Do you ever feel like you don’t have enough storage space in your car?
Do you need to make sure your luggage and other items are secure while you’re driving?
If so, then a cargo tray may be the perfect solution for you!
A cargo tray is an important feature of a car that can help maximize storage space and keep items securely in place. It provides both convenience and safety for drivers and their passengers. In this article, we’ll discuss what a cargo tray is, its benefits, and different types of trays available. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the best cargo tray for your car.
A cargo tray is a shallow storage tray that sits in the back of a car, often beneath the parcel shelf, and is used to store items such as shopping bags and luggage.
Time and Space Efficiency
A cargo tray is a great way to maximize the space in your car for transport. Its elevated design allows you to store items underneath it that would have otherwise been left behind. Cargo trays can also be customized to fit the size and shape of your trunk or cargo area, providing even more efficiency. This is especially useful if you need to transport large, bulky items such as furniture or large boxes. Additionally, having a cargo tray makes loading and unloading much easier since it provides an elevated platform from which to access your items.
Protection from Damage
A cargo tray provides a protective layer between your belongings and the interior of the car. It prevents items from sliding around while you’re driving and keeps them secure while in transit. Without a cargo tray, you run the risk of items being damaged due to shifting during transport or other external factors such as dirt and debris accumulating on them. A cargo tray will protect your possessions from damage while keeping them organized.
Less Stress on Your Car
Cargo trays can also help reduce stress on your car’s suspension system. When transporting heavy or bulky items, they can cause significant strain on the suspension system due to their weight and size. By using a cargo tray, these items are kept off the floor of the car, reducing pressure on the suspension system and improving overall handling performance.
Easy Clean-up
Another great benefit of having a cargo tray is that it makes cleanup much easier. Since it is elevated off the floor of the car, any dirt, mud or debris that accumulates can be easily wiped away with a cloth or brush without having to worry about cleaning up anything underneath it.
Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
Finally, a cargo tray can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle by making it look more organized and neat. Instead of having miscellaneous items scattered around in your trunk or backseat, everything will be neatly placed in one spot with a cargo tray – giving your vehicle an added touch of style!
How Does a Cargo Tray Help You Safely Transport Your Belongings?
Cargo trays are an essential accessory for anyone who needs to transport their belongings safely and securely. A cargo tray is a flat, rigid platform that can be mounted in the rear of a car, SUV, or truck to help secure items such as groceries, luggage, pet supplies, sports gear, and other items. Cargo trays offer several benefits over traditional cargo nets or bungee cords. They provide an easy-to-use system for securing items and can be customized to fit the specific needs of your vehicle.
Cargo trays come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different types of cargo. The most popular types are those that are custom-fitted to the make and model of your vehicle. These are designed to fit perfectly into the trunk space and provide a secure platform for carrying items. Additionally, some cargo trays have adjustable straps that can be adjusted to fit larger or smaller items. This makes it easier to transport a variety of items without having to worry about them falling off.
Cargo trays also offer extra protection from the elements while transporting your belongings. Many trays come with waterproof or weatherproof materials that help keep your items safe from rain or snow while on the road. Additionally, some models come with additional features such as mesh pockets or dividers that can be used to organize your belongings and keep them safe during transit.
Cargo trays also provide stability while driving. With a large item securely strapped down on the tray, it is less likely that it will move around while you are driving, reducing the risk of accidents caused by shifting cargo in the back of your vehicle.
Overall, cargo trays offer an easy and reliable way to safely transport your belongings without having to worry about them falling off during transit. With their adjustable straps and waterproof materials, they provide extra protection from the elements while still allowing you access to all of your items when needed. They also provide extra stability when driving with large items in tow which can help reduce risks associated with shifting cargo in the back of a vehicle.
Types of Cars Compatible with a Cargo Tray
Cargo trays are a great addition to any vehicle as they help to maximize the space available in your car. And while they’re compatible with a wide range of cars, there are certain types of cars that work best with them. Here’s a look at some of the most popular types:
- SUVs: SUVs have plenty of cargo space, and cargo trays can help make the most of it. With a cargo tray, you can easily store items in an organized fashion and keep them secure while you’re on the go.
- Minivans: Minivans are known for their spacious interiors, making them ideal for cargo trays. With one installed, you can easily organize and store your belongings without taking up too much space.
- Trucks: Trucks often come with plenty of storage space, so adding a cargo tray is a great way to make use of that extra room. Cargo trays can help keep all your items secure and organized while still providing easy access when you need it.
No matter what type of vehicle you have, there’s likely a cargo tray option that will work for you. Cargo trays come in a variety of sizes and configurations, so it’s easy to find one that fits your needs perfectly. Many also feature adjustable height settings and tie-downs so you can customize the setup to fit your needs.
If you’re looking for even more storage options, some cargo trays also come with accessories such as dividers or shelves. These can be great for organizing small items like tools or electronics, or simply adding more usable space to your vehicle.
How to Measure the Dimensions of Your Car Trunk for a Cargo Tray
Measuring the dimensions of your car trunk is an important step when shopping for a cargo tray. Properly measuring your trunk can help you select the right size and make sure the tray fits. It’s usually best to take the measurements before heading to the store. Here are some steps you can follow when measuring your car trunk for a cargo tray:
- Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need a tape measure or ruler, a pen and paper.
