Markus Andrews

Snowmobile boots are a vital piece of equipment for most people that participate in the sport, protecting, warming, and supporting feet during long days out on the sled. While those who are new to the sport or are just getting together all of their equipment sometimes use a sturdy pair of winter boots, after a snow machine and a helmet, a snowmobile-specific boot shouldn’t be far behind on your shopping list.
Snowmobile boots are typically windproof, meant to withstand extreme temperatures (around -60 degrees Fahrenheit). Many models are also DOT approved, which means they’re not only certified to protect your feet and ankles in the event of a crash, but they’re also crash tested and designed around rigorous safety standards. Lastly, they’re rigid, meaning they can support your weight as you shift around on the sled, making performing complex maneuvers easier and allowing you to move more quickly and more effectively around tight trail networks.

Features to Consider in a Snowmobile Boot
There’s plenty to think about when shopping around for a snowmobile boot, from fashion (does it match with your sled?) to warmth (does it match with the forecast). We’ve identified the following as the most fundamental parts to watch out for when looking for a snowmobile boot.
Protection
An average sled can get up to 95 miles per hour while a higher speed snowmobile hits over 150 mph. When riding quickly, a snowmobile boot is nearly as important as a helmet or any other personal protective equipment, protecting your legs, shins, and feet from debris and supporting them in the event of a crash.
Weatherproofing
Also, make sure your snowmobile boot is both waterproof and breathable, as moisture is the enemy of warm feet. Keeping your feet toasty and safe from frostbite is more about the design of your boot than the sheer quantity of insulation.
Insulation
There are about as many insulation types as models of boots, with everyone taking a different approach to the most fundamental part of a winter boot. From natural compounds like wool to fancy synthetics that sometimes work great and sometimes don’t, make sure you’re paying attention to how your boot is insulated.
Enclosure Mechanism
Keeping your boot sealed with a reliable fastener is the best way to make sure you’re keeping the weather out. The following fasteners are the most common in the snowmobile market.
Laces: A classic, simple, and inexpensive enclosure mechanism, laces provide consistent pressure although wear out over time and can become untied.
Boa: The Boa enclosure system applies even pressure around the ankle and can’t become untied, although they’re much more expensive than other enclosures
Ratchet: Tightening with a series of clicks, ratchets are constructed with plastic and metal. While these don’t loosen up over time and are easy to use on the go, sometimes snow can get in the way and gum up the works.
Velcro: Velcro is a classic- quick, reliable, and inexpensive. It’s sometimes referred to as a ‘hook-and-loop’ enclosure, unfortunately, it loses the ability to cinch down tightly over time.
Elastic: While an elastic cord or cinch is usually not the only enclosure method, the material is often used over the top cuff of a boot to keep out snow and provide a seal that keeps the weather out, like a small gaiter.
Versatility
The last thing to consider with a snowmobile boot is its versatility: what exactly are you using it for? While serious snowmobilers might look for something with a high degree of protection that’s less comfortable while walking, those who are using their snowmobile as a tool to get around in the winter will want something warmer and more comfortable to walk in. Make sure your boot matches its intended application.

Top 10 Best Snowmobile Boots 2020
1. Best Overall Pick: Castle X Charge Boa Men’s Snowmobile Boots

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Why we like it: These waterproof boots come from a legacy manufacturer, sporting an impressive insulation rating and good ventilation.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Enclosure Mechanism: Boa
Insulation: 3-layer Merino Wool
Weatherproofing: Cordura Nylon
Review
Like most other Castle boots, these 3-layer Merino wool boots are rated to -60 degrees Fahrenheit, although while less expensive boots get the job done with synthetic, these ones accomplish the task with more premium materials than other Castle boots like the Castle X Force 2 Men’s Snowmobile Boot.
The Merino wool, in fact, is layered in between a moisture-wicking air mesh and perforated air foam, yielding a construction that’s warm but won’t ever mean you end up with wet feet. Like other Castle boots, these protect the feet from external water using polyurethane coated outer materials and 100D nylon (originally known by its brand name, Cordura nylon), which is permeable from inside, allowing sweat to evaporate, but not letting water in from the outside.
Our favorite part, though, and what makes these boots cost about $50 more than other Castle models, is the Boa attachment system, located at the top cuff of the boot and cinching down on the ankle without applying too much pressure.
While laces can become untied and cut off circulation when not tightened down evenly, the Boa system is warrantied, designed to tighten across the entire surface of the leg and ankle, and continues to be effective and easy to operate even in the cold and snow.

Pros
Three layers of Merino wool keep the feet warm
Cordura nylon is impermeable yet breathable
Boa attachment system is effective and easy to use
These boots use more premium materials than other models

Cons
About $50 more than comparable models

2. Best Premium Pick: Klim Klutch GTX Boa Boot

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Why we like it: Chock full of expensive features, high-end touches, and premium materials, this pricey boot is phenomenal if you’ve got the budget.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Enclosure Mechanism: Boa
Insulation: Thinsulate Water-Resistant 800G
Weatherproofing: Gore Tex/Michelin Rubber Outsole
Review
Top to bottom, this boot is just about as good as it gets: a Boa system provides even retention around the ankle and calf and 800 gram Thinsulate material offers insulation resistance to even the coldest days. In fact, the manufacturer, Klim, even took the step of paying for the rights to use one of the industry’s most expensive materials: Gore Tex.
So there’s no question the boot is going to be great, especially considering the fact that it manages to stack on further name brand features like a Michelin rubber outsole and a Ortholite insole. So the question becomes, then, is the boot worth the high price of these expensive features?
It’s a complicated question, and in an already expensive sport, it feels easy to say yes. A boot is a small, small fraction of the price of a snow machine, so any accessory is going to feel significantly more economical than an additional purchase.
Still though, there are plenty of boots at half the price of this one. Our verdict: if you’re looking for high-performance equipment, buy this boot. If you’re looking for a more niche boot or something more versatile, you’re better off with something more economical.

Pros
Incorporates proprietary designer materials into its construction
Boa system gently locks the boot into place
Relatively inexpensive compared to other snowmobile equipment
Thinsulate material

Cons
Not worth the high price unless you need high performance
Niche users might be better off buying something more economical

3. Best Budget Pick: Joe Rocket’s Men’s Snowmobile Boot

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Why we like it: These inexpensive boots are made using several proprietary materials to maximize warmth, water resistance, and rigidity.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Enclosure Mechanism: Velcro, Ratchet enclosure
Insulation: DuPont and Thermolite Insulated Liner
Weatherproofing: Waterproof Scotch Guard Genuine Leather
Review
These inexpensive boots aren’t the most technologically advanced, but they do incorporate several different types of proprietary or patented materials to maximize the efficacy of the boot. The outer construction is made of a material called Scotch Guard leather, a type of leather that’s supple and waterproof, allowing the exterior to be completely weatherproof.
Unfortunately, though, this means that you’ll have to frequently wipe down the external part of the boot, as weather when not cared for properly begins to decay. The inside contains a DuPont and Thermolite insulated booty to keep the foot itself warm, claiming to be effective up to an incredibly frigid -60˚F, a temperature that we hope you’ll never have to endure.
While a ratchet enclosure cinches down the bottom of the boot, the cuff of the boot relies on Velcro, which is not quite effective at keeping snow and wind from entering the top of the boot. This reduces the efficacy of the entire boot itself.
We wish that the top cuff incorporated a Boa enclosure or at least a ratchet enclosure to keep that top cuff tight around the calf, providing an insulative seal around the leg. They’re great for budget buyers, but if you’re looking for the top of the line, check out the Klim Klutch GTX Boa Boot.

Pros
Uses Scotch Guard leather for waterproofing
Dupont/Thermolite insulation in booty
Effective up to -60˚F
Ratchet enclosure tightly cinches down the bottom of the boot

Cons
Velcro cuff isn’t great at insulating the top of the boot
Leather requires some care

4. Best Women’s Snowmobile Boots: Kamik Women’s Canuck Boot

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Why we like it: These women’s boots aren’t purely meant for snowmobilers, but they’re more than up to the task.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Enclosure Mechanism: Laces with Elastic Cuff
Insulation: 8mm Zylex Liner
Weatherproofing: 1000 Denier Nylon/Rubber
Review
Although this boot technically isn’t a snowmobile boot, it contains many of the technical, proprietary materials that have come to be expected in recent years on snowmobile specific models. This starts with a 1000 Denier nylon upper, a material that’s both insulated and waterproof, keeping your feet dry even in slushy conditions. Internally located is an 8mm Zylex liner, removable in case it needs to be dried or cleaned, adding another layer of warmth.
So what makes this good for snowmobiling, then? Firstly, it’s got an impressive cuff length, completely necessary if you’re looking for a non-snowmobile-specific boot that will work with your sled. This high cuff length won’t just protect you from a crash, it’ll better protect you from the snow that gets kicked up when riding.
If you’re looking for a versatile, high-cuffed mens’ boot, check out the Sorel Men’s Bear XT Insulated Winter Boots.
The last important part is the construction of the sole and of the upper. A thick rubber sole and upper wraps all the way around the top of the foot, stopping just sort of the ankle, protecting against more injuries than boots where only the sole itself is rubber. An elastic ring tops off the gaiter, and a relatively outdated lace-up retention is effective at evenly cinching down the cuff, but can become untied at inconvenient moments.

Pros
High-cuffed boots will protect from crashes and the elements
Thick rubber sole and upper helps with waterproofing
Elastic ring seals the gaiter

Cons
Laces can become untied at inconvenient moments
Not technically meant for snowmobiles

5. Best High-Tech Boot: FXR X-Cross Pro Speed Boots

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Why we like it: These ultra-modern technical boots aren’t just impressive for serious riders, they also do a great job of providing luxury touches for more casual snowmobilers.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Enclosure Mechanism: Laces
Insulation: Synthetic
Weatherproofing: 2mm Rubber Coating
Review
As a snowmobile-specific boot, these technical looking and feeling options from powersports company FXR have a feature that non-snowmobile-specific boots simply won’t have: a DOT and FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard) certification, meaning your feet and ankles will be well protected in the case of an accident.
Fastening with laces, it doesn’t use the most technologically advanced fasteners, but the tech has been around for hundreds of years and isn’t going anywhere. In fact, this design of lace is actually complemented by the boots two-piece tongue construction, which allows it to provide a strong seal around the calf, keeping wind and snow out. They’re rated to an impressive -40˚F, which isn’t the best in class but for a pair of rigid snowmobile-specific boots is pretty darn impressive.
Lastly, the boots are supportive. A fixed liner keeps the foot in place, a 20mm thick EVA footbed provides support, and 2mm of rubber keeps water out when slogging around in the wet. With unisex colorways that accomodate feet from women’s size 5 all the way up to men’s 13, these will accommodate just about any size foot.

