Quick Tips to Upgrade Your Road Trip
Even if the seasonal weather doesn’t change dramatically where you live, there’s something to be said for that time of year when fall shifts to winter. With summer in the rearview, many people start looking ahead to the New Year or squeezing in one last vacation before the Christmastime chaos kicks in. And, of course, for many of us, there’s that obligatory trip back home to visit the family for the holidays.
Whatever you’re planning this season, you’ll want to hit the road with the right accessories that make the trip more enjoyable.
There’s An App For That
One of the first things you’ll want to ensure you’ve got are some useful smartphone apps.
Those of us old enough to remember a Road Atlas might not always want to go with a digital option, but the aftermarket has truly stepped it up with some beneficial tools for those hitting the wide-open road.
There are apps like Gasbuddy for tracking down the best gas prices in your proximity. (Indeed, a necessity with steep gas prices this year.) There are also several different navigation options based on your phone’s OS and your vehicle’s onboard apps, as well as apps that can give you detailed information about your ride’s performance and health.
Some apps can even connect you with mechanics to estimate repair costs in advance to (hopefully) avoid sticker shock. And if you’re driving a pickup or heavier-duty vehicle, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are now fully integrated with phone apps. That way, you’ll always hit the road with ample tire pressure for the utmost safety and fuel economy.
Something For the Whole Family
If you’re traveling with the family in tow, it’s also worth exploring some additional on-board accessories to make the trip safe, comfortable AND tolerable.
Chances are you already have an emergency kit in the car since it’s good to have a few basics on hand, even if you’re just away for the weekend. But suppose your DIY tote bag of gauze bandages and an ice scraper from the dollar store could use an upgrade. In that case, some suitable aftermarket upgrades provide everything from pressure gauges and reflective gear to shovels and flashlights.
Since long-haul drives can be hard on the body, consider picking up a lumbar cushion or neck pillow. Hell, they even make cooling gel steering wheels now. Overkill? Maybe. But if sweaty hands are your dealbreaker, it sounds like a worthy purchase to us.
And let’s not forget that the modern family vehicle hauls plenty of electronics for any trip. Investing in some quality adaptors and chargers can save you some serious headaches by eliminating the fight over that one sacred power outlet in the front console. For you drivers, a hands-free cellphone mount is a must-have to ensure eyes stay facing forward.
Cleaning Up the Cab
Keeping the cab clean is usually one of the most significant issues on an extended family trip. Thankfully, you can also outfit your ride with countless options to cut down on the dirt and clutter.
If you’re in a snowier area of the country, consider upgrading those factory-issue floormats. A set of heavy-duty liners catch ice and mud when you and the little ones climb in and out of the cab.
Most aftermarket options are removable, so you can hose them down when it’s time for a detailed cleaning. Seat covers are also an excellent option for rough-housing siblings or furry friends who might scuff up the upholstery, and they’re often machine washable.
Storage and organization add-ons are also a great way to reduce the mess in your vehicle, whether inside or outside the cab. Basics like a trunk organizer can cut down on extra toys rolling around the backseat, and waterproof bags for the roof if you’re traveling with lighter gear but want to free up interior space.
Bringing it together with RetraxPRO XR
If you’re traveling in a pickup, you’ll want bed protection from all the grime, rain, and snow that accumulates this time of year. Better yet, the RetraxPRO XR gives you additional cargo capacity for any adventure gear or extra luggage.
The XR stands above standard truck bed covers thanks to its integrated T-slot rail system. This design makes it easier to maximize cargo-carrying capacity by attaching gear management accessories to the top of the truck bed.
That means whether you’re hauling cargo boxes, bike racks, kayak racks, overlanding racks, fishing pole racks, or other racking systems, you’ll have plenty of flexibility. The T-slot design is compatible with several aftermarket accessories from big names like Yakima, Thule, and Rhino Rack.
That above-bed racking flexibility also means extra room for storage in the truck bed for all your cargo needs. The XR protects all your gear with rugged aluminum slats that quickly retract without collecting dust or freezing. And the scratch-free matte finish gives it a sharp look to match virtually any ride.
The durable cover is matched with a low-profile design that looks great and sits flush for a reliable seal that keeps all your gear dry no matter how much snow or rain comes down. Retrax also backs the XR with its Legendary Lifetime Warranty to ensure you’ve got the support you need.
Whether it’s a cross-country trip to visit the in-laws or one last big family camping excursion before the winter frost sets in, combining the RetraxPro XR with some of these essential accessories will make the trip much smoother. You’ll get the powerful combination of safety and convenience, plus reliable cargo and bed production from the RetraxPro XR.
The Retrax Difference
Founded in 1996, Retrax has been in the truck accessories game long enough to learn a thing or two. For almost 25 years, the company has maintained a stellar reputation for not just high-quality truck bed covers but high-end truck bed covers, as well. Striving for excellence and unique innovations in design, development, and manufacturing, Retrax products are like the Dream Team of tonneaus.
And really, when you’re venturing down the ‘path less traveled’– complete with rough ground, wild animals, volatile weather, and a variety of unwelcome surprises — you want the Dream Team on your side.
