Summer road trips are among my favorite memories, but they also come with their own challenges. Keeping things organized, staying cool, and making tech more accessible all matter a lot more when you’re on the road. I’ve used my 3D printer for more than just fun and games. It’s helped to solve several of those little travel annoyances, and the right designs have made a noticeable difference. These five gadgets travel with me now, and I wouldn’t leave without them.
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5
Car vent phone mount upgrade
A simple print that holds your phone steady
Most off-the-shelf phone holders either fall off or rattle themselves loose by the time you hit the highway. I printed a low-profile vent clip mount designed to fit my phone’s case and charging cable perfectly. It utilizes a small friction-fit tab system that stays in place without damaging the vent itself. The best part is that I can modify the design anytime I change phones or vehicles.
Since it’s custom-fit, the phone stays much more secure than anything with a universal grip. I also added a cable guide to route the charging cord cleanly along the vent, which helps cut down on clutter in the center console. It’s made longer drives safer since I don’t have to fumble for the phone when using navigation. And unlike store-bought ones, I don’t worry about melting rubber pads or broken plastic arms.
You can find vent clip mount STLs for almost any phone, or you can customize one from scratch using Fusion 360 or Onshape. Mine took less than an hour to print in PETG. I keep a backup in the glove compartment just in case I need a quick replacement.
4
Trash bag hook behind the seat
A compact fix to keep the car clean
Between snack wrappers, receipts, and the occasional fast-food bag, the road trip mess builds up quickly. I printed a small hook system that slides over the metal rods on the back of the passenger seat headrest. It’s perfect for hanging a small plastic bag for trash collection that’s easy to remove at each gas stop. Even better, I made it with a dual hook layout to also hang sunglasses or a cap.
This design helps keep clutter off the floor and provides passengers with a place to store used napkins and empty bottles. I’ve printed different versions over the years, including ones with a rotating hook or clips for reusable trash bags. It doesn’t require much filament and can be printed in under 30 minutes, even at a moderate resolution.
Now, every time someone sees the trash bag hook I bring along, they ask where I got it. It’s the kind of gadget that solves a tiny but constant annoyance in a satisfying way. I don’t need to remind anyone to pick up their trash, either. It just happens.
3
Cupholder organizer for small items
Prevent things from rattling or rolling away
Cupholders are great for drinks, but they’re also magnets for coins, earbuds, receipts, and anything else that doesn’t have a home. I printed a multi-compartment insert that fits into one of the cupholders, providing a convenient place to store items like lip balm, coins, gum, and charging adapters. Each slot is sized just right for specific items I use often on the road.
This helps keep the front seat from becoming a catch-all tray. The print is just deep enough to stay secure, and I even added a little spring-tab cutout to make it easy to lift out and clean. I used TPU bumpers at the base to stop rattling when the car hits bumps. It’s been in place through heatwaves and cold nights without warping.
Since this was a custom fit, I was able to use every bit of vertical space without blocking the second cupholder. I’ve modified the design over time and reprinted it with new compartments when my car accessories changed. It’s a simple quality-of-life improvement that always pays off.
2
Snap-in tablet holder for headrests
A DIY entertainment center for backseat passengers
Long drives can get boring, especially for backseat passengers. I printed a snap-in tablet holder that mounts securely between the metal rods of the headrest, supporting both horizontal and vertical orientations. It’s sturdy enough for an iPad, and the angle is great for watching movies or playing games. I added a ball joint socket so it can tilt for better viewing.
This works far better than the stretchy fabric pouches that sag over time. The tablet stays firmly in place, even on bumpy roads, and I no longer have to hear complaints about holding a screen at the wrong angle. It prints in two main parts and assembles easily with a bolt and thumb screw.
The best part is how flexible the design is. I’ve made versions that fit Kindles, Switch consoles, and even a retro handheld emulator. It’s one of the most appreciated additions when traveling with passengers.
1
Sunglasses clip that mounts overhead
Keep your shades right where you need them
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve dropped or crushed a pair of sunglasses in the car. I printed a small, spring-loaded clip that mounts to the headliner, just behind the visor. It gently but firmly grasps the arm of my sunglasses, keeping them accessible without rattling or falling.
My favorite clip is printed in two parts using PLA with a TPU spring section in the middle. I used a friction-fit mounting system that slides over the plastic trim seam without the need for adhesive or screws. It’s held up well over many hot summers without deforming. I also made a version that holds two pairs side by side.
It’s such a small thing, but it makes a big difference during early morning drives or mid-afternoon glare. I no longer need to dig through the center console to find my shades. And since I can print backups, I don’t stress about accidentally snapping it.
These tiny upgrades add up quickly to smooth out the trip
None of these prints took more than a few hours to design and make, but they’ve improved my travel routine in noticeable ways. Having a cleaner car, better-organized gear, and secure mounts makes long drives less stressful. I can focus more on the scenery and less on the clutter or tech hiccups.
If you have access to a 3D printer, these kinds of small, personalized solutions are well worth the time. You can find a variety of great designs on sites like Printables and MakerWorld, or modify them to suit your specific vehicle and needs. It’s a great example of how maker tools can become everyday conveniences.