Pros
Supportive and insulative two-tongue construction
2mm of rubber for waterproofing
DOT and FMVSS certification
Unisex colorways with a wide range of sizes

Cons
Insulation rating isn’t great for the category
Laces as a fastening mechanism aren’t particularly impressive

6. Best Cold Weather Boot: Baffin Impact Boot

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Why we like it: This ultra-cold weather boot isn’t snowmobile-specific, but it’s one of the warmest boots on the market.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Enclosure Mechanism: Buckle and Elastic
Insulation: Baffin Multi-Layer Inner Boot System
Weatherproofing: Rubber Base
Review
While Baffin isn’t necessarily a huge name in snowmobiles, it is a well-known brand in general winterwear, providing phenomenal, winterproof, waterproof products at a relatively economic price. Unfortunately, though, they’re not snowmobile specific, meaning that among other small details, the boots are not DOT approved, although the sheer nylon boot outer layer should provide at least some protection in the event of a crash.
The boot is rated to a ridiculous -148ºF, which we hope you never have the misfortune to encounter (it’s actually colder than the coldest temperature ever measured on earth). So just because a hypothetical foot could survive that low of a temperature in this boot doesn’t mean that an ultra-warm boot doesn’t provide benefits: even at a relatively balmy 0ºF, your foot will be more comfortable than if you were using a warmer-weather boot like the FXR X-Cross Pro Speed.
The inner layer, which incorporates a removable booty, uses Baffin’s multi-layer system to insulate the foot, although that messes with conventional sizing. Over time, that liner will stretch out, but not to the extent that you should purchase your standard size. As with most snowmobile boots, purchase approximately one size up. If you happen to get the wrong size, you could experience hot spots and friction.

Pros
Boots will keep you warm even in ridiculously low temperatures
Incorporates a three-layer removable booty
Sheer nylon provides protection in the event of a crash
Liner stretches out over time, accommodating foot size

Cons
Purchasing the wrong size yields hot spots and friction
Liner stretches out over time
Not DOT approved

7. Best Leather Snowmobile Boot: Castle X Force 2

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Why we like it: Snowmobile apparel giant Castle is a phenomenal example of a company that knows how to produce a product that ticks all the boxes for snowmobilers.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Enclosure Mechanism: Laces
Insulation: Natural Wool Blend
Weatherproofing: DRY-X membrane
Review
With a lace enclosure, these boots are bit older school in terms of construction but as modern as the best of them with regards to function. Although at first glance, the design and detail features look similar to older boots, the retro (or at least traditional) look hides the advanced materials and tech that makes these boots a lot more advanced than they appear.
Made of a breathable, wicking, natural wool blend, the removable insole has a waterproof and metallic heat layer insulating the boot. Primarily, though, the waterproofing can be credited to Castle’s proprietary DRY-X membrane, and the polyurethane coating around the entire outer layer of the boot. It’s about as warm as boots rated to 40˚F, like the FXR X-Cross Pro Speed boots.
As they’ve got a bit of leather, they’ll require a bit more care than with fully synthetic boots, and you’ll have to wipe down and dry off the boot every time it gets wet or salty. We do like the design touch, and the dark color scheme, though, and the leather contributes to an overall more durable makeup. Not interested in the leather boot outer layer construction? The same boot also comes in high-vis and women’s versions.

Pros
Rigid snowmobile boots have a retro look and advanced construction
Includes Castle’s proprietary DRY-X membrane
Come in high-vis and women’s versions

Cons
Leather requires some care after use
Has a slightly retro look

8. Most Versatile Men’s Snowmobile Boot: Sorel Men’s Bear XT

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Why we like it: Although this sturdy winter boot isn’t technically snowmobile-specific, it’s sturdy enough to be protective and great for all kinds of winter tasks.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Enclosure Mechanism: Laces with Elastic Cuff
Insulation: Heat-Reflective Lining
Weatherproofing: PU-Coated Synthetic Textile
Review
First of all, we have to say that this boot is not snowmobile-specific, meaning it’s not DOT approved like FXR X-Cross Pro Speed Boots and therefore not as safe in potential accidents as other boots. Simultaneously, though, if you’re using a sled as a tool to get around in the winter more than as a recreational vehicle, you’ll need a pair of boots like this that will be equally effective for work.
While these are sturdy and stiff enough for snowmobile use, where these boots really shine is out while working. Take, for example, their 13-inch cuff, which, covered by an elastic flexible gaiter does an impressive job of keeping snow out even when tromping around snowdrifts that get even above the top of your boot. Count on impressive water protection as well, as the PU (Polyurethane) coated plastic doesn’t just seal out water, it lets the foot breathe as well.
These boots, however, have some weak points as well. The sole is highly profiled, meaning that while they’re good for hiking, these boots don’t stick to the footboards as well as flat-bottomed boots that are specifically meant for the task. It shouldn’t be a problem for a casual user, but it’s a bit more of a challenge for snowmobilers riding aggressively.

Pros
Impressive water protection and weather resistance thanks to long cuff
Highly profiled sole is good for hiking
Phenomenal for winter work
Allows foot to breathe

Cons
Grip is a problem for snowmobilers who ride aggressively
Boot is not as safe in accidents as snowmobile-specific options

9. Most Versatile Unisex Snowmobile Boot: Klim Adrenaline GTX

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Why we like it: These cold-weather boots are durable and sturdy enough for use around your farm or land during the winter while being rigid and warm enough for snowmobile use.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Enclosure Mechanism: Laces
Insulation: 3M Thinsulate
Weatherproofing: Gore-Tex
Review
A solidly-constructed boot meant to be versatile for use both on and off the sled, these boots from Klim, a largely snowmobile-specific company, are a great option for those who want a snowmobile specific boot that can be used for other purposes as well. Rigid enough for maneuvering a sled and shifting weight while on powdery snowmobile trails, they also come with features that make them fine for slogging around the snow without a snow machine.
Loaded up with multi-layered construction for heat retention and a thin sheet of 3M Thinsulate insulation, adding both waterproofing and a chance for more heat capture. The exterior is durable as well, especially when weighing it against other synthetic alternatives, primarily woven nylon and synthetic rubber.
Unfortunately, they’re not the most breathable, and they’re not technically snowmobile-specific or DOT approved, meaning they won’t be as safe in the event of a crash, nor are they great for the most aggressive of riders. Fortunately, Gore Tex means that they’ll still slide instead of catch in a crash, and solid ankle support means they’re much more sturdy than other snow boots.

Pros
Snowmobile specific boot that can be used for other purposes
Rigid enough for maneuvering on snow but flexible enough for hiking
Multi-layered construction
Made of woven nylon and synthetic rubber

Cons
Not DOT approved
Not snowmobile-specific

10. Most Breathable: Fly Racing Marker Boa Boots

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Why we like it: These semi-premium boots from newcomer Fly Racing are great for breathability and waterproofing, although not ideal for extremely cold weather.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Enclosure Mechanism: Boa
Insulation: Thinsulate 600G
Weatherproofing: Hydroguard
Review
Fly Racing is traditionally a motocross-centered company, but has expanded into other sports recently, offering products in everything from water sports to mountain biking. Thankfully for snowmobilers, they’ve also begun to produce sturdy products for snowmobilers, although they’re slightly more expensive than comparable products from more established manufacturers.
Taking knowledge from years of producing all-condition, no-holds-barred motocross boots, Fly Racing incorporates their universal Hydroguard system with this pair of boots, preventing water penetration while simultaneously allowing the feet to breathe. Still not quite at the level of major manufacturers, unfortunately, these boots are only rated down to -40˚F, not the standard -60˚F we’ve come to expect from other manufacturers.
Our favorite part of these boots, by far, is their thick and grippy rubber sole. It’s full of almost cleat-like rubber protrusions, perfect for clawing your way up packed, icy surfaces, with the rubber soft enough to help maintain a grip on the foot platforms of your snow machine. This yields a snowmobile boot that’s rigid enough for maneuvering the sled while being grippy enough for a bit of backcountry hiking.

Pros
Grippy sole is great for hard-packed icy surfaces
Hydroguard system is breathable but doesn’t let water in
Sturdy products are good for snowmobilers

Cons
Not rated to the -60˚F we expect from other manufacturers
Company is new to production of snowmobile products
Products are slightly more expensive than comparable models

