Harbor Freight Haul Master Cargo Carrier Review - It's Coming Off

Not a fan. I need something better. This Harbor Freight Haul Master Cargo Carrier is coming down and getting returned. I will be replacing it with a Yakima OffGrid. I think it will be much more useable and look better on my 2021 Toyota Rav4 Prime.
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[@DefStatic]

To save anyone 7 minutes: He bought a cheap rack. He complained about a lot of things that apply to all racks. His solution was to buy a rack nearly 10 times the price.

[@JamesKlafehn]

Thanks for watching. I dont think I was really complaining about anything. Just pointing things out to help my subscribers. I did buy one that was 6 times more expensive but that one sucked too. I found a solution that I absolutely love now though. Im sure youre just passing through but feel free to keep watching. You say Im complaining but my videos help people.

[@DefStatic]

@@JamesKlafehn the Harbor Freight rack is a he'll of a deal @ $60 to $70. I I get showing the difference between a cheap product and a more expensive one, but nothing you listed is really unique to the cheaper one. It just seems really disingenuous. This isn't like comparing an Amazon Chinese knock off to the real thing.

[@Brsotr]

Rep sounds like a lot of crying and whining for attention

[@JamesKlafehn]

@@Brsotr you’re welcome to leave and never come back. If you actually watched my videos I’ve been doing nothing but help people and educate people about the Prime. Those who were interested.

[@007Ysu]

@@JamesKlafehn what is the solution?

[@michaelotoole2038]

This video may be the most complicated way a man can say “i dont know much about roof racks, And I dont like working with mechanical things”

[@krisdunn7674]

Yeah the worst review I’ve ever seen “there’s these bolt covers that I don’t put on bc they might blow off…….” Guys not that smart

[@DeezNuttz_BoffaDem]

⁠@@krisdunn7674“Those metal spiraled rods are exposed and all pokey. I really think they could’ve done better.” What about those rubber caps that snap on em? “I’m not falling for that trick. Those could blow off and then where would I be? Those spiraled rods would be exposed and pokey” It’s really a pain to remove because you have to use your fingers to twist those plastic spinners. I would’ve thought for $80, they could’ve used them magic connections so it just falls off when you pull in the garage. I didn’t buy a roof rack to have it up there mocking me while I drive. I just wanted to make a youtube video to show off my roof rack. Afterwards it should know better than to be up there.

[@AMSRexMPH]

Fixes for these issues, prior to installation, give it an extra coat of automotive spray paint. After installation, cut the excess length of the u-bolts so they won't interfere with stored items. All other concerns are secondary. These retail for $100 at your local harbor freight, Thule has their own version for more than $500. Spend your money as you see fit.

[@DustynRougier]

Or turn the u-bolts the other way.

[@sunoclockoneday2576]

Thanks for answering my questions about the roof rack . These issues are worth dealing with for the $

[@georgecurtis6463]

It may be smallish but the first thing that hit me is that you have it set to far forward. Set it back.

[@JamesKlafehn]

It doesnt go back any further. The roof rails on a rav4 are not adjustable.

[@georgecurtis6463]

@@JamesKlafehn well, that's a cluster of a design. How could they design such a horrid thing with the rack sitting right at the windshield ? With a longer rack it would still sit back over a foot behind the windshield of my subaru. Obviously it's not the rack that's the problem, it's the vehicle. Sad you have little options. Good luck.

[@Name-ps9fx]

Re: the U bolts...if you cut off the excess length (about 1”?), they won’t poke holes in the cargo and you could put the rubber caps on properly.

[@semperfi_ny]

Exactly what I did.

[@jesseflores9087]

I bought this one because it is small, sleak and low profile. Im ok with road noise because i am not a weeny.....

[@molinny]

Actually, the rails in a front-back direction was a good point to reduce drag and noise. A quick Rustoleum spray over would have taken care of the rust. The rubber sleeves and caps are there for a reason. And yes, the HF rack did seem weirdly short, but repeating that you care about saving money and then going from an $80 rack to a $500 rack was just plain bs. I'm personally going to get a HF and remove after each of my Thanksgiving, Xmas, and July 4 road trips. Thanks for the time you spend on the review.

[@defconsupply3990]

Why would you not cut the bolts to the length you want?

[@johnathanwoodley5005]

I bought one 2 month ago for my 2014 Honda crv EX-L I dont see no issues with the brand at all it matters that I need something to put my cooler,portable bbq pit and luggages too plus it gives my crv nice rugged look to it

[@rickdoesitforyou]

Hack saw u bolts and paint rust spots. The other one /return , may not be any nicer.

