08 Aug

We Test the Thule 615 Pulse Rack: Space for Adventures

After three weeks of intensive testing, we’re impressed with the Thule 615 Pulse Rack in Large Black. This spacious cargo box gives us an additional 16 cubic feet of storage, which proved perfect for our weekend camping trips. We particularly appreciate the SecureLock system that ensures the box is firmly closed during travel – giving us peace of mind on winding mountain roads.

Installation was straightforward, taking our team just under 15 minutes from unboxing to ready-for-loading. The aerodynamic design notably reduced wind noise compared to other models we’ve tested, and we didn’t notice significant impact on fuel economy during our 500-mile road trip test.

While not the cheapest option on the market, we found the durability and ease of use justifies the investment for frequent adventurers who need extra cargo space.

07 Aug

Exterior Accessories

We Tested the Mockins Heavy-Duty Roof Rack System

August 7, 2025
By Drivecraft
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We Tested the Mockins Heavy-Duty Roof Rack System

We recently took the Mockins 64″x39″x6″ Heavy Duty Roof Rack Cargo Carrier for a test drive during our cross-country road trip. With its impressive 250-pound capacity, this roof basket easily accommodated all our camping gear. The included 20 cubic feet waterproof cargo bag was a lifesaver when we encountered unexpected rain in the mountains.

Installation was straightforward, taking about 30 minutes to secure to our SUV’s existing roof rails. What impressed us most was the extendable design, which allowed us to adjust the length based on our load requirements. The included accessories (mounting brackets, anti-slip mat, and cargo net) made securing various items simple and worry-free.

The aerodynamic profile didn’t significantly impact our vehicle’s fuel efficiency, and road noise was minimal compared to other racks we’ve tested. For families needing extra storage for road trips or outdoor adventures, this Mockins system offers excellent value.

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.

01 Aug

Exterior Accessories

We Tested Erkul’s Robust Roof Rack for Outlander Sport ChatGPT: I’ll write a title for a product review blog post for the Erkul Heavy Duty Roof Rack Cross Bars. We Tested Erkul’s Silent & Strong Outlander Sport Racks

August 1, 2025
By Drivecraft
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We Tested Erkul’s Robust Roof Rack for Outlander Sport

After three weeks of putting the Erkul Heavy Duty Roof Rack Cross Bars through their paces on our 2018 Outlander Sport, we’re impressed with their performance. These silver aluminum crossbars installed seamlessly onto our vehicle’s fixed points, taking less than 20 minutes to secure.

What stands out most is the stability – even when loaded with two kayaks at highway speeds, there was minimal wind noise and absolutely no wobbling. The locking mechanism provides peace of mind when parked in public areas, and the aerodynamic design doesn’t significantly impact fuel economy.

The weight capacity easily handled our camping gear and sporting equipment during a weekend mountain trip. While pricier than some universal options, the perfect fitment for the Outlander Sport and quality construction justifies the investment for frequent haulers who need reliable, secure transportation for their gear.

30 Jul

Exterior Accessories

We Test: Jeep Wrangler 400 lbs Roof Rack Crossbars

July 30, 2025
By Drivecraft
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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.

28 Jul

Exterior Accessories

We Tested BagMate’s Military-Grade Roof Carrier

July 28, 2025
By Drivecraft
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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.

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.

26 Jul

Exterior Accessories

We Tested Leader’s 150LB Capacity Roof Cargo Basket

July 26, 2025
By Drivecraft
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We Tested Leader’s 150LB Capacity Roof Cargo Basket

After several road trips with the Leader Accessories Roof Rack Cargo Basket, we’re impressed with its practical design and durability. The 64″x 39″x 4″ dimensions provided ample space for our camping gear and luggage, while the 150-pound capacity handled everything we threw at it without any issues.

Installation was straightforward on our SUV, taking about 30 minutes with basic tools. The basket’s aerodynamic profile minimized wind noise and didn’t noticeably impact fuel efficiency on our highway drives.

We particularly appreciated the powder-coated steel construction, which stood up to heavy rain and direct sunlight without showing signs of rust or fading. The raised side rails kept our cargo secure, even on winding mountain roads.

For anyone needing extra storage space without compromising vehicle performance, this Leader Accessories cargo basket offers excellent value for its price point.

23 Jul

Exterior Accessories

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.

22 Jul

Tire & Wheel Accessories

Why We Love the Genuine Hyundai 52960-3K250 Wheel Hub Cap!

July 22, 2025
By Drivecraft
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At first glance, the Genuine Hyundai 52960-3K250 Wheel Hub Cap Assembly quickly caught our attention with its sleek aluminum design. We love how it seamlessly blends functionality with style, making our wheels look sharp and polished. Installing this cap was a breeze-within minutes, it transformed the look of our vehicle! The durable aluminum construction assures us of its longevity against the elements, while the precise fit ensures no rattle or wiggle. We appreciate that Hyundai’s commitment to quality shines through in this product, providing peace of mind that we’re keeping our car looking its best. Whether we’re cruising around town or hitting the highway, the Genuine Hyundai Wheel Hub Cap adds that perfect finishing touch. We couldn’t be happier with our choice!