Guide to Buying the Best Snowmobile Boots for 2020
Snowmobiling is an incredible sport, one of the best and most exciting ways to enjoy a winter landscape. While it’s more accessible than other motorsports from a price and skill perspective, riders still need to invest in the best equipment. An important part of this? A solid, rigid, and protective pair of snowmobile boots.
Pro Boot Tips for Snowmobilers
Many new sled riders are still learning quickly about the sport, and that’s fine: snowmobilers are a warm and welcoming community. Here are some of the tips for maximizing your boots from snowmobiling old-timers.
Size Up: A smart move for anyone with a sled is to size up on your winter boots from your normal street shoe size. This will give you room for thicker wool socks, or, on those really cold days, even a whole extra pair of socks.
Dry Feet: The most important thing you can do to keep your feet warm is to keep them dry. Sweaty feet? Bring a pair of socks to change into. Make sure your boots are waterproof but breathable, like these boots from Sorel.
Plastic Bags: Get yourself in a jam where your feet are colder than you expected? Stick your socked feet in a plastic bag, then pop your boots on. It’s not breathable, but it’ll keep out the wind and work in a pinch.
Watch Out for Salt: There’s no enemy of the snowmobiler more vile than road salt. If you do happen to get on some salty trails, roads, or road crossings, make sure you give your boots a wipe down with a wet rag to remove the compounds, which can deteriorate your boot over time.
Preference Considerations for Snowmobile Boots
We’re not going to state our own opinions on these factors that go into selecting a snowmobile boot, but these factors are good to consider based on your own unique considerations as a snowmobiler.
Work Boots vs. Snowmobile Specific Boots: While serious ‘bilers might look for something rigid, made by a snowmobile apparel brand, and meant to get along with the rest of your snowmobiling equipment, those who are using a snowmobile as a work vehicle might be okay with a more multipurpose boot. If you just happen to get around in the winter using a snowmobile, you can get the job done with something a bit more universal, sturdy, and meant for work.
Rigid vs. Flexible: While a rigid boot is a quintessential piece of snowmobile equipment, helping with balance and weight shifting while on the snow, a flexible boot can go a long way with keeping the foot comfortable and warm. Casual riders might prefer a less rigid boot, those really moving around on the sled frequently will want something rigid.
Removable Booty vs. Sewn-in Liner: Typically, a removable booty that slides into your boot is slightly warmer, providing an additional layer of air and an opportunity to dry out your boot. Sewn-in liners are cheaper and often provide thicker insulation, although they can hold onto smelly odors and be hard to dry out. More expensive boots like the Klim Klutch GTX Boa Boot have removable liners.
Snowmobiling Personal Protective Equipment
As with all powersports, snowmobiling presents a distinct danger that needs to be recognized and taken seriously. Make sure you incorporate the following into your attire when prepping for a day out:
Helmet: While many people choose to use a universal motorsport helmet when snowmobiling, having proper insulation makes the difference on colder days. Make sure it’s certified compliant to DOT standards, minimum, and think about purchasing something with MIPS to avoid concussions in case of a crash.
Boots: Although the most important thing is that your boots get above your ankle, a larger, rigid boot that protects your ankle and shin should be purchased to protect your legs and feet. Foot/leg injuries are the second most common type of injuries in power sports.
Face Shield or Goggles: Debris, snow, and wind can all affect visibility and thus your safety. Goggles are the most popular type of snowmobile eye protection, but face shields are seen relatively frequently as well.
Clothing: Snowmobile-specific clothing doesn’t only keep you warm, it provides padding and allows you to slide in case of a fall.
Avalanche Beacon: If you’re on your snow machine in mountainous terrain and deep snow, there’s always the risk of avalanche. Consider an avalanche beacon to aid in a potential rescue situation. While it won’t directly protect you from an accident, it might save your life after one.
FAQ
Snowmobilers are a curious bunch: here are a few answers to some of your most pressing questions on snowmobile boots.
How is Insulation Measured?
600g, 1000g, -60˚F, -40˚F: we’ve all seen companies classify boots in different ways, but what do these numbers really mean, and how accurate are they for comparison purposes?
Numbers that end in G refer to the insulation inside the boot itself, measured in grams. This number stands for grams per square meter of insulation, meaning higher numbers are more dense and thus more insulative. This number is objective, meaning it can’t be fudged, faked, or exaggerated.
Temperature is a different story, and different manufacturers have different ways of measuring their boots’ minimum temperature. Due to the subjectivity of the practice, manufacturers have begun to do away with these ratings, but it originally was a measure based on the amount of insulation required to stay out at the designated temperature for a single hour. Use this metric to compare boot models within brands, but not necessarily between them.
Are Muck Boots Good for Snowmobiling?
Most people who live in snow-prone lands know the value of a good pair of muck boots. The fact that they’re completely water-impermeable and can be packed with a few layers of wool socks makes them a tempting choice for many snowmobilers, especially those who don’t want to shuck out a few hundred bucks for something snowmobile-specific.
Unfortunately, using a pair of muck boots on your snowmobile is not a great idea. They’re simply not rigid enough, meaning the bumps and jumps will be absorbed by the ankle instead of the boot itself, leading to potential injury. They’re also not warm enough, and their impermeable rubber will mean your feet will sweat and get wet instead of evaporating away moisture.
Are Snowmobile Boots Worth It?
As with most other products, the question as to if snowmobile boots are ‘worth it’ is a complex one that depends on a lot of different factors. Our recommendation for a good guideline? If you’ve got your own snowmobile, it’s worth it to pick up a pair of boots. If you’re renting or borrowing a snow machine more than riding your own sled, you’re probably fine with some standard, sturdy, winter boots.
Is a BOA Attachment System Worth It?
From the Tour de France to the PGA, and recently a host of snowmobiling boots, the BOA attachment system has swept the sporting world due to the fact that it provides a consistent, gentle pressure, holding the shoe tightly in place without the hotspots or friction of other shoe attachment methods. It also doesn’t loosen or untie. It’s not essential, perfect, or inexpensive, but if you have the funds, it’s probably the best attachment method out there.
What are the Advantages of Snowmobile Boots?
Snowmobile boots don’t connect to anything, aren’t special, they’re not even warmer than other types of winter boots. So what’s so necessary about them, then? First of all, snowmobile boots provide more protection than traditional boots, helpful in the event of a wipeout. Secondly, they’re more rigid, helping with control of the sled and reducing fatigue. Lastly, they’re designed for snowmobilers. While leather boots were fine in the early days of snow machines, they’re dated and out of style for the sleds and trends of today.
Other Products for Snowmobilers
Snowmobiling is an expensive hobby, and it’s not necessary the sled itself that ends up being the priciest part. There are plenty of products that make a snowmobiler’s life a lot easier, be it fun gadgets or workhorse loading ramps.
Loading Ramps: It’s a snowmobiler’s dream to be able to roll straight out of the garage onto a trail network, but for most of us it’s simply not feasible. A quality loading ramp helps get your sled up onto your trailer without too much difficulty.
Gloves: It’s important to take care of your most vital steering equipment, your hands and fingers. Don’t skimp on them and they won’t wimp out on you.
Helmet Speakers: Whether you’re looking for a way to listen to music while snowmobiling, you’re trying to chat with your riding buddies, or you just want to be able to follow along with voice navigation from your GPS, a helmet speaker fits right into your helmet.
Wrapping Up
Snowmobile boots are a vital piece of snow machining equipment, not only keeping you safe by providing a layer of insulation between you and the harsh elements, but also by providing a rigid and sturdy layer of protection between you and the ground. They’re not only vital for keeping out the cold, but also for making sure that you’ll be safe and sound in the event of an accident. At the end of the day, they’re the perfect complement to a snowmobiler and the perfect gift for anyone who loves getting out on their sled. More

While motorcycling in urban environments has grown in popularity in recent years, the foundation of the hobby is still where it’s always been: adventure. And when you’re exploring far away areas that you don’t know very well, there’s nothing better for navigation than a dedicated motorcycle-specific GPS navigation system that you can display near your controls.
More accurate, easier to use, and significantly more weatherproof than a smartphone, a GPS is great for those who don’t want to expose their smartphone to the elements. A motorcycle GPS is also easier to mount and has more motorcycle-specific features than a car GPS. There’s a reason motorcycle GPS systems have had continued success even as the adoption of car GPS systems has fallen dramatically over the last decade.

Features to Consider in a Motorcycle GPS Navigation System
Expensive and vitally important for long, remote, or backcountry trips, a GPS navigation system is well worth researching and understanding. While some units are a bit better for urban and fair-weather duty, other units are designed to keep going well off the beaten track. Make sure you’re purchasing a unit that is capable of going as long and as hard as you can.
Screen Size
While motorcycle GPS navigation systems are on average quite a bit smaller than truck and car units, some motorcyclists still prefer a large-ish screen to maximize how much of the map they can see while riding along. A five-inch display is about average, and we wouldn’t go much smaller than four inches.
Also consider color and resolution, as there are many black and white options that get tricky to read. Cheaper devices don’t typically provide HD displays.
Battery Life
With only the newest model years of motorcycles containing mini-USB ports for charging auxiliary devices, you’ll probably want a model with great battery life so you can head out on longer rides. Your priorities and preferences will determine whether you need 3 hours or 8, but make sure you pick a product tailored to your preferences.
GPS Mounts
A solid GPS mount makes the difference between a great day on the bike and a horrible one. Pick your mounting mechanism, your adjustability level, material, and durability. An included GPS mount is a nice touch, but sometimes a cheap mount that will break easily or drop your GPS is worse than no mount at all.
Live Traffic
And you thought a traffic jam in a car was bad! With poor visibility, no air conditioning or heating, the sun beating down, and gas fumes all around, motorcyclists avoid traffic at all costs. For some, it’s worth investing in a product that can keep them updated on the traffic conditions so as to best avoid jams, although if you’re frequently in the backcountry, it might not be worth the price.
Durability
Prone to fall damage, all kinds of weather, and extreme temperatures, motorcycle GPS systems have to be quite a bit more durable and waterproof than their truck and car counterparts. While most units advertise being durable, there are a few specific things to look out for, notably drop tests (look for the Military 810 drop test as a gold standard), Gorilla Glass screens, and waterproofing (IP65, IP66, IPX6, and IPX7 are all considered waterproof, with IP67 and IPX5 being the highest bar). Make sure the manufacturer’s claims are backed up with rigorous testing and certifications.
Motorcycle-Specific Features
You’re buying a motorcycle GPS navigation system, not a car GPS, so make sure you’re getting something that has motorcycle-specific features. There are a couple of nifty features that motorcycle-specific units include that typical consumer units don’t have:
Headset Compatibility: It’s almost impossible to hear GPS turn-by-turn directions between heavy traffic and strong winds. Look for a device with Bluetooth capability that can connect with the speaker/headset in your helmet.
Rider Alerts: Speed cameras, railroad crossings, and weather alerts are all things motorcyclists have to pay attention to. Make sure you’re up to date with an advanced GPS that provides you with all the relevant information.
Motorcycle Routing: Devices frequently are programmed with motorcycle-specific routing options (in Garmin’s case, called ‘Adventurous Routing’) with less traffic, windier roads, and more elevation gain to keep things varied and interesting for enthusiasts.
Keeping these features in mind, make sure you’ve got a good idea of exactly what kind of product you’re looking for. Check out our picks for the best GPS navigation systems on the market below.

