Exterior Accessories
We Test: Honda CR-V 220LBS Heavy-Duty Roof Racks
We Test: Honda CR-V 220LBS Heavy-Duty Roof Racks
We recently got our hands on the 220LBS Roof Rack Cross Bars designed specifically for the Honda CR-V 2023-2026 Sport models, and we're impressed with what we found. During our testing, the heavy-duty aluminum construction proved to be both lightweight and surprisingly sturdy. We loaded up various gear-from kayaks to bikes-and the crossbars remained rock solid even on bumpy back roads.
Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes without any special tools. What caught our attention was the minimal wind noise compared to other aftermarket racks we've tested. The 220-pound weight capacity isn't just marketing hype either; we pushed these racks near their limit during our adventure weekend, and they performed flawlessly.
For CR-V owners looking to expand their cargo options, these crossbars offer excellent value and versatility.
We Test the Ultimate Roof Rack for Your Traverse
We Test the Ultimate Roof Rack for Your Traverse
We recently got our hands on the upgraded roof rack system designed specifically for the 2018-2021 Chevy Traverse, and we're impressed. This all-aluminum build supports an impressive 265 pounds, giving us plenty of capacity for our gear-heavy weekend excursions.
Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes without any specialized tools. The lockable feature gives us peace of mind when we need to leave our equipment unattended during pit stops.
What sets this rack apart is its noise control. Even at highway speeds, we barely noticed any additional wind noise - a common complaint with many aftermarket racks we've tested.
Our team particularly appreciated the heavy-duty construction that doesn't compromise the vehicle's appearance. The sleek design maintains the Traverse's profile while significantly expanding its utility.
If you're looking to enhance your Traverse's carrying capacity, this roof rack deserves our recommendation.
We Test the ARKSEN Skinny Roof Rack: Space-Saving Marvel
We Test the ARKSEN Skinny Roof Rack: Space-Saving Marvel
We recently put the ARKSEN 64"x23"x6" Skinny Roof Rack through its paces on a weekend camping trip, and we're thoroughly impressed with its performance. The slim profile lives up to its "skinny" name without compromising on utility. Despite its compact 6-inch height, we managed to secure all our camping gear with plenty of room to spare.
What caught our attention was the rack's sturdy construction. Even on bumpy back roads, our equipment stayed firmly in place thanks to the heavy-duty steel frame. The weather-resistant coating proved its worth when we encountered unexpected rain - our gear remained completely dry underneath our tarp.
Installation was straightforward on our SUV, taking us less than 30 minutes with basic tools. If you're looking for extra cargo space without the bulkiness of traditional carriers, this ARKSEN model deserves our recommendation.
We Review the MaxxHaul Rooftop Cargo Carrier: Worth It?
We Review the MaxxHaul Rooftop Cargo Carrier: Worth It?
We recently got our hands on the MaxxHaul 70115 roof rack to see if it lives up to the hype. This steel basket measures 46" x 36" x 4-1/2" and offers a solid 150 lb capacity, making it suitable for both SUVs and pickup trucks. During our testing, we appreciated the black powder-coated finish that held up well against the elements while giving it a sleek appearance.
Installation was straightforward, though we recommend having an extra pair of hands to help position it on the roof. The raised side rails provided excellent security for our cargo, preventing items from shifting during drives. We found the size particularly accommodating for camping gear, luggage, and even bulkier items that wouldn't fit in our vehicle.
For the price point, we believe this cargo carrier offers substantial value for anyone needing extra storage space.
We Test the WILDROAD Car Roof Platform: A Sturdy Hauler
We Test the WILDROAD Car Roof Platform: A Sturdy Hauler
When we loaded up the WILDROAD Car Roof Platform for a weekend camping trip, we were immediately impressed by its solid construction. At 48" x 47" x 1.3", this universal rack provided ample space for our gear without any concerning flex under load. The included ratchet straps made securing the platform to our SUV straightforward, while the super duty bungee net kept our bags firmly in place even on winding mountain roads.
