Our Review: Thule Hull-a-Port XTR Kayak Rack System

After spending several weekends testing the Thule Hull-a-Port XTR, we’re impressed with its thoughtful design and functionality. This J-style rack arrives pre-assembled, saving valuable setup time at the start of your adventure. We particularly appreciate how it folds flat when not in use, significantly reducing wind noise and improving gas mileage during everyday driving.

The ability to carry two kayaks on a single system is a major plus for our team outings, and the universal mounting system fit perfectly on our variety of test vehicles with load bars up to 80.5mm wide. The locking mechanism gave us peace of mind when stopping for lunch during our transport trips.

While it’s priced at the higher end of the market, we found the durability, ease of use, and security features make the Hull-a-Port XTR a worthwhile investment for serious paddling enthusiasts.

12 Dec

Exterior Accessories

Our Take on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Roof Rack: Worth Every Penny? ChatGPT: We Tested the Ultimate Roof Rack for Grand Cherokee L

December 12, 2025
By Drivecraft
0 comments

Our Take on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Roof Rack: Worth Every Penny?

When we installed these cross bars on our 2022 Grand Cherokee L, we were immediately impressed by the build quality. The aluminum construction strikes the perfect balance between durability and weight, while the 260-pound capacity gave us confidence to load up for weekend adventures.

Installation was straightforward, taking us about 20 minutes without any special tools. The bars mounted securely to the factory rails with no wiggling or wind noise, even at highway speeds.

We’ve loaded these racks with everything from kayaks to camping gear, and they’ve handled it all without breaking a sweat. The wide bars provide plenty of surface area for multiple attachments, and we appreciate how they maintain the Cherokee’s sleek profile when not fully loaded.

For Grand Cherokee L and WL owners who need reliable cargo solutions, we think these cross bars are absolutely worth the investment.

26 Nov

Exterior Accessories

Our Review: MELIPRON’s Versatile 500lb Truck Rack System

November 26, 2025
By Drivecraft
0 comments

Our Review: MELIPRON’s Versatile 500lb Truck Rack System

After spending the last month testing the MELIPRON 60″ Truck Cap Topper Rack, we’re impressed with its thoughtful design. The adjustable aluminum construction strikes an excellent balance between durability and weight, making installation manageable while providing the promised 500lb capacity.

We appreciated the versatility this rack offers. Whether you’re hauling kayaks for a weekend getaway or transporting lumber for home projects, the 60-inch width accommodates various load types. The adjustable feature is particularly valuable, allowing us to modify the setup based on our cargo needs.

Installation was straightforward, though we recommend having a second person help position the rack. The aluminum construction resisted the elements well during our testing period, with no signs of corrosion despite several rainy days.

For truck owners needing reliable overhead storage without permanent modifications, this rack delivers exceptional value.

22 Oct

Exterior Accessories

SweetRoll: Our Review of YAKIMA’s Easy-Loading Boat Rack

October 22, 2025
By Drivecraft
0 comments

SweetRoll: Our Review of YAKIMA’s Easy-Loading Boat Rack

After months of testing the YAKIMA SweetRoll, we’re excited to share our findings. This rooftop boat loader has completely transformed our kayaking adventures with its intuitive design. The roller system makes loading our kayak remarkably effortless-just place the bow on the rear rollers and push forward. We were particularly impressed by how the sweet-spot saddles automatically adjust to the hull’s shape, creating a secure fit without excessive strap tightening.

Installation took us about 30 minutes, and the tool-free mounting system attaches securely to most factory and aftermarket crossbars. Even when fully loaded, we noticed minimal wind noise during highway driving. The integrated SKS locks provide peace of mind when we stop for lunch before reaching the water.

For paddlers seeking a user-friendly solution to transport a single kayak or canoe, the SweetRoll is definitely worth the investment.