Finding the Perfect Match: How to Choose a Car Tray for Your Vehicle Model

Adding a convenient car tray or mobile desk opens up valuable space for storage, working, snacking, and other on-the-go activities. But with so many options available, it can be tricky to match the right solution to your make and model.

By factoring in key fit considerations along with usage needs and priority features, you can zero in on tailor-made trays transforming wasted interior rooms into a functional personal workspace.

Critical sizing factors

An otherwise perfect tray won’t maximize space if it doesn’t align physically with your cabin dimensions. Before evaluating must-have amenities, focus first on these core sizing elements:

Steering wheel size

Most trays mount directly to the steering wheel itself. Measure your wheel’s diameter across the center to ensure a secure fit. Standard sizing falls between 15″-19″ but overlaps on the high and low end. Refer to your manufacturer specs if uncertain.

Be sure to measure the wheel size while it is adjusted to your normal driving position. The tilt and telescoping abilities of modern steering wheels mean the diameter can vary by several inches between fully retracted and fully extended.

If your specialty wheel falls outside the standard range, there are still great tray options available. Brands like Pilot Automotive and Innoplus cater to oversized truck wheels up to 22 inches in diameter. For compact wheels under 14 inches, versatile mounting straps can attach to other points like seat bolts.

Clearance dimensions

Consider not just wheel diameter but also total height, depth and width dimensions. Will the tray bump into seat backs, knees or other tight spaces when mounted? Check boundaries around the wheel to ensure you can functionally utilize the tray’s surface.

Be mindful of both legs and elbows depending on if you drive closer or farther from the steering column. Adjustable tray positioning helps navigate around limbs, but fixed mounts may limit usable range if space is extra tight.

When test fitting, make sure to mimic positions like reaching toward the dash or looking over shoulders to back up. Don’t forget basic actions that alter your driving posture.

And don’t just check fit in a parked position. Have someone verify inches of clearance while turning the wheels fully left and right.

Vehicle body width

Doors, ceilings and consol areas shape the unique frames of different auto makes. Compact cars offer less total cabin width than full-size trucks and SUVs. Match trays are sized appropriately for overall roominess.

Consider both the main tray depth plus any expandable sections, such as heightened legs, that increase the overall footprint. While the base may mount fine, extensions could bump surroundings.

This also applies vertically for trays offering standing desk capabilities. Measure both sitting and standing use cases to avoid head bumps when elevated.

Cupholders & Storage

Note existing slots around the wheel which may overlap with certain mounting locations. You want to supplement, not block access, to built-in compartments.

Pay special attention to potential conflicts with gear shifts if your vehicle has a manual transmission. And watch for any knee airbag zones on the underside of dashes which could cause deployment issues if blocked by lower tray mounts.

Measuring these trouble areas upfront prevents buying incompatible trays lacking the physical space to operate as needed regardless of other versatile features.

Usage needs dictating key features

Once you’ve confirmed base compatibility with your model, consider what activities you want to perform with the added organization.

Trays tailor designs catering to different hobbies, jobs and entertainment, prioritizing amenities accordingly.

Snacking & Dining

The convenience of tables for eating on the move makes them a top choice for busy drivers. If focused on meal transport, prioritize:

• Drink holders – Deep compartments prevent tipping with adjustable widths securing bottles and cups of varying sizes. evaluates insulation abilities keeping hot/cold temps.
• Deep compartments – Sections at least 4 inches deep safely contain robust food items. Anti-tip edges are essential given vehicle motion.
• Raised edges – Lips ranging 2-4 inches high block food falling overboard. They also give cups solid vertical backings.
• Easy-clean surfaces – Waterproof anti-microbial coatings resist messy spills from greasy foods or dripping condiments.

Multi-sectioned trays keep foods upright and separated for easy snacking without spills or mess. Brands like MICHELIN and Dash-Board Diner optimize portable dining through thoughtful compartmentalization.

Working or Studying

Those driving while working require ample room for laptops, notepads or textbooks. Seek out features like:

• Phone/tablet docks – Custom slots with auto-locking clips or secure corner straps safely secure delicate devices. Rubberized holders prevent scratches.
• Flat or angled surfaces – Table tops tilt up to 30 degrees catering to preferences typing on keyboards or writing by hand.
• Padded wrist rests – Thick memory foam padding reduces strain on wrists over bumps or extended periods. They provide cushions whether stationary or mobile.
• Attachable desk accessories – Modular trays allow integration of external holders for paper, writing tools, wireless mice and other productivity gear.

Extra space for portable devices along with mouse pads and expandable sections optimize mobile productivity. Brands like Executive Office Solutions and Versa-Tray perfect portable productivity.

Transporting kids

Making rides more fun and manageable for child passengers depends on toddler-friendly considerations:

• Snack compartments – Integrated trays with raised food bowls minimize dropped items and dangling feet kicking driver’s seat backs. Disney-themed options provide added fun.
• Toy hooks – Straps attaching plush figures and playthings keep items nearby without launching projectiles across the cabin during sharp turns.
• Cartoon designs – Colorful padding plus animal or character themes add entertainment value over boring utilitarian plastic.
• Secure straps – Safety locking belts around the tray ensure curious hands don’t detach components mid-ride. Lockable lids on storage bins prevent roadside dumping too!

