Tag Archives: Travel Equipment
We Review the MaxxHaul Rooftop Cargo Carrier: Worth It?
We Review the MaxxHaul Rooftop Cargo Carrier: Worth It?
We recently got our hands on the MaxxHaul 70115 roof rack to see if it lives up to the hype. This steel basket measures 46" x 36" x 4-1/2" and offers a solid 150 lb capacity, making it suitable for both SUVs and pickup trucks. During our testing, we appreciated the black powder-coated finish that held up well against the elements while giving it a sleek appearance.
Installation was straightforward, though we recommend having an extra pair of hands to help position it on the roof. The raised side rails provided excellent security for our cargo, preventing items from shifting during drives. We found the size particularly accommodating for camping gear, luggage, and even bulkier items that wouldn't fit in our vehicle.
For the price point, we believe this cargo carrier offers substantial value for anyone needing extra storage space.
We Tested the Mockins XXL Roof Rack: Road Trip Ready
We Tested the Mockins XXL Roof Rack: Road Trip Ready
During our recent 500-mile road test, we were genuinely impressed with the Mockins XXL Roof Rack's performance. The 90"x50"x6" dimensions provided ample space for our camping gear, freeing up valuable interior room for our passengers. With a 250-pound capacity, the heavy-duty steel construction felt rock-solid even at highway speeds.
What we particularly appreciated were the included straps, which kept everything secure throughout our journey. The weatherproof design faced a true challenge when we encountered unexpected rain, but our equipment remained completely dry.
Installation on our SUV took under 30 minutes with two people, and the rack's universal mounting system adapted well to our vehicle. While the rack is substantial, we found the weight reasonable considering its robust construction and capacity.
For anyone planning extended road trips with bulky gear, our testing confirms this roof basket delivers exceptional value.
Our Review: Traverse Roof Rack’s Surprising Strength & Silence
Our Review: Traverse Roof Rack's Surprising Strength & Silence
When we unpacked these 220lbs capacity roof rack cross bars for the Chevy Traverse (2022-2025 models), we were immediately impressed by the all-metal aluminum construction. The solid build quality was evident from the start, but what truly surprised us was how they performed on the road.
Despite their heavy-duty design, these crossbars generate remarkably little wind noise - something we've found problematic with other roof racks. We loaded them with our kayaks for a weekend trip, and the bars didn't budge or whine even at highway speeds.
Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes without any specialized tools. The black finish complements the Traverse's aesthetic nicely while resisting scratches during our testing.
For Traverse owners needing reliable cargo capacity without sacrificing the quiet cabin experience, these crossbars deliver impressive performance.
Our Silent Journey with Volvo XC90’s Whisper-Quiet Roof Rack
Our Silent Journey with Volvo XC90's Whisper-Quiet Roof Rack
We recently tested the Silent Journey Lockable Roof Racks designed specifically for Volvo XC90 models (2015-2025), and we're genuinely impressed with their performance. What immediately stood out was the significant noise reduction compared to our previous rack system. Even at highway speeds, the aerodynamic design minimized that annoying wind howl we'd grown accustomed to.
Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes without any special tools. The secure locking mechanism gave us peace of mind when leaving our gear unattended during rest stops on our recent mountain trip.
The sturdy construction easily handled our kayaks and cargo box, with no concerning flex or movement. Despite the added weight on top, we barely noticed any impact on fuel efficiency.
For Volvo XC90 owners seeking a quieter, more pleasant driving experience without sacrificing utility, these racks are definitely worth considering.
Our Hands-On Review of the Thule Canyon XT Basket
Our Hands-On Review of the Thule Canyon XT Basket
After testing the Thule 859XT Canyon XT Basket over several weekend adventures, we're impressed with its versatility and durability. This sleek black cargo carrier combines functionality with a rugged design that handled everything we threw at it. We particularly appreciated the weatherproof construction that kept our gear dry during an unexpected rainstorm, and the wind fairing that noticeably reduced noise while driving.
Installation was straightforward-we had it mounted on our SUV's roof rack in under 15 minutes. The basket's 150-pound capacity easily accommodated our camping equipment, and the integrated tie-down points were perfect for securing bulkier items.
While the price point is higher than some competitors, we found the premium construction and Thule's reputation for longevity justify the investment. Stay tuned for our detailed breakdown of pros and cons in the full review!
We Tested Mockins’ Extendable Roof Rack & Waterproof Cargo System
We Tested Mockins' Extendable Roof Rack & Waterproof Cargo System
After three weekend camping trips with the Mockins 64"x39"x6" Extendable Heavy Duty Roof Rack Basket, we're impressed with its versatility and durability. The 250-pound capacity easily handled our gear, and the extendable design proved invaluable when we needed extra space for longer items. Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes with basic tools.
The included 16 cubic foot waterproof cargo bag is a game-changer. During an unexpected downpour on our second trip, everything stayed completely dry. The bag's material feels substantial, not like the flimsy alternatives we've tried before.
We particularly appreciated how the entire system remained stable even at highway speeds. There was minimal wind noise, and we didn't notice any significant impact on fuel economy. For families needing additional storage for road trips or outdoor adventures, this Mockins system delivers exceptional value.
Our Ultimate Review: MELIPRON Transit Roof Rack System
MELIPRON Transit Roof Rack System
In our hands-on testing of the MELIPRON Camper Van Roof Rack, we found it to be an excellent addition for Transit owners looking to maximize their 148" wheelbase vans. The low-profile design maintains good aerodynamics while offering substantial loading capacity. We particularly appreciated the integrated solar panel brackets, which made installing our 100W panels a breeze without any drilling or modifications.
The wind fairing is a thoughtful inclusion that noticeably reduced noise at highway speeds during our test drives. Installation was straightforward, taking us about 3 hours with basic tools. The rack's compatibility with low, medium, and high roof configurations adds versatility, though Transit owners with extended models should look elsewhere as this won't fit the 148" EXT.
Overall, we're impressed with the rack's sturdy aluminum construction and thoughtful design elements.
