19 Nov

We Tested the Front Runner Slimsport: 4Runner’s Ultimate Rack Solution

November 19, 2025
By Drivecraft
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After spending three weeks with the Front Runner Slimsport Roof Rack Kit on our 5th Gen 4Runner, we’re confident this is one of the smartest investments for adventure-ready Toyota owners. The rack’s aluminum construction strikes an impressive balance-robust enough to handle our 160+ pound gear loadout while adding minimal weight to the vehicle. We particularly appreciated the lightbar-ready design, which integrated seamlessly with our auxiliary lighting setup.

Installation was straightforward, taking our team about two hours with basic tools. The low-profile design significantly reduced wind noise compared to our previous rack, and we measured only a minor impact on fuel economy (approximately 1-2 MPG reduction at highway speeds).

The modular mounting system proved to be this rack’s standout feature, allowing us to quickly reconfigure our loadout between camping gear, kayaks, and recovery equipment without any permanent modifications.

09 Oct

Exterior Accessories

We Test the Ultimate Tacoma Roof Rack for Adventurers

October 9, 2025
By Drivecraft
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We Test the Ultimate Tacoma Roof Rack for Adventurers

We recently got our hands on these aluminum roof rack cross bars designed specifically for the 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab. Right out of the box, we were impressed by the sturdy construction while still maintaining a lightweight feel. Installation took us about 30 minutes with basic tools, and the fit was precise with no modifications needed.

During our weekend testing, we loaded it with two kayaks and camping gear for a trip to the mountains. The rack handled the weight distribution beautifully with no flexing or noise issues even at highway speeds. We particularly appreciated the aerodynamic design that didn’t significantly impact our fuel economy.

For Tacoma owners who regularly transport outdoor equipment, we found these cross bars offer excellent value compared to premium brands, while providing comparable functionality and durability for adventures from biking trips to ski weekends.

10 Sep

Exterior Accessories

We Test the ARKSEN Universal Roof Rack: Adventure Ready

September 10, 2025
By Drivecraft
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We Test the ARKSEN Universal Roof Rack: Adventure Ready

We recently took the ARKSEN 54 x 34 x 6 Inch Universal Roof Rack for a spin during our weekend camping trip, and we’re impressed with its performance. The 150-pound capacity easily handled our gear, while the extension provided extra space for bulkier items. What caught our attention was the included 600D waterproof bag-our equipment stayed completely dry despite an unexpected downpour.

Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes. The two included ratchet straps secured everything firmly, and the cargo net added an extra layer of security for smaller items. We appreciated how the steel construction felt solid yet wasn’t excessively heavy.

For SUV, truck, and RV owners seeking additional storage space without breaking the bank, this ARKSEN roof rack delivers excellent value, balancing durability with practical features that weekend warriors will appreciate.

06 Aug

Exterior Accessories

Our Review: Front Runner Slimline II Defender Rack Kit

Our Take on the Front Runner Slimline II Defender Rack Kit

After putting the Front Runner Slimline II Contour 90 roof rack through its paces on our Defender, we’re genuinely impressed with its performance. The low-profile design perfectly complements the Defender’s silhouette while providing ample storage space for all our adventure gear.

We particularly appreciate the modular mounting system, which allows us to secure everything from bikes to kayaks without drilling additional holes. The aluminum construction strikes an excellent balance between durability and weight – robust enough to handle off-road conditions while not significantly impacting fuel economy.

Installation was straightforward, utilizing the factory mounting points. The powder-coated black finish has held up well against branches and harsh weather conditions during our testing.

While the price point sits on the higher end, the versatility and build quality we’ve experienced make this a worthwhile investment for serious overlanders.

27 Jul

Exterior Accessories

Our Review: 4Runner Roof Rack Expands Adventure Potential

We recently tested the Black Roof Rack Cargo Storage designed specifically for 2010-2024 4Runner models, and we’re impressed with its functionality. This full-size rack transforms the roof space of your 4Runner into valuable cargo real estate, perfect for those weekend getaways or extended expeditions.

The sturdy construction handled everything we threw at it during our testing-from camping gear to kayaks. What caught our attention was how securely it attached to the factory rails without any drilling or modifications. Installation took us under an hour, which is a major plus for those not mechanically inclined.

Despite adding storage capacity, we noticed minimal wind noise at highway speeds, and there was no noticeable impact on fuel efficiency during our 300-mile test journey. For 4Runner owners looking to maximize their vehicle’s utility without compromising its appearance, this roof rack is a worthwhile investment.

20 Jul

Exterior Accessories

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.

06 Jul

Exterior Accessories

We Tested the Ultimate Tacoma Cargo Basket for Adventure

After three weekend trips through varying terrain, we’re impressed with this Tacoma cargo basket’s performance. The roof rack installed seamlessly on our 2020 Tacoma Double Cab, with mounting points aligning perfectly to factory rails. We particularly appreciated the integrated LED light bar, which provided excellent illumination during our pre-dawn off-road excursions.

The basket’s construction feels substantial-we loaded it with camping gear, recovery equipment, and even a kayak without any concerning flex or noise. Wind resistance was minimal compared to other racks we’ve tested, with only a slight increase in road noise at highway speeds.

What surprised us most was how the basket maintained its rugged appearance despite exposure to mud, rain, and tree branches. The powder coating showed no scratches after our adventures, suggesting this rack will hold up for years of exploration.