The towel is used to protect the finish of the Green Weenie when I install the Thule cargo box on the roof rack. In Maricopa I store the box vertically against a garage wall. Then I grab it bear-hug style, carry it outside, and lean it against the towel. A simple lift slides it against the towel and onto the rack. After removing the towel I position the box and fasten it to the rack.

This trip was a four-day drive home (near Seattle). I traded oven-like temperatures and near-constant sunshine for cool days, overcast skies, and frequent drizzle.