20 Jul

We Test: Toyota Tacoma Roof Rack Cross Bars – 165lb Gear Hauling Champion

July 20, 2025
By Drivecraft
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We Test: Toyota Tacoma Roof Rack Cross Bars – 165lb Gear Hauling Champion

We recently got our hands on the Roof Rack Cross Bars Kit designed specifically for the 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab. After putting it through several weekend adventures, we’re impressed with its solid 165lb capacity. The installation process was straightforward, taking us about 40 minutes from unboxing to completion.

What we appreciate most is the versatility – we’ve loaded it with everything from our mountain bikes to camping gear and even a kayak. The bars remained stable even on bumpy off-road trails, with no concerning noise or vibration at highway speeds.

The aluminum construction strikes a good balance between durability and weight, while the Toyota-specific fit means no drilling or modifications were needed. If you’re a Tacoma owner looking to expand your cargo capabilities for outdoor adventures, these cross bars deliver excellent value for the investment.

19 Jul

Exterior Accessories

Our Road Test: Thule Wingbar Evo 135 Silent Performance

We recently put the Thule Wingbar Evo 135 (53″) in Black through its paces on a 500-mile road trip. The sleek aerodynamic design isn’t just for looks-we noticed a significant reduction in wind noise compared to our previous rack system. Even at highway speeds, the WindDiffuser technology effectively minimized that annoying whistle that typically accompanies roof racks.

Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes with the included tools. The 53″ length provided ample space for our kayaks while the T-track slots made attaching accessories a breeze. We appreciated the 220-pound load capacity which easily handled our gear.

What impressed us most was how the black finish maintained its appearance despite exposure to various weather conditions. The SwingBlade end caps provided convenient access to the T-slots without removing the entire bar.

For those seeking a premium, quiet roof rack solution, we found the Wingbar Evo 135 delivers as promised.

18 Jul

Exterior Accessories

We Tested the Ultimate Chevy Equinox Roof Rack System

July 18, 2025
By Drivecraft
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We Tested the Ultimate Chevy Equinox Roof Rack System

During our month-long testing of these roof rack cross bars for the 2018-2019 Chevy Equinox, we were consistently impressed by their performance and versatility. The aluminum construction strikes an ideal balance between durability and weight, while easily handling the advertised 300-pound capacity when we loaded it with bikes, camping gear, and even a kayak.

Installation took us about 35 minutes, with the adjustable design accommodating various load widths. We particularly appreciated the anti-theft locking mechanism that gave us peace of mind when parked in public areas.

The aerodynamic profile kept wind noise minimal even at highway speeds, and we noticed only a slight decrease in fuel efficiency. Our only minor critique would be that the included instructions could be clearer, but once installed, these cross bars proved to be an exceptional addition to our Equinox’s cargo capabilities.

17 Jul

Exterior Accessories

Our Take on Toyota Highlander Lockable Roof Rack Bars

July 17, 2025
By Drivecraft
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Our Take on Toyota Highlander Lockable Roof Rack Bars

We recently had the chance to test the Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars designed specifically for the 2020-2025 Toyota Highlander L, LE and Hybrid Nightshade models without factory side rails. These cross bars impressed us with their secure fit and straightforward installation process. The lockable feature gives us peace of mind when leaving gear on top of the vehicle during stops.

The aluminum construction offers a good balance of strength and weight, supporting up to 165 pounds of cargo while adding minimal impact to fuel efficiency. We particularly appreciated the aerodynamic design that significantly reduced wind noise compared to other aftermarket options we’ve tried.

For Highlander owners looking to expand their cargo capabilities for bikes, kayaks, or roof boxes, these cross bars provide excellent value. The model-specific design ensures compatibility without the need for modifications to your vehicle.

16 Jul

Exterior Accessories

Our Review of Thule UpRide: The Frame-Free Roof Rack Solution

After several weeks of testing the Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack on various road trips, we’re impressed with its innovative approach to bike transport. Unlike traditional roof racks that clamp onto the frame, the UpRide secures bikes by the wheels only-a game-changer for carbon frame owners concerned about compression damage.

We found the installation straightforward, taking us about 20 minutes without specialized tools. The rack’s wheel hook system accommodates tires up to 5 inches wide, making it versatile for everything from road bikes to fat-tire mountain bikes. During highway driving at 70+ mph, our bikes remained rock-solid with minimal noise increase.

