro Power Onboard™.
3Using Pro Power Onboard™, the 2025 F-150 Lightning® pickup with extended-range battery can support over 10 days of continuous tailgating. See owner’s manual for important operating instructions. Assumes 9.8 kWh use per day for Pro Power Onboard™. Use SYNC® touchscreen to evaluate your individual Pro Power Onboard use and set a reserve driving range.