[@BleauFaust]

The EV makes the roof rack look funny😂😂

[@MazichMusic]

I believe most small SUV'S have their roof racks centered over the cargo area and second row. Yes, it's short, but it would be heavier and possibly extend too far with a longer rack. I think the only way to prevent rust is to get an aluminum basket. More money. There's a reason why they are $100. I'm plan on using mine in the summer with a roof bag that is sized properly for this basket.

[@captaindrywall]

It makes your vehicle look much more rugged I like the way it looks on there I would’ve gone with an even bigger one

[@28wonderland]

I love the way mine looks on my 2021 outback

[@rellimmanna]

I have not installed the rack yet on my truck. First it says to check the screws every time you drive. I screwed the rails together, and then used weatherproof gorilla tape to cover the tiny screws they give you for the joints. The joints also get taped too, no rust, no screws falling out. For the rust, I will use the gorilla rubberized spray to cover the whole rack BEFORE putting it on. I am sure there are more helpful things I can do BEFORE i install and then look for rust.

[@pyrofful]

Thank you! I still think I'm going to get one for the money but glad I know what to expect. The comments are helpful to for tips. Thanks for the video!

[@blastedcorpse271]

I do have to say, that you should have moved the rails back as far as possible and line it up and put it towards the rear of the car, which would look WAY better IMHO. Also, when you get a roof basket, its not too be removed unless you absolutely have too. If you put anything on the roof or side of the car, you will have road noise. If you want a large cargo roof basket, there are manufactures out there that make full length baskets. :) Happy Traveling.

[@JamesKlafehn]

Nothing wouldve made this basket look good. It was so bad and so loud. My newest rack is phenomenal!!! Have you seen it?

[@blastedcorpse271]

@@JamesKlafehn yes I have seen the new rack and I concur. It’s much better.

[@LeeeB0]

Will this fit fixed distance crossbars? My bars are around 23.5 inches apart on a 2018 Honda CRV. Thanks

[@danh6224]

Seriously... to short? Its called Research First! As for comparison, show us our 2nd chosen basket that makes really makes a difference.

[@christophervela5447]

I sprayed mine and still ended up rusting ....now I want to get rid of it

[@paulcolburn6949]

I think Smitty Bilt makes a rack as well for a cheaper price but you can get them up to 81 inches long which is like damn near 7 feet.

[@josermalavejr466]

I'm thinking of getting one if this video wasn't so old I'd buy it from you I live in upstate NY.

[@Joe-eg7ml]

So would you say this is more size proportion to a smaller car like a vw GTi?

[@JamesKlafehn]

yes definitely.

[@LeeeB0]

can someone recommend a good cargo bag that fits in this snug?

[@craftymulligar]

Probably cut the threads down so not to poke with dremel tool or like. I want one to go in back to put a generator on.

[@BicMichuM]

Its worth $60...still using it..i like mine on an outback...so what did u end up buying? 99% of roof racks will create noise...did u get. $400 thule or yakima? And about rust, u can always spray with rust oleum

[@TheFoxyy18]

TLDR: I didn't do any homework at all and here 's why that's the manufactures fault.

[@louisc76]

Consumer Reports did an analysis and hitch mounted racks hurt the economy much less than roof mounted ones. Your Yakima is going to kill your economy too. Also no offense but you gotta measure ahead of time- no fault but your own. I compared the HF rack to the Yakima offered for my Subaru and it’s a comparable length. I’d invest in a couple cans of bedliner spray to prevent rust and use the recommended rubber covers for the bolts. Save myself almost $300. Food for thought but still I appreciate the info.

[@molinny]

yeah but hitch-mounted racks do 2 things: First, they make access to the back of my Outback a pain in the as* . In second place a hitch would reduce my approach and departure angles killing precious ground clearance in the process. Don't get me wrong a hitch is fine on my old F150. Lastly, $80 versus the expense of putting a compact almost hidden hitch on my Subaru would cost me upwards of $400 in parts and labor. And no, a used Uhaul hitch is not what I would have in mind. Harbor Freight is good enough for me, don't need to impress my neighbors or fellow Subie outdoor heads.

[@the2ndwiseman]

Paint it with Zero Rust Black. Problem solved. My only question is will it fit a Honda Element regular size spare tire on top

[@JamesKlafehn]

I couldve, but I didnt really like the carrier anyway. I also didnt want to spend more money on it.

[@MM-yy9ib]

I have to agree, it looks really small. Looks funny up there. Maybe on a smaller vehicle it will look ok. I want a roof rack but a lot of the pics I see of this one it looks as if the cargo is hanging off the sides. I'm sure it's a good rack, just not for me.

[@thiaguinhooitodois2211]

Lol the solution is something similar but more expensive. Great job.