Top 10 Best Motorcycle GPS Navigation Systems 2020
1. Best Overall Motorcycle GPS System: Garmin Zumo 395 LM

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Why we like it: A compact yet high-def and durable GPS system with free lifetime updates is a best seller with good reason.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Screen Size: 4.3 inches
Battery Life: 7 hours
Mount Included: Yes
Live Traffic: Yes
Review
A 4-inch model with a durable construction fit for off-road riding, the Zumo 395 LM from Garmin takes what motorcyclists need and packages it up in a convenient and effective package. It’s set up to function with a built-in helmet speaker and microphone combo, with hands-free calling and audio turn-by-turn navigation wireless piped to your helmet speaker. You can also use it to set up music, radio, or podcasts with a compatible Bluetooth device.
Pairing the system to your phone is easy, quick, and has good range, meaning you can leave your phone in your pannier and still maintain a connection. The entire system runs on 5-volt power, meaning it’s not particularly demanding on standard 12-volt electrical systems. It includes a suction cup mount that’s really better suited for car use, a handlebar mount that’s practically infallible, and free lifetime map updates.
The only issue we see is that it looks like it came straight out of the nineties with rounded, bladed edges. But the form comes with a function: the device is drop-proof, shatter-proof, and has a bright, high-def screen that can be seen even in bright sunlight and used by gloved riders.
Motorcycle-Specific Features
This isn’t just a motorcycle-specific skin on what’s really a car GPS, it’s designed from top to bottom to solve the issues motorcyclists face on long trips. This starts with motorcycle-specific data, updating the motorcyclist with sharp curve warnings, speed-camera locations, and even displaying local regulations (helmet laws, for example) that flash across the screen when riding into a new jurisdiction.
Like its larger counterpart, the Garmin Zumo 595 LM, the unit also has a feature called ‘Adventurous Routing,’ which routes motorcyclists away from highways and onto scenic, rolling, and curving roads.

Pros
Perfect for the typical motorcyclist
Can be set up with Bluetooth for audio output
Adventurous Routing features lesser-traveled routes
Motorcycle-specific data like sharp curve warnings and speed-camera locations

Cons
Relatively small screen
Suction-cup mount is better for cars than motorcycles

2. Best Premium Motorcycle GPS: Garmin Zumo 595 LM

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Why we like it: This premium-feeling GPS system comes with a high price tag as well as high-end features, a large screen, and fantastic durability.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Screen Size: 5 inches
Battery Life: 7 hours
Mount Included: Yes
Live Traffic: Yes
Review
The Cadillac (or should we say Ducati?) of motorcycle GPS navigation systems is, without a doubt, this $500-plus unit from industry titan Garmin. Including all of the features we can think of all in a slickly designed, durable, and technologically impressive package, the unit truly has no equal, either in capability or in price.
In fact, price is really one of the only complaints we have about this unit. If you end up having to decide between a small, barn-find project bike and this GPS, the motorcycle itself might cost you less money. But this motorcycle GPS is not for saving money: it’s for the discerning consumer, the motorcyclist who wants Garmin’s premium features (motorcycle-specific routing, an HD full-color display, Bluetooth capability) and who is willing to pay the price. To owners of larger displacement tourers, technophiles (it measures wind speed, for God’s sake!), or lovers of the finer things in life: buy this GPS.
The display is larger than its smaller, less expensive brother, the Garmin Zumo 395 LM and has an IPX7 waterproof designation. Unfortunately, battery life is well below average. Garmin’s logic, if we had to guess, is that users who can afford a $500-plus GPS can probably afford a bike with an auxiliary USB charging port.
Motorcycle-Specific Features
This model, as well as the Garmin Zumo 395 LM has an ‘Adventurous Routing’ mode which sets turn-by-turn directions to look for the most interesting, twistiest, and hilliest roads for those motorcyclists that love interesting, scenic byways.

Pros
Large format unit has a luxury feel and features
Full-size 5-inch screen
‘Adventurous Routing’ mode routes takes users off the beaten path
IPX7 waterproof designation

Cons
Battery life is a bit below average
Requires a 12-volt charging port

3. Best Budget Motorcycle GPS: Koolertron 4.3 Inch All Terrain Waterproof Motorcycle GPS Navigation System

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Why we like it: One of the least expensive motorcycle GPS navigation systems on the market, this Koolertron-manufactured unit is great for off-roaders and motocross riders.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Screen Size: 4.3 inches
Battery Life: 6 hours
Mount Included: Yes
Live Traffic: No
Review
A fraction of the price of premium mounts, this GPS system measures a bit over four inches, making it one of the smallest and lightest units to make our lineup. While its touchscreen isn’t quite as responsive as Garmin’s Zumo 395’s hyper-responsive interface, it’s more than effective, even with gloves and even in the rain (it has the same IPX7 rating as Garmin’s products).
It’s really most at home on the handlebars of a dirt bike or an adventure bike, with a mudguard that also serves as a shade for the not-that-bright screen, a drop-proof construction, and several options for mounts, including an ultra-sturdy handlebar mount. Maps are stored on 20GB of memory, four gigs built-in, and another 16GB with an SD card, meaning there’s plenty of space for custom maps of trail networks in your area.
While there’s no speaker for turn-by-turn directions, the unit feeds audible instructions via GPS to any Bluetooth speaker. Simple instructions can be carried out via voice commands, perfect if you’re a fan of using a headset while riding.
Motorcycle-Specific Features
Aside from an ample memory bank for trail riders and the included sturdy handlebar mount, this inexpensive unit doesn’t really have too much distinguishing it from car GPS units other than a burly construction. At the same time, for a device that costs well under $200, you simply can’t expect the same clever (and expensive) motorcycle-specific features as you’d get from a $500 unit.

Pros
Burly construction and handlebar mount are great for off-road use
IPX7 waterproof rated
Mudguard and sunshade incorporated into the design
20 GB of memory capacity for custom trail maps

Cons
Software and features aren’t very different from car GPS systems
Screen isn’t particularly bright

4. Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S

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Why we like it: An economical Garmin unit still includes all of Garmin’s most powerful motorcycle features in a slightly less premium (and less durable) design to save money.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Screen Size: 4.3 inches
Battery Life: 6 hours
Mount Included: Yes
Live Traffic: Yes
Review
There’s a reason Garmin is the king of the GPS market as a whole, and a reason so many motorcycle owners are willing to pay the slight price premium Garmin charges: the company simply addresses the needs of motorcyclists better than any other GPS company. That’s not to say all of their units are perfect, in fact, this unit has several inconvenient flaws: unreliable Bluetooth pairing, for one, and completely lackluster off-road capability and maps. Nonetheless, though, it’s a strong contender and one of the cheapest Garmins available.
While it’s not as sturdy as the larger Garmin Zumo 595 LM, or as fully featured as its premium counterpart, the Garmin Zumo 395 LM, it still includes the basic features we’ve come to know and love with all Garmins: rider alerts for curves, strong winds, and speed cameras, ‘Adventurous Routing’ (the best motorcycle-specific routing system we’ve come across), and audio turn-by-turn directions.
The unit is somewhat rugged (especially compared to smartphones) and rated to be water-resistant, although not certified IPX7 waterproof. Think of it as an entry point to the Garmin world, with all of the standard features but not necessarily all of the bells and whistles.
Motorcycle-Specific Features
While this GPS is a slightly more budget-oriented option compared with other Garmin units, it’s still fully-featured from a motorcycle-specific perspective. Motorcycle specific routing, rider alerts, Bluetooth pairing for cellphone speakers, and more are all native to the device. The low price really has much more to do with processing power and a less-durable construction than features or software.

Pros
Garmin motorcycle-specific unit available at a low price
Fully featured with rider alerts and motorcycle-specific routing
Relatively rugged construction
Equipped with adventurous routing off-road features

Cons
Less durable than most motorcycle GPS units
Doesn’t have great processing power

5. Best for Offroad Riding: Trail Tech Voyager Pro UTV GPS 4-Inch Touch Screen

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Why we like it: This GPS designed for UTVs, ATVs, and snowmobilers is just at home on backroad gravel byways and motorcycle trails as on the highway.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Screen Size: 7 inches
Battery Life: Must be connected
Mount Included: Yes
Live Traffic: No
Review
This GPS from powersports company Trail Tech lives up to its name, with phenomenal durability complemented by an IP67 rating for dust proofing and water resistance. It’s drop-resistant as well, although frankly, with an included mount that attaches directly to the handlebar, we’re not worried about it dropping at all.
Although it’s marketed as a UTV GPS system, it’s great for dirt bikers and even adventure motorcyclists, with a few trail networks preloaded. If your local trail network isn’t listed, though, a micro SD card slot is perfect for anyone who needs to load off-road GPX files. Unfortunately, this means there’s next to no road maps loaded on the device, so it’s better suited for trail riders.
There are free road maps available online for various regions of the country, but accurate and up-to-date file packs take a bit of time to track down.
The strangest part of this mount, however, is the fact that it has to be semi-permanently routed and always connected to a battery, although the feature isn’t actually as inconvenient as you might imagine. In fact, if you’ve got the right 12v power ports near your handlebars, it means you’ll end up with a unit that’s affixed more solidly and requires less fuss than battery-powered units like the TomTom Rider 550. The only downside, though, is that if you have an older or more retro-style rig without a 12-volt mini-USB plug, you’re out of luck.
Motorcycle-Specific Features
While there are no live traffic or motorcycle-specific routing features with this GPS system, there are plenty of features that make it great for motorsport. A tracking feature can display the locations of up to 20 riding partners simultaneously, making things safe and social. It’s also got Bluetooth connection capability that enables you to chat with your riding buddies and listen to music through a helmet speaker.

Pros
Phenomenal for all off-road motorists
Can be affixed more permanently than GPS systems that require recharging
Can be loaded with downloaded GPS files
Free maps available for off-road use

Cons
Designed for UTVs instead of motorcycles
No road maps loaded onto the device
Requires a direct connection to a 12-volt power port

6. Garmin Zumo XT 5.5-Inch Ultrabright

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Why we like it: This GPS system is more at home on scenic highways and winding roads than on a dirt bike trail, although it’s still plenty rugged.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Screen Size: 5.5 inches
Live Traffic: Yes
Review
A slightly more road-oriented relative of the Garmin Zumo 595 LM, the Garmin Zumo XT is a pricey but luxury-feeling GPS perfect for long-distance tourers. While a bigger screen fits a bigger dash, the luxury feel with this device is really meant for a luxury motorcycle.
And while it’s not built with the rugged, rubber protections of an off-road specific GPS system, it still holds up with a rain-resistant screen and a military-rated drop test construction that can withstand repeated drops onto concrete. It’s also waterproof, and the capacitive touchscreen is responsive even with a gloved hand.
For those who like to get out of the city, the GPS overlays satellite images on the map display, enabling riders to figure out where they’re headed and where to go even when the GPX file doesn’t know the route. Like other Garmin devices, it has an ‘Adventurous Routing’ feature that picks out more interesting roads over fast, multilane highways.
Motorcycle-Specific Features
The Garmin Zumo XT delivers on its price tag with a whole host of features designed for motorcyclists that simply aren’t available on other platforms. The device displays live weather and traffic updates, vital for motorcyclists on longer trips in unfamiliar territory. The routes you ride can be recorded for both planning and safety purposes, and waypoints make sure you’re on course and help you rendezvous with your group if you get separated. It can even be synced with your phone to pipe audio to your in-helmet speaker and display notifications on the GPS screen.

