September brings with it the promise of cooler temps, pumpkin-spice everything, and best of all, football. So what better way to start enjoying the fall season than with a trip in your rig to a college or NFL game for some tailgating?

But before you hit the road in your team colors or with your alma mater’s fight song blaring, you should plan and prepare your RV for the trip and the festivities to come. Check out the following tips to help you throw the best tailgating party of the year:

• Service your RV – First and foremost, make sure your RV has been serviced and is road-ready, especially if the rig has sat in your yard all year. Have the professionals at your local RV service shop change out fluids, check brakes, reseal windows and roof seams, and evaluate plumbing, appliances, and the generator. And for those living in warmer weather states, it’d be wise to have your air conditioning unit serviced as well. Prepping your RV in this way is essential for a safe trip and tailgating experience.
• Prepare your water tanks – You should fill up your fresh, grey, and black water tanks as necessary before parking. As a result, you won’t be caught without water to drink, to wash dishes with, or to flush the toilet with throughout the day.
• Get there early – Just like any event, it’s best to arrive well in advance of kickoff to get a good parking spot. For you, that might mean getting a corner spot on or near grass so that you can open the awning, set up chairs and your grill and spread out. Be sure to check with the stadium before you arrive to find out where RV parking is located, how much it costs, and whether you need a special permit to park.
• Plan your menu – What’s a tailgating party without lots of delicious food? Whether you’ll be feeding a few family and friends or a larger crowd, planning your menu ahead of time – and making sure you have foods properly cooled and stored throughout the day – is key. Pack perishable in coolers with ice until you can get your RV’s refrigerator cool enough to start storing items. Additionally, plan to serve several meals and snacks as well as ice-cold beverages during the day.

Planning and preparing aside, remember that tailgating in your RV should be a fun-filled event with friends, family, and food, and the spirit of camaraderie and good sportsmanship should reign. Be courteous to those around you, even if they’re rooting for the other team, and the day should go off without a hitch.