Trays with food bowls, bright colors, security anchors and padded edges line up perfectly for the messy transport of young kids. Brands like Sunvex and Lusso Gear optimize playful convenience.

There are even more specialized trays for hobbies like grooming, applying makeup, fishing, crafting, and camping. Evaluate your in-car activities before comparison shopping.

Top questions to ask before buying

Along with measuring fit and usage priorities, asking the right questions during research ensures you select optimal automobile trays to enhance organization.

Is mounting secure?

A loose tray defeats the purpose of added utility. Well-fitted models attach tightly to wheels and/or other contact points via:

• Adjustable/elastic straps – Aircraft-level metal buckles or auto-grade stretch polymers prevent unwanted give while driving over bumps and turns.
• Strong suction cups – Industrial twin-cup designs rated for 20+ pound capacities adhere firmly to smooth surfaces like glass and glossy plastic dashes.
• Clamps/buckles – Interlocking brackets lined with scratch-preventing rubber or foam sleeves lock onto tubes up to 2 inches thick.
• Locking pivot joints – Hinged frames with threaded locking knobs eliminate shake by securing adjustable angles in place.

Don’t sacrifice safety with subpar mounting. Sturdy engineering prevents shifting around turns or bumps.

What is the overall construction quality?

Portable convenience comes with durability trade-offs compared to built-in surfaces. But better options use solid stable materials like:

• Aircraft-grade metals – Aluminum, steel and metal alloys match safety benchmarks from FAA airplane standards for inspected hardness.
• Impact-resistant plastics – Thermoformed ABS or co-polymer compounds include reinforced polymers resisting dents and fractures.
• Thick padding – Multi-layer molded foam exceeds standards for furniture or athletic safety gear for protecting cargo.
• Reinforced joins – Weight-bearing joints utilize rivets, metal sleeves and corner infrastructure preventing structural fatigue.

Cheap thin materials not only break but deform over time losing shape. Carefully inspect the stability and rigidity of frames and moving parts.

Does it have non-slip properties?

You want items sitting flush, not sliding around while braking or turning. Quality trays integrate:

• Rubberized mats – Softer compounds create grippy surfaces through impressions and friction rather than hard slippery plastics.
• Textured build materials – Micro-dotted textures and raised diamond plate patterns improve item traction like premium truck bed liners.
• Deep compartment edges – Vertical wells with 2-4 inch lips provide ample boundaries securing unstable gear of varying heights.
• Edge protection bumpers – Perimeter wraps, guards and grommets safeguard both user elbows and item integrity if knocked.

Both the base and surface should grip accessories in place through friction and boundaries.

What do position adjustments offer?

The perfect driving position one day may cause strain the next. Adjustable trays allow you to:

• Pivot side-to-side – Rotating elbows with adjustable angles helps items clear knees or other infringements to improve ergonomics.
• Tilt front-to-back – Forward and backward tilt from flat to 30+ degrees make finding the perfect viewing or using angle easy.
• Extend reach distance – Telescoping cross beams allow tuning the exact distance from the wheel for ideal interaction space.
• Change viewing angles – Multi-jointed arm mounts enable positioning phones or tablets at eye level to reduce awkward postures.

Custom angles both improve ergonomics and open functionality to steer wheels/pedals freely when parked.

Does design quality align with price?

With so many no-name overseas brands flooding sites, it’s easy to overpay for cheap quality. Watch for:

• Premium brands overcharging on branding – High-priced tags without materials or features justifying costs. Vet heavy markups critically.
• Savvy shopper steals with little-known gems – Lesser-known specialty companies deliver premium advantages without the brand tax.
• Consistency across user reviews – Clear patterns around quality and value emerging from first-hand buyer experiences rather than marketing claims.

Let other buyers’ experiences guide you toward high-value purchases exceeding expectations at reasonable costs.

What visual aesthetics fit your style?

Do you want your tray to match a luxury interior or infuse economical fun?

• Faux leather, aluminum, and wood grains emit refined sophistication resembling integrated surfaces rather than tacked-on plastic.
• Vibrant molded plastics and playful patterns lean modern and casual – excellent for kids and recreational activities.

Beyond functionality, trays also make lifestyle statements. Choose designs that blend with your overall vehicle interiors.

Safety first!

While reviewing exciting features, don’t overlook critical safety essentials. Only operate trays:

• While parked for tasks requiring extended focus like typing or crafting. Stopping eliminates the distraction threats of mixing driving with intensive projects.
• With non-breakable drink containers secured in holders. Lidded seals prevent liquid projectiles during sudden braking. Plus anchors keep bottles upright.
• With muted electronics avoiding excessive volume. Loud music, videos or calls still divert attention from the roadway requiring full alertness.
• Using mounting locations avoids airbag zones. Don’t block sensors or deployment paths with improper installations.

Responsibly enhancing interior space depends first on focusing attention on driving safely when in motion. Let common sense guide tray usage supporting convenience without unnecessary risk!

Enjoy your mobile upgrade!

Hopefully breaking down key measurements, usage considerations, and smart shopping tactics equips you to match exceptional trays with your vehicle’s model. We’d love to hear your experiences once installed and life on the road get an organizational upgrade! Let us know how your custom setup improves daily driving. Bon Voyage!