Road trips are a complete experience that all of us enjoy. Whether it is negotiating the winding roads of the mountains or driving along the coast line, we all have our ideal road trip to unwind and enjoy. Apart from our trusted cars, there are some add-ons and accessories that are essential to improve the trip experience. From accessories that show us the route to storage accessories that help organize our luggage (or snacks), these are the best car accessories you need to have in your four wheeler when you’re headed out on your road trip.
Best Road Trip Accessories
Electronic Road Trip Accessories
1. Portable Battery Pack –
Portable Battery Packs are quite a handful of devices as it is portable and has a long life when traveling long distance or if you have forgotten to charge your USB powered cell phone or tablet or phablet or any other electronic gadgets. The portable battery pack is especially a necessity when traveling to places with limited power. A portable battery pack has different sizes and shapes, but functionality wise it works in the same way.
2. Smartphone Car Mount –
A smartphone car mount is one of the most useful devices on the road, especially for cars without a navigation system. And the Smartphone Car Mount places the phone in a convenient position for the driver. Looking for directions from the smartphone while driving can be tiresome and dangerous. The smartphone can be placed in view without disrupting the driving and is also convenient to access phone calls as the clip or arms or the magnet connection on the mount hold it in place.
3. Dash Cam –
A Dash Cam or Dashboard Camera is an onboard camera that records footage of your journey, usually from the front windscreen. A dash cam is an essential accessory to record any vehicle accidents involving your car as well as any incidents involving other cars. The dash cam can be used along with an external GPS module to give the exact location of the car, speed of the vehicle, and driving route. The dash cam also has a microSD card for downloading or sharing the captured videos and some cams can be used at night thanks to their night vision mode.
4. GPS Navigation System –
The GPS Navigation System of a car helps to locate the real-time location of the vehicle. The GPS system can be installed in three ways – factory fit, dealer installation or portable GPS navigation system. The portable GPS navigation system can be installed anywhere in the vehicle and one does not have to depend on the mobile phone.
5. USB Car Adaptor –
An USB Car Adaptor is a small device that can be plugged into the accessory port in the car to increase the number of USB ports in the car. The USB car adaptor runs on the vehicle’s battery power to provide power to other devices. A handy add-on to keep everyone’s phones charged so you don’t miss that sunset.
Camping Accessories
1. Rooftop Tent –
Planning to go camping but worried about where to set up the tent? Rooftop tents can be the answer to the problem as they are handy and can be comfortably set up atop the vehicle. A rooftop tent is an essential for adventurous road trippers heading to their favourite overlanding destinations.
2. Back Seat Air Bed
A back seat air bed is useful during long journeys, especially if it stretches during the night time. Sleeping or resting on the rear seat or middle seats may not be a comfortable choice for passengers or the driver who needs to take a quick nap before the long journey ahead. An inflated air bed placed on top of the rear seats can become the perfect place to catch a quick nap. Just remember to pull off the highway and find a safe place to park and sleep.
3.Camping CookSet Stainless Steel
A long trip will be incomplete without having a satisfying tummy. It’s difficult to get good eateries or roadside dhabas at times. Carrying a good camping cookset is a good option as you can have the independence to cook at your own leisure. Especially, if you have a knack for outdoor camping and eating to make your trip even more memorable. The stainless steel cookset is quick to heat and can be used on any kind of burner – wood/gas stove etc. These cooking sets are not only sturdy but very compact and easy to carry. They save a lot of space as they are designed in a manner for car and camping trips.
Safety Road Trip Accessories
1. First Aid Kit
A First Aid Kit is a necessary accessory to keep in the car, whether you are driving short or long distances. In most cases, your car has a first aid kit in the glove box or the boot but in case it is not present, you should buy one at the earliest. A first aid kit should include essentials like band-aids, antibiotic wipes, cotton wool, pain relief spray, antiseptic liquid for cuts and wounds, crepe bandages and any other necessary medicines.
2. Fire Extinguisher
One must have a fire extinguisher in his/her car to prevent any accidents caused by fire at least at a preliminary stage before the fire brigade arrives. For the car, usually the ABC dry powder or multi use extinguishers are highly recommended. One must make sure that the fire extinguisher is securely fixed in one place with a strap or a bracket during travel to avoid any damage. But one must expose the fire extinguisher to direct sunlight and store it in the boot of the car.
4. Jumper Cables
Jumper Cable or Booster cable are basically insulated wires that come in pairs and consist of alligator clips used to connect your car’s battery to an external electrical source (usually another car’s battery). Keeping jumper cables in your car will ensure you are not stranded should your battery lose charge on the road.
5. Portable Auto Battery Booster
Along with the jumper cables, a Portable Auto Battery Booster is an essential accessory to have in the car. With a battery booster, you won’t need to rely on another car to jump start your car.
Accessories for Organization/Storage/Cleanliness
- Collapsible multi compartment trunk organizer
- Car back seat organizer
- Compact Sun-Visor Organizer
- Car Organizer For Between Front Seats
- Car Trash Can With Lid and Storage Pockets
- Handsanitizer Holder For Car
- Car Seat Hooks
- Car Seat Gap Filler
- Car Vent Hook Hanger
Comfort Road Trip Accessories
- Car Electric Coffee Maker/ Tea Maker
- Portable Fridge
- Car Mini Dustbin
- Central Armrest
- Seat Cushion
- Neck And Back Support
Best Car Accessories for the Ultimate Road Trips Summary
The road less traveled can be exciting, but it’s always better to be prepared while going for a long road trip. It’s not just the companions with whom you choose to travel, but the different car accessories also add to the comfort and entertainment of the road trip. While some accessories enhance the trip experience, most of the accessories we’ve featured are essential for a safe road trip.
FAQs on Best Car Accessories for the Ultimate Road Trips
Q. What are the most essential car accessories?
The most essential car accessories are portable battery pack, smartphone car mount, dash cam, GPS and USB car adapter.
Q. How can I make my car more comfortable on a road trip?
A long ride can become tiring at times, in order to make your long journeys a comfortable one are back seat air bed, car mount phone holder, puncture repair kit, central armrest, portable multi dock charger, first aid kit, GPS device, jumper cable, flashlight, tire inflator and pressure gauge, rooftop carrier, car seat organizer, car cooler or warmer, car electric kettle, seat cushion, neck and back support.
Q. What are the tips to prepare for a road trip?
The things one must keep a check on before starting a road trip are –
- Check the car in advance – battery, tyres, brake system etc.
- Plan the route of your destination
- Keep a map and a GPS navigator
- Make a list of things to be carried for the long trip ahead, such as travel accessories for safe driving, first aid-kit, food and water, storage of luggage, medicines and other important things
