Are you among the thousands of Americans who've traded in their gas- guzzling trucks and SUVs for smaller vehicles due to rising gas prices? If so, congratulations - you've made a money-saving move.

While most larger vehicles average only 15 to 18 miles per gallon, sedans and CUVs get 25 to 30 and hybrids deliver up to 50 miles per gallon. So instead of being able to go only 200 miles on a tank that costs you $50 to fill, you can travel 500 miles or more without any additional expense.

While the numbers are impressive, there is a tradeoff. You lose a lot of cargo room when you downsize. Some people try to get creative when they travel by packing all they can into the trunk, then tying it down with a rope, or strapping their bags to the roof; but there are better solutions.

Lund International, a leading manufacturer of automotive accessories, offers a number of solutions for people who need to carry more than their smaller cars or CUVs can handle. Whether you're vacationing or just tailgating in the stadium parking lot, here are some affordable accessories you'll want to consider adding to your vehicle:

Hitch-mounted Cargo Carrier

A 20x60-inch steel platform that fits into a standard 2-inch hitch receiver on the back of your vehicle is available in both folding and stationary styles, and comes with pre-punched holes for attaching accessories and tie-down straps.

This is the perfect accessory for transporting a grill and cooler for a tailgating party. It can also be used to carry gear for a camping trip, suitcases, or just about anything you can imagine would fit on the platform. If you want to protect your belongings, you can opt for the optional heavy-duty storage bag, cargo netting or sidebar attachment. There's also a bike carrier attachment available.

Rooftop Carrier

This is a cargo basket that attaches to factory or aftermarket roof rack on a minivan, CUV or SUV with no drilling. The large-capacity basket provides plenty of storage space for luggage, cargo bags and more. They are available in two sizes: 39x44-inch and 39x55-inch. Netting to secure your cargo to the rack is also available, as are rooftop bags that provide complete weatherproof protection in an aerodynamic design.

Drop-down Bike Carrier

Throwing your bike in the back of your truck or SUV wipes out valuable cargo space. Lund offers a hitch-mounted, drop-down bike carrier made of 2-inch steel tubing that's powder coated for durability and rust protection. It installs in seconds, folds down to allow easy access to the trunk or cargo area, and comes with an adjustable clamp plate that fits most bike tube diameters. Rubber padding on the clamp protects your bike from slipping and scratching.

You can find Lund products at leading automotive retailers nationwide. Visit www.lundinternational.com for a store locator.