<br /> Best Car Accessories for Road Trips<br />

Table of Contents

Best Car Accessories for Road Trips

Embarking on a road trip? Ensuring you have the right car accessories can elevate your journey from good to great. Whether it’s packing efficiently, staying entertained, or ensuring you’re prepared for every scenario, each aspect matters. This guide highlights essential accessories that enhance your road-tripping experience, focusing on categories like stowing gear, driver’s comfort, refreshment options, and safety. From top-of-the-line cargo solutions to must-have health supplies, we cover everything for a stress-free adventure on wheels. Prepare your checklist, buckle up, and read on for an accessory round-up that promises comfort, convenience, and peace of mind throughout your travels!

The Research

In the vast world of car accessories, determining the essential items for a road trip can be daunting. Conducting thorough research to understand the demands of long drives and varied terrains is crucial. We’ve focused on picking accessories that enhance safety, comfort, and overall experience.

Our selections are based on reviews from experienced travelers and insights from industry experts. Whether it’s prioritizing safety with a reliable GPS or ensuring comfort with quality pillows, each item on this list has been thoughtfully chosen to provide maximum value.

Stowing Your Gear

Cargo Boxes

Yakima SkyBox NX XL

The Yakima SkyBox NX XL is a popular choice for those needing extra storage without compromising aerodynamics. Known for its sleek design and secure fit, it offers ample space for all your essentials and easily attaches to most roof racks.

The Best Cargo Box

Roof Straps

Roof straps are essential for ensuring your cargo stays securely in place when traveling. These durable straps are perfect for tying down bulky items on your car’s roof, making them indispensable for any long journey.

Keeper Endless Loop Ratchet Tie-Down

The Keeper Endless Loop Ratchet Tie-Down ensures a tight grip on your cargo, preventing shifts during transportation. Its robust design and easy mechanism make it a preferred choice for securing rooftop loads.

The Best Ratcheting Straps

NRS 1″ HD Tie-Down Straps

NRS 1″ HD Tie-Down Straps are favored for their reliability and ease of use. With a robust construction and a simple buckling mechanism, these straps serve as an excellent solution for securing your equipment.

The Best Cam Straps

Thule Quick Loop Strap 530

Thule’s Quick Loop Strap 530 is designed for ease of use and strength. Ideal for smaller cars, these straps are user-friendly and provide excellent security for lightweight cargo.

For Smaller Cars

Car accessories like the Thule Quick Loop Strap 530 are perfect for smaller vehicles where space is at a premium. They allow users to maximize their packing efficiency without sacrificing security or convenience.

In the Driver’s Seat

Sunglasses

Maui Jim

Sunglasses are a must-have for any road trip, providing essential protection from sun glare. Maui Jim offers polarized lenses for optimal clarity and comfort, ensuring your eyes are shielded and your driving experience is enhanced.

The Best Sunglasses

Smartphone Mount

iOttie iTap 3 Magnetic Dash & Windshield Mount

The iOttie iTap 3 Magnetic Dash & Windshield Mount is an excellent companion for those relying on smartphones for navigation. With its magnetic grip and versatile placement options, it keeps your phone accessible and secure.

The Best Dash or Windshield Car Mount

iOttie iTap 3 Magnetic Air Vent Mount

This magnetic mount is perfect for those preferring to keep their smartphone at eye level. Its compact design and powerful magnet ensure that your device remains firmly in place during your journey.

The Best Vent Car Mount

iOttie iTap 2 Magnetic CD Slot Mount

This mount is a game-changer for vehicles with unused CD slots, offering a unique and stable mounting point. It ensures that your device is easily accessible while driving.

The Best CD-Slot Car Mount

iOttie Easy One Touch Wireless 2 Dash & Windshield Mount

Combining wireless charging with secure mounting, this iOttie solution keeps your smartphone charged and accessible without the clutter of cables. It’s perfect for travelers who rely on their devices.

Best Mount for Charging a Smartphone on a Dash or Windshield

iOttie Easy One Touch Wireless 2 Air Vent & CD Slot Mount

This mount offers versatility by allowing installation in either the air vent or CD slot, providing flexible charging solutions for longer journeys.

