Top 10 Car Accessories For Road Trip Season

The days are getting longer, and the weather is getting warmer: summer will be here soon, and with it outdoor activities, fun places to go, and road trips. Whether you drive a BMW X5 or a Volvo V60, long car journeys can be daunting, especially if there are children on board: managing safety, entertainment, and car-related mishaps can quickly get overwhelming.

There are some car accessories that can go a long way towards making your life easier during the warmer months. In this list we have put together 10 of the most important additions to your vehicle, so you can deal with any unexpected roadblock: from flat tires to injuries to dead batteries, and everything in between.

This list includes 10 car accessories we think are helpful to have on hand in the warmer months – we do not promote any specific brand; this list is purely a helpful suggestion. Items are listed in no particular order.

1

Portable Power Station/Jump Starter

Staying connected while on the move is important for safety, but also affects how much you enjoyment your road trip: while most cars come with phone charging capabilities these days, sometimes you will be in a situation where it’s not possible to use your vehicle’s phone charger (such as an overnight stop, a hike, or a car breakdown). In these cases, a portable power station can come in handy.

Can You Jump-Start An Electric Car?

When you run an EV flat, is the process to get it back up and running as simple as a gas car?

There is an overlap between portable power stations and jump-starting kits, with many devices performing both functions. This is a good thing, as the latter is very important, too. For many of us who have been out at the beach or used our car sound system at the campfire, you may find your battery inadvertently depleted. Carrying a portable power station isn’t just great for emergencies: it also allows you to power items such as speakers or mini fridges, for a more enjoyable camping trip. Some devices are also equipped with solar panels, in case you don’t have access to a wall socket to recharge while on the move.

2

Bike Rack

If you’re a cycling fan, a good quality bike rack on your car is a must for the warmer months. There are two main types of bike rack available on the market: roof mounted and rear mounted. A roof-mounted bike rack will attach to roof bars and is a slightly more expensive option, while rear-mounted bike racks are typically a bit more affordable.

This Is Very Possibly The Only Time You’ll Ever See A Lamborghini With A Bike Rack

Thanks, China.

There are also several different sizes of bike racks, depending on the number of bikes you have to transport: a roof-mounted rack might be able to hold up to four bikes, while a rear-mounted one will usually only hold up to three. These are vital for those of us who don’t drive trucks or cavernous SUVs around – almost any vehicle can be kitted out in some way or other to transport your bike, so there’s no excuse to stay indoors anymore. Many brands offer the accessory straight from your dealer floor – the Subaru Outback is a good example, with a two-bike carrier listed as an $800 option.

3

Roof Cargo Box

Sometimes your vehicle’s cargo space just isn’t enough. If your family car has a bodystyle that doesn’t provide much cargo space (which is common in compact sedans or hatchbacks), you may find yourself struggling to fit in everyone’s luggage when going on a longer journey. We don’t all want to drive a Chrysler Pacifica or Toyota Sienna, after all.

A cargo box mounted to the car’s roof is a popular solution to this problem, creating more space for all the bags and items you need to transport. Cargo boxes are installed on roof bars, and are usually secured in place with clamps. They typically have an aerodynamic shape, to minimize impact on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

4

Tire Inflator

Although it’s best practice to check your tires before you set off on a long journey, things can go wrong while on the move, and it’s best to be prepared. A portable tire inflator can be a life-saving accessory when bad luck strikes, allowing you to drive to the nearest garage or tire shop after a puncture.

Preparing Your Car for a Stress-Free Vacation

Follow these straightforward tips to prep your car for a hassle-free vacation

Tire inflators are typically sold as part of a repair kit; this will include not only the inflator itself, but also a temporary sealant (usually in the form of a spray bottle) to help keep air leaks at bay until you are able to get assistance.

5

Mini Fridge

It’s not a road trip without drinks and snacks, right? Well, you might think a few blocks of ice and a cooler bag will do the trick when it comes to transporting travel provisions, but if you’re going on a very long drive (or you’re on a multi-day trip, and need to stock up with fresh supplies along the way) a mini fridge might be the solution.

These portable units come in all shapes and sizes, but are usually quite compact and lightweight. They plug into your car’s 12v socket, keeping drinks and snacks cool no matter how far you travel. And, in the case of many cars from the likes of Toyota, there are branded coolers that you can add to your shopping cart while you configure your new car.

6

A Rooftop Tent

Sure, not everyone is a fan of the camping lifestyle, but it’s something you really should try at least once. And, if you’re buying a new truck, many brands now offer in-house accessories that will make your outdoor adventures even easier. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma, for example, can be had with a TRT 140 Air Rooftop Tent for $2,500 dollars, and you can add various inflatable shelters or awnings to turn your truck into a cozy place to overnight. You can even take this one step further – a Napier Sportz Link Ground Tent can be had for just $230, which turns your truck bed – and the area behind the vehicle – into two tented areas where you and your family can spend the night.

7

Window Shades

This accessory is essential for protecting the youngest members of the family. Window shades are widely available in all shapes and sizes, compatible with every model on the market; they perform the crucial job of shielding children’s sensitive skin and eyes from the harsh rays of the sun on long journeys.

Window shades are typically attached with suction cups, or fit around the entire window without compromising the function of the electric wind-up mechanism. And to make things more fun for young passengers, window shades are not just available in plain black; colorful patterns and cartoon character designs are also popular choices.

8

Hammock And Hammock Stand

Okay, I know what you’re thinking, but you can actually buy a Kammok Outpost Hammock and Stand that attaches to your Toyota truck and another anchor point, providing you with a comfy – and safe – sleeping space if you’re roughing it. There are other options for using your car as a camper, including inflatable mattresses that fit into the truck bed, but we think a hammock is a nifty idea. It also leaves the bed of your truck open for safely stashing all your camping gear and supplies,while you’re safely suspended and able to sleep without concern for creepy crawlies getting at you.

9

A Tailgate Party Package

Toyota Land Cruiser Tailgate Accessory — Toyota

Toyota seems to be doing the most to offer its customers the best of summer living, because if you’re buying a new Land Cruiser, you can opt for the $4,752 Rookie Tailgate package which adds “game day essentials” to your SUV, which includes:

Genuine Predator Drop Step
2 ARB camp chairs
An ARB table
A 100W Portable Solar Kit
Portable Lithium Battery
An electric cooler
ARB Awning with a light
Genuine Roof Rack

Summer essentials? We think that’s a yes!

10

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is an important accessory for your vehicle no matter what your driving habits are, but if you’re planning on going on a road trip it becomes absolutely essential. Having a first aid kit on board allows you to quickly treat minor injuries, while in the case of something more serious it allows you to buy some time until you can get medical attention.

Basic First Aid After A Car Accident

What to do if there are injuries following a traffic collision.

In a typical car first aid kit, you will find basics such as plasters, dressings, antiseptic, wipes, and bandages; often, items such as scissors and tweezers are also included. A first aid booklet, with basic instructions and CPR guidelines, is usually also included.