[@campbellmarty36]

I guess worth the money but definitely is too small for my application! But I’m sure it’s perfect for some folks!!

[@AveiroDan]

I had a feeling you’d return the harbor freight rack. It did look small and cheap looking. Can’t wait to see the Yakima!! Did you paint or add red brake caliper covers? Looks sharp!

[@JamesKlafehn]

Thanks for watching! I had the calipers painted. I love the way they look too. Id like to get some lightweight all black wheels at some point.

[@OMGITSAAAJ]

Let me save you some time… To all the haters, first of all… Realize that he’s installing this on a plug-in grocery getter. So to those of us rocking the 35in M/T and 6in lifts, this video ain’t for us, as our rigs barley want to be on the highway, so wind noise, mpgs, and exposed hardware are not a problem for us. So give him a break.. Secondly, Careful, he’s blocking people quite efficiently.

[@jeffhaynes9431]

All the racks will fade and rust. This one is well worth the $$. Cut the bolts short and put in the plugs.

[@motchowder4271]

Saw your comments about an electric truck. Check out the rivian lines. Not bad.

[@JamesKlafehn]

I had a reservation on one. My wife loved the rivian. But I am getting one of the first Ford Lightnings in NY instead.

[@OGRH]

It looks fine. You do like the "look" of a RAV 4, so that makes sense.

[@JamesKlafehn]

I dont.

[@OGRH]

@@JamesKlafehn Good quality vehicle, ugly ride... anything you do is an improvement! If you feel something else would be a bigger help, then I would understand! Just saying!

[@XroorX]

I have the alternative to the welding of the “basket” but the alternative is a lot of bolts versus rusty welds.

[@grizzlya1257]

For the benefit of the audience, can you disclaim if you received any benefits from Yakima for your promotion? Your criticism was making little sense to me until you pivoted to an expensive name brand and praised it as the solution without having taken it out of the box

[@JamesKlafehn]

Nope. Paid for all of these out of my own pocket.

[@jasonp3253]

Um dude I live in the Midwest and we put just as much salt if not more than New York. We definitely don't get the snow you guys get but we get more cold so more ice so more salt.

[@JamesKlafehn]

My bad. I was thinking more south. I know the Dakotas and Montana get crazy winters!

[@John-209]

That is amazing that it would have little rust spots already. Definitely you should take that thing back and don’t be afraid to spend the money it’s going to be up there for years and years to come

[@JamesKlafehn]

Yup. I thought so too. I knew the risk going into it which is why I wanted to paint it. Oh well, I returned it, its gone.

[@Rynoyes]

You could cut off the extra thread!!

[@jar407]

looks like the model made for small 4 door pickup not a suv . measure first before you buy

[@faithhealer5601]

That basket is placed way way too far forward it should be more centered or over the rear tires more has to be moved

[@chucksw1]

Better to have a hitch basket

[@AveiroDan]

Chuck Weinberg I agree!

[@JamesKlafehn]

I have a bike rack that goes there. I also wouldnt want something so low and accessible to thieves. Also wouldnt want to hit my shins on it. To each their own.

[@brandongalbraith]

Harbor Fright Haul Master Hitch Basket is garbage FYI, the one I picked up was already rusting under the poor paint job.

[@AnglingAttorney]

"IT'S A PAIN IN THE BUTT" says the guy who has to plug his car in every day lmao

[@JamesKlafehn]

Plugging in is EASY! Just plug in when you get home and go inside. You dont have to do anything. Couldnt be easier.

[@krismaljr]

Well, what do you expect . It’s Unknown brand and made in China but hey it’s cheap🙂

[@pocketjokers1]

Cut the extra bolt off ! No big deal sounds like some lame dislikes to me , it's to carry stuff so you have extra room , should have put some wax on it ! Lol

[@tnights5113]

I didn't actually measure anything before I purchased it Lol

[@duongly]

Hughhh... So much haters here... Unbelievable! Anyways... Thanks for posting this video. You just confirm what I thought about this rack: it's too short. Also, didn't know it was a pain to take it off. You helped me a lot with the HF roof carrier, the Yakima canyon and the vanguard platform. I own a Rav4 too and I came to the conclusion that the roof rack choices are pretty limited.

[@JamesKlafehn]

Thank you for the comment! Yours is the first I have responded to in months. People have been fucking assholes! I never wanted to be a youtuber. I just did this to help people. I caught so much shit I decided to take a step back. I am so glad it helped you and thank you for your comment!

[@brwa5176]

Almost everything I've bought at Harbor Freight has been poor quality. Good prices but for me that isn't enough.

