Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/162450
toolkit: Enjoy the Ride Long days in the car can be fun. All you need is the right vehicle — and the right accessories W hether you are an avid roadtripper, a snowbird making yearly sojourns to the sun, or even a daily commuter, new technology is making time behind the wheel more enjoyable. Deluxe vehicles ship with more and more toys, but it is also possible for anyone to supercharge their driving comfort by retrofitting their vehicle with a multitude of devices to optimize road time. Kathy and Brian Keple are snowbirds from Duncan, B.C., who travel every year to Palm Springs, California. The couple are BCAA Members who appreciate the modern conveniences of their well-appointed Chrysler Town & Country minivan, with its Bluetooth connectivity and GPS guidance system. But one convenience trumps all others for these two road warriors. "We have satellite radio, and that's on all the time," says Kathy Keple. "We listen to the Seriously Sinatra [channel] and we like the classical music channel. We also like being able to listen to the news, especially when we're in the United States, because we can get the CBC down there." Keple also values the full-colour, rearview backup camera, especially useful when you own a larger vehicle. "It has guide markers on it so you can judge exactly where you are and where you have to get to. I love it." The couple also runs an electrical cooler from their DC power outlet, so snacks and drinks stay cool on the long trip south. A plug-in power converter allows them to use any household device or charge up cameras, cellphones or the laptop. With luxuries like these available, there's no longer any reason to dread an extended roadtrip. No matter what your odometer on your vehicle reads, check out these devices to turn it into a long-hauler you'd be proud to hit the road with. • Mobicool Compact power cooler/warmer With an 8-litre capacity, easy-open top and two cup holders, this combo cooler and warmer is all you'll need for most long drives. $79.99; mobicool.com 44 W e s t w o r l d p44-45_Toolkit.indd 44 >> Fa ll 2 0 1 3 B • Magellan RoadMate 5-inch GPS Navigate in style with the help of a colour touch screen, lifetime map and traffic updates, Bluetooth connectivity and preloaded CAA TourBooks. (Members can save 20% on select Magellan products, register for a free extended warranty and download free CAA data updates via the website listed below.) $159.99 with Member discount; magellangps.com/AAA_Benefits • Yada Digital Wireless Backup Camera and Mirror The camera mounts in the back of your vehicle and the inset colour 3.5-inch LCD screen easily fits over your existing mirror for easy viewing. The camera's feed appears automatically when you put the vehicle in reverse. $199.99; letsyada.com • Cobra CPI 480 power inverter This indispensable juice pack plugs into your DC socket, but also includes direct-tobattery cables and provides 400 watts of continuous power. There's additional convenience with the dual AC outlets and USB output. $49.99; cobra.com –Paul Sinkewicz ℹ Visit your nearest BCAA Service Location for TripTik maps personalized for your roadtrip, or go to bcaa.com/TripTik to create your own today. Double-duty vehicles Who needs luxury? When you are raising a family, price and versatility are king. Here are three IIHS 2013 Top Safety Picks that offer more than just fuel economy and Bluetooth gadgets. Filler -4inches.indd 1 2013 Subaru Impreza The five-door Touring Package offers 148-hp and room for five, plus 60/40 split, flat-folding rear seats, making this hatchback the modern station wagon perfect for runs to the hardware store ($22,595 MSRP). NHTSA Safety Rating: 5/5 stars. 2013 Jeep Patriot The North 4x4 model starts at $22,345 and offers the classic Jeep cachet. The 2.4L engine is beefy with 172 hp and 165 lb.-ft. of torque — good for getting the boat to the fishing hole and maybe doing some off-roading, too. NHTSA Safety Rating: 4/5 stars. 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan Want room for seven and maximum storage options? Pricing starts at $19,895, but for maximum versatility, step up to the Crew Plus. Fold the Stow 'N Go seats into the floor, or leave them up and use the storage compartments for your shopping bags. With the power liftgate, Stow 'N Place roof rack system and trailer tow group option, you're north of $31,000. NHTSA Safety Rating: 4/5 stars. • —P.S. courtesy Winplus North America, Dodge Canada, Subaru Canada, Inc., MiTAC International Corporation 13-08-19 1:23 PM