The XL version of 1Up\u2019s RakAttach storage system is rated for 375 pounds of gear, 100 pounds more than the original. <\/span> (Photo: Jakob Schiller)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n1Up RakAttach XL<\/h2>\n <\/section>\n
The RakAttach is 1Up\u2019s back-of-the-vehicle storage system that slots into a two-inch hitch receiver and allows you to carry a bike rack plus other overland accessories like Maxtrax and a shovel. When you\u2019re parked, the RakAttach swings out of the way so you can access your tailgate or car hatch. The XL, which just launched, is rated for 375 pounds of gear\u2014a full 100 more than the original. Like everything 1Up makes, the XL is carefully engineered, well thought out, and creates a sleek and efficient way to transport a lot of otherwise cumbersome gear. I also appreciate that the XL comes with a support jack to keep the swingout arm from getting overloaded when it\u2019s full of gear and extended away from the car.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n\nThe Redarc Tow-Pro Link Electric Brake Controller allows you to remotely activate your trailer brakes if you ever see your trailer start to sway. <\/span> (Photo: Jakob Schiller)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nRedarc Tow-Pro Link Electric Brake Controller<\/h2>\n <\/section>\n
A couple of years ago, I saw a trailer start to sway behind a truck on the freeway. The swaying got progressively worse until the truck and trailer both flipped. Remembering that scary incident, I was excited to come across this sway recovery brake controller. If you see your trailer start to sway, you push a button on the remote, and it activates the trailer brakes until the swaying stops.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n\nThe SeaSucker Flex-X vacuum-mounted phone mount uses a hand-operated vacuum pump to make a connection strong enough to keep your phone secure on rugged dirt roads. <\/span> (Photo: Jakob Schiller)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSeaSucker Flex-X Phone Mount<\/h2>\n <\/section>\n
Most suction-cup phone holders aren\u2019t strong enough to stay in place on your windshield if you\u2019re driving down rugged dirt roads. SeaSucker\u2019s heavy-duty vacuum-mounted holder will. Using a hand-operated vacuum pump to remove all the air from beneath the adhesive pad, the mount creates a connection that\u2019s so strong the company also uses it to mount their bike racks to car roofs. I was impressed by both the strength of the mount and the ability to remove it from my windshield in seconds when I didn\u2019t want it obscuring my field of view.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n\nThe new 90-liter Pelican Crate is a sleek system that comes with dividers and built-in molle panels to help keep track of gear.<\/span> (Photo: Jakob Schiller)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPelican 90-Liter Crate<\/h2>\n <\/section>\n
Staying safe while exploring remote spots on four wheels requires a lot of gear. I always carry a robust medical kit, recovery equipment so I can get unstuck, and enough tools to fix my truck, tent, or whatever else might break. Bins help keep all this organized, and Pelican\u2019s newest offering is one of the sleekest systems I\u2019ve seen. The \u201cPelican Crates\u201d come with dividers and built-in molle panels to help keep track of gear so it can be easily accessed during a breakdown or emergency. The crates also integrate with plates from the Mounting Company<\/a>, so they can be securely attached to your roof rack or truck bed and removed by simply pulling a pin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n