Rain-repellent Coatings

Rain-X Original Glass Water Repellent

Cheap but Short-lived Repellent

Rain-X is known for providing a temporary but effective coating that repels water, ensuring better visibility during rain. It’s an affordable choice for short-term use.

Aquapel Glass Treatment

Long-lasting but Pricey Repellent

For those willing to invest a bit more, Aquapel offers a long-lasting solution for water-repelling glass treatments, enhancing safety and visibility in adverse weather.

Ice Scraper and Snow Brush

Hopkins SubZero 80037

No winter road trip is complete without a reliable ice scraper and snow brush. The Hopkins SubZero 80037 is highly effective against frost and snow accumulation, simplifying morning departures.

The Best Ice Scraper and Snow Brush

Paper Road Atlas

Rand McNally Road Atlas

While GPS units dominate, a classic road atlas can be a lifesaver in areas with spotty satellite reception. The Rand McNally Atlas offers detailed maps for navigating unexpected detours.

The Best Road Atlas

GPS Unit

Garmin DriveSmart 55

A reliable GPS unit like the Garmin DriveSmart 55 provides up-to-date directions and alerts for road conditions. Its intuitive interface ensures you’re always on the right path.

The Best Car GPS

Health and Cleaning Supplies

Body Wipes

Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes

Body wipes can revitalize you on a long journey without the need for a shower. Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes are gentle, efficient, and perfect for a quick refresh.

The Best Body Wipes

Surface Wipes

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

Maintaining cleanliness on the go is crucial, especially in shared spaces. Clorox wipes are dependable for eliminating germs and surfaces bacteria, ensuring a clean road-trip environment.

The Best Disinfecting Wipes

Face Masks

Stain Remover

Shout Wipe & Go Instant Stain Remover Wipes

Spills are inevitable, but they don’t have to ruin your journey. Shout’s instant stain remover wipes tackle mishaps promptly, keeping your clothes in great condition.

The Best Stain Remover

Hand Lotion

Native Moisturizing Lotion

Long drives can leave your skin feeling dry, but Native’s Moisturizing Lotion offers rehydration with natural ingredients, making it ideal for everyday use.

The Best Moisturizing Lotion for Everyday Use

Staying Comfortable

Folding Blanket

Nemo Victory Picnic Blanket (XL)

A folding blanket like the Nemo Victory XL provides comfort and warmth, whether you’re at a rest stop or settling in for a night under the stars. Its portable design means it’s easy to carry and store.

Comfortable and Easy to Carry

Travel Pillow

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow Cinch

Travel pillows ensure restful napping during pit stops. Therm-a-Rest’s Compressible Pillow Cinch provides ample support and packs down for easy storage.

The Best Travel Pillow

Sleep Mask

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

Achieving quality sleep is essential on long journeys, and the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask offers total darkness and comfort, essential for rest stops.

The Best Sleep Mask

Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket

These blankets bring the coziness of home wherever you go. The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket insulates effectively and offers a moisture-resistant exterior for added utility.

The Best Puffy Blanket

Van Camping Mattress

Hest Sleep System

A good night’s sleep is critical for road safety. The Hest Sleep System provides unbeatable comfort for in-vehicle slumber, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready to continue your trip.

The Best Vehicle Camping Mattress

Pee Funnel

Tinkle Belle Female Urination Device

For women, devices like the Tinkle Belle ensure convenience and hygiene on long, remote stretches where facilities are scarce. It’s compact and simple to use.

The Best Pee Funnel

Windshield Protector and Sunshade

A1 210T Fabric Sunshade

Keeping your car cool can be a challenge, but the A1 210T Fabric Sunshade provides excellent coverage to block out UV rays and minimize internal temperature rise.

The Best Windshield Shade

WeatherTech SunShade

A Custom-fitted, Maximum-protection Shade

For a tailored fit, WeatherTech’s SunShade offers maximum sun protection. Fitting snugly within your car’s contours, it ensures comprehensive coverage.

Passenger Window UV Protector and Shade

Britax EZ-Cling Window Shades

Protect your passengers from glare and heat with Britax EZ-Cling Shades. Ideal for children, these shades attach easily and provide significant UV protection.

The Best Passenger Shade

Portable Extending Shade

MoonShade

Boost your coverage with the MoonShade extending shade, perfect for creating a larger sheltered area when parked for a meal or rest.