We appreciated the anti-rust sealant application, suggesting this rack is built for longevity through various weather conditions. During our 200-mile round trip, the platform remained stable with minimal wind noise-a pleasant surprise for such a large accessory.
For anyone needing extra cargo capacity for adventure gear or moving day, our testing confirms this WILDROAD platform delivers impressive performance for its price point.
We Tried the StarONE 800lb Van Ladder Rack: A Game-Changer
We Tested KitsPro’s 260lb Highlander Roof Rack: Worth It?
We Tested KitsPro's 260lb Highlander Roof Rack: Worth It?
After three weeks of rigorous testing, we're ready to share our thoughts on the KitsPro 260lb Roof Rack Cross Bars for the 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander. These matte black aluminum crossbars offer an impressive 260-pound weight capacity, which easily handled our kayaks, cargo box, and even a rooftop tent during our mountain excursions.
Installation took us about 30 minutes without any drilling or modifications. The heavy-duty aluminum construction feels substantial yet didn't noticeably impact our fuel economy or create excessive wind noise at highway speeds-a common issue with aftermarket racks.
We particularly appreciated the secure fit on our 2017 Highlander XLE, with no wiggling or movement even on bumpy forest roads. While not the cheapest option available, the combination of high weight capacity, straightforward installation, and solid performance makes these KitsPro crossbars a worthwhile investment for adventure-loving Highlander owners.
We Tested the iBirdie XXL Rooftop Cargo Carrier: Here’s What We Discovered
We Tested the iBirdie XXL Rooftop Cargo Carrier: Here's What We Discovered
After three weeks of testing the iBirdie Roof Rack Cargo Carrier on various road trips, we're impressed with its massive 32.1 cubic feet capacity. This soft-shell carrier easily accommodated luggage for our family of five, with room to spare for camping gear.
The 1200D fabric proved genuinely waterproof during an unexpected thunderstorm, keeping our belongings completely dry. We appreciated the included anti-slip mat which prevented shifting, even on winding mountain roads.
Installation was straightforward on both our SUV with roof rails and sedan without dedicated racks, thanks to the versatile door hook system. The 60x37x25 inch dimensions provided ample space without excessively impacting fuel economy.
Our only minor complaint was some wind noise at highway speeds, though that's expected with any rooftop carrier. Overall, the iBirdie offers exceptional storage capacity and weather protection at a competitive price point.
SweetRoll: Our Review of YAKIMA’s Easy-Loading Boat Rack
SweetRoll: Our Review of YAKIMA's Easy-Loading Boat Rack
After months of testing the YAKIMA SweetRoll, we're excited to share our findings. This rooftop boat loader has completely transformed our kayaking adventures with its intuitive design. The roller system makes loading our kayak remarkably effortless-just place the bow on the rear rollers and push forward. We were particularly impressed by how the sweet-spot saddles automatically adjust to the hull's shape, creating a secure fit without excessive strap tightening.
Installation took us about 30 minutes, and the tool-free mounting system attaches securely to most factory and aftermarket crossbars. Even when fully loaded, we noticed minimal wind noise during highway driving. The integrated SKS locks provide peace of mind when we stop for lunch before reaching the water.
For paddlers seeking a user-friendly solution to transport a single kayak or canoe, the SweetRoll is definitely worth the investment.
We Test the Ultimate 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma Roof Rack
We Test the Ultimate 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma Roof Rack
When we got our hands on these cross bars designed specifically for the 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab, we were immediately impressed by their sturdy construction. During our weekend testing in the mountains, we loaded them with camping gear, kayaks, and even a rooftop cargo box-they handled the weight exceptionally well with no flexing or noise.
Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes with basic tools. The bars attach securely to the factory roof rails, creating a stable platform for all our adventure gear.
What really stood out was how these crossbars maintained excellent fuel efficiency; we noticed minimal impact on our gas mileage compared to other racks we've tested. The black powder-coated finish matches the Tacoma's aesthetic perfectly while providing solid corrosion resistance.
For Tacoma owners seeking reliable cargo solutions, these cross bars deliver impressive performance at a reasonable price point.
