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The Top Road Trip Car Essentials

road trip supplies

Road tripping is as fun as it is freeing, especially if you (and your car) are well-equipped for the journey ahead. From car organizers to boredom busters to safety items, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way with these road trip car essentials. Relax and enjoy the ride!

road trip car essentials

Car Net Pocket Handbag Holder

The driver should be able to grab road trip supplies like snacks and sunglasses with as little distraction as possible. Keep those eyes on the road! The Purse Net Car Net Pocket Handbag Holder adds extra storage space between the two front seats and is easy for everyone in the car to reach. It takes less than a minute to install and will make the inside of your car feel tidy and clean. Buy it here.

Car Power Inverter

Keeping your phone charged is an important part of staying safe on the road (and accessing your road trip playlist). The Foval 200W Car Power Inverter is smaller than a passport and plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter to create an on-the-go outlet to charge your electronics. It features two standard outlets and four USB ports, so it can charge more than one phone at the same time. The Foval 200W Car Power Inverter features a quiet cooling fan, a power switch, a built-in fuse and durable metal housing. Buy it here.

Car Trash Can With Lid and Storage Pockets

If you’ve been on a long road trip before, you know things can get messy. Though easily overlooked, a trash can is definitely a road trip car essential. The EPAuto Waterproof Car Trash Can with Lid and Storage Pockets is a 2-gallon trash bin that can be placed almost anywhere in your car. The elastic opening keeps trash contained and out of sight, while the waterproof interior makes sure that nothing leaks out. The Velcro-sealed lid and accompanying straps keep the trash can stable, no matter how much your car is moving. It’s so handy you’ll want to keep it around long after your road trip is over. Buy it here.

76-Piece AAA Roadside Emergency Kit

While assembling road trip supplies, make sure you’re ready for a roadside emergency. This jam-packed AAA Roadside Emergency Kit includes an air compressor, jumper cables, a flashlight, protective gloves, a rain poncho, pliers, screwdrivers, duct tape and more. Like AAA Roadside Assistance, it will bring you peace of mind. Buy it here.

First Aid Kit

The DeftGet 163-Piece First Aid Kit is small enough to fit in your glove compartment, but mighty. Inside, you’ll find bandages, an emergency blanket, stainless steel scissors, antiseptic cleansing wipes, a whistle, a flashlight, a multi-tool, sting relief pads, cotton swabs and so much more. Buy it here.

Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

The Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow can contour to almost any shape you desire, making long road trips with extended periods of sitting more comfy. Passengers will fall asleep easily with this ergonomic pillow, and drivers can use it for lumbar support while they’re behind the wheel. It’s made of memory foam, with a machine-washable cover and a snap closure. Buy it here.

TableTopics To Go Road Trip

If the awkward silence in the car becomes too much to bear, pick up TableTopics To Go Road Trip, a deck of creative and interesting conversation prompts. Whether you’re new friends or lifelong companions, these cards will get you talking about things you’d never even thought of before. It’s a great way to bond with the other people in the car and pass the time on the road. Buy it here.

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AAA members can save money at the pump with Shell’s Fuel Rewards program. Plus, you can save on automotive replacement parts and accessories at NAPA.

What are your road trip must-haves? Tell us about them in the comments below.

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7 Thoughts on “The Top Road Trip Car Essentials

  1. The MOST important thing to take on a road trip is KNOWLEDGE. Be prepared to deal with EMERGENCIES. Get certified in CPR & First Aid.
    Be prepared to protect yourself from physical threats. Carry Non Perishable Food, Water, and Temperature Appropriate blankets or sleeping bags. Stay informed of the weather in the area your traveling toward.

  2. Also, if one is going on an unfamiliar route for their trip, and they have a smartphone, I strongly recommend the WAZE app, if one is able to get it. It does wonders for those who have difficulty reading regular maps, and it tells the driver when and where to turn off to switch routes/roads, as well as warning about police reports, stopped vehicles, etc.

  3. flashlights, for reading maps, finding things.
    A case of water in bottles, especially if you are going thru any deserts!
    A USA road atlas, for when that GPS stops working or gives you odd directions way out of the way.

      1. Anybody to owns a smartphone, the WAZE app is the best negotiator, when it comes to driving long distances, and during rush-hours, or any time, for that matter.

  4. One thing missing from the roadside tool kit – a quart bottle of 50/50 antifreeze mix in case you lose.some coolant . It could save your engine!

  5. Instead of duct tape ( which,BTW, pro ac techs do not use for ducts) take a roll of self adhesive metal tape. It will stick securely to more surfaces and stick longer.

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