We Test the StarONE Ford Transit Ladder Rack: Worth It?
27 Aug
Exterior Accessories

We Test the StarONE Ford Transit Ladder Rack: Worth It?

We Test the StarONE Ford Transit Ladder Rack: Worth It?

After two weeks of rigorous testing with our 2018 Transit 250, we’re impressed by the StarONE 54″ Van Ladder Rack. Installation was straightforward with the included hardware, taking us about 3 hours. The 800-pound capacity isn’t just marketing-we loaded it with multiple extension ladders, roof materials, and conduit with zero concerns about stability.

The three-bar design provides excellent support, while the integrated cargo roller makes loading ladders a one-person job. No more awkward stretching or potential damage to your vehicle’s finish.

What truly stands out is the build quality. The heavy-duty aluminum construction feels robust yet doesn’t add excessive weight to the van’s roof. We’ve taken our Transit through various weather conditions and construction sites, and the rack shows no signs of wear.

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We Tested Yakima’s ReelDeal: The Ultimate Outdoor Gear Rack
26 Aug
Exterior Accessories

We Tested Yakima’s ReelDeal: The Ultimate Outdoor Gear Rack

We Tested Yakima’s ReelDeal: The Ultimate Outdoor Gear Rack

After spending several weekends testing the Yakima ReelDeal rack, we’re convinced it’s one of the most versatile carriers on the market. The system securely transported our fishing rods, skis, and snowboards without a hitch, even on bumpy mountain roads. We particularly appreciated the SKS lock system, which gave us peace of mind when we stopped for lunch during our adventure trips.

The rack’s heavy-duty construction inspires confidence, yet it remains surprisingly lightweight for installation and removal. We found the capacity impressive-comfortably holding 4 sets of skis and 2 snowboards simultaneously, with easy-to-use clamps that worked even with gloved hands.

While the price point sits on the higher end of the spectrum, our testing confirms the investment is worthwhile for active families who transition between seasonal sports and need reliable, secure transportation for their gear.

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Our Review: Universal 53″ Roof Rack Cross Bars That Deliver
25 Aug
Exterior Accessories

Our Review: Universal 53″ Roof Rack Cross Bars That Deliver

Our Review: Universal 53″ Roof Rack Cross Bars That Deliver

We recently got our hands on these 53″ Universal Roof Rack Cross Bars, and they’ve exceeded our expectations. With a robust 300 lbs capacity, these heavy-duty crossbars provide impressive versatility for all our cargo-carrying needs. What we appreciated most was the universal design that works with both flush and raised side rails, making them compatible with most SUVs and similar vehicles.

Installation was straightforward, and the adjustable design allowed us to position them exactly where needed. The lockable feature gives us peace of mind when leaving our gear on the roof during stops. Throughout our testing, they remained sturdy even when fully loaded with camping equipment and luggage.

For anyone looking to expand their vehicle’s storage capacity without breaking the bank, these crossbars offer excellent value. They’ve proven to be a reliable solution for our outdoor adventures.

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We Tested ERKUL’s Silent & Strong XC60 Roof Rack
24 Aug
Exterior Accessories

We Tested ERKUL’s Silent & Strong XC60 Roof Rack

During our two-week testing period with the ERKUL Roof Rack Cross Bars for Volvo XC60 (2009-2017 models), we were particularly impressed by their balance of functionality and refinement. The aluminum construction strikes a sweet spot between durability and weight, making installation manageable while ensuring these bars can handle heavy loads.

What truly sets these crossbars apart is their noise reduction design. Unlike cheaper alternatives we’ve tested, the ERKUL bars maintained a remarkably quiet profile even at highway speeds-no irritating wind noise or whistling to distract from our drive. The anti-theft locking mechanism gave us confidence when parking in public areas with gear mounted.

Installation was straightforward, with the flush rail compatibility providing a secure, low-profile fit that complements the XC60’s sleek lines. For Volvo owners seeking a reliable, quiet roof rack solution without breaking the bank, our testing suggests these ERKUL crossbars deserve serious consideration.

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We Test Snailfly’s Silent Crossbars for 2016-22 Lexus RX
23 Aug
Exterior Accessories

We Test Snailfly’s Silent Crossbars for 2016-22 Lexus RX

We Test Snailfly’s Silent Crossbars for 2016-22 Lexus RX

After several weeks of testing the Snailfly Upgraded Crossbars for the Lexus RX series, we’re impressed with their performance. These roof rack cross bars designed for 2016-2022 RX models (including the RX350, RX350L, RX450h, and RX450hL) deliver on their promise of quiet operation. Unlike factory racks that often produce annoying wind noise, these remained whisper-quiet even at highway speeds.

Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes without any drilling or modifications. The aluminum construction feels sturdy yet lightweight, with a 150lb weight capacity that easily handled our cargo boxes and bike racks. We particularly appreciated the aerodynamic design that minimizes drag and fuel consumption.

