Choosing the right setup for your vehicle, especially when thinking about overland-style bed racks, can be a tough decision. You want practicality, durability, and of course, something that works for your needs. But, like anything else, there are upsides and downsides. So, what exactly are they? What’s an Overland Bed Rack? An overland bed rack sits over the bed of your truck, giving extra space to carry gear. Whether you’re going on long road trips or just need to store extra stuff, the bed rack is a popular choice among off-roaders, campers, and adventurers. Pros of an Overland Bed Rack…
Author: Eliot Stonebrook
A roof box is a useful way to expand the storage capacity of your vehicle. People commonly use them for road trips, camping, and vacations. But one thing you’ll need to know is how much weight a roof box can hold before you risk damaging your car or making it unsafe to drive. In this article, we’ll break down how to figure out the weight limits for roof boxes and the factors that come into play. What Is the Average Weight Limit for Roof Boxes? The typical roof box weight capacity ranges between 150 and 165 pounds. However, the specific…
Whistling roof bars can make any trip frustrating. If you’ve got Thule roof bars on your car and that constant whistling is driving you nuts, you’re not alone. Many people deal with this annoying sound, and the good news is, it’s fixable. By using some straightforward techniques and knowing where the problem comes from, you can silence that irritating whistle and enjoy your ride again. Why Do Roof Bars Whistle? The whistling sound usually happens because of air resistance. When you’re driving at higher speeds, the air hits the roof bars and creates turbulence, which can lead to that high-pitched…
A car battery is the heart of your vehicle’s electrical system, but when corrosion takes over, things can go wrong quickly. Understanding the risks of jump-starting a corroded battery can save you from damage, injury, or a much larger repair bill than you expected. Why Does Battery Corrosion Happen? Battery corrosion usually forms when gases from the battery acid escape and react with the metals on the terminals. Over time, the acid builds up a crusty white, blue, or green substance around the posts. Extreme temperatures, battery leaks, and aging can speed up the corrosion process. Once it forms, it…
If you’re one of those who leave the cargo box on top of your car after a trip, you might be wondering whether it really matters. A cargo box is convenient, but driving with an empty one can actually affect your car’s performance more than you think. Fuel Efficiency Takes a Hit One of the most immediate effects of driving with an empty cargo box is a reduction in fuel efficiency. Your car becomes less aerodynamic, leading to increased drag. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aerodynamic drag can significantly affect fuel consumption. In fact, it states that at…
When installing kayak racks, knowing the correct spacing is crucial for the safety of both your kayak and your vehicle. Incorrect spacing can lead to damage, instability during transportation, or even cause accidents. Let’s dig into the essential facts and recommendations for setting up your kayak racks at the optimal distance. Why Spacing Matters for Kayak Racks The distance between kayak racks affects not only how securely the kayak is mounted but also how it performs during transit. Incorrect spacing can increase the strain on certain points of the kayak, leading to possible deformations or cracks. According to reports from…
Roof boxes are an essential tool for anyone needing extra storage on road trips, camping adventures, or simply transporting gear. But the question of whether the roof box should be centered or not plays a critical role in your vehicle’s safety, fuel efficiency, and overall handling. Here’s an in-depth look at why centering a roof box matters and how to ensure it’s done correctly. Why Positioning Matters: The Science of Balance When you mount a roof box, placing it in the center ensures your vehicle remains balanced. This balance affects handling, particularly when taking turns or driving on uneven roads.…
When setting up roof rack crossbars, spacing matters more than you might think. Get it right, and you’ll have a safe, efficient, and stable load. Get it wrong, and you risk damage to your vehicle, or worse, an unsafe trip. The question is, how far apart should roof rack crossbars be? Understanding Roof Rack Crossbar Spacing Crossbars are the backbone of your roof rack system, carrying the load and keeping it secure. But how far apart they should be spaced largely depends on what you’re carrying. Typically, spacing ranges between 24 to 36 inches, but each setup is unique. Importance…