Have a blanket handy for roof tie-down jobs (and to cover the
backseat when transporting a pooch). Repurpose an old blanket, or
buy a fleece blanket, which
is durable and dries quickly. A twin size will cover the roofs of
most station wagons. L.L. Bean Ultrasoft Polartec blanket, $69,
www.llbean.com.
Stash two 20-foot lengths of 1/4-inch nylon rope, too. It's
inexpensive, ties easily, and resists rot, mildew, and chemical
corrosion. One-quarter-inch braided-nylon Lehigh rope, 16 cents a
foot, Home Depot, www.homedepot.com.
If you're not up for learning knots, get a set of two tie-down
straps with cinch buckles made by Thule ($22) or Yakima ($20).
