We Tested the Ultimate Roof Rack for Mazda CX-5 Owners
07 Feb
Exterior Accessories

We Tested the Ultimate Roof Rack for Mazda CX-5 Owners

We Tested the Ultimate Roof Rack for Mazda CX-5 Owners

Looking for versatile roof storage for your Mazda CX-5? We spent three weeks testing the Roof Rack Cross Bars & Side Rail Kit designed specifically for 2017-2025 models, and we’re impressed with the results. The complete set includes 2 cross bars and 2 side rails constructed from durable aluminum alloy that stood up to our rigorous testing.

What we appreciated most was the secure transport capabilities. We loaded everything from kayaks to bikes and even a cargo carrier packed for a weekend camping trip. Installation was straightforward, taking our team about 45 minutes with basic tools. The rack maintained stability even during highway driving at 70mph.

While not the cheapest option available, the quality construction and perfect fit for the CX-5 make this a worthwhile investment for owners who regularly transport gear or need extra luggage capacity.

Continue reading

Testing YAKIMA BigStack: Our Adventure With A 4-Boat Rack
02 Feb
Exterior Accessories

Testing YAKIMA BigStack: Our Adventure With A 4-Boat Rack

Testing YAKIMA BigStack: Our Adventure With A 4-Boat Rack

We recently put the YAKIMA BigStack through its paces during our annual kayaking retreat, and it certainly lived up to its name. This rooftop rack system efficiently secured four kayaks on our SUV, something we’d previously thought impossible without a trailer. The padded base provided excellent protection for our boats, while the adjustable overhang accommodated our varied kayak sizes.

Installation was straightforward, taking us about 20 minutes from unboxing to completion. The heavy-duty straps kept everything secure, even when we encountered some unexpected highway turbulence. We appreciated the included bow and stern tie-downs for added stability during our 200-mile journey.

While the BigStack adds considerable height to your vehicle (something to remember when entering parking garages!), the ability to transport four boats with one rack system made our group adventure significantly more convenient and economical.

Continue reading

We Review the Toyota 4Runner Roof Basket: Worth the Adventure?
01 Feb
Exterior Accessories

We Review the Toyota 4Runner Roof Basket: Worth the Adventure?

We Review the Toyota 4Runner Roof Basket: Worth the Adventure?

When we took the Roof Rack Basket designed for the 2010-2024 Toyota 4Runner out for testing, we were immediately impressed by its sturdy construction. The rooftop cargo basket installed easily onto our 4Runner’s existing roof rails, taking us less than 30 minutes from unboxing to completion.

What we particularly appreciated were the extra bars, which provided flexible configurations for securing different types of gear. During our weekend camping trip, the basket easily accommodated our tent, sleeping bags, and cooler, freeing up valuable interior space.

The aerodynamic design kept wind noise minimal, even at highway speeds, and we didn’t notice any significant impact on fuel economy. The black powder-coated finish not only looks sleek against our Silver Sky 4Runner but has also held up well against branches and weather exposure.

Continue reading

Our Hands-On Review of Yakima TrackTower: Easy Rooftop Storage Solution
31 Jan
Exterior Accessories

Our Hands-On Review of Yakima TrackTower: Easy Rooftop Storage Solution

Our Hands-On Review of Yakima TrackTower: Easy Rooftop Storage Solution

We recently got our hands on the Yakima TrackTower Cargo Roof Rack Tower 4-pack and put it through its paces during our weekend adventures. The installation process was refreshingly straightforward – we had the entire system mounted to our vehicle’s track system in under 30 minutes. What impressed us most was the robust construction; these towers feel incredibly solid once locked into position.

The TrackTowers paired seamlessly with our existing Yakima crossbars, creating a versatile platform for all our cargo needs. We particularly appreciated the tool-free adjustment feature, which made fine-tuning the setup a breeze. The built-in SKS locks also gave us peace of mind when leaving our gear unattended during rest stops.

For anyone looking to maximize vehicle storage without compromising on security or aesthetics, we found these TrackTowers to be an excellent investment.

Continue reading

We Tested the Thule Interstate: Weather-Tough Cargo Bag
21 Jan
Exterior Accessories

We Tested the Thule Interstate: Weather-Tough Cargo Bag

We Tested the Thule Interstate: Weather-Tough Cargo Bag

After three weekend trips in varying weather conditions, we’re impressed with the Thule Interstate Rooftop Cargo Carrier Bag. This soft-sided carrier proved remarkably resilient during our unexpected encounter with a thunderstorm in the mountains. Despite heavy rainfall, our luggage remained completely dry thanks to the weatherproof material and sealed seams.

Installation was straightforward, taking us under 10 minutes to secure to our crossbars. The bag’s 16 cubic feet capacity comfortably held luggage for our family of four, freeing up valuable interior space. We particularly appreciated the wide U-shaped opening that made packing and accessing gear simple.

While not as aerodynamic as hard-shell carriers, we noticed only minimal noise at highway speeds. At $269.95, it’s a solid investment for occasional travelers who need extra space without committing to a permanent rooftop fixture.