[@JamesKlafehn]

I saw an employee post one time that you should stay away from anything with a motor. I buy lots of stuff there. I have had really good luck with everything.

[@FreddietheFly]

Not that I would buy one; anything I need to carry will fit inside the Prime. I wouldn't buy it on looks alone. It does look goofy.

[@JamesKlafehn]

Normally I can carry everything inside too. I think this will be very useful when my family and I go somewhere together. I have a wife, 3 year old, a dog and a second child on the way. Car gets full real quick!

[@austinsousa170]

Let me get that one from you then lol

[@dr_geraldm2115]

Lol. I don’t know why I don’t like this quality, inexpensive, product. I would rather spend 600 dollars on one from REI for aesthetics.

[@juliovaldez5468]

A roof rack is not about esthetics, it's about function. What I see when I look at your car is a car with a roof rack on it, period.

[@JamesKlafehn]

Lets be serious, most car mods are esthetics for most people.

[@markwiley4383]

You're Awesome dude!!

[@JamesKlafehn]

Wow thanks! I hope you have a great night!

[@matthewgentz9371]

This thing sucks and rusted away in 6 months here in Florida...

[@JamesKlafehn]

Wow. Glad I didnt keep it!

[@longdistanrunner1480]

Nice rav 4 bub…bet it looks great with your purse. Sure you look very cute going down the road

[@robertovalentin1482]

It's not the basket it was you that didn't do your research 😂😂😂😂 LoL just saying 😅😅😅😅

[@JamesKlafehn]

I just wanted to try it. I thought it would be good enough. Most of the stuff I have purchased from them has been quite good actually. This wasnt. Super cheap quality!

[@silverdropstang]

Want cheese for that whine?

[@treymendez4826]

😭😭

[@oceanside5129]

Electric vehicle driver say no more!

[@misurebanks1538]

You petty bro.

[@pilot1226]

HF stuff is hit or miss. Good riddance!

[@JamesKlafehn]

Thanks. Yeah Its gone. Returned it a couple days ago.

[@PCPAyLOAD]

The problem isnt the roof rack.. Its that you bought a RAV4.

[@cetifoxproductions]

...and he drives an EV. Moving on.

[@JamesKlafehn]

Yup, this is an EV channel. Thanks for stopping by...

[@DaveM111]

Here what I got: I have a Toyota Rav4 PRIME. Wah wah wah. I had it stalled for two weeks. Wah Wah Wah. I'm too lazy to take it off.. Wah Wah Wah Im teturning it and buying an expensive one for my PRIME Rav4.

[@Jwick1518]

Took my Rola off my rav after 5 hours on the drive way. Too heavy, does effect efficiency, could get easily stolen. Worst of all it felt like it was going to break my cross bars. I do not need the liability. Lastly we can't make our RAV's into full on off road trucks. They are great for what they are made for but not rugged, not for serious off road, not for serious hauling. These cross overs are wagons with a little more. I went from an f150 V8 to my rav. Should have kept my F150 and the rav. Long story.... But the rav will NEVER be a real Truck or SUV

[@pirata273]

Broo u dont get it for looks

[@yogie3235]

Common be a man and cut the extra thread off.

[@gersonpilotzi7503]

He is granola

[@JamesKlafehn]

How kind... Thanks for stopping by...

[@JBDacasinJr]

Get a truck

[@JamesKlafehn]

There isnt an electric one yet. I have deposits on all the EV trucks coming soon.

[@jcbenson01]

So... you made a video to complain and point out that you failed to measure prior to purchasing and installing? Talk about a waste of time watching this video. Are you really that bored? It’s $100. It’s Chinese made. Most Chinese junk rusts within a few weeks in the weather. Trim the bolts off so they’re not sticking up. You bought a $100 HF junk item. If course it isn’t “top notch” lmao.

[@10usausa]

Dude, my maaaaan it’s only 99.99 and you keep complaining too much (don’t like, I don’t want to put the caps on, it’s just bothering me). My man , bro take it easy on yourself and on us the audience, what we’ve seen you have a nooice house and a nooice RAV4 and so forth. So, just order the 500$ and see if you like it. Habibi save your money, when you have a sick mom or a family member you’ll need every single penny.

[@1eyewilly]

Oh you silly millennials

[@michaelfrank5896]

Actually be a real man and buy a truck instead of a tinker toy problem solved

[@JamesKlafehn]

Real men drive trucks? Dumb men drive gas trucks. I drove a Tundra for years paying $300 a month in gas. Thats stupid AF. I really do want a truck again but Ill never go back to gas. I think the Cybertruck is pretty ridiculous looking but that will be my next vehicle.

[@Brsotr]

Damn hit a nerve