Shade Extension

Refreshments

Coolers

RTIC Soft Pack Cooler 20 Can

Keeping beverages cool and refreshments fresh is essential for comfort. RTIC’s soft cooler offers excellent insulating properties while being portable and compact.

Best Soft Cooler

RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Cooler

For heavier-duty cooling needs, the RTIC 52 QT Cooler provides robust insulation and build quality, making it ideal for lengthy excursions.

Best for Casual Adventures

Water Bottles

BrüMate Rotera (25 ounces)

Hydration is key on the road, and BrüMate’s Rotera bottle keeps your drinks at the desired temperature for extended periods, ensuring you’re refreshed.

Best Water Bottle for Road Trips

Owala FreeSip Sway (30 ounces)

The Owala FreeSip features a unique lid and ergonomic design for easy drinking while driving, keeping you hydrated and focused.

Another Great Bottle for Road Trips

Contigo West Loop 3.0

Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the Contigo West Loop 3.0, a well-insulated travel mug perfect for sipping hot beverages safely on the go.

Best Travel Mug for Road Trips

Entertainment

Bestek 300W Power Inverter

Powering devices on the go can be challenging without an inverter. The Bestek 300W provides a robust solution for charging simple electronics, ensuring they’re ready when needed.

The Best Inverter for Simple Devices

Jackery Explorer 300

For more extensive power needs, the Jackery Explorer 300 offers significant capacity and versatility, suitable for powering multiple devices or short-term camping setups.

Best for Short-Term Use

Nekteck PD 45W Type-C Car Charger

This fast-charging car charger is essential for tech-savvy travelers, ensuring your devices stay charged and ready with its high-speed capabilities.

The Best Car Charger

Bluetooth Kit

Besign BK01 Bluetooth Car Kit

Incorporating Bluetooth into older vehicles is simple with the Besign BK01. It seamlessly integrates connectivity for calls and music streaming while driving.

Best Bluetooth Adapter for Cars with an Aux-in Jack

iPad Headrest Mount

Arkon Center Extension Car Headrest Tablet Mount

For backseat entertainment, the Arkon Tablet Mount caters to travelers wanting to enjoy movies or games hands-free, accommodating multiple viewers.

For Multiple Viewers

Instant Camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

Capture memories on the go with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12. This instant camera is budget-friendly, easy to use, and ensures you’re never without a quick photo op.

A Cheap, Cute Instant Camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini Film (Twin Pack)

Keep plenty of Fuji Instax Mini film on hand to ensure those spontaneous moments are fully captured and shared.

Instax Mini Film

Travel Game

The Question Guys Chat Pack: Fun Questions to Spark Conversations

Bring a hint of fun to long hours on the road with travel games such as The Question Guys Chat Pack. They can stimulate engaging conversations, breaking the silence and keeping things lively.

The Best Silence-breaker

Detours

Binoculars

Athlon Optics Midas ED

Nature enthusiasts will treasure the Athlon Optics Midas ED binoculars. With exceptional clarity and brightness, they enhance scenic detours, offering a closer look at wildlife and landscapes.

The Best Binoculars for Nearly Everyone

Stowable Tote or Daypack

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack

The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack’s innovation lies in its collapsibility, providing a spacious pack when needed and small storage when not. It’s perfect for trailhead excursions.

A Pack That Won’t Crowd Your Trunk

Sunscreen

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is vital during prolonged exposure, and Blue Lizard’s mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection with safe ingredients.

An Easy-to-spread Physical Sunscreen

Banana Boat Light As Air SPF 50+

This lightweight chemical sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection without leaving a heavy residue, ensuring comfortable use for all skin types.

A Lightweight, Oxybenzone-free Chemical Sunscreen

Just in Case

First-aid Kit

First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit (FAO-442)

A comprehensive first-aid kit like the First Aid Only 299 piece set is indispensable, offering crucial support in addressing minor injuries or accidents during road trips.

All the Basics

Snow Shovel

Voilé Telepro Mini Avalanche Shovel

The Voilé Telepro Mini Avalanche Shovel provides excellent snow-clearing capabilities while being compact enough to store in your trunk. Perfect for unexpected winter situations.

