Exterior Accessories
We Tested the Robust BMW X3 Roof Rack That Hauls It All
We Tested the Robust BMW X3 Roof Rack That Hauls It All
After weeks of hauling everything from kayaks to camping gear, we can confidently say this Heavy Duty 300 LBS Roof Rack for the BMW X3 is a game-changer. The adjustable crossbars installed seamlessly onto our 2019 X3's factory side rails in under 20 minutes. We appreciated the integrated locks that gave us peace of mind when leaving our pricey mountain bikes mounted while grabbing lunch during our weekend adventures.
What impressed us most was the rock-solid stability even when loaded with our family's four paddleboards at highway speeds - no worrying vibrations or whistling noise that cheaper racks often develop. The 300-pound weight capacity isn't just marketing hype; we've pushed it near its limits during a cross-country move hauling our oversized cargo box.
If you're a BMW X3 owner who regularly needs to transport bulky gear, this roof rack deserves serious consideration.
We Tested the Ultimate Roof Rack for Mazda CX90 Owners
Our Take on RoofPax XXL: The Ultimate Road Trip Companion
Our Take on RoofPax XXL: The Ultimate Road Trip Companion
We recently put the RoofPax XXL 28 cubic foot cargo carrier to the test during our cross-country adventure, and we're thoroughly impressed. This rooftop bag offers exceptional waterproofing that kept our gear bone-dry through unexpected thunderstorms. With its generous capacity, we easily packed everything our family of four needed for a week-long trip.
The 10 heavy-duty straps and 4 hooks provided rock-solid security - no shifting or sliding even on windy mountain roads. We appreciated the versatility of being able to mount it with or without a roof rack, making it suitable for virtually any vehicle.
Installation took us less than 15 minutes, and the material quality suggests this will be accompanying us on adventures for years to come. If you're looking for extra storage space without compromising on protection or stability, we believe the RoofPax XXL is well worth considering.
We Tested the Thule Epos 2: A Game-Changer for Bike Transport
We Tested the Thule Epos 2: A Game-Changer for Bike Transport
After three weeks of rigorous testing, we can confidently say the Thule Epos 2 has revolutionized how we transport our bikes. This towbar-mounted bike rack impressed us with its tool-free installation-we had it mounted and ready in under 10 minutes. The automatic positioning system adjusted perfectly to our different bike frames, from road bikes to e-bikes, without any frame contact.
What really stood out was the tilt function: even with four bikes loaded, we could access our trunk with just one foot movement. The integrated wheels made storage surprisingly easy, as we could roll it into our garage rather than awkwardly carrying it.
At $899, it's certainly an investment, but considering the build quality and thoughtful features, we believe serious cyclists will find tremendous value here. Our testing confirmed: the Epos 2 truly delivers on Thule's reputation for quality.
Testing Ford Bronco Roof Racks: Our Adventure Ready
Testing Ford Bronco Roof Racks: Our Adventure Ready
We recently put the 5-piece Aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars compatible with the 2021-2026 Ford Bronco to the test during our weekend camping trip. These crossbars fit perfectly on our 4-door hard top model, providing a sturdy platform for all our adventure gear. Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes without any drilling required.
What impressed us most was the robust construction - even when fully loaded with our kayaks and camping equipment, the racks showed no signs of bending or noise at highway speeds. The aluminum build strikes a nice balance between durability and weight, and the black finish complements the Bronco's aesthetic perfectly.
Worth noting: these racks are specifically designed for the standard Bronco (not the Sport model) and work with both 2-door and 4-door hard top configurations. For anyone looking to maximize their Bronco's cargo capacity, these crossbars deliver exceptional value.
We Tested the TOOENJOY Heavy-Duty Kayak Lift Assist
We Tested the TOOENJOY Heavy-Duty Kayak Lift Assist
After struggling with loading our kayaks for years, we were eager to try the TOOENJOY Heavy-Duty Kayak Lift Assist Roof Rack. With its impressive 100-pound capacity, this rooftop loader significantly reduced our loading effort. The elevating assist system worked smoothly, allowing us to position our 80-pound tandem kayak with minimal strain. We appreciated the sturdy construction and weather-resistant materials that held up during our three-month testing period.
Installation took about 45 minutes, requiring only basic tools. The mechanism operates through a balanced pulley system that transforms the lifting process from a back-straining ordeal into a manageable task. Our team particularly valued the safety locks that kept everything secure during loading. While the price is higher than standard racks, the reduced physical strain and potential injury prevention make it worthwhile for regular paddlers or those with heavier watercraft.
We Tested the Ultimate 200lb Universal Roof Rack Basket
Our Review of Thule SUP Taxi XT: Surf Transport Made Easy
Our Review of Thule SUP Taxi XT: Surf Transport Made Easy
After spending several weekends testing the Thule SUP Taxi XT Surfboard Rack, we're confident it's one of the best transportation solutions for paddle board enthusiasts. The telescoping design accommodates boards up to 34 inches wide, which proved perfect for our varied collection of SUPs.
We particularly appreciated the integrated mounting hardware that fits most factory and aftermarket crossbars without additional adapters. The SpeedLink mounting system made installation surprisingly quick-we had it secured in under five minutes without tools.
During our coastal highway tests, the board remained firmly in place thanks to the cushioned, weather-resistant pads and heavy-duty straps. The locking mechanism gave us peace of mind when making pit stops along the way.
While the price point is higher than basic soft racks, the durability and security features justify the investment for serious paddlers who transport their gear regularly.
We Tested the 250LB Universal Roof Basket: Our Verdict
We Tested the 250LB Universal Roof Basket: Our Verdict
After three weeks of testing, we're impressed with the Universal Rooftop Cargo Basket. This hefty 51" x 36" x 5" carrier easily mounted to our SUV's roof rails and lived up to its 250-pound capacity claim during our mountain camping trip. The heavy-duty steel construction felt solid, with no flexing even when fully loaded with gear.
We particularly appreciated the included cargo net and attachment hooks, which kept smaller items secure even on bumpy forest roads. The two ratchet straps were a thoughtful addition, though we recommend picking up a couple more for bulkier loads.
Installation took about 30 minutes with two people, and the basket remained firmly in place throughout our journey. While we noticed a slight increase in wind noise at highway speeds, the added storage capacity made this a worthwhile trade-off for our outdoor adventures.
We Tested the Ultimate Tacoma Roof Rack for Adventure
We Tested the Ultimate Tacoma Roof Rack for Adventure
During our recent off-road expedition, we put the Heavy Duty Top Roof Rack for the 2005-2023 Tacoma Double Cab through its paces. This luggage holder impressed us with its robust construction and simple installation process. We loaded it with camping gear, kayaks, and even a rooftop tent, and the rack handled everything without flexing or making concerning noises over rough terrain.
What we particularly appreciated was the rack's low-profile design that didn't significantly impact our fuel economy or create excessive wind noise at highway speeds. The powder-coated finish has held up well against branches and weather exposure during our testing period.
While the price point is higher than some competitors, we found the quality and weight capacity justify the investment for serious adventurers who regularly haul gear.
