Road trips are fun. They allow us to bond with nature and the people we love. They also help create beautiful memories, mainly if the mode of transport is okay.
If you have an upcoming road trip, invest in a great vehicle like a Sprinter, for these vans offer comfort and are highly affordable for group travel. Also, most have durable roof racks, which you can use in many ways to make your trip more exciting.
Roof racks come in many types and are helpful when installed well. Keep reading to learn how to use your Sprinter roof rack creatively on road trips.
1. For Storage
Storage is the most common use of a Sprinter roof rack. It helps you carry the excess items that can’t fit inside the van. If you only have one Sprinter and everyone has their luggage, you can store the items on the rooftop so everyone gets enough space to sit inside the van. Here are creative ways to use the roof rack for storage purposes.
Sort your Items
You may have many items on a road trip, but not all can be kept on the rooftop. For instance, you shouldn’t keep your laptops and other valuable items at the top. However, you can place the extra suitcases, ladders, bicycles, kayaks, and other large items that would disrupt you if kept inside. So, sort your items well to know which ones you will keep on the roof rack.
Load the Items Well
The last thing you will wish for is to lose valuable items while on a road trip. To prevent this, you should load the items well on the sprinter roof rack. The heavy items should be at the center for even weight distribution. Also, you should cover the items well to ensure they don’t fall in steep areas.
Pick the Right Roof Rack
Ensure your roof rack is compatible with the vehicle and the items you carry. If you have many items, you will need a big roof rack that can accommodate the weight without affecting the overall balance of the sprinter. If you are unsure of the right roof rack for storage, ask the manufacturer to help you choose the best one.
2. As a Camping Patio/Lounge
A road trip doesn’t have to be boring when you have a Sprinter roof rack. If you don’t have many items for storage, you can convert the roof rack into your camping lounge. After all, who doesn’t like having a good time? As you camp up there, you can have a vibrant social moment with your peers as you enjoy the views of nature.
However, you should first convert the roof rack into a great patio. To do this, you should clean the rack well. After that, you should prepare the surface well by spreading a foam pad or rag to keep the area warm. If you have cushions, spread them there so that you can sit in a comfortable place. Pillows can be a valuable addition as well. Here are other helpful tips to keep in mind when you want to use the Sprinter roof rack as a patio:
Ensure it is safe. The vehicle should be stable, and the height of the roof rack shouldn’t be too high to avoid possible falling.
Create some shade. Rain or harsh weather shouldn’t disrupt your lounge comfort. Create a shade that keeps you warm and safe.
Get lighting. Your roof rack should have proper lighting if you intend to use it as a camp lounge. Get lamps and other reliable sources of light.
3. Taking Trip Photos
A good road trip is never complete without taking photos. Photos enhance the fun of the event and also create memories. As such, you can creatively use your Sprinter roof rack as your photographing spot. One main advantage of the roof rack is that it is elevated, so you will easily capture many pictures at that high level. For the best results, ensure the roof rack is stable enough to avoid falling. Confirm that there is sufficient lighting as well. You can take the photos in person or set up cameras as you continue with other activities.
4. Wildlife Watching Spot
Another excellent way to use a Sprinter roof rack is by watching animals. Many road trips take place in remote areas or even in forests. Along the way, you will likely see wildlife in forests or national reserves. Taking photos of those animals is difficult when you are inside the Sprinter due to distractions. Therefore, you can use the roof rack as your perfect point for watching wildlife. While sitting up there, you will get undistracted views of the animals and even capture the beautiful moments before you return home.
5. For Solar Setup
Lastly, you can use a Sprinter roof rack for solar setup. Solar energy acts as a great power source during road trips to remote areas. There’s no electricity, so you need a good solar panel to provide the power you need for lighting and even entertainment. A roof rack is a perfect point for setting up your solar panels. When camping, you only need to mount the panels on top and then connect your devices in the vehicle or outside the van. However, you should mount the solar panel well and protect it to avoid theft.
Conclusion
The above are the five most common ways to use your Sprinter’s roof rack on road trips. The main one is storage, but you can still use the rack for taking photos, as a lounge, or watching wildlife. If you are planning a remote road trip, identify how you wish to use the roof rack to increase convenience in your trip.
