There are many reasons to get out and enjoy a dive-centered road trip. Whether it's for a weekend, a week, or even a month, proper packing can make all the difference. Here, we'll share some great tips for packing your vehicle for underwater adventures.
Secure Storage
First, and most important, be sure you have a way to secure things that could become dangerous projectiles in a collision, and be sure you have safe storage for regulators, dive computers, and other items that can be easily damaged. The best way to do this is to create separate compartments for different items. As the old saying goes, find a place for everything, then be sure everything is in its place. Compartmentalizing will help make the process of packing and unpacking the vehicle a whole lot easier too.
For tanks, look into commercial tank cradles, and use plastic tank covers to help prevent snags and other problems. Many people make the mistake of not securing their tanks, much to the detriment of their vehicle's interior.
Protection from Wet Gear
Ensure you have a way to keep wet gear from coming into contact with your vehicle's carpet and upholstery. If you don't your car will start to smell like low tide in no time flat. Again, compartmentalizing is useful here, especially if you don't have a way to rinse your gear thoroughly and let it dry after you get out of the water, and before you get into the car. Use plastic storage bins for wetsuits, BC's and other gear, and get everything rinsed off as soon as you can. While you're on an extended road trip, you might have to wait until you get to a rest area or a campground - in any case, keep an eye out for roadside faucets where you can clean up your gear before going too far.
Protecting Gear from Heat
Most of us prefer to dive in good weather, and even on overcast days, car interiors get hot. That can be very hard on dive gear, so it's important to keep items that can be damaged by excess heat protected. Coolers can be helpful, and in very hot climates, ice packs can help keep cooler interiors from becoming excessively hot. In addition, use sun shades on your vehicle's windows to keep gear from becoming too hot - a windshield shade is a good way to keep your interior somewhat cool while you're parked, and sunshades designed to keep back seat areas cooler for kids and pets are great for keeping scuba gear safe from the sun, too.
Finally, practice packing before its time to leave on your first trip. That way, you can address any challenges that arise, without being late. In addition, remember to keep your vehicle clean, and if it's exposed to salt water or salty air on a regular basis, give it a weekly wash to help protect it. Staying clean and organized is the best way to prevent lost and broken gear, and it's the best way to cut back on the amount of time required to get ready to get into the water once you arrive at your selected destination. By planning carefully, then packing with equal care, you'll find driving to dive is as easy as it is fun.