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7 Things Families Forget to Pack for Summer Road Trips Summer road trip season is finally here. Families are loading up SUVs, planning vacations, heading to campgrounds, visiting relatives, and making memories on the road. But even well-planned trips can quickly become stressful when important items get forgotten. Whether you are heading across Iowa for a weekend getaway or taking a longer family vacation, a little preparation can make the drive much smoother and far more enjoyable. If you're still looking for the right road trip vehicle, you can browse available new SUVs here, compare used SUVs here, or check out our guide on the Best SUVs for Summer Road Trips in 2026. Brad Deery Motors is proud to be recognized as a 2025 CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer, based on verified customer reviews and ratings. Combined with strong Google reviews from drivers across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, many families choose Brad Deery Motors because they feel comfortable and confident throughout the shopping process. 1. Phone Chargers and Portable Battery Packs One of the most common things families forget is backup charging equipment. Phones, tablets, gaming devices, headphones, and navigation apps drain batteries quickly during long drives. Having extra charging cables and portable battery packs can save a lot of frustration, especially during long stretches between stops. 2. Snacks and Water It sounds simple, but snacks and drinks can completely change how smooth a road trip feels. Unexpected traffic, road construction, or long stretches without gas stations can make everyone uncomfortable fast. Keeping bottled water, easy snacks, and small coolers in the vehicle helps keep everyone happier during the drive. 3. Emergency Supplies Most families do not think about emergency supplies until they actually need them. While roadside issues are rare, being prepared gives peace of mind. Helpful items to keep in the vehicle include: Flashlight Jumper cables Blankets Basic tools Tire pressure gauge Emergency contact information 4. A Basic First Aid Kit Small cuts, headaches, bug bites, or upset stomachs can happen anytime during travel. A small first aid kit is easy to forget but can make a big difference when you need it. Even a simple kit with bandages, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, and allergy medicine can be incredibly helpful during long trips. 5. Entertainment for Kids Long drives feel even longer when kids get bored. Downloaded movies, books, travel games, headphones, and coloring supplies are often forgotten during the rush to leave. Having entertainment ready before the trip starts can help make the drive far less stressful for parents and much more enjoyable for kids. 6. A Quick Vehicle Check Before Leaving Many people spend so much time packing that they forget to check the vehicle itself before hitting the road. Summer heat and long highway drives can put extra stress on your vehicle. Before leaving, it is smart to check: Tire pressure and tread Oil levels Brake condition Battery health Coolant levels Air conditioning performance You can schedule service here: Schedule Service. 7. Enough Cargo Space Many families realize too late that they simply ran out of room. Between luggage, coolers, camping gear, sports equipment, and passengers, cargo space matters more than expected during road trips. That is one reason SUVs remain so popular for family travel. They offer flexible seating, extra storage, and a more comfortable ride for long-distance driving. You can browse available new SUVs and used SUVs to compare road trip-ready options. Why the Right Vehicle Makes Summer Travel Easier Comfort, technology, passenger space, and cargo flexibility all play a major role during long drives. Families often discover that the right vehicle makes vacations less stressful and far more enjoyable. At Brad Deery Motors, we help families compare SUVs and travel-ready vehicles every day so they can find the right fit for their lifestyle, budget, and summer plans. Why Families Shop Brad Deery Motors Large selection of family SUVs and road trip vehicles Helpful team focused on real-life needs Strong Google review reputation 2025 CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer recognition Serving drivers across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Road Trips What should families pack for road trips? Families should pack chargers, snacks, emergency supplies, first aid kits, entertainment, and important travel documents. What vehicle is best for family road trips? Many families prefer SUVs because they offer passenger space, cargo room, and comfort. Should I service my vehicle before a road trip? Yes. Checking tires, oil, brakes, battery, and fluids before traveling is highly recommended. Are SUVs good for long drives? Yes. Many SUVs are designed with comfort, storage, and travel-friendly features in mind. Where can I shop family SUVs near Davenport IA? Brad Deery Motors offers a large selection of SUVs for family travel and everyday driving. Brad Deery Motors proudly helps drivers from Davenport, Dubuque, Clinton, Bettendorf, Maquoketa, and surrounding communities find vehicles ready for summer travel, family vacations, and everyday life.

