We Test the BrightLines 53″ Crossbars: Worth the Wind?

After spending three weeks with the BrightLines 53″ All Black Universal Crossbars, we’ve put these roof racks through their paces. Installation on our test SUV’s raised rails took us about 20 minutes with no special tools required. The all-black finish complements most vehicles nicely, though we did notice some minor scratching after loading our kayaks.

Wind noise was our biggest concern, and we found it noticeable but not overwhelming at highway speeds. When unloaded, there’s a subtle whistle above 65 mph. The crossbars handled our 70-pound kayak load without flexing, and the included locks provided decent security for our gear.

For around $100, these racks offer solid value compared to vehicle-specific OEM options that can cost twice as much. We’ll be examining durability over the long term, but our initial impression is positive despite the wind noise trade-off.

12 Nov

Exterior Accessories

Our Review of BrightLines Premium Roof Racks: Worth It?

November 12, 2025
By premieracmech@gmail.com
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Our Review of BrightLines Premium Roof Racks: Worth It?

After spending several weeks testing the BrightLines Premium Universal Crossbars, we’re ready to share our findings. These roof racks, designed specifically for vehicles with raised roof rails, offer impressive versatility for transporting kayaks, luggage, skis, and bikes.

We found the installation process straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes without any specialized tools. The aluminum construction strikes a good balance between durability and weight, and the aerodynamic design kept wind noise minimal during our highway testing.

What impressed us most was the rack’s stability – even with our kayaks loaded, there was no concerning movement or shifting. The universal fit worked well across the different vehicles in our test fleet, though we did notice the locking mechanism could be more robust.

Overall, these crossbars deliver reliable performance at a competitive price point compared to other premium options.

17 Sep

Exterior Accessories

Our Honest Review of BRIGHTLINES Roof Rails for Odyssey

September 17, 2025
By Drivecraft
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Our Honest Review of BRIGHTLINES Roof Rails for Odyssey

When we tested the BRIGHTLINES Roof Side Rail Rack Replacement for the Honda Odyssey 2011-2017, we were impressed by how seamlessly it integrated with our minivan. The installation process took us about 35 minutes, with all necessary hardware included in the package.

What we appreciated most was the sturdy aluminum construction, which feels substantially more durable than the factory rails. During our 200-mile road trip, we loaded it with our family’s bikes and cargo box, and the rails handled the weight without any concerning flex or noise.

The black finish matches the Odyssey’s aesthetic perfectly, and we’ve noticed no rust issues despite driving through several rainstorms. While the price point is slightly higher than some alternatives, we feel the quality justifies the investment for families who regularly transport gear on their Odyssey.

14 Sep

Exterior Accessories

Secure & Stylish: Our Review of BRIGHTLINES Roof Rack for Chevy Equinox

September 14, 2025
By Drivecraft
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Secure & Stylish: Our Review of BRIGHTLINES Roof Rack for Chevy Equinox

When we installed the BRIGHTLINES Heavy Duty Roof Rack Crossbars on our 2018 Chevy Equinox, we were immediately impressed by the premium aluminum construction. These crossbars strike the perfect balance between durability and style, complementing the vehicle’s profile while adding significant utility.

The anti-theft design gave us peace of mind, especially during our weekend adventure when we left the car at a busy trailhead. Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes with no special tools required. We particularly appreciated how these racks are specifically designed for Equinox models without factory roof rails.

During our highway test, we noticed minimal wind noise even at higher speeds. The crossbars easily supported our cargo box without any wobbling or instability. For Equinox owners looking to expand their cargo capacity without sacrificing vehicle aesthetics, these BRIGHTLINES crossbars are a solid investment.