Tag Archives: travel accessories
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.
Our Review: Swagman Roamer RV Bike Rack Transforms Travel
Our Review: Swagman Roamer RV Bike Rack Transforms Travel
We recently tested the Swagman Roamer RV Approved Cross Bars Roof Bike Rack (80510) during our summer road trip, and it's genuinely changed how we travel with our bicycles. The white finish looks sleek against most RV roofs, and the installation process was straightforward even for our non-technical team members.
What impressed us most was the stability. Even on winding mountain roads, our bikes remained secure, with no worrying noises from above. The crossbar design accommodates various bike frames, and we appreciated how the rack is specifically RV-approved, giving us peace of mind at highway speeds.
Loading and unloading bikes proved simple with the user-friendly clamp system, though we'd recommend having a small step stool handy for shorter users. Overall, this rack has eliminated one of our biggest travel headaches and allowed us to bring adventure along without sacrificing space inside our RV.
Our Review of ARKSEN’s Robust 500lb Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier
Our Review of ARKSEN's Robust 500lb Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier
We recently tested the ARKSEN 60 x 23 x 5.5 Inch Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier and were impressed with its practical design. This sturdy basket-style carrier easily attaches to any 2-inch receiver hitch, providing substantial extra storage space for our road trip essentials.
What we particularly appreciated was how the 500-pound weight capacity handled our camping gear without any concerning flexing or wobbling. The folding feature proved incredibly convenient when not in use - we simply folded it up against our SUV rather than removing it entirely.
The raised sides kept our luggage secure during highway driving, and the mesh bottom allowed water and debris to pass through rather than collecting. Assembly was straightforward, taking us about 20 minutes with basic tools. For anyone needing additional cargo space for camping trips or family vacations, this carrier offers excellent value without compromising on quality.
We Test the Tuyoung Lockable Roof Rack for Honda CR-V
We Test the Tuyoung Lockable Roof Rack for Honda CR-V
In our latest gear review, we've spent two weeks testing the Tuyoung Lockable Roof Rack Cross Bars designed specifically for 2007-2011 Honda CR-V models. These aluminum bars impressed us with their 220-pound capacity, which easily handled our camping gear and kayaks during a weekend getaway. Installation took us about 30 minutes without requiring any special tools or modifications to our test vehicle.
We particularly appreciated the security features - the lockable mechanism gave us peace of mind when leaving our equipment mounted while parked at trailheads. The black finish integrates nicely with the CR-V's aesthetic, and we noticed minimal wind noise compared to other racks we've tested previously.
For CR-V owners looking to expand their cargo capabilities without breaking the bank, these racks deliver solid value for weekend adventurers and daily commuters alike.
Our Hands-On Review of the SportRack Vista XL Cargo Box
Our Hands-On Review of the SportRack Vista XL Cargo Box
After three weeks of testing the SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box on various road trips, we're ready to share our findings. This black cargo carrier impressed us with its rear-opening design, which proved incredibly convenient when parked in tight spaces. We found the 18 cubic feet of storage capacity more than adequate for our camping gear and luggage for a family of four.
The ABS construction feels sturdy and weatherproof - our contents remained completely dry despite driving through some heavy rainfall. Installation was straightforward, taking us about 20 minutes to secure it to our crossbars.
While not the most aerodynamic box on the market, we didn't notice significant noise or fuel economy impacts during highway driving. The locking mechanism worked smoothly and provided peace of mind when leaving our vehicle in public areas.
Our Take on KINGGERI’s Robust Roof Rack for Chevy Trax
Our Take on KINGGERI's Robust Roof Rack for Chevy Trax
We recently got our hands on the KINGGERI cross bars roof rack designed specifically for the newer Chevy Trax models (2023-2025), and we're impressed with its practical design. The heavy-duty aluminum construction offers a substantial 260-pound weight capacity while maintaining a sleek black finish that complements the Trax's aesthetic.
What caught our attention was how easily it installed on our test vehicle - the compatibility with various Trax trims (ACTIV, LT, 2RS) means you won't need to worry about fit issues. During our mountain biking weekend, we loaded it with four bikes and gear, and it remained rock-solid throughout the journey.
The crossbars provide ample space for all your adventure essentials, from kayaks to cargo boxes. If you're looking to expand your Trax's carrying capabilities without sacrificing style, this KINGGERI roof rack definitely deserves consideration.
Our Review: Nilight Jeep Roof Rack – Adventure Ready & Secure
Our Review: Nilight Jeep Roof Rack - Adventure Ready & Secure
We recently tested the Nilight Roof Rack Cross Bars designed for Jeep Wranglers, and we're impressed with their sturdy aluminum construction. These rails fit perfectly on our 2018 JL, providing the extra cargo capacity we needed for our weekend adventures. The anti-theft lock system gives us peace of mind when parked in public areas, and installation took us under 30 minutes without any special tools.
What we particularly appreciate is the versatility - whether we're mounting our cargo box, kayaks, or rooftop tent, these crossbars handle the weight with no flexing or noise issues. The aerodynamic design keeps wind noise minimal even at highway speeds, which was a pleasant surprise. Compatible with all Wrangler models from 2007-2024, these racks offer excellent value for Jeep owners looking to expand their storage options without compromising vehicle aesthetics.
We Test the ARKSEN Skinny Roof Rack: Space-Saving Marvel
We Test the ARKSEN Skinny Roof Rack: Space-Saving Marvel
We recently put the ARKSEN 64"x23"x6" Skinny Roof Rack through its paces on a weekend camping trip, and we're thoroughly impressed with its performance. The slim profile lives up to its "skinny" name without compromising on utility. Despite its compact 6-inch height, we managed to secure all our camping gear with plenty of room to spare.
What caught our attention was the rack's sturdy construction. Even on bumpy back roads, our equipment stayed firmly in place thanks to the heavy-duty steel frame. The weather-resistant coating proved its worth when we encountered unexpected rain - our gear remained completely dry underneath our tarp.
Installation was straightforward on our SUV, taking us less than 30 minutes with basic tools. If you're looking for extra cargo space without the bulkiness of traditional carriers, this ARKSEN model deserves our recommendation.
We Test the Ultimate Tacoma Roof Rack for Adventurers
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.
Our Road Test: ABS Roof Carrier That Hauls It All
Our Road Test: ABS Roof Carrier That Hauls It All
After three weeks of testing, we're impressed with this Heavy Duty Rooftop Cargo Carrier. The 110-pound capacity proved more than sufficient during our mountain camping expedition, easily accommodating four duffel bags, camping gear, and a cooler. Installation was straightforward-taking us about 15 minutes without requiring additional tools.
We particularly appreciated the lockable feature during overnight hotel stays, giving us peace of mind about our belongings. Even through heavy rainstorms, the ABS construction kept everything bone-dry. At highway speeds, we noticed minimal wind noise and no impact on fuel economy.
The 53 x 34 x 15-inch dimensions hit the sweet spot: spacious enough for family trips without making the vehicle feel unwieldy. When not in use, it stores neatly in our garage rafters. For anyone needing extra cargo space without sacrificing security or weather protection, this carrier delivers exceptional value.
