#Long road trip essentials plus#

Should your phone break, die, or simply not have service, this 264-page road atlas is the most up-to-date iteration, and includes an enormous array of easy-to-read maps, including that of 350 cities and US National Parks, as well as detailed maps of each individual US state and a robust highway network map. And while this makes sense, we’d still argue that it’s well worth the investment to arm yourself with a proper printed map if you plan on doing any extended touring. With the rise of smartphones and GPS, cartography and traditional printed maps are increasingly going the way of the dodo. So, to ensure you gear-up with the right equipment and get your travel firing on all cylinders, we’ve rounded up today’s best purpose-built gear for road trips and touring, as well as a few other quality pieces of kit that just happen to lend themselves particularly well to on the road travel to bring you this guide to the 20 best road trip essentials. While this has resulted in some great gear over the years, it’s also given way to an incredibly oversaturated market, rife with outdated offerings and inferior imitation products.

Interstate Highway System after World War II, manufacturers have had decades to develop equipment catering to the unique wants and needs of those traveling by motor vehicle, which you can now benefit from if you’re planning on hitting the road. With this grand American tradition existing since the creation of the U.S. And one way to maximize the comfort, entrainment, organization, and overall enjoyment of your time out on the open road is to be equipped with the right gear. Not all country mechanics have quick access to replacement parts, either, so if you carry some basic spare parts like hose clamps or an accessory drive belt it's a huge help to get moving again.When it comes to travel, it’s often less about the destination itself and more about the journey to arriving there, and this is especially true with road trips. Having the right tools in your car can help you get back on the road, whether it's you or a passer-by who has the know-how. When you're off the beaten track, help might not be readily available. It's best to check your car's mechanics so you're not stuck waiting for assistance if something goes wrong Essential tools Find your car's spare key and keep it with you in case you lose the one you are using.Make sure your car has had a service with a comprehensive safety check within a reasonable time frame prior to setting off.Check you have the correct level of RAC Roadside Assistance cover.If towing a trailer or caravan, make sure you understand your vehicle's towing capacity before checking the chains, couplings, sway bars, shackles, and lights and ensure that any awnings and doors are locked in place.Make sure all your lights and indicators are working.Check under your vehicle for obvious leaks when parked for a period of time - if you find a leak, RAC Auto Services can assist.Check that the spare wheel is secured and in good condition.Make sure your fuel gauge and temperature gauge are operating correctly.Clean your windscreen and make sure the wipers and washers are operating and cleaning correctly.Make sure all your tyres are properly inflated and they have enough tread.Make sure you have enough fuel, oil and radiator coolant.

If you find any issues, call your mechanic – better to be safe than sorry. Car checklistīefore you head off on your great adventure, run through these basic checks to make sure your car is in good working order.

#Long road trip essentials plus#

Here are the things to check before you head off - plus essential items to carry with you in case trouble does strike. If you're planning to travel more than two hours one way, it's really worthwhile taking 10 minutes to give your car a quick check over before you hit the road as nothing takes the fun out of a road trip like a break down.

Although you might think your car feels and sounds good to go for a long drive, it might not be.