Summer has finally arrived! The children are already starting to count the days before crossing the school gate one last time… and you are wondering how you are going to fit all the family essentials into the car! Here are some tips to optimize your load and best manage all this little world….

vehicle loadingIn the cabin

Do not leave objects on the dashboard or on the rear shelf. In the event of sudden braking, these objects will be ejected and can injure children and adults. Store water bottles, baby bottles and cellphones in the storage compartments or at ground level, but not high up. Take care not to obstruct the windows (particularly with luggage). Maintain maximum visibility for better driving comfort.

The load in the trunk

When you travel by car, you tend to want to take everything with you and you end up with way too much luggage and a trunk that won’t close. Remember to distribute the luggage evenly. In terms of center of gravity and handling, it makes sense to put the heaviest objects at the bottom of the trunk and well wedged for the stability of the whole.

The roof box

Very practical if he wants to save space in the passenger compartment. The roof box must be adapted to your needs. It is fixed on the roof bars previously installed. As for the trunk of the vehicle, the luggage must be arranged in balance and the largest and heaviest loads at the bottom. Secure loads with interior straps before closing the trunk. Finally, the trunk generates an overconsumption of fuel, so as soon as you no longer need it, uninstall it.

Bikes / windsurfing

Bicycles must be installed on bicycle racks at the rear of the vehicle or on the roof. Please note that hitch or strap-mounted bicycle racks reduce the driver’s rear visibility. Finally, if your bikes hide your license plate, you will need to install an additional one with rear lights, over the bikes. respect the loads and the number of bicycles authorized by the installation and the vehicle. For a windsurf board, you can use a gallery or specific supports with straps. Do not install two boards on top of each other as they could slip. For both cases, place the small accessories inside the vehicle.

What you must remember

• The load should be stable and not obstruct visibility if possible
• Use straps (not stretchable) instead of ropes or turnbuckles
• Do not let any straps flutter in the wind
• Do not exceed the authorized total weight limits (vehicle and loads)

Take care not to exceed the maximum authorized loads and lengths (of your vehicles and installations). The maximum width is 2.55m. During your stops, check that the installations are still well attached.

Drive with caution, paying particular attention to safety distances, braking, acceleration, turns and speed bumps.

trailers

Boats, motorbikes, trailer tents… many French people equip themselves with a trailer for their bulky loads.

A trailer weighing more than 500 kilos must be registered and therefore have its own gray card and its own insurance certificate.

Check the GVW (Total Weight Allowed) and the GCW (Total Weight Allowed)

The actual weight of the trailer must not exceed the actual weight of the towing vehicle by more than 30%.

Check trailer lights

Adjust the car’s shock absorbers and increase the tire pressure slightly by about 300 bars.

To connect the trailer to your vehicle, consider purchasing an auto hitch from professionals in the field . A car hitch is a reliable way to hitch a trailer regardless of the type of vehicle. Once the installation of the

Better to travel with children!

“When are we arriiiiiveeee! Children often struggle to sit still during long hours in the car. Here are some tips for better traveling with them.

Consider having a small list of games to keep them occupied. (counting objects, animals, geographical quizzes, recognizing license plates, etc.)

Suggest videos or apps they don’t know yet.

Every 2 hours take a break and get your kids running!! Most motorway service areas are equipped with play areas for the youngest. Take advantage of it, they will be delighted.

Forget the rules: abandon the rules on the use of the game console, videos, tablet, snacks….