As summer vacation kicks into high gear, many families are hitting the road for their big trip. Make the drive a little easier, and fun, with a few gadgets for the car. Here are some ideas. Times staff and wires
Navigation units
The Spotter GPS Navigator, Dale Jr. Edition by RightWay, has a portable global positioning system unit that uses the voice of NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. to guide you to your destination.
He won't speak the street names, but he'll give you generic "turn here" advice, as well as down-home-isms. When you turn the unit on, he says, "You drive, I'll ride shotgun!" Some NASCAR-related destinations are already programmed, as well as Dale Jr.'s shop and his favorite pizzeria in North Carolina. $229. rightwayGPS.com.
Not a racing fan? If you have a Tom Tom navigation device, you can download the voice of Homer Simpson to your unit for $12.95. For a sample of his commentaries, go to www.tomtom.com/page/simpsons.
Safety kit
Be prepared for the worst with a 4-in-1 Safety Stick. This emergency tool and flashlight, which has LED lights on the sides, has a strong magnet so you can attach it to your car to alert other drivers to trouble. The top of the light has a white bulb to be used as a flashlight. It also has a seat belt cutter and a glass-break hammer. $18.95 plus shipping. www.safetybright.com.
Are we there yet?
Keeping kids occupied is a challenge during long trips. To give them something to do, here are a couple of Web sites that offer tips, ideas and games you can print out, including the license plate game, scavenger hunt, car travel bingo and even songs with lyrics for all to sing. www.momsminivan.com and www.radroadtrips.com
Power inverters
Portable devices, including handheld games and music players, can be power gobblers. Be prepared for when the rechargeable battery runs low with a mobile power inverter that converts the car's battery power to AC. Plug your device into the adapter for a recharge. Try the DieHard 400-Watt Mobile Power Inverter from Sears. It has two 110V AC outlets, USB port, a display that shows you how much power you're drawing, and a low battery alarm. $54.99.
Drop stop
And speaking of Homer, how many times have you had a "D'oh" moment when you dropped your keys, cell phone or food in the gap between your seat and the center console?
Drop Stop is a stain-resistant fiber-filled neoprene padding you can wedge into the space to prevent things from falling through. It slides on easily with a space cut out for the seat belt buckle, and stays in place even if you have to adjust your seats.
A pair of the padding for the front seats costs $19.95 plus shipping, and includes an LED credit card light and a dashboard pad to keep things from sliding. www.buydropstop.com.
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