SUV Packing Tips Offered

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--In the wake of deaths from sport utility vehicle crashes and subsequent news reports attributing some of the casualties to overloaded SUVs, Gear On The Go has issued a list of SUV travel-packing safety tips to the nation’s local news media outlets.

Gear On The Go is the newest retail chain from Bauer Industries, the nation’s largest retailer of vehicle-outfitting gear that also built the Sports Rack chain eight years ago. The specialty outfitter provides customized installation service and offers safety tips and installation with local safety organizations and law enforcement.

The tips include:

1. Take time to load your gear properly, making sure all items inside the vehicle are secured or fastened properly and cannot fall on passengers.

2. Check your owner’s manuals for the weight limit of both your SUV and roof rack to make certain they're not overloaded.

3. Long loads such as large Christmas trees should be tied down in the front and rear.

4. If towing, contact law enforcement for local and state towing laws governing width, length and height projections on the items you’re carrying.

5. If carrying items on your roof, place something on the inside of your SUV to remind you of the reduced vertical clearance.

6. Never allow items to obstruct your view in the rearview mirror.

7. Cargo should not inhibit the use of a seat belt.

8. Properly secure children 12 and under in the back seat.

9. Safely contain the family pet to minimize driver distraction.

10. Check your load each time you stop for any shifting or loosening of the restraints. 11. Carry chains and emergency roadside-assistance numbers for snow-bound travel.

Gear On The Go offers hard-to-find utility products such as car roof racks, cargo boxes, pet barriers and auto-camping accessories. Greg Bauer, president of Bauer Industries, is available for demonstrations on the proper loading of sport utility vehicles or any other vehicle type.

For more information, contact www.gearonthego.com.