We Test the Kingfun 20 Cubic Feet Rooftop Cargo Carrier
31 Jul
Exterior Accessories

We Test the Kingfun 20 Cubic Feet Rooftop Cargo Carrier

We Test the Kingfun 20 Cubic Feet Rooftop Cargo Carrier

After three weekend trips with the Kingfun Rooftop Cargo Carrier, we’re impressed by its versatility and thoughtful design. The 20 cubic feet of storage easily accommodated our camping gear, and the waterproof construction kept everything dry despite driving through unexpected rainfall.

What we particularly appreciated was the universal fit-we tested it on both a Subaru with roof rails and a Honda without racks, and installation was straightforward in both cases. The included anti-slip mat provided extra security, while the eight reinforced straps and six door hooks ensured the bag stayed firmly in place even at highway speeds.

The added security lock gave us peace of mind when making stops along our route. Despite some initial concerns about wind noise, we found it to be minimal compared to hard-shell carriers we’ve tested previously.

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We Test: Jeep Wrangler 400 lbs Roof Rack Crossbars
30 Jul
Exterior Accessories

We Test: Jeep Wrangler 400 lbs Roof Rack Crossbars

We Test: Jeep Wrangler 400 lbs Roof Rack Crossbars

We recently got our hands on the 3 Crossbars 400 lbs Heavy Duty Roof Rack system designed for Jeep Wrangler JL, JK, and Gladiator JT models (2007-2024). This robust setup immediately impressed us with its solid construction. During our weekend testing, we loaded it up with camping gear, kayaks, and even a cargo box-the 400-pound weight capacity handled everything we threw at it without any concerning flex or noise.

Installation was straightforward, taking us about 45 minutes with basic tools. The crossbars attached securely to both 2-door and 4-door hardtop models we tested. We particularly appreciated the aerodynamic design, which kept wind noise minimal even at highway speeds.

For Jeep owners looking to expand their cargo capabilities without compromising vehicle performance, we found these crossbars to be a reliable, well-engineered solution worth the investment.

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We Tested BagMate’s Military-Grade Roof Carrier
28 Jul
Exterior Accessories

We Tested BagMate’s Military-Grade Roof Carrier

We recently put the BagMate Military-Grade Waterproof Roof Bag to the test during a cross-country road trip, and we were genuinely impressed with its performance. The 19 cubic feet (540L) capacity easily accommodated our luggage for a family of four, with room to spare for souvenirs acquired along the way.

The “military-grade” claim isn’t just marketing hype – our carrier faced heavy downpours in the Midwest, and everything inside remained bone dry. We particularly appreciated the dual zipper/buckle closure system that provided extra security on bumpy mountain roads.

Installation was straightforward using the included door hooks, which worked perfectly on our sedan without a roof rack. The extra strap provided welcome additional stability during high winds.

For anyone planning extended road trips or outdoor adventures, we can confidently recommend this roof carrier as a durable, practical solution for expanding your vehicle’s storage capacity.

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We Test the Best Roof Rack for Your Ford Explorer
25 Jul
Exterior Accessories

We Test the Best Roof Rack for Your Ford Explorer

We Test the Best Roof Rack for Your Ford Explorer

When we installed the Lockable 260lbs Roof Rack Cross Bars on our 2022 Ford Explorer, we immediately noticed the robust aluminum construction. These heavy-duty crossbars handled our loaded cargo basket with ease during our weekend camping trip. The anti-theft locking mechanism gave us peace of mind when parked overnight at the trailhead.

What impressed us most was the 260-pound weight capacity, which easily accommodated our kayaks and camping gear. Installation took under 30 minutes without any drilling or modifications needed. The crossbars are compatible with all Ford Explorer models from 2020-2025, making this a future-proof investment.

Wind noise was minimal even at highway speeds, and fuel economy wasn’t noticeably affected. For Explorer owners looking to expand their cargo options without compromising security or vehicle aesthetics, these roof rails are definitely worth considering.

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We Test the Thule Hullavator Pro: Kayaking Made Easy
23 Jul
Exterior Accessories

We Test the Thule Hullavator Pro: Kayaking Made Easy

We Test the Thule Hullavator Pro: Kayaking Made Easy

After three months of testing the Thule Hullavator Pro, we’re convinced this kayak carrier is a game-changer for paddling enthusiasts. The gas-assisted struts did the heavy lifting, reducing the kayak’s weight by up to 40 pounds when loading. We particularly appreciated how the carrier lowers the kayak by 24 inches to the side of our vehicle, eliminating awkward overhead lifting.

Installation was straightforward, though the unit is admittedly hefty at 56 pounds. The corrosion-resistant aluminum construction held up beautifully during our coastal adventures where salt exposure is constant.

What impressed us most was the stability during transport-even on windy highways, our kayak remained firmly secured with the eight touch points of padded support. While the $850 price tag represents a significant investment, the back-saving design and durability make it worthwhile for serious kayakers who hit the water regularly.

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We Tested the BougeRV Aluminum Roof Basket: Worth It?
22 Jul
Exterior Accessories

We Tested the BougeRV Aluminum Roof Basket: Worth It?

We Tested the BougeRV Aluminum Roof Basket: Worth It?

After several weekend adventures with the BougeRV Aluminum Roof Basket, we’re ready to share our verdict. This 47″x40″x8″ carrier impressed us with its lightweight yet sturdy aluminum construction, which handled our gear without adding excessive weight to our SUV. The anti-rust coating stood up admirably during a particularly rainy camping trip, showing no signs of corrosion afterward.

We appreciated the included wind fairing, which noticeably reduced noise at highway speeds compared to previous carriers we’ve tested. Installation was straightforward, taking our team about 30 minutes from unboxing to secured mounting.

The 150-pound load capacity proved sufficient for our needs, comfortably carrying camping equipment for our group of four. While the basket lacks integrated locks, we easily added our own security system to protect our cargo during rest stops.

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We Test: Toyota Tacoma Roof Rack Cross Bars – 165lb Gear Hauling Champion
20 Jul
Exterior Accessories

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

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.

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We Tested the Ultimate Chevy Equinox Roof Rack System
18 Jul
Exterior Accessories

We Tested the Ultimate Chevy Equinox Roof Rack System

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.

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Our Review of Thule UpRide: The Frame-Free Roof Rack Solution
16 Jul
Exterior Accessories

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

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.

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Our Review: Ultra-Secure 220lb Roof Rack for GM SUVs
15 Jul
Exterior Accessories

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

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.

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