Introduction:
Road trips are the ultimate way to explore new places, whether it’s a cross-country journey or a weekend getaway. While the open road offers freedom and adventure, having the right car accessories can make your trip more enjoyable, safe, and stress-free.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the best car accessories for road trips that will enhance your experience by providing comfort, entertainment, safety, and convenience. From tech gadgets to travel essentials, here’s a detailed guide to help you gear up for your next adventure.
1. Portable Car Cooler or Mini Fridge
Why You Need It: A portable car cooler or mini fridge is perfect for keeping drinks and snacks chilled during your trip. Long drives can get exhausting, and staying hydrated and refreshed is essential. With a car cooler, you can have your favorite beverages, sandwiches, and fruits on hand without stopping at gas stations or rest stops.
- YETI Roadie 24 Cooler: Known for its durability and excellent insulation.
- Wagan 12V Cooler/Warmer: It plugs into your car’s power outlet and can keep food hot or cold.
2. Phone Mount and Wireless Charger
Why You Need It: A phone mount is essential for road trips, especially if you’re using your smartphone for GPS navigation. Keeping your phone at eye level will allow you to follow directions safely without taking your eyes off the road. A wireless charger ensures your phone stays powered up throughout the trip, especially if you’re streaming music or using GPS for extended periods.
Top Picks:
- iOttie Easy One Touch 5 Dash & Windshield Mount: Offers strong suction and adjustable viewing angles.
- Anker Wireless Car Charger: Combines a phone mount and fast wireless charging.
3. Portable Jump Starter
Why You Need It: A portable jump starter is a lifesaver if your car battery dies in the middle of nowhere. While roadside assistance can help, having a jump starter in your car ensures you won’t be stranded for long. Many modern jump starters also come with USB ports to charge your devices.
Top Picks:
- NOCO Boost Plus GB40: Compact, powerful, and capable of starting a dead battery in seconds.
- TACKLIFE T8 Car Jump Starter: Includes a flashlight and USB ports for charging gadgets.
4. Emergency Roadside Kit
Why You Need It: An emergency roadside kit is a must-have accessory for any road trip. It contains essential tools and items to help you in case of a breakdown or accident. A good roadside kit includes jumper cables, a flashlight, first aid supplies, tire repair tools, and other emergency essentials.
Top Picks:
- Lifeline AAA Premium Road Kit: Includes a 42-piece emergency kit with jumper cables, first aid kit, and more.
- Everlit 250 Piece Kit: Comprehensive emergency kit designed for roadside emergencies, camping, and hiking.
5. Seat Back Organizers
Why You Need It: Keeping your car organized during a road trip can be a challenge, especially if you’re traveling with kids or a lot of gear. Seat back organizers help keep everything in order, from snacks to gadgets, so you don’t have to dig through bags or the back seat to find what you need.
Top Picks:
- Lusso Gear Car Seat Organizer: Features multiple compartments, including a tablet holder.
- MIU COLOR Car Backseat Organizer: Large capacity, perfect for holding snacks, toys, and books for kids.
6. Portable Tire Inflator
Why You Need It: A portable tire inflator is another essential tool for road trips. Flat or underinflated tires can slow down your journey and cause potential hazards. A portable tire inflator allows you to check and inflate your tires on the go, ensuring optimal tire pressure and a smoother, safer ride.
Top Picks:
- EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump: Affordable and compact, with an easy-to-read gauge.
- Viair 88P Portable Compressor: Powerful enough for larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs.
7. Dash Cam
Why You Need It: A dash cam is a great accessory for road trips, not only for capturing scenic routes but also for recording any incidents or accidents. It provides valuable evidence in case of disputes with insurance companies or other drivers. Some dash cams also offer advanced features like lane departure warnings and collision alerts.
Top Picks:
- Vantrue N4 3 Channel Dash Cam: Covers front, rear, and cabin views.
- Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2: Compact, easy to install, and features voice control.