- Measure Length and Width: Measure both the length and width of your trunk, making sure to measure from wall to wall. Record this information on paper.
- Measure Height: Measure from the floor of your trunk up to its highest point, then record this information.
- Check Cargo Tray Dimensions: When you go shopping for a cargo tray, make sure its dimensions match up with your measurements. If they don’t match, it’s best to keep looking.
Following these steps can help you find a cargo tray that fits perfectly in your car trunk, allowing you to maximize space and get more use out of it. Don’t forget that these measurements are also helpful when selecting other accessories for your trunk like bike racks or storage organizers.
Car Trays: What Materials are Used?
Car trays are an essential component of automotive vehicles. They provide a convenient way to store items such as drinks, snacks, and other belongings. Car trays come in a variety of materials, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
The most common material used for car trays is plastic. Plastic car trays are lightweight and durable, making them an ideal choice for vehicles that experience frequent use or harsh conditions. Plastic car trays are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a great option for cars with high levels of dirt and dust accumulation. However, plastic is not as strong as other materials, so it may not be the best choice for heavier items or larger items like laptops.
Metal is another popular material used for car trays. Metal car trays offer a higher level of strength and durability than plastic ones. They are also resistant to water damage and corrosion, making them an ideal choice for cars that are exposed to wet or damp conditions. However, metal car trays can be bulky and heavy, which could make them difficult to install or remove from the vehicle.
Wooden car trays offer a unique aesthetic appeal that is not available with metal or plastic models. Wooden car trays can also provide additional insulation from heat or cold temperatures that may occur inside the vehicle. However, wooden car trays require more maintenance than other materials due to their tendency to warp over time if not properly maintained.
Fiberglass-reinforced plastics (FRP) are becoming increasingly popular for car tray material due to their combination of strength, light weight, and low cost compared to metal or wood options. FRP is strong enough to bear heavier loads while still being lightweight enough to be easily installed or removed from the vehicle when necessary.
No matter what material you choose for your car tray, make sure it meets your needs in terms of durability and weight capacity while still providing the desired look and aesthetic appeal.
Maximize Your Vehicle’s Storage Capacity with a Cargo Tray
A cargo tray is an essential accessory for any vehicle. It provides extra storage space and allows you to store items safely and securely while on the go. Installing a cargo tray in your vehicle is a simple and straightforward process that doesn’t require any special tools or expertise. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Measure the interior of your vehicle to ensure that the cargo tray fits properly. Make sure you measure from the center of the floor up to the top of the seat or headrest.
Step 2: Once you have your measurements, purchase a cargo tray that matches those specifications. Choose one with adjustable straps for easy installation.
Step 3: Place the cargo tray in the designated area of your vehicle and secure it using the adjustable straps provided. Make sure it is securely fastened and won’t move around during travel.
Step 4: Fill up your cargo tray with whatever items you need to store. Be sure not to exceed your vehicle’s weight limit when loading up items.
- Tip:
For extra security, use bungee cords or ratchet straps to secure heavier items on top of your cargo tray.<
Maximizing the Use of a Cargo Tray
A cargo tray is an essential tool for any car owner looking to maximize the cargo capacity of their vehicle. It helps to keep items organized, secure and in place while driving, and can help save space in the cabin for other items. Here are some tips for using a cargo tray in your vehicle:
1. Choose the Right Tray: The first step is to choose the right type of cargo tray for your vehicle. Look for one that fits your vehicle’s size, shape and configuration. Make sure it has enough room to fit all of your items safely and securely.
2. Create an Organizational System: Once you have chosen the right tray, create an organizational system that will make it easy to find items when you need them. Use compartments and dividers to keep things separate and organized.
3. Use Protective Padding: To ensure that your items are not damaged on long drives or rough roads, use protective padding such as foam or bubble wrap around them before placing them in the tray. This will help keep them safe from bumps and vibrations.
4. Secure Your Cargo: To ensure that everything stays in place during a drive, it’s important to use straps or bungee cords to secure items in their compartments or against each other. This will help prevent them from shifting around while you’re on the go.
5. Clean Regularly: To keep your cargo tray looking its best, be sure to clean it regularly with soap and water or a mild detergent solution. This will help protect it from dirt, dust and grime build-up which can cause rusting over time.
Following these tips will help you get the most out of your cargo tray and ensure that all of your items stay safe while you’re on the road.
Conclusion
A cargo tray is a versatile and convenient car accessory that can help to organize, store and protect items in the back of your car. It is available in different sizes and materials, making it suitable for different types of vehicles. Cargo trays are affordable and easy to install, so they are a great way to keep your car looking neat and tidy. With the right care, a cargo tray can last for many years, helping you keep your car organized and clutter-free.
Overall, a cargo tray is an excellent addition to any vehicle that will help make life much easier. Whether you need extra storage space or just want to keep your car clean and organized, investing in a cargo tray is the perfect solution.
About the author
William Getty lives and breathes cars. He started driving cars as a 12 year old on the racetrack with his dad. Since then cars has always been a big part of Williams life.
In his garage you can find his beloved 2005 Ford Mustang, as well as a 2020 Audi A3.