Continue reading

Our Review of AUXPACBO’s Heavy Duty Roof Rack for Chevy Blazer EV
18 Jan
Exterior Accessories

Our Review of AUXPACBO’s Heavy Duty Roof Rack for Chevy Blazer EV

Our Review of AUXPACBO’s Heavy Duty Roof Rack for Chevy Blazer EV

After testing the AUXPACBO 265lbs Lockable Heavy Duty Roof Rack Cross Bar for the Chevy Blazer EV, we’re impressed with its sturdy construction and versatility. The 265-pound weight capacity is substantial, easily handling our kayaks, bikes, and weekend camping gear. We particularly appreciated the lockable feature, which gave us peace of mind when parking in public areas.

Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes without any specialized tools. The multi-functional design adapts well to different cargo needs, and we found the crossbars remained stable even at highway speeds with minimal wind noise.

For Blazer EV owners looking to expand their vehicle’s carrying capacity, this roof rack offers excellent value. The aluminum construction strikes a good balance between durability and weight, while the compatibility with 2024-2025 models ensures a proper fit for the latest vehicles.

Continue reading

Illuminate Our Rides: 17in RGBW Wheel Ring Lights for Every Adventure!
09 Jan
Tire & Wheel Accessories

Illuminate Our Rides: 17in RGBW Wheel Ring Lights for Every Adventure!

In our quest to add some flair to our rides, we recently discovered the 17-inch RGBW Wheel Ring Lights, and wow, what a game changer! These quad-row multicolor tire rim lights aren’t just about looks; they offer us a fun way to personalize our vehicles for every adventure-whether we’re hitting the trails in our ATVs or cruising with friends in our trucks. With handy RF remote and APP control, we can easily switch between vibrant colors and dynamic modes from the comfort of our seats. Plus, the waterproof design means they’re built to withstand any weather, making them perfect for our off-road escapades. If you’re looking to elevate your ride’s style, these wheel ring lights are a brilliant choice that will definitely make us stand out on the road!

Continue reading

We Test the Ultimate Jeep Cherokee Roof Rack Solution
03 Jan
Exterior Accessories

We Test the Ultimate Jeep Cherokee Roof Rack Solution

We Test the Ultimate Jeep Cherokee Roof Rack Solution

After weeks of testing various roof racks for the newest Jeep Grand Cherokee models, we’ve finally found a standout option. These aluminum cross bars, rated for an impressive 300-pound capacity, fit perfectly on both the 2021-2026 Grand Cherokee L 3-Row and the 2022-2026 Cherokee WL 2-Row models.

What impressed us most was the versatility. We loaded everything from camping gear to kayaks during our mountain weekend, and the lockable design gave us peace of mind when parking at trailheads. Installation took us about 20 minutes with no drilling required.

The aerodynamic profile kept wind noise minimal, even at highway speeds, and we noticed only a slight decrease in fuel economy – about 1 MPG less than our usual average. The aluminum construction strikes a nice balance between durability and weight, making these bars easy to handle during setup.

Continue reading

We Tested the Ultimate All-Season Rhino-Rack Carrier
02 Jan
Exterior Accessories

We Tested the Ultimate All-Season Rhino-Rack Carrier

We Tested the Ultimate All-Season Rhino-Rack Carrier

After spending three weeks putting the Rhino-Rack Universal Carrier through its paces, we’re thoroughly impressed by its versatility. We loaded it with everything from snowboards to fishing rods, and even a wakeboard, and it handled each with secure precision. The universal mounting system attached seamlessly to our test vehicles (we tried it on both a sedan and an SUV), requiring minimal effort to install.

What caught our attention was the robust locking mechanism that kept our gear safe during a 200-mile road trip. Despite its heavy-duty construction, the rack remains surprisingly lightweight, not noticeably affecting fuel consumption or creating wind noise.

The one-handed adjustment feature proved particularly useful when we were wearing gloves during our ski trip. If you’re looking for a year-round carrier solution that truly adapts to multiple sports and activities, this Rhino-Rack deserves serious consideration.

Continue reading

Our Review: Tuyoung’s Superior Roof Rack for Outback Wilderness
01 Jan
Exterior Accessories

Our Review: Tuyoung’s Superior Roof Rack for Outback Wilderness

Our Review: Tuyoung’s Superior Roof Rack for Outback Wilderness

We recently put the Tuyoung 330lbs Roof Rack Cross Bars through their paces on a 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness, and we’re thoroughly impressed. These all-aluminum crossbars are specifically designed for the Wilderness trim (2022-2026 models), providing a perfect fit right out of the box.

What caught our attention was the impressive 330-pound weight capacity, which easily accommodated our kayaks and camping gear during a weekend adventure. The lockable design adds security when parked at trailheads, and we appreciated the aerodynamic profile that kept wind noise to a minimum even at highway speeds.

Installation took us less than 20 minutes without any drilling or modifications. The heavy-duty construction feels substantial, yet the aluminum build prevents adding unnecessary weight to the vehicle. If you’re a Wilderness owner looking to maximize your Subaru’s utility, these crossbars are definitely worth considering.

Continue reading