8. Travel Pillow and Blanket Set
Why You Need It: Comfort is key during long drives, especially if you plan on sleeping in the car or taking turns driving. A travel pillow and blanket set can make naps more comfortable and help prevent neck strain during the ride. This accessory is especially useful for passengers who want to relax while on the road.
Top Picks:
- MLVOC Travel Pillow Set: Includes a memory foam pillow, sleep mask, and earplugs for added comfort.
- Travelrest 4-in-1 Travel Blanket: Versatile, lightweight blanket that doubles as a pillow or lumbar support.
9. Car Trash Can
Why You Need It: Keeping your car clean is easier said than done on a road trip, but a dedicated car trash can helps minimize mess. A compact, leak-proof trash can makes it easy to dispose of snack wrappers, tissues, and other waste without cluttering up the car.
Top Picks:
- Drive Auto Products Car Trash Can: Leakproof and includes a lid to keep odors contained.
- HOTOR Car Trash Can: Compact design with waterproof lining and additional storage pockets.
10. USB Car Charger with Multiple Ports
Why You Need It: Road trips usually involve multiple devices, whether it’s your smartphone, tablet, or portable gaming console. A USB car charger with multiple ports ensures that everyone in the car can keep their devices powered up without fighting over the charger. Look for models with fast charging capabilities to save time.
Top Picks:
- Anker PowerDrive Speed+ Duo: Dual USB ports with fast charging capabilities.
- RAVPower 4-Port USB Car Charger: Includes four ports, perfect for charging multiple devices at once.
11. Travel Coffee Maker
Why You Need It: For coffee lovers, a travel coffee maker is a game-changer for road trips. If you prefer to brew your own cup of joe rather than relying on gas station coffee, a portable coffee maker can make fresh, high-quality coffee on the go. There are many compact, battery-powered or car-powered options available that make brewing coffee easy and convenient.
Top Picks:
- AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press: Lightweight, compact, and perfect for making espresso-like coffee.
- Makita DCM501Z 18V LXT Coffee Maker: A battery-powered coffee maker that brews up to three cups.
12. Sunshades
Why You Need It: Sunshades are an essential accessory for protecting your car’s interior from the sun’s heat and harmful UV rays. They help keep the car cool and prevent the dashboard and seats from getting too hot, especially during summer road trips. Sunshades can also make the car more comfortable for passengers by blocking out excessive sunlight.
Top Picks:
- EzyShade Windshield Sun Shade: Reflective and foldable for easy storage.
- Kinder Fluff Car Sun Shade for Side Windows: Blocks UV rays, keeping passengers cool and comfortable.
13. Roof Rack or Cargo Box
Why You Need It: If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or outdoor gear like bikes, kayaks, or camping equipment, a roof rack or cargo box can free up space inside the car. It allows you to store bulky items on the roof securely, leaving the interior more spacious and comfortable for passengers.
Top Picks:
- Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier: Large capacity and easy to install.
- Yakima SkyBox Carbonite Cargo Box: Aerodynamic design that minimizes wind resistance.
14. Bluetooth FM Transmitter
Why You Need It: For older vehicles without built-in Bluetooth or aux input, a Bluetooth FM transmitter is a great solution for streaming music or making hands-free calls. It plugs into the car’s cigarette lighter and connects to your phone via Bluetooth, allowing you to broadcast music over an FM frequency to your car stereo.
Top Picks:
- Nulaxy Bluetooth Car FM Transmitter: Features a large display, USB charging, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- VicTsing Bluetooth FM Transmitter: Affordable option with strong signal reception and hands-free calling.
Conclusion
Whether you’re embarking on a short weekend road trip or a cross-country journey, the right car accessories can make all the difference in your experience. From safety essentials like portable jump starters and emergency roadside kits to comfort items like travel pillows and sunshades, these accessories will help ensure that your road trip is smooth, safe, and enjoyable.
Make sure to equip your vehicle with these must-have road trip accessories before hitting the road, and you’ll be ready to tackle any adventure with ease. Happy travels!
By investing in these accessories, you can enhance the overall experience of your road trip, making it more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable for everyone involved. Whether it’s a spontaneous adventure or a well-planned journey, having the right gear can make all the difference.