We love taking Road Trips – The Essential List Of Roadtrip Supplies

My wife and I love taking Road Trips, previous trips we have done included going to the Mall of America, a road trip from Ohio to Las Vegas, and our frequent jaunts to Niagara Falls.  Below is my suggested basics that you should have, you never know when something might happen, you don’t want it to, but when it does, will you be ready?

 

The Essential List Of Roadtrip Supplies

Whether you are taking a long trip to see family members or going across the country for the entire summer, there are certain things that you should have in your vehicle at all times. Roadtrips, while not inherently dangerous, can pose a variety of dangers along the way from your car or RV breaking down to witnessing an accident. In some of the more remote parts of the country, you could find yourself in a situation where you will need to help yourselves in all manner of ways until help arrives. That is why it is important to have these seven essential items for your roadtrip.
1. Emergency Supplies

When most people thing of emergency supplies on a roadtrip, they often forget that one of the most common causes of accidents are other accidents. When a vehicle is disabled in the road with no indication of its plight, it is easy for others to come upon them with no warning. These emergency supplies will include road markers, roadside flares, and if you are going into a remote spot, flares. These will help others avoid your vehicle if it becomes disabled or allow you to mark another’s vehicle if you happen upon an accident.
2. Food

Bringing snacks along on a roadtrip seems like a bit of a no-brainer, but if you are going to be travelling in an area that is out of the way of populated areas there are more specific foods to bring. Protein bars without chocolate or any other additives that will melt are the best bet because they can last a long time and provide you and your family with the energy you need if you become stranded on the road for a long time.
3. Water

Not juice, not soda, not tea: water. The human body requires water in order to live and as many people know, you may not even last a few days in the wrong conditions without it. If you are travelling long distance, then you should keep a case of water in your vehicle at all times. If your car or RV breaks down and nobody is around to help for hours, water can be the difference between simply going on your way and needing to stop at a medical center.
4. Essential Breakdown Supplies

While these should go without questions for many experienced travelers, it is important to have supplies to get your vehicle to the next town in case of a break down. You should always keep a good supply of tire patches, sealant, and a spare in the vehicle in the case of a blowout. Two other things that you should keep in your car are an automatic battery charger and an electric pump for tire. With these items at your side you should be able to deal with the most common problems on the road: flat tires.

5. Communication Technology

When asked about emergency communication on the road, most people will simply pull out their cell phone and smile. However, there are many parts of the country that do not have cellular service for a specific phone type, or at all. That is why it is important to have an emergency walkie talkie that can be tuned into the radio services of trucks or local emergency services. If your phone battery dies and you need help, you will still be able to communicate with the people who frequent the roads the most: truckers and police services. It is important to research your walkie talkie model to make sure that you bought one that can be tuned properly.
6. Other Gadgets And Tech

One of the other most important things that you can bring along on your trip is some form of GPS. Not only will this be able to tell you where you are, but it can allow you to provide your location in the event of an emergency. If you have a GPS that has an emergency function, then it is even more valuable because local services may be able to come to you by following that signal. It is important to note that many cell phones come fully equipped with GPS location technology.
7. A Fully Stocked First Aid Kit

When many people think of a first aid kit they imagine Band-Aids and some antibiotic salves. However, these are for household use and should not be taken on a roadtrip where more serious injuries can occur. In order to get a first aid kit that is going to be useful on the road, you should get an OHSA approved first aid kit that is complete with eye rinses, large gauze pads, and medical tape. This will allow you to be more prepared for accidents on the road than ever before; and hopefully more prepared than you will ever need to be.

 

These seven items are integral to having a safe roadtrip. While it may seem cumbersome to have some of these items in your car or RV on the road, if any one of the emergency situations arises, then you will thank yourself for being prepared. So, too, will any people along the road that you are prepared to help with these supplies.