At Brad Deery Motors and Brad Deery Ford, we believe being part of a community means more than selling vehicles. Instead, we believe in supporting local families, encouraging kids, and creating experiences that leave lasting memories. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the 2026 Kid’s Day Fishing Expo hosted by the Mississippi Walleye Club. This incredible event gives children from the Dubuque area the chance to spend a day on the Mississippi River with local pro anglers. During the event, kids can fish, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors. For many children, the experience creates memories they will never forget. One of the coolest parts for us this year is seeing our own Zach Broders participate as one of the Pro Fishermen. 🎣 As part of the Brad Deery Motors sales team, Zach has a huge passion for fishing and the outdoors. Because of that, this event holds special meaning for him. We also love seeing our employees take part in events that matter to them personally. Supporting Kids, Families, and Community Through Outdoor Experiences Over the years, the Kid’s Day Fishing Expo has created amazing opportunities for local children and families. In addition, the event brings people together and encourages kids to spend more time outside. Young anglers can learn from experienced fishermen while also building confidence on the water. Community involvement continues to play a major role at Brad Deery Motors and Brad Deery Ford. Throughout the year, we support local schools, youth activities, charities, and family-friendly events across Eastern Iowa, Northwest Illinois, and surrounding communities. Events like this represent what matters most to us. Not only do we want to support programs that help families and encourage kids, but we also want to strengthen local communities. Equally important, we want to support causes that matter to our employees and customers. We truly appreciate the Mississippi Walleye Club and everyone who helps organize this event each year. Their hard work creates an unforgettable experience for local kids and families. Thanks to their dedication, children across the area can enjoy a fun and educational day on the river. We look forward to supporting more community events like this in the future. To learn more about the 2026 Kid’s Day Fishing Expo or to support the event, check out the official event page here: 2026 Kid’s Day Fishing Expo Event Page

More drivers from Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, and surrounding Quad Cities communities are making the drive to Maquoketa to shop at Brad Deery Motors. While there are plenty of dealerships closer to home, many shoppers say they are looking for something different: more inventory, a more relaxed buying experience, better trade values, and a dealership they feel they can trust. At Brad Deery Motors, we help drivers compare a huge variety of vehicles all in one location. Whether you're shopping for a truck, SUV, family vehicle, or affordable used car, our goal is to make the process easier and less stressful. You can browse current new inventory here, explore used vehicles here, or compare popular categories like used trucks and used SUVs. Brad Deery Motors was also recognized as a 2025 CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer, an award based on verified customer ratings and reviews. Combined with strong Google review feedback from customers across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, that recognition reflects the trust and transparency shoppers are looking for today. Why Are Davenport Drivers Willing to Drive to Maquoketa? For many buyers, the extra drive is worth it because they feel they have more choices and less pressure. Instead of settling for whatever is available nearby, shoppers often want the ability to compare multiple brands, trim levels, price points, and financing options in one place. Brad Deery Motors offers a large selection of vehicles across multiple brands, including: Chevrolet RAM Jeep Dodge Chrysler Ford Having that variety allows shoppers to compare vehicles side by side instead of visiting multiple dealerships across different cities. Are Trade-In Values Better at Brad Deery Motors? Many customers shopping from Davenport and the Quad Cities also mention trade-in value as a reason they visit Brad Deery Motors. Buyers often want straightforward information about what their current vehicle is worth and how that value can help lower their next payment. You can get started here: Value Your Trade. Do Customers Research Reviews Before Visiting? Absolutely. Today’s shoppers spend a lot of time reading Google reviews and researching dealerships before ever stepping foot on a lot. Many customers say they chose Brad Deery Motors because they saw consistent feedback about friendly staff, helpful service, and a more comfortable shopping experience. That online reputation matters more than ever. At Brad Deery Motors, we believe having a great experience is why we have so many repeat and referral customers. What Makes the Shopping Experience Different? Many drivers simply want a dealership experience that feels more relaxed and transparent. Customers often mention that they appreciate being able to ask questions, compare options, and make decisions without feeling rushed. Whether someone is shopping for a heavy-duty truck, a family SUV, or a first vehicle for a teen driver, having time to compare and test drive different options makes a major difference. Why Do Quad Cities Drivers Continue Coming Back? Many customers who first visit from Davenport or the Quad Cities later return for future purchases, service visits, and referrals. That long-term relationship matters, especially when buyers want a dealership they can continue working with after the sale. You can also explore: Customer Reviews Service Department Service Specials About Brad Deery Motors Why Drivers from Davenport Shop Brad Deery Motors Large inventory selection across multiple brands Strong Google review reputation 2025 CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer recognition Competitive trade-in opportunities Relaxed, customer-focused shopping experience Easy drive from Davenport and the Quad Cities Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping at Brad Deery Motors How far is Maquoketa from Davenport? Maquoketa is roughly a 45–60 minute drive from Davenport depending on traffic and route. Why do people drive to Maquoketa to buy vehicles? Many shoppers want more inventory choices, better trade opportunities, and a more relaxed buying experience. Does Brad Deery Motors sell both new and used vehicles? Yes. Brad Deery Motors offers a wide selection of both new and used vehicles. Can I trade in my current vehicle? Yes. Trade-ins can be applied toward your next purchase. What awards has Brad Deery Motors won? Brad Deery Motors was named a 2025 CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer based on verified customer reviews and ratings. Brad Deery Motors proudly serves drivers from Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, Dubuque, Clinton, Maquoketa, and surrounding communities with a large inventory selection and a customer-focused shopping experience.