Pros
Road-oriented mount has a healthy-sized 5.5-inch display
Live traffic and weather updates
Waypoints and data recording for review
GPS routes can be overlaid on the map display
Military rated drop-proof

Cons
Not as rugged as off-road specific GPS systems
A bigger screen requires a bigger dash

7. TomTom Rider 550

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Why we like it: The TomTom Rider 550 is a ‘comeback’ computer from the once down-and-out-manufacturer, with live display notifications and a weatherproof design.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Screen Size: 4.3 inches
Battery Life: 8 hours
Mount Included: Yes
Live Traffic: Yes
Review
While Garmin has thrived over the last few years, former competitor TomTom has dropped off quite a bit, suffering as smartphones have made inroads against their (pricey) products. The TomTom Rider 550 is a step in the right direction, although it’s admittedly flawed for a few reasons.
Although the company offers a unit that comes with a drop-proof case, we’re frankly a bit confused on why they didn’t just design the GPS to be drop-proof in the first place. At the end of the day, it’s still relatively fall-proof thanks to its vibration-proof stand (included with the purchase), although if you let it fall while removing it from the mount, you could be out of luck. Mapping is flawed as well, as while TomTom advertises an ‘on pavement’ routing feature, it occasionally sends motorcyclists down dirt or gravel roads. Not ideal.
But there’s still plenty to like: an HD screen, live push notifications that come across your screen, and incredibly fast processing all make the unit great from a user-friendliness perspective. We don’t often think about processing when talking about a GPS unit, but the TomTom Rider 550’s quad-core processor means routing, menus, and notifications appear in a flash. No waiting, freezing, or stalling as with less powerful units.
Motorcycle-Specific Features
TomTom does more than just put a motorcycle-specific skin over a car GPS, even creating their own motorcycle-specific route building software for those who like to plan ahead. World maps mean you can take this thing from Norway to Vietnam and stay on track, all the while aided by TomTom’s live traffic feature. Safety alerts auto-populate with no need to be connected to a phone or a mobile network.

Pros
Powerful processor means quick navigation and no waiting or freezing
User-friendly design
Live push notifications automatically populate
Included vibration-proof mount

Cons
Unit requires a drop-proof case to match durability of other units
On-pavement routing feature sometimes doesn’t live up to the name
Relatively expensive against the competition

8. Magellan TRX7 CS Dual Mount Trail and Street GPS Navigator

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Why we like it: While being off-road specific and coming prepopulated with 115,000 off-road trails, it’s still well equipped for on-road use with road maps of the entire continental US.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Screen Size: 7 inches
Battery Life: 6 hours
Mount Included: Yes
Live Traffic: No
Review
Although GPS manufacturer Magellan was the first company to produce a consumer-ready GPS device, the company has fallen off in recent years due to heavy competition. But the once-distressed group is back on the way up, leveraging their extensive experience and network to produce niche-oriented products, with this specific TRX7 unit knocking it out of the park for its class: large off-road and adventure bikes.
Unlike GPS units that are pretty much off-road specific like the Trail Tech Voyager Pro, this device straddles the line between street and trail fantastically, with 115,000 preprogrammed trails available to display across its 6-inch screen.  Also loaded is an entire, up-to-date network of all continental US streets, roads, and highways, meaning that this is one of the most comprehensive GPS units on the market today.
Magellan works hard to correct the errors of their past, offering a product team with extensive customer support and warranty replacement. The user interface, though, and the plasticky-feeling device itself, look like they came straight out of 1990, which is unfortunate for a device that’s almost $500. However, if you can get past the aesthetics, it’s a good alternative to large-format GPS systems like the Garmin Zumo 595 LM.
Motorcycle-Specific Features
The strongest motorcycle-specific features around this device are the maps, on which Magellan offers free lifetime updates. The device also includes worldwide 2D topographical maps of the whole world, as well as 3D topo maps for the entire US and Canada. The device even has a social sharing feature where you can publish your rides online to share with your riding buddies.

Pros
Large-format GPS comes with over 115,000 preprogrammed trails
Can be loaded with your own GPX files
Also includes road and highway maps
Great customer support and warranty service

Cons
Aesthetics are dated and plasticky-looking
The interface looks like something out of 1990

9. Best for Luxury Touring Bikes: BMW Navigator VI by Garmin

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Why we like it: This collaboration-born product comes by way of the already-renowned Garmin, paired with BMW tech to give a luxury touch.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Screen Size: 5 inches
Battery Life: 4 Hours
Mount Included: Yes
Live Traffic: Yes
Review
With a five-inch display and a big BMW logo slapped on the front, this GPS system was originally designed for expensive German bikes, but also happens to work great on almost all luxury motorcycles. The device has some great touches, including one of the brightest screens in our lineup. With the system, you’ll get free map updates for life, a quick-connect Bluetooth feature, and accurate turn-by-turn route planning.
While audible directions are broadcasted from the system, you’ll have to connect to a helmet-mounted headset for it to work correctly, as there’s no built-in speaker on the device itself. This is annoying for city riders that might look for that feature directly on the GPS itself.
There are a couple of annoying features, though, that prove that we are indeed dealing with a BMW product. First of all, the product has to be on to charge, something that makes little to no sense. Secondly, the unit actually has two ‘off’ modes, one a true ‘off’ that doesn’t chew up the battery, and the other a ‘sleep’ mode that appears to be off when it really isn’t. Using the wrong ‘off’ mode could mean you go to turn on your GPS and have no battery left.
Motorcycle-Specific Features
While this unit’s ‘Avoid Highways’ feature isn’t as fully-featured or as enjoyable to use as other Garmin products’ ‘Adventurous Routing’ mode, luxury tourers on large-displacement bikes will probably be less likely to intentionally seek out the beaten path and will typically be a bit more comfortable on main roads and highways at higher speeds.

Pros
Five-inch display shows maps in high definition
Utilizes a version of motorcycle-specific routing called ‘Avoid Highways’ mode
Plan trips with turn-by-turn route planning
Great for luxury tourers and highway riders
Turn-by-turn directions

Cons
No built-in speaker system for audio
Multiple off/sleep settings make it easy to drain the battery
Product has to be turned on to charge

10. TomTom GO Supreme 5

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Why we like it: Thanks to a low price and a compact formula, this GPS system is originally meant for cars but doubles as an inexpensive motorcycle navigation system.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Screen Size: 5.5 inches
Battery Life: 5 hours
Mount Included: Yes
Live Traffic: Yes
Review
This inexpensive mount from TomTom is relatively impressive for its price, although as a car specific mount, there are a few aspects that make it annoying for motorcyclists. It’s got an included mount, but it’s magnetic, meaning it’s not particularly secure. You’ll want to buy a handlebar mount if you use this frequently or on rougher roads.
Traffic warnings aren’t motorcycle specific and won’t route you down areas known to be friendly for motorcyclists, but they are convenient if you’re simply trying to avoid a jam. Updates and maps are user friendly as they come in via WiFi (no cable connection or computer required) and load automatically.
Power comes via an accessory outlet, which shouldn’t be a big deal if you have a newer bike with a 12-volt plug, but you’ll have to figure out a work-around if you’re going to mount it on an older bike. Our recommendation? If you’ve got something pre-2010, grab something rechargeable like the Garmin Zumo 395 LM to keep your dash clean and wire-free.
Motorcycle-Specific Features
As a GPS targeted for the car market, there’s obviously nothing that truly stands out as motorcycle-specific. That being said, though, we picked this unit for a few specific reasons to be a representative from the car GPS category. First thing? Speed warnings: it’s easy to get carried away on a liter bike or even a large capacity cruiser, and a speeding ticket will ruin your day. Second thing? Form factor: the TomTom’s shape is ideal for a motorcycle dash and is compatible with a host of GPS handlebar mounts, meaning you’ll have no trouble keeping it attached if you buy a handlebar mount.

Pros
Live traffic updates will keep you out of annoying jams
Form factor is great for motorcycle dashes
Updates and maps come automatically via WiFi
Speed warnings will keep you out of trouble

Cons
Construction isn’t motorcycle-specific
12-volt power means it only works with accessory outlets
You’ll need to buy a separate GPS mount

Guide to Buying the Best Motorcycle GPS Navigation Systems for 2020
While the GPS industry has been dramatically upset by the advent of GPS capability on smartphones, GPS companies still have great market penetration among motorcyclists, especially touring and adventure riders. The truth is, there’s still no smartphone that works as reliably as a motorcycle GPS.
Safety With a GPS
Using a GPS in a car is difficult and even dangerous in stressful driving conditions, so dealing with a navigation system while driving a motorcycle can be much worse. Operating the screen itself should really be left to the quietest moments while driving, with everything but the slightest adjustments best done while stopped or pulled over. Thankfully, though, motorcycles’ GPS navigation systems are designed with that in mind and are made to be used with minimal hand input and, in some cases, voice control.
Picking a Motorcycle GPS Mount
While plenty of GPS units come with a mount, it’s often inadequate for the rigors of motorcycling. The right mount, though, is worth splurging on, as cheaper options can drop your GPS or have you struggling to keep in the proper position. Don’t skimp! There are a couple of things to look out for:
Handlebar Mounts: Buy a GPS mount that attaches directly to your handlebar, as the only thing you can be sure of is a direct attachment method that physically screws onto your handlebars. While suction cup mounts are popular based on the fact that they’re universally compatible, they’re simply not as effective as screwed-on mounts.
Manufacturer-Specific: Manufacturers know their products best, so look for a mount either specific to your motorcycle or, better yet, specific to your GPS unit.
Certifications and Ratings: Many of the same drop-proof and waterproof ratings are just as valuable in a mount as a GPS itself. Check out IPX7 and other IP ratings for waterproofing and Grade 3B silicone for fatigue resistance.
Non-Slip/Non-Scratch Material: Silicone and PTFE are two materials to look out for that are fatigue-resistant, won’t scratch your phone, and resist vibration.
Updating Your GPS with Maps
A GPS system is only as good as the maps it uses, and while some companies frequently push out free map updates, others are a bit slower, with discount and private-label companies infrequently (or sometimes never) doling out a fresh update. Units like the TomTom GO Supreme 5 are automatically updated via WiFi.
Most major manufacturers will release a map update on a fixed schedule: if you happen to own a GPS from a well-known company such as TomTom or Garmin, you can simply connect your GPS around three times a year, download the maps from the company website, and upload via a mini-USB port.
If you have a GPS from a more niche manufacturer, you’ll have to do your own research into the frequency of updates. If you frequently ride on changing trail systems or in certain geographical areas, make sure you purchase a GPS that accurately displays those regions.
How to Plan Routing for Motorcycles

