Whether it is time to go bulk shopping or you are heading across the country on an adventure, you will need to load your SUV's cargo area. At 1st Choice Motors in Madison Heights, VA, we want to help by offering our top tips on loading gear into your vehicle.

Step one when loading your SUV is to make sure that it is ready to handle the extra weight. A tune-up is a great idea, and you should check your tire pressure prior to beginning. If you are traveling with fragile items, having blankets to help cushion them is recommended.

Step two is actually loading the cargo. Start with the heavier items, and try to distribute their weight evenly. Keeping the heavy items on the first layer of your gear will keep your center of gravity low, which is important for your safety. Be sure not to stack things so high that they impede seeing out the back of your SUV.