When you’re camping or overlanding, one of the things that’s at a premium is space. That means you need to find ways to maximize the space you have and make smart additions that expand your space to prep meals, eat, play games, work, and so forth.
Since I love to cook and need to work when I’m overlanding, having an extra table is a huge benefit. But I don’t want to have a giant folding table taking up precious cargo space in my trailer or truck bed. So, a small table fits the bill perfectly.
A few weeks ago, I picked up the Tailgater Tire Table and have tested it on my last two adventures here in Southern California and Arizona. Today, I’d like to give you my first impressions.
Table of Contents
- Tailgater Tire Table Specs and Features
- Uses for the Tailgater Tire Table
- Pros and Cons
- A Great Addition to Your Overlanding Kit
- Other Recommended Overlanding Gear
Tailgater Tire Table Specs and Features
I actually have two of these tables, a regular-sized black aluminum version and a larger black aluminum version. Here’s the specs on the smaller version:
- 23″ W x 29″ L x 1.5″ D
- Just under 6 lbs.
- Holds up to 50 lbs.
- Fits most tires 14″ and larger
- Retractable leg for additional support
- Aluminum construction
- Powder-coated finish
And the larger version:
- 28″ W x 33.5″ L x 4″ D
- Holds up to 75 lbs.
- Fits most tires 25″ and larger
- Retractable leg
- Aluminum construction
- Powder-coated finish
In both cases, these tables are easy to set up (it literally takes seconds) and will be stable regardless of the ground conditions.
You don’t need any tools to install either of these tables, and there’s no hitch required. It really doesn’t get much easier than that!
Uses for the Tailgater Tire Table
When I’m out adventuring just with my truck, I take the regular-sized Tailgater Tire Table. It’s the perfect size for solo adventures. I can use the table for preparing and cooking food. And when dinner is ready, I can clear off the table and use it as a dining space.
When I’m camping in my truck, having a table for setting stuff down is also nice. I’ll put a lantern on the table as night settles in and keep items I often need (like my water bottle and knife) on the table for easy use.
I use the larger Tailgater Tire Table for my trips with my Turtleback Expedition Trailer. My son often accompanies me on those trips, so having a spot for him to sit and eat or play is a nice bonus.
And while my Turtleback has a fantastic kitchen space, I often have it covered with food prep, so the tire table is a great option for the two of us to sit down and eat a meal.
Additionally, since I’m a photographer, I need a spot to work, and the Tailgater Tire Table is a perfect solution. It’s the right size for my laptop, and since the power components of my trailer are near the right wheel, I can plug my laptop and cameras in and power them up as I work from the table.
There’s loads of other uses, too. Use it for tailgating or as a side table for lounging around camp. Take it when you go fishing, four-wheeling, or hunting. Use it on your daily driver at your kid’s soccer game, on your motorhome when you hit the road, and anywhere in between.
It’s important to note that while this table is very sturdy, it is not meant to be a step or a seat. Only use it for normal table activities!
Pros and Cons
My first impressions of the Tailgater Tire Table are quite good. In fact, there’s a long list of features I really like:
- Super easy set up with no tools required
- Strong and sturdy
- Fits various tires
- Build quality is superb
- Small, lightweight, and doesn’t take up much space
- Tons of utility and functionality
There’s no more worry about trying to find a flat area to put a table, and that alone is worth the price tag, if you ask me. You can be camped in the rockiest location, but because the table attaches to the tire, it’ll be perfectly level and stable. Nice!
In terms of downsides, I’ve yet to find anything from my use. Tailgater notes that if the fender is really close to the tire that the table might not fit. That’s not an issue for me, though.
I can see how the table might interfere with opening rear doors if you have a smaller car or SUV. But, again, this isn’t a problem for me.
Some folks will complain about the price – $174.95 for the regular-sized version and $209.95 for the large version. However, this is one of those “you-get-what-you-pay-for” situations.
Sure, you can buy a $25 folding table, but it won’t be as well built, durable, or sturdy as this table. Chances are it won’t be as small and lightweight, either.
And as I noted earlier, the ease of setup and not having to find a level spot are worth the price. The fact that it’s well-built, has loads of functionality, and is easy to clean is just icing on the cake.
A Great Addition to Your Overlanding Kit
As I said earlier, I’ve only had these tables for a few weeks, but so far, I couldn’t be more impressed.
If you need a quick and easy way to add more utility to your overlanding rig, the Tailgater Tire Table should be on your radar!
Stay tuned for a full review of this table. I want to spend more time with it before I dive deeper. But, so far, so good!
Other Recommended Overlanding Gear
- Camp Grill
- GMRS Radio
- Camp Chair
- Camping Lantern
- Waterproof Tarp
- Small Axe
- Solar Shower
- Camping Cookset