While wide four-lane highways are great for getting from place to place in an enclosed vehicle, most motorcyclists prefer the scenic route, or at least the road less traveled. Some motorcycles, typically under 150cc, aren’t even allowed on freeways, which makes motorcycle-specific routing necessary in many cases. If you’re looking for motorcycle trails and don’t already have a GPS with preloaded trails like the Magellan TRX7 CS Dual Mount Trail and Street GPS Navigator, GPS files for off-roading aren’t too hard to find: check out this article on finding moto trails.
Other Convenient Motorcycle Products
Although many motorcyclists reminisce on the golden days of bikers ripping across the country on loud, carbureted Indians and Harley-Davidsons, there’s a consolation prize for those who settle for more advanced and refined (dare we say delicate) engine tech: we truly live in the golden of motorcycle accessories. Consider some of these products along with your new GPS system:
Phone Mounts: Plenty of motorcyclists like to have a GPS for navigation and a phone mount in place for more general use. Look for something high grade, drop-proof, and with sturdy grippers to protect your expensive phone.
Helmet Speakers: Get turn by turn directions from your Bluetooth GPS system via a speaker or helmet headset. Make sure it will fit in your existing helmet.
Motorcycle Panniers: If you’ve got a motorcycle GPS, you’re probably into motorcycle touring. Don’t settle for inexpensive saddlebags, get some motorcycle-specific panniers or hard seat boxes to keep your gear safe, sound, and dry even in the gnarliest of conditions.
GPS Mounts: A GPS mount is worth its weight in gold, holding a GPS in place and preventing disastrous drops or annoying vibrations. Look for one that will fit your GPS device’s size and your motorcycle’s dash.
Should I Use a Phone App or Motorcycle GPS System?
There’s been a GPS revolution in the last ten years, with most drivers and plenty of motorcyclists switching to using their phone instead of purchasing a dedicated system. While this approach is fine for some, and typically less expensive (no need to purchase a secondary device), there are some distinct advantages to owning a GPS system.
Motorcycle-Specific Features: Some GPS map applications are meant for motorcyclists, but they’re typically expensive and less capable than GPS devices. Motorcycle-specific routing and alerts are just a few of the advantages that a GPS system has over a phone app.
Weatherproofing: Even though some phones claim to be waterproof, they have nowhere near the same drop resistance or weather resistance as a dedicated GPS device. While you have to baby your phone, you’ll never have to baby a military-grade, drop-proof GPS system.
Cell Service: While most phones have a built-in GPS, they typically rely on cell signal to load the maps themselves. No service means you’re out of luck, and that’s bad news when you’re in the backcountry. A GPS unit only needs a view of the sky to work perfectly.
Wrapping Up
A GPS is one of those motorcycle products that, once you’ve tried it out once, you need all the time. Whether it’s providing security in the backcountry, helping you find the scenic route, or keeping you hands-free and safe on the highway, motorcycle GPS navigation systems have gone head to head with smartphones and come out better than ever. For any frequent motorcyclists, they’re well worth a serious look. More

If the sun often gets in your eyes during your work commute or you just do lots of driving, a sun visor extender is a worthwhile purchase. The last thing you want is for your eyes to suffer long-term damage, and sometimes your car’s visor doesn’t provide enough protection.
That said, there are some factors to consider when buying a visor extender, so we’ll discuss those, break down some of the best products available today, and show you how to find the right one for your needs. Let’s get started!

What to Look for in a Sun Visor Extender
Deciding which sun visor extender to buy can be more difficult than you think as there are several qualities to look for. You’ll want to consider how long the extender will last, how user-friendly and feature-rich it is as well as how effectively it protects you from the sun and improves your visibility while driving. We’ve taken all of these factors into account when choosing the products on our list.
Durability
There’s no point buying a visor extender if it won’t last you very long. You’ll want one that won’t break easily and is made of a material like acrylic, polycarbonate or polyurethane. Also, look for a visor extender that’s impact, temperature, and/or scratch-resistant.
Usability
We’ll discuss each visor extender’s overall user-friendliness. A good car visor extender fits your windshield/window, is easy to install, won’t fall off easily, can be put away when not in use, and is adjustable. Basically, you should get one that’s easy to use and makes your drives more comfortable, not more frustrating.
Effectiveness
Does the sun visor extender improve your view of the road and keep your skin and eyes safe? That’s what we’ll determine with this section of each review. You’ll want an extender that’ll stop you from squinting while you’re driving and reduce your risk of long-term health problems caused by lengthy, frequent exposure to sunlight.
Sun Visor Extender Types
It may surprise you to learn that there are actually two varieties of sun visor extenders. Thankfully, they’re easy to tell apart.
Visor-Mounted
These extenders attach to your vehicle’s visor by velcro, straps or screws. They either extend downward, to the side or both. Most sun visor extenders are visor-mounted.
Window-Mounted
These extenders attach to your car’s passenger and driver-side windows. They can be removed, reused and adjusted as needed. Additionally, they come in various sizes so they can cover just the space at eye level or the entire window.
Now that you know what to look for, here are our picks for the top sun visor extenders in 2020. If you’re looking to keep the sun out of your car when you’re not driving, be sure to check out our guides for buying sun shades for your windshield as well as your side windows.

Top 10 Best Sun Visor Extenders 2020
1. Best Overall Pick: SAILEAD Polarized Sun Visor Extender

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Why we like it: The SAILEAD Polarized Sun Visor Extender is a great choice if you want an effective, user-friendly option at a reasonable price. Its polarized surface, adjustability and resistance to damage earn it the top spot on our list.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Visor-Mounted
Dimensions: 12.6” x 5.5”
As far as all-around sun visor extenders go, the SAILEAD Polarized can’t be beaten. Its polarized surface does a great job reducing glare and improving visual clarity. It’s also highly adjustable, so you can make sure it’s at your eye level at all times. Once you factor in its remarkable durability and fast, easy installation process, you’ve got our top pick.
Durability
The SAILEAD Polarized Extender is built to last thanks to its polycarbonate construction. It ranks highly for its impact, temperature, and scratch-resistance, so it’ll serve you just as well in extreme winter and summer climates as it will during more moderate weather periods. You also won’t have to worry about delicately handling it all the time.
Usability
This extender is incredibly user-friendly due to its adjustability and easy installation. You can rotate it 360-degrees and change its distance from you by using the slider on the spring loader. Altering the extender’s orientation to match your eye level is a breeze. You can even install it with just one hand and fold it up out of view when you don’t need it.
Unfortunately, the SAILEAD Polarized Extender is only compatible with visors 5.1-8.2” wide, so fitting them onto larger visors can be an issue. The screen also has trouble staying in place during bumpy rides, meaning you might have to readjust it sometimes.
Effectiveness
The SAILEAD Polarized Extender knocks it out of the park here. As its name suggests, it has a polarized surface that blocks glare and improves visual clarity. You won’t have to squint or cover your eyes when you’re driving toward the sun or when light glares off of other cars’ bumpers, windows or headlights. It also blocks UV rays up to 100%, which will protect your eyes and skin over the long term.

Pros
Reduces glare and blocks UV rays effectively
Impact/temperature/scratch resistant
Easy installation
360-degree adjustable

Cons
Hard to fit on larger car visors
Screen can be flimsy, especially on bumpy roads

2. Best Premium Pick: Glare Guard Polarized Car Visor Extender

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Why we like it: If you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks, the Glare Guard Polarized Car Visor Extender is the way to go. Between its added accessories and ability to block glare and UV rays, you’ve got a winning product.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Visor-Mounted
Dimensions: 14” x 3.25”
For those willing to drop some extra money to have the highest-quality sun visor extender, the Glare Guard Polarized is the only real option. Its high-quality polarized surface protects you from glare and UV rays. Between the extender’s great screen, its easy installation process, and the accessories that come with it, you have another top-tier choice. Its only serious drawback are its hinges as the screws in them can easily loosen and cause the extender to swing.
Durability
The Glare Guard Polarized Extender has its strengths and weaknesses here. On one hand, it’s made to be impact, temperature and scratch-resistant so it lasts longer. On the other hand, the hinge screws can sometimes loosen on their own, which makes the visor extender swing while you drive. The plastic pieces that attach the visor to the hinge are also weak, particularly at hot temperatures. One way to get around this is to carefully apply glue to the screws. However, in the worst-case scenario, the hinges can break entirely.
If you’d like a sun visor extender without these hinge problems that’s also impact, temperature and scratch resistant, consider the SAILEAD Polycarbonate.
Usability
Installing this visor extender takes less than a minute. Just clip it to your car’s built-in visor and attach the Velcro straps that come with it. Every purchase of this product also gives you a microfiber cleaning cloth and an instruction sheet.
Effectiveness
The Glare Guard Polarized Extender is made of a high-quality polarized film that blocks glare and up to 100% of UVA and UVB rays, so you can see more easily while driving and rest assured that your eyes and skin are protected. It provides this safety without excessively darkening your view, and the acrylic material in the visor keeps everything you see clear.

