The trendiest tailgatersfrom the backyard to the front grille

ootball is back in business. Following the longest halt in NFL history, the offseason labor dispute is reaching its resolve. With the lockout lifting after more than 130 days of conict, teams will scramble to sign players and cap training rosters. For the NFL, logistical nightmares are likely. But for football fanaticsby the scheduled September 8 regular season opening, it will be the customary pigskin tossing and hotdog grilling good time. The term tailgate has a few auto meanings. An aggressive driver tailgates too closely behind another vehicle. A tailgate may also refer to an actual auto part, namely the hinged ap of a truck or a station wagons back door. But in its most festive context, a tailgate is, well, a party on wheels. Fans wearing jerseys and manning portable grills transform stadium parking lots into a sports-time celebration. But its not all about the football. Personally, I prefer a before-concert prelude myself. (Let me tell you, Dave Matthews and Fleetwood Mac fans alike know how to rock out in their rides.) Or, while this weeks illustration sums up my feelings about camping, certain cars are simply better choices for the outdoors enthusiasts. If youre going to face the elements voluntarily, you may as well have a vehicle versed in the ways of wildlife. Nothing says campgrounds like tents and marshmallows. Unless, like meand many other New Yorkerscurling up in the cargo space would be a sufcient enough one-with-nature experience. The Chevy Traverse 2LT offers options and accessories that maximize the tailgating experience. With seating for up to seven passengers, the luxurious interior has second-row twin captains chairs and third-row split bench seating. Behind the seats, more than 24 cubic feet of cargo space can extend to 118 cubic feet when the seats are folded. (Ill sleep

IllustratIon by tod ParkhIll

there, thank you.) Three-zone climate control affords backseat passengers total temperature autonomy. Turn up the entertainment features like a Bose 10-speaker audio system, or upgrade to the Rear Seat Entertainment System with Bose 5.1 surround sound, DVD and a 110-volt household outlet. Its the ultimate in amusement, parked. Next, the Dodge Ram Crew Cab SLT makes the cut as a pickup truck with ample amenities. With room for six adults in the cab, the rear-seat can fold to carry additional cargo. Store-in-the-oor storage bins in the cabs rear-seat can hold ten 12-ounce beverages plus ice. The RamBox cargo management system offers weatherproof, lockable storage bins built into the bed rails. For a rugged camping experience, the base V-8, 4.7 liter delivers 310 horsepower for supreme off-road performance. The Ford Flex has a roomy cabin, inviting up to seven guests with foldable second- and third-row seats. Depending on which seats fold, 20

With passenger seating for ve, the rear-seat ips to stretch out cargo room. Compared to full-size pickups, the cargo bed is on the smaller side. Yet, its light-duty nature can prove especially useful hauling lawn chairs and grill supplies on the road. The tailgate ips down but also opens from the side for easy access. The lockable in-bed trunk can accommodate a 72-quart cooler. Ridgelines also have 12-volt power outlets in the front and rear for a groovin getaway experience. Lastly, this list would not be complete without a Jeepever the life of the party. The Compass seats up to ve, with passenger and rear seats folding at. Cargo space wont blow you away, cubic feet of but its sound options cargo space just might. Its 1151. Chevy Traverse 2LT doubles or 2. Dodge Ram Crew Cab SLT volt household power quadruples. An outlet, available in 3. Ford Flex SEL additional Rapid the Sun and Sound 4. Honda Ridgeline Spec Package Group, includes six provides 5. Jeep Compass Limited Boston Acoustics power-adjustspeakers, subwoofer Feedback? able pedals, a and power sunroof. jernst@timesdispatch.com A tree falling in the power liftgate and a 110-volt forest wont be all inverter for powering accessories on that makes a sound at the campout. a household current (like a blender, The runner-up pick is the Subaru for example). Standard performance Forester, an impressive compact comes with 262 horsepower in a 3.5 crossover with all-wheel-drive (to liter, V-6 automatic transmission. For nd a grassy parking spot), a roomy the zealous camper, an EcoBoost interior and center console storage. version upgrades features for 355Our auto choices mirror the landhorsepower with twin-turbocharged scape of our lifestyles. Whether youre V-6 and four-wheel-driveto ex hitting the road for a football game, a some off-road muscle. concert hall or a great outdoors excurHonda Ridgeline is another pickup sion, your vehicle is the (air conditruck perfect for the tailgate scene. tioned) venue for that adventure.

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