What truly sets the UpRide apart is its thoughtful security features. The included locks secured both the bike to the rack and the rack to our roof bars, giving us peace of mind during rest stops.

15 Jul

Exterior Accessories

Our Review: Ultra-Secure 220lb Roof Rack for GM SUVs

July 15, 2025
By Drivecraft
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Our Review: Ultra-Secure 220lb Roof Rack for GM SUVs

After testing several roof rack options for newer GM SUVs, we’re impressed with these lockable cross bars designed for the Chevy Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade ESV (2021-2025 models). The 220lb weight capacity exceeded our expectations during our mountain biking trip, easily handling four bikes plus gear. The aluminum construction strikes an excellent balance between durability and weight, while the locking mechanism gave us peace of mind when parking at trail heads. Installation took us about 30 minutes without any specialized tools. We particularly appreciated the aerodynamic design, which kept wind noise minimal even at highway speeds. The black finish complements most vehicle colors while resisting scratches better than we anticipated. For GM SUV owners needing serious cargo capacity without compromising security, these cross bars are our top recommendation.

14 Jul

Exterior Accessories

We Tested the Ultimate Carnival Roof Rack: Secure, Silent & Strong

We recently put the Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars to the test on our 2023 KIA Carnival, and they’ve proven to be a game-changer for our family road trips. With a robust 220lb capacity, these aluminum crossbars handled our kayaks and cargo box without any issues. The installation process was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes with the included hardware.

What impressed us most was the noise level-or lack thereof. Unlike previous racks we’ve used, these bars created minimal wind noise even at highway speeds. The lockable feature adds peace of mind when parking in public areas, and the sleek black finish complements the Carnival’s aesthetics perfectly.

After three months of regular use, the racks show no signs of wear or loosening. For Carnival owners looking to expand their cargo capabilities without sacrificing vehicle performance, these heavy-duty crossbars deliver exceptional value.

13 Jul

Exterior Accessories

YAKIMA JayLow: Our Top Pick for Versatile Kayak Transport

After testing numerous kayak racks this season, we’ve found the YAKIMA JayLow to be exceptionally impressive. This rooftop carrier offers remarkable flexibility with both J-cradle and stacker positions, allowing us to transport either one boat in the J-cradle or two in the stacker configuration. We appreciate how the tool-free installation made setup a breeze on our crossbars, while the padded contact points ensure our kayaks remain scratch-free during transit. The integrated SKS (Same Key System) locks provide peace of mind when we need to make stops along the way. What really sets the JayLow apart is its folding design-when not in use, it collapses down to minimize wind noise and improve clearance for garages. For paddlers seeking a reliable, adaptable transportation solution, we highly recommend the YAKIMA JayLow.

12 Jul

Exterior Accessories

Our Review: Universal Van Roof Rack – Versatile & Secure Storage Solution

After testing the Van Roof Ladder Rack 3 Bar Set for several weeks, we’re impressed with its versatility and durability. The adjustable length (41.5″-70″) makes this truly universal, fitting perfectly on our Chevy Express and equally well on a colleague’s Ford Econoline.

Installation was straightforward, taking us about an hour with basic tools. The rain gutter mounting system provides exceptional stability-even when fully loaded with ladders and lumber, we noticed minimal noise or movement during highway driving.

We particularly appreciate the robust steel construction that withstands the elements while maintaining a reasonable weight. The weight capacity easily handled our 200-pound load without any concerning flex.

For contractors or delivery services needing reliable equipment transportation, this roof rack delivers outstanding value. The secure fit and adjustable design make it a practical addition to any compatible cargo van.

11 Jul

Exterior Accessories

Our Review: Chevy Trax Roof Racks That Go Above & Beyond

We recently got our hands on the Enhanced 220LBS Roof Racks for the 2024-2025 Chevy Trax models, and we’re genuinely impressed with their performance. These cross bars have completely transformed how we transport our outdoor gear. The standout feature is definitely the 220-pound weight capacity, which easily handled our family’s kayaks and mountain bikes during our weekend adventures.

Installation was a breeze-we had the entire system mounted in under 30 minutes without any special tools. The secure fit on our Trax ACTIV gave us confidence even when driving on windy mountain roads. We appreciate the versatility these racks offer, accommodating everything from snowboards to cargo carriers with equal stability.

For Chevy Trax owners looking to maximize their vehicle’s utility without compromising style, we found these roof racks to be a worthwhile investment that truly goes above and beyond.