Pros
Easily blocks UVA/UVB rays and glare
Comes with accessories
Easy installation

Cons
Screws in the hinges can easily come loose
Plastic hinge pieces are sometimes weak

3. Best Budget Pick: SAILEAD Sunshade Extender

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Why we like it: If you want to get the sun out of your eyes and you’re on a budget, the SAILEAD Sunshade Extender is the choice for you. It gets the job done and is built to last.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Visor-Mounted
Dimensions: 12.2-21.6” x 5.1-8.2”
The SAILEAD Sunshade Extender offers a solid alternative to those who don’t want to break the bank on a sun visor extender. Like other visor extenders, it blocks glare and UV rays. It offers fast, easy installation and fits all built-in car visors wider than 4.7”. Its side and bottom panels can be adjusted at any time to suit your needs.
The downside is that the extender can weigh your car’s built-in visor down over time as it’s heavier than some other options. The side panel can also get in the way of the rearview mirror when it’s fully extended.
Durability
The SAILEAD Sunshade Extender is surprisingly durable given its low price. It should last you for at least a year thanks to its polyurethane and polycarbonate construction.
Usability
Making the SAILEAD Sunshade Extender attach comfortably likely won’t be an issue since it fits any car visor wider than 4.7”. It’s also easy to install and comes with instructions to do so.
The extender’s elastic straps help it fit snugly to your car’s built-in visor most of the time, though the product’s weight can cause problems. You may need to tighten the straps after some use or the extender can start to sag and drag the built-in visor down over time.
If you’re interested in an extender with adjustable side and bottom panels that won’t weigh your car’s built-in visor down, take a look at the TFY Car Visor.
Effectiveness
This visor extender does a great job blocking glare and UV rays, and you can adjust its bottom and side panels any time. The only real disadvantage to the adjustable panels is that the side visor can partially block the rearview mirror, especially if it’s fully extended.

Pros
Great durability for such a low price
Fits most car visors easily
Adjustable side and bottom panels

Cons
Side panel can block rear view mirror, especially if fully extended
Heavy weight can make car visor sag over time if the extender isn’t properly secured

4. Best Window-Mounted: TuckVisor BLACKOUT Side Window Visor

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Why we like it: If sunlight shining through your driver or passenger-side window frequently bothers you, there’s no better solution than the TuckVisor BLACKOUT Side Window Visor. Its simple, effective design and ease of use make it the best window-mounted sun visor extender available today.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Window-Mounted
Dimensions: 18” x 7.5”
Most sun visor extenders attach to a car’s built-in visor, but the TuckVisor offers a great alternative for those who want a window-mounted option. You just have to tuck it between the window and the trim, and you’re done. No installation is required, and you can remove or adjust it whenever you want. Better yet, it fits 90% of all vehicles and is made to last for years.
The only real downside is you may have to get used to seeing it in your peripheral vision while you drive.
Durability
The TuckVisor is made of opaque, thin, semi-rigid material and is made to last a lifetime. There have been no major issues reported regarding the product’s durability, so you won’t have to worry about buying a replacement for a long time.
Usability
User-friendliness is one of the TuckVisor’s greatest advantages. Unlike with some other visor supplements, you won’t have to worry about compatibility since it’s made to fit typically shaped vehicle windows. If your side window’s shape is different from that of other vehicles, you can use scissors to make any necessary alterations to the TuckVisor so it fits.
Just tuck it between the window and the trim while pressing it flat against the surface. You can move it around the top of your window and take it down as needed. You may need to remove it when you roll down the window.
Effectiveness
The TuckVisor blocks sunlight, heat and harmful UV rays with ease. It’s a great choice if you’re often irritated by sunlight that shines in your driver or passenger-side window just past the edge of your car’s built-in visor. However, you’ll have to get used to seeing it in your peripheral vision.

Pros
No installation required
Can be moved around the top of the window or removed as needed
Great at protecting against sun, heat and UV rays coming in from side windows

Cons
Could be distracting having it in your peripheral vision
Must be removed when you roll down the window

5. Best Polycarbonate Lens: SAILEAD Polycarbonate

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Why we like it: Coming from a trusted brand, the SAILEAD Polycarbonate is another excellent all-around sun visor extender. While it’s one of the more expensive choices on this list, it justifies its price by providing strong performance in each metric.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Visor-Mounted
Dimensions: 12.2-21.6” x 5.1-8.2”
The SAILEAD Polycarbonate shares many of the same great qualities as its manufacturer’s other products. These features include the polarized surface that fights glare and blocks UVA and UVB rays, its easy installation and resistance to impacts, scratches and extreme temperatures. It even fits nicely above your car’s visor when it’s not in use.
Durability
As its name suggests, this sun visor extender is made out of polycarbonate, so it’s built to last. It’s also impact, temperature and scratch-resistant, so you don’t have to worry too much about damaging it.
Usability
Like other SAILEAD products, the SAILEAD Polycarbonate takes little time or effort to install. It’s compatible with most cars, and the Velcro straps provide a strong grip for the extender. Finally, it fits nicely above the visor when you fold it up, meaning storage isn’t a concern.
The SAILEAD Polycarbonate’s only notable weakness in this area is that the velcro on the straps sometimes isn’t enough to give it the best fit on smaller visors.
Effectiveness
The extender’s polarized surface does a great job blocking glare and UVA/UVB rays while giving you a clear view of the road ahead. There’s also no gap between your car’s built-in visor and the extender, so you don’t have to worry about any beams of sunlight poking through and making you squint.

Pros
Polycarbonate construction grants durability
Blocks glare and UVA/UVB rays
Easy to store above visor when not in use

Cons
A bit hard to fit on smaller car visors

6. Best Basic Sun Visor Extender: Trillium Worldwide Sun Shield

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Why we like it: The Trillium Worldwide Sun Shield is another solid budget option. It’s sturdy, easy to install and store when not in use, and keeps you safe from UVA and UVB rays. Best of all, it’s the cheapest option on our list!
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Visor-Mounted
Dimensions: 11.75” x 4”
If saving money is your primary concern but you still want a reliable sun visor extender, then consider the Trillium Worldwide Sun Shield. Its durable polycarbonate screen blocks glare and over 90% of UVA and UVB rays. Plus, installation takes only seconds and you can easily fit it above your car’s built-in visor when it’s not in use.
On the other hand, the extender’s clips can seriously dig into your car’s built-in visor over time and leave deep marks. Additionally, the hinges can break from excessive stress. If you’d like an effective, easy-to-install visor without these issues, take a look at the SAILEAD Polycarbonate.
Durability
The Sun Shield’s shatterproof, polycarbonate screen scores it some points in this category, but the hinges have been known to break under stress. Make sure you don’t use too much force when adjusting the extender.
Usability
Installing the Sun Shield is simple: just clip it onto your car visor. It fits nicely above the visor when not in use, so storage isn’t an issue. The clips maintain a strong, secure grip on the visor which prevents it from moving, sagging, or falling off during bumpy drives. Unfortunately, the clips’ strength can also be a drawback since they can dig into your car visor and leave marks behind.
Effectiveness
The Sun Shield’s anti-glare screen keeps you safe from incoming sunlight and blocks over 90% of UVA and UVB rays. Just make sure that you can see clearly through it once you set it up.

Pros
Installation takes seconds
Blocks glare and UVA/UVB rays
Stays in place during bumpy rides

Cons
Clips can cut into your car’s built-in visor
Hinges can break easily

7. Easy to Install: TFY Sunshade Extender

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Why we like it: With the TFY Sunshade Extender, the price you pay matches the value you receive in return. It’s on the lower end of the price range for this guide, but it still gets the job done.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Visor-Mounted
Dimensions: 12.2-19.29” x 5.12-7.68”
If aesthetics aren’t one of your concerns and you only care about a car visor extender’s functionality, then the TFY Sunshade Extender is a good choice. It’ll protect you from glare and UV rays like other extenders will, and installation is fast and easy.
The product’s downsides are that it isn’t the prettiest choice, and sometimes it can get worn down quickly. The sliding panels sometimes aren’t that easy to manage either, so you should get them in the position you want before you start driving. The SAILEAD Sunshade Extender is a better choice if you want a product with more durability and larger sliding panels.
Durability
The TFY Sunshade Extender has a joint polyurethane/polycarbonate build, but its edges do show noticeable wear over time. You won’t have to worry about buying a replacement too soon after purchasing this extender, but it’s also not the most durable option.
Usability
Installing the extender is simple, and it fits snugly above the car visor when it’s folded up. Just make sure you adjust the side and bottom panels so they’re where you want them before you start driving since they can be hard to manipulate and you always want your eyes on the road.
Effectiveness
The TFY Sunshade Extender does a great job blocking UV rays and sun glare so you can drive without distractions. Its bottom and side panels don’t extend as far as those of comparable products, however.

Pros
Quick installation, no tools required
Blocks glare and UV rays
Fits above car’s built-in visor when not in use

Cons
Not the most aesthetically pleasing choice
The material chips away easily
Bottom and side panels are shorter than the ones on other sun visor extenders

8. Best Two-Panel Sun Visor Extender: Lebogner Sun Visor

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Why we like it: If you’re on a budget and are willing to try something different, the Lebogner Sun Visor is the choice for you. It blocks glare and UV rays like other extenders do, but it offers an unconventional two-panel design.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Visor-Mounted
Dimensions: 11.75” x 5.25”
In addition to holding a place as the final budget option on our list, the Lebogner Sun Visor has a design unlike most other extenders. It has two anti-glare panels, a grey one for daytime use and a yellow one for nighttime use. The panels block more than 90% of UV rays, and installation couldn’t be simpler! Just clip the Lebogner onto your car visor.
On the other hand, the Lebogner’s distinctive composition does have its drawbacks. Whenever you want to use one panel, you have to move the other one out of the way, which can be somewhat inconvenient. The grey visor also isn’t as effective as other visors at blocking glare during the day.
Durability
The Lebogner is made with longevity in mind, boasting a construction of shatterproof material that’s intended to last for years.
Usability
The extender is compatible with most vehicles due to its simple installation. You just clip the Lebogner to your car’s visor and you’re ready to go!
The downside is that dealing with two panels all the time can be difficult since you have to make sure that whenever you use one panel, the other isn’t in the way. You might have to remove one of the panels sometimes to make the Lebogner easier to handle. Alternatively, you could take it down and flip it over. The extender also doesn’t come with instructions on how to address these issues.
Effectiveness
Both of the Lebogner’s panels block over 90% of UV rays and are made to reduce glare. Unfortunately, the grey panel meant for daytime use isn’t as glare resistant as it could be, so you might have to wear sunglasses while driving on sunny days.

