How to Expand Your Vehicle's Capacity

You Don't Need a Truck or Large SUV to Transport a Lot of Stuff

(ARA) - Are you among the thousands of Americans who have traded in their gas guzzling trucks and SUVs for smaller vehicles due to the rising gas prices? If so, congratulations! You've made a money-saving move that will pay off big.

While most larger vehicles average only 15 to 18 miles per gallon, sedans and CUVs get 25 to 30 and hybrids deliver up to 50 miles per gallon. So instead of being able to go only 200 miles on a tank that cost you $50 to fill, you can travel 500 miles or more without any additional expense.

While the numbers are impressive, there is a tradeoff. You lose a lot of cargo room when you downsize. Some people try to get creative when they travel by packing all they can into the trunk then tying it down with a rope, or strapping their bags to the roof; but there are better solutions.

Lund International, a leading manufacturer of automotive accessories, for example, offers a number of solutions for people who need to carry more than their smaller cars or CUVs can handle. Whether you're going on vacation, or just planning to tailgate at an upcoming football game, here are some affordable accessories you'll want to consider adding to your vehicle:

* Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier
A 20-inch by 60-inch steel platform that fits into a standard 2-inch hitch receiver on the back of your vehicle. It is available in both folding and stationary styles, and comes with pre-punched holes for attaching accessories and tie down straps.

This is the perfect accessory for transporting a grill and cooler for a tailgating party. It can also be used to carry gear for a camping trip, suitcases, or just about anything you can imagine that would fit on the platform. If you want to protect your belongings, you can opt for the optional heavy duty storage bag, cargo netting or side bar attachment. There's also a bike carrier attachment available.

* Roof Top Carrier
This is a cargo basket that attaches to factory or aftermarket roof rack on a minivan, CUV or SUV with no drilling. The large capacity basket provides plenty of storage space for luggage, cargo bags and more. They are available in two sizes (39-inch by 44-inch and 39-inch by 55-inch). Netting to secure your cargo to the rack is also available, as are roof top bags that provide complete weatherproof protection in an aerodynamic design.

* Drop Down Bike Carrier
If you are an avid bike rider, and used to simply throw your bike in the back of the truck or SUV when you traveled, the additional cargo space is probably missed a lot. Lund offers a hitch-mounted, drop down bike carrier constructed of 2-inch steel tubing that is powder coated for durability and rust protection. It installs in seconds, folds down to allow easy access to the trunk or cargo area, and comes with an adjustable clamp plate that fits most bike tube diameters. Rubber padding on the clamp prevents slipping and scratching of bikes.

You can find Lund products at leading automotive retailers nationwide. Log on to www.lundinternational.com for a store locator.

Courtesy of ARAcontent