For Lexus RX owners looking to add versatile cargo options without compromising the vehicle’s refined driving experience, these Snailfly crossbars offer excellent value and performance.

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We Tested the ARKSEN Universal Roof Rack: Is It Worth It?
22 Aug
Exterior Accessories

We Tested the ARKSEN Universal Roof Rack: Is It Worth It?

We Tested the ARKSEN Universal Roof Rack: Is It Worth It?

After putting the ARKSEN 64 x 39 x 4 inch Universal Roof Rack through its paces on our recent camping expedition, we’re impressed with its performance. The 150-pound capacity easily handled our gear, and the spacious storage area accommodated everything from luggage to our kayak.

Installation was straightforward on our SUV, taking us about 30 minutes with basic tools. We appreciated the durable steel construction that showed no signs of stress even when fully loaded. The extension feature proved particularly useful when we needed to transport longer items.

While driving at highway speeds, we noticed minimal wind noise – a pleasant surprise for a roof rack of this size. The rack remained secure throughout our 300-mile journey, including some rough back roads.

For the price point, we found the ARKSEN offers excellent value compared to premium brands with similar features.

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We Test the Ultimate Roof Rack for Your 2023+ Chevy Trax
21 Aug
Exterior Accessories

We Test the Ultimate Roof Rack for Your 2023+ Chevy Trax

We recently put the Heavy-Duty Aluminum Cross Bars for the 2023-2025 Chevy Trax through their paces, and we’re impressed with what we found. These roof racks offer an impressive 220 lb weight capacity, making them perfect for hauling everything from bikes to snowboards. Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes without any special tools.

What caught our attention was the aerodynamic design that significantly reduced wind noise compared to other models we’ve tested. The aluminum construction strikes a nice balance between durability and weight.

One important note: these won’t fit the LS or 1RS trim levels, so double-check your specific model before purchasing. After several weekend trips with gear loaded up, we can confirm these cross bars remained firmly in place with no shifting or loosening. For Trax owners looking to expand their cargo capabilities, these roof racks offer excellent value and performance.

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We Tested ARKSEN’s Roof Rack: Ultimate Storage Solution
20 Aug
Exterior Accessories

We Tested ARKSEN’s Roof Rack: Ultimate Storage Solution

After testing the ARKSEN 84 x 50 x 6 inch Universal Roof Rack for several months, we’re impressed by its versatility and durability. This heavy-duty carrier easily accommodated our camping gear, luggage, and even bulky sports equipment while maintaining stability at highway speeds. The 150lb weight capacity proved more than sufficient for our needs, and the extension feature gave us welcome flexibility when packing oddly-shaped items.

We particularly appreciated the universal design that fit seamlessly on our SUV but would work equally well on trucks and cars. The steel construction withstood various weather conditions without showing signs of rust or wear. Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes with basic tools.

For families or adventure enthusiasts needing extra storage space, this ARKSEN roof rack delivers exceptional value. It’s transformed how we pack for road trips, eliminating the cramped feeling of stuffing everything inside the vehicle.

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Our Verdict: Rightline Gear Sport 2 – Versatile Roof Storage for Any Adventure
19 Aug
Exterior Accessories

Our Verdict: Rightline Gear Sport 2 – Versatile Roof Storage for Any Adventure

Our Verdict: Rightline Gear Sport 2 – Versatile Roof Storage for Any Adventure

After rigorous testing on several road trips, we’re impressed with the Rightline Gear Sport 2 Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier. With 15 cubic feet of storage, this carrier significantly expanded our packing capacity without requiring a permanent roof rack installation. The weatherproof construction kept our gear completely dry through heavy rainstorms, and the dual-sealing system provided excellent protection against the elements.

We particularly appreciated the versatile attachment options – the carrier works equally well with or without a roof rack, making it suitable for virtually any vehicle. Installation was straightforward, taking us less than 15 minutes from unboxing to secure mounting. The aerodynamic design minimized wind noise, even at highway speeds.

For families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone needing extra storage space for their adventures, this carrier offers tremendous value and convenience.

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Our Review: Universal Van Roof Rack That Delivers 700lb Strength
18 Aug
Exterior Accessories

Our Review: Universal Van Roof Rack That Delivers 700lb Strength

Our Review: Universal Van Roof Rack That Delivers 700lb Strength

When we installed the Van Roof Ladder Rack 2 Bar Set on our work van, we were immediately impressed by its versatility. The adjustable length (41.5″ to 70″) meant we could achieve a perfect fit on our Chevy Express 2500, but it would work equally well on Ford Econoline or GMC Savana models.

What really stood out to us was the impressive 700lb weight capacity. We’ve loaded everything from ladders to lumber without any concerning flex or strain. The rain gutter mounting system provided a secure attachment that remained rock-solid even on bumpy roads.

Installation was straightforward, taking us under an hour with basic tools. The powder-coated steel construction suggests this rack will withstand years of outdoor exposure and heavy use.

For contractors and delivery services looking for a reliable, heavy-duty roof solution, we’ve found this universal rack delivers exceptional value.

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