Pros
Easy installation and compatible with most vehicles
Shatterproof material enhances durability
Blocks over 90% of UV rays

Cons
Doesn’t come with instructions
Grey panel (the one used during the day) isn’t as effective as it could be
Can be awkward to always manage two panels

9. Best 2-Pack: TFY Car Visor

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Why we like it: The TFY Car Visor is our final product on this list that offers good all-around performance in our ratings. Plus, you get two visor extenders with this purchase, so you don’t have to worry about getting your money’s worth!
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Visor-Mounted
Dimensions: 12.2-19.29” x 5.12-7.68”
The TFY Car Visor shares many of the same strengths as the other TFY product on our list, the TFY Sunshade Extender, as well as some of its weaknesses. It offers an easy, no-tools-required installation and effectively blocks glare and UV rays. It also tucks nicely away above the visor when it’s not being used.
On the downside, the polycarbonate sliders can be difficult to push and pull. You’ll have to manipulate them slowly and gently so that they don’t get stuck, so you should get the extender set up the way you want before you start driving. Like the other TFY product we’ve discussed, the TFY Car Visor isn’t all that good-looking either.
Durability
The TFY Car Visor is made of polyurethane and has polycarbonate sliders. Like its fellow TFY products, it’ll last you for a while, but there are more durable options available.
Usability
The TFY Car Visor is mostly user-friendly with its no-tools-required installation process and ability to fit above your car’s built-in visor when you’re not using it. The extender’s only significant disadvantage in this category is that it can be hard to move the sliders in and out as they might get stuck. You’ll want to set the extender up before you start driving.
Effectiveness
The extender is great at blocking glare and UV rays, so you can count on it to make your drives safer and less stressful.

Pros
Fast, easy installation
Easy to store when not in use
Blocks glare and UV rays

Cons
Sliders can be frustrating to extend and retract
Not the prettiest sun visor extender

10. Best for Nighttime: Eyes Security Sun Visor Extender

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Why we like it: The Eyes Security Sun Visor Extender is another nice 2-in-1 option, providing a gray shield for daytime use and a yellow shield for nighttime use. Its simple installation and wide compatibility range earn it a spot on our list.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Visor-Mounted
Dimensions: 12.7” x 4.7”
Rounding off our list is one last mid-range option, the Eyes Security Sun Visor Extender. It has two screens, one dark gray shield meant for daytime use and one yellow shield meant for nighttime use. The gray shield blocks 97.4% of UV rays and resists glare. The installation process is simple since you just clip the extender onto the car’s built-in visor. The adjustable clip also provides a sizable compatibility range for the product as well.
On the other hand, the daytime shield often isn’t as strong as it should be, possibly because the material for both shields is pretty thin. You should also exercise caution when using the product since the shields can easily get scratched or cracked.
Durability
The Eyes Security Sun Visor Extender has a joint polypropylene and thermoplastic rubber composition, and it’s heat-resistant. The problem is that the screens are easy to crack or scratch, so be careful when you adjust the extender or bring anything near it.
Usability
The installation process is quite easy: just clip the extender onto your car’s built-in visor. The clip’s adjustment range of 4.5-7.5” grants it compatibility with most vehicles. Unfortunately, the product doesn’t come with any instructions, so finding solutions to any problems you encounter with the product’s use can be difficult.
Effectiveness
The dark gray shield has its pluses and minuses. It blocks 97.4% of UV light, but it also isn’t as good at blocking sunlight and glare as other extenders on our list. The yellow night shield is great at reducing glare from streetlights and headlights, however.

Pros
Great at blocking UV rays
Wide compatibility range
Easy installation

Cons
No instructions provided
Screens can get scratched and/or cracked easily
Gray daytime visor not as effective as it could be

Your Guide to Sun Visor Extenders

A good sun visor extender can make your car trips much more comfortable and safe, which is why it’s a shame that so many drivers choose to go without them and suffer from the harsh sun. Read on for a discussion about the benefits a sun visor extender can provide as well as some suggestions on how to find the best one for your needs.
Sun Visor Extenders Help Keep You Healthy and Comfortable
Let’s face it: having the sun in your eyes during your daily work commute is the worst. Not only is it annoying, but it’s unsafe and harmful to your eyes and skin in the long term.
For one thing, bright sunlight and glare can obstruct your view of the road, which increases your risk of getting into an accident. Additionally, long-term overexposure to UV rays from the sun presents serious health risks, which we’ll discuss in more detail shortly.
Luckily, many of the products we talked about on our list can reduce glare and block UV rays, like the SAILEAD Polarized Sun Visor Extender or the Glare Guard Polarized Car Visor Extender, among others.
Sun visor extenders also reduce eye strain since you won’t have to squint and stare so intently when the sun is facing you. Not to mention, being able to clearly see the road at all times makes driving less stressful. Any way you look at it, sun visor extenders are a worthwhile investment.
How to Find the Right Sun Visor Extender for You
The first step to determining which extender you should buy is to choose between window-mounted and visor-mounted.
If the sun is usually off to one side during your drives, then choose a window-mounted extender like the TuckVisor BLACKOUT Side Window Visor. If the sun is front of you even some of the time, you should get a visor-mounted extender since they can alternate between covering the windshield or side window.
For visor-mounted extenders, you have to choose whether you want an option with a size-adjustable screen and if you want it to be transparent or opaque.
Usually, non-adjustable extenders are transparent, and they’re a good choice if they’re large enough to cover the area you need. The first two choices on our list fit these requirements as do the Lebogner Sun Visor and the Eyes Security Sun Visor Extender.
On the other hand, size-adjustable extenders tend to be opaque. As long as you can still see the road while using them, they’re a great choice, especially since you can alter the area they cover as needed. The SAILEAD Sunshade Extender is a fine example. The SAILEAD Polycarbonate is an exception to this trend as the bottom slider is transparent, so you can get the benefits of an adjustable visor extender while maintaining a clear view of the road.
FAQ
What Are UV Rays and Why Are They Bad?
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a product of ultraviolet radiation, which is a form of electromagnetic radiation produced by the sun and a variety of human-made devices. While UV rays do have some health benefits, such as helping the human body produce Vitamin D, they pose several severe health risks.
Most notably, overexposure to UV rays can increase your risk of skin cancer, whether they came from the sun or a human-made source like tanning beds/booths. Other possible health issues include sunburn, premature skin aging, impaired vision, and a weakened immune system.
If you want to know more about UV rays, you can see what the CDC has to say. For a specific discussion on the health risks they pose, check out this article.
What’s the Difference Between UVA and UVB Rays?
You may have noticed throughout this guide that we sometimes made the distinction between UVA and UVB rays, and you might wonder what distinguishes them from each other. The differences between the two types of rays are shown in how much energy they have and how much of a health risk they present.
UVA rays have less energy than UVB rays, but they represent most of the UV radiation on Earth since they’re not absorbed by the ozone layer. UVB rays are stronger and present a more immediate health threat since they cause sunburns and most skin cancers. Thankfully, the ozone layer absorbs most UVB radiation, but some does reach Earth’s surface.
There’s also UVC rays, but the ozone layer blocks them from approaching Earth’s surface at all, so you only need to worry about those coming from human-made sources of UV radiation.
Given that you’re far more likely to encounter UVA and UVB rays, it’s important that you seek out a sun visor extender that’s made to block them.
What Are the Benefits of Polarized Film/Lenses?
Polarized film/lenses serve to reduce sun glare, improve visual clarity and reduce their user’s eye strain. They’re chemically treated to stop some light from passing through them, which means everything you see looks darker, crisper and more detailed. As a result, your eyes are less tired after hours of staring at surfaces that produce glare like car windows or bumpers.
However, there are situations when polarized film/lenses shouldn’t be used. They make it harder for you to see LCD screens like cell phones, ATMs and dashboard controls. You also shouldn’t use them at night or in other low-light situations since polarized lenses already darken your vision somewhat.
For more information, read the AAO’s post on the topic. You can also read this article which discusses how they differ from UV-protected lenses and offers some alternatives to polarized lenses.
Don’t Let the Sun Bother You Anymore
Driving with the sun constantly in your eyes can be unpleasant and, in the long term, harmful. Luckily, there are lots of great sun visor extenders available that help make your drives safer and more comfortable. You just have to find one that works for you. Drive safe! More

There is nothing quite like the heart pounding feeling of a good car audio system blasting the bass as you drive down the street. While the sound systems included in vehicles have improved significantly over the years, a stock audio system is simply not enough for people who want to truly feel every beat of their favorite music. To accomplish this goal, you need to install powerful subwoofers.
While subwoofers for your car audio system can come in sizes typically ranging from 8’’ to 15’’, the 10’’ option offers an ideal combination of powerful bass while maintaining clarity at all levels. As any audiophile can tell you, there are many things that will impact the overall sound of your car audio system. Keep reading for our top picks for subwoofers in 2020.

Essential Information for Choosing 10’’ Subwoofers
When shopping for subwoofers of any type, you will see a lot of different specs that you need to compare. Understanding each of the following factors will help you make the right decision.
Power Handling
The amount of power that your subwoofer can handle is one of the most important things to check. This will be listed in watts and will generally be rated by two separate numbers. Most speaker companies market their equipment based on the max power they can handle. While important, the max power capacity of a speaker rarely actually comes into play while in use. The truly important number is the RMS rating, which is the amount of continuous power that a subwoofer can handle without distortion.
Enclosure Options
Subwoofers need to be mounted in a case, or box, before being used. The specific box that is used will have a significant impact on how it sounds and where it can be placed in your vehicle. Some subwoofers come already mounted from the factory, and others will need to have the mounting box purchased separately and then secured into it.
While a subwoofer can technically be used with no box, it will not sound nearly as good and it will be very vulnerable to damage. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you avoid doing this. Our full buyer’s guide below has a section on the various Types of Enclosures available. Make sure to check it out to get the right one.
Voice Coils
You will have the option for either a single voice coil (SVC) subwoofer, or a dual voice coil (DVC). This refers to the number of inputs available for you to wire to the amp. While technically speaking a DVC subwoofer is better, it may not always be worth the extra expense. If you are going to be purchasing just one subwoofer for your sound system, an SVC model will be just fine in almost all cases. When using two or more subwoofers, the added expense of a DVC is worth it.
Taking the time to pick out the right subwoofers based on your budget, the type of music you enjoy, and how hard hitting you want the bass to be will get you great results. Below you will find the top ten 10’’ subwoofers available today. Read through each one to find the option that will best meet your needs.

Top 10 Best 10 Inch Subwoofers 2020
1. Best Overall Pick: Rockford Fