Expert Advice on Making Sure Everything Fits in The Car for Vacation Travel

SEYMOUR, Conn., May 22, 2003 -- If you've decided to hit the open road with the family this summer, the first and last question you may ask before leaving is, "where are we headed, and is how is all our stuff going to fit?"

"Loading is usually the last thing most people think about before they leave, however it's important to do so properly," says Steve Doviak, travel specialist at Thule Car Rack Systems, www.thuleracks.com. "The way you load your vehicle can affect its performance and your family's safety."

Doviak recommends planning ahead and the following tips when preparing for your summer road trip.

  -- Pack the day or evening before departure.
  -- Pack in an orderly fashion.  Pack those pieces you will need last
     first.
  -- Use a roof top carrier if you can't fit everything inside.  Thule and
     other manufactures offer various sizes of cargo boxes to accommodate
     awkward sized cargo, camping gear, or anything to obstruct the drivers
     view.
  -- Bicycle trunk strap racks, roof mounted racks or hitch carriers are far
     better and safer than having half of a bike dangling out of a trunk.
  -- Pack heavier baggage first.  This keeps the center of gravity of your
     vehicle lower for safer driving performance.
  -- Pack all gear below sight level.  Make sure rear or side windows are
     clear for unobstructed vision.
  -- Pack sleeping bags or something soft around anything fragile.
  -- Separate food or drinks from other travel items.  You might want to
     keep them nearby, as you never know when the kids will want a snack.
  -- Do not over pack.  Over packing your vehicle can result in poor or
     unsafe vehicle performance.
  -- Cover your gear and keep it out of site.  A car packed with lots of
     gear can tip off thieves looking for vacationer vehicles.

We all look forward to heading out on the road and by taking a few extra minutes preparing your gear you will ensure that you will have a safe and enjoyable trip.

For more packing tips and car travel solutions, visit www.thuleracks.com. Thule Rack Systems are available at better sporting good, automotive, and specialty retailers nationwide.