The Best Car Shovel

Tire Gauge

Accu-Gage RRA60X

Tire maintenance is critical for safety and fuel efficiency. The Accu-Gage RRA60X provides precise pressure information ensuring your tires are properly inflated.

The Best Tire Gauge We’ve Found

Portable Jump Starter

Weego Jump Starter 44s

Avoid being left stranded with the Weego Jump Starter 44s. This compact power bank can jump-start vehicles, providing peace of mind against unexpected battery failures.

Staff-favorite Jump Starter

Jumper Cables

Lifeline AAA Heavy Duty 16-foot 6 Gauge Booster Cables

For traditionalists, Lifeline AAA cables offer robust and reliable support, vital companions alongside power banks to cover all battery scenarios.

The Best Cable Option

Tool Roll

Decked x BoxoUSA Tool Bag with Tool Roll

Equip yourself for minor repairs with the Decked x BoxoUSA tool roll, providing convenient and organized access to essential tools on the go.

For the At-home Mechanic

Headlamp

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp

From late-night tire changes to impromptu hikes, a quality headlamp like Black Diamond’s Spot 400 is indispensable for hands-free illumination.

The Best Headlamp

Flare Alternative

StonePoint LED Emergency Beacon

LED emergency beacons offer a safer, more sustainable alternative to traditional flares, providing effective visibility in roadside emergencies.

The Best Emergency Beacon

Multi-tool

Leatherman Skeletool CX

The Leatherman Skeletool CX is a versatile tool integrating pliers, screwdrivers, and more, addressing various mechanical needs on the road.

The Best Multi-tool

Duct Tape

Duck Brand Max Strength Duct Tape

Useful for quick fixes, Duck Brand duct tape is reliable for addressing emergency patch-ups, reinforcing repairs, and myriad potential uses.

The Best Duct Tape

Water Jug

Reliance 4-Gallon Aqua-Tainer

Ensuring a water supply is a priority, and the Reliance Aqua-Tainer provides ample storage capacity, making hydration and cleanliness accessible.

The Best Water Jug

Preparing for a Road Trip

The Vehicle Inspection: Six Key Areas

Proper preparation begins with a thorough vehicle inspection, including brakes, fluids, tires, lights, the battery, and emergency equipment. Safety checks enhance reliability and roadside support.

Pre-trip Planning

Effective planning minimizes stress, mapping routes, schedules, and rest stops. Highlighting key equipment and accessories prepares you for a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Meet Your Guides

Discover our trusted authors and contributors. Equipped with robust field experience, every guide provides reliable insights for a secure, enjoyable road trip experience.

Mentioned Above

This guide draws on recommendations from seasoned travelers and expert sources, ensuring all references meet celebrated quality and reliability standards.

Final Thoughts

Category	Recommended Accessories
Stowing Your Gear	Yakima SkyBox NX XL, Keeper Endless Loop Ratchet Tie-Down, NRS 1″ HD Tie-Down Straps, Thule Quick Loop Strap 530
In the Driver’s Seat	Maui Jim Sunglasses, iOttie Mmounts, Rain-X, Hopkins SubZero, Rand McNally Road Atlas, Garmin DriveSmart 55
Health and Cleaning Supplies	Sea to Summit Wipes, Clorox Wipes, Shout Stain Remover, Native Lotion
Staying Comfortable	Nemo Victory Blanket, Therm-a-Rest Pillow, Nidra Sleep Mask, Rumpl Blanket, Hest Sleep System, Tinkle Belle Urination Device
Refreshments	RTIC Coolers, BrüMate Water Bottles, Contigo West Loop
Entertainment	Bestek Power Inverter, Jackery Explorer, Nekteck Charger, Besign Bluetooth Kit, Arkon Headrest Mount, Fujifilm Camera
Detours	Athlon Binoculars, Sea to Summit Day Pack, Blue Lizard Sunscreen, Banana Boat Sunscreen
Just in Case	First Aid Kit, Voilé Snow Shovel, Accu-Gage Tire Gauge, Weego Jump Starter, Jumper Cables, Decked Tool Roll, Black Diamond Headlamp

Essential Car Accessories for the Ultimate Road Trip Experience