When it comes to the pre-game party, space is your most valuable player. If your trunk is full of gear, where do you put the food? If your backseat is full of coolers, where do your friends sit?
Great tailgates don’t happen by accident. They’re built on preparation, smart gear choices, and a setup that lets everyone relax instead of rummaging through the car.
A Mockins Cargo Hitch Carrier isn't just a way to get your stuff to the stadium, but the MVP of the parking lot. With a few pro-level hacks, you can transform your hitch carrier from a hauling tool into a functional party platform. Here’s how to dominate the tailgate season.
1. The "Kitchen Island" Setup 🍳
Once you’ve parked and unloaded the heavy items, your trailer hitch cargo carrier becomes more than storage. It becomes infrastructure and the perfect alternative to a flimsy folding table.
- The Prep Station: Use the flat, stable surface of the carrier basket as your prep area. It’s the perfect height for slicing burger toppings or setting up a "build-your-own-taco" bar.
- Elevate Your Grill: If your vehicle has a low hitch or you're tailgating off-road, use the Mockins Raised Hitch Cargo Carrier. Its 6-inch shank rise provides extra ground clearance and brings your "party platform" to a more comfortable, ergonomic height for cooking and serving.
- Magnetic Magic: Since Mockins carriers are made of heavy-duty steel, they are magnetic! Attach magnetic bottle openers, paper towel holders, or even magnetic spice racks to the side rails to keep your "kitchen" organized and off the ground.
- The Heat Shield: If you’re using a small portable grill, the steel mesh of the cargo basket provides a sturdy, non-flammable base. (Just be sure to check your vehicle’s clearance and never grill while the engine is running!)
2. The Beverage Command Center 🍻
Keep the drinks accessible and the ice cold without taking up a single inch of interior cabin space.
- Direct Access: By keeping your cooler on the hitch carrier, guests can grab a drink without having to lean into your trunk or move your personal luggage.
- The Drainage Hack: If you’re using a cooler with a drain plug, position it so the plug hangs slightly over the edge of the mesh. You can drain melted ice directly onto the pavement without ever lifting the heavy cooler.
- The Backup Supply: Use a Mockins Waterproof Cargo Bag on the other half of the carrier to store "dry" party supplies like bags of chips, paper plates, and extra buns, keeping them safe from sudden rain or spilled drinks. Plus with various trim colors, you can find one to match you rooting interests.
3. Creating the "Comfort Zone" 🛋️
A great tailgate is about more than food; it’s about the atmosphere. Use your cargo rack to anchor your setup.
- Full Trunk Access: Don't let your gear block the party! By adding a Mockins Swing Away Hitch Adapter, you can swing your entire loaded carrier out of the way (up to 120 degrees). This allows you to open your trunk or tailgate fully to reach extra chairs or snacks without unloading a single item.
- Trash Talk: Hang a heavy-duty trash bag from one of the carrier’s side rails using a carabiner. It keeps the litter off the ground and makes cleanup at the end of the game a five-second job.
- Lighting the Way: If the sun goes down before kickoff, wrap battery-powered LED string lights around the carrier rails. It adds a festive vibe and prevents people from tripping over the hitch in the dark.
- The Bench Hack: If you have the Mockins 2-in-1 Hitch Bench Carrier, you’ve already won. Flip the carrier down, add the cushions, and you have the best seat in the parking lot.
Pro-Tips for a Secure Post-Game Drive 🚀
After the final whistle, don't let a messy pack-up ruin the win:
- The "Messy Gear" Rule: Toss used charcoal bags, muddy shoes, and empty cans onto the carrier. Keep the stadium grime outside your car and wash the steel mesh carrier once you get home. No smells. No stains. No regrets.
- Double-Check the Stabilizer: Tailgate lots are often bumpy and unpaved. Before heading home, give your Mockins Hitch Stabilizer a quick check to ensure it's still tight and your carrier won't rattle on the highway.
- Lock It Up: Parking lots can be chaotic. Use a Hitch Lock to ensure your carrier stays securely attached to your vehicle while you're inside the stadium.
Your Pre-Game, Upgraded. ✨
Tailgating is about making memories, and the less you have to struggle with space, the more you can focus on the fun. Whether you’re hosting a full crew or just keeping it simple, the right hitch carrier turns your vehicle into a game-day headquarters.
With a Mockins Hitch Carrier, you’re not just hauling gear—you’re bringing the party.
Stop Cramming. Start Tailgating Like a Pro.
