Summer is right around the corner. For many this means planning the family summer vacation. Even with gas prices always in flux, one popular option many families embrace is the road trip. We will be running a series of articles on everything you need to know before you hit the open road. From what to check on your car, to products for the trip, to helpful tools in planning your trip, even where to visit, we will cover it all.
Road Trip Product Round Up:
In this article we will look at some products that will your road trip more pleasant, comfortable, safe and perhaps even make packing a bit more fun.
Rooftop Cargo Carriers
Do you compare packing for a trip to a jigsaw puzzle? If so, and you never seem to have enough room, one option you may want to check out is a car top carrier. From soft sided to weather proof, there are many options on the market. Some things to take into consideration are, what will you be putting in the carrier, wind resistance, ease of accessibility and durability. In general, it is a good idea to get the most durable carrier you can afford. Your items are important to your trip, you want to protect them. While many carriers provide superior protection in severe weather, consider what you will be packing in the carrier very carefully. The larger the carrier, the more resistance and the therefore, the more gas you will use. Soft sided carriers will hold more, but hard shell cases are more durable and provide better weather protection. Also take into consideration how you are going to be attaching the carrier to your car. A roof rack provides a stable way to attach a cargo carrier, but there are ways to attach one to a vehicle with no such rack. Prices can range from anywhere around $100 to $400 and up. Contact your local dealership or automotive center for more information and help in finding the carrier that is right for you.
Bike Racks
Biking is a great way to spend time as a family while on vacation. If you are thinking about taking your bikes, there are a few ways to go about it. There are three types of bike racks available on the market, roof mounted, hitch mounted and strap on trunk mounted carriers.
Roof Mounted
This is the most secure type of rack. It can be difficult to install, and may not work for all vehicles, but can hold more bikes securely than any other type of rack. It can be used to secure other items as well. One factor to keep in mind is height as bikes can be a bit more difficult to get down off of tall vehicles and can use more gas due to increased wind resistance. Locking racks are available and and, depending on the rack, some can be used with odd shapes such as a tandem bikes.
Hitch Mount Racks
This is the next most secure type. Installation is easy, as long as you have a hitch on your car. This rack can hold bikes without removing the front tire. Ease of lifting and securing bikes in place is a consideration. Some downsides to this rack are some can limit use of tailgate, block view of rear window, and can get ticketed if rack obstructs license plate. There is the added cost of a hitch if you do not have one, and it can be more difficult to lock bikes into place and attach odd frame types.
Trunk Mount Strap Racks
This is the least expensive type of rack. It is great for use with rental cars and can easily be removed and stored. Lifting and securing bikes can be done with ease. Some disadvantages of this type of rack are less security, straps can be cut. It may block your rear view, and can be a consideration when backing up. Odd bike frames are not as easy to attach, and straps can slip, wear out and snap.
Towing the Toys
If your headed to the lake with your jet ski, want to take your motorcycle with you, or have a camper you want to take, there are various options for doing just that. The first consideration is a tow hitch. You can visit your local dealership, or rental company (many will install hitches) for more information on the correct type and weight limit allowed for your vehicle.
Towing anything will use a lot more gas, resulting in more frequent stops and expense at the pump. But if this doesn’t deter you, there are a wide variety of trailers and way to attach your various toys in a safe and secure manner. I won’t cover all of the options here, but it is advisable to visit 2 or 3 different retailers to compare offerings, prices and advice. When in doubt on what your vehicle is fit to tow, check with your dealership to get the exact specifications on weight and size limits.
As you can see, there are many products out that will help create more space, encourage cardiovascular activity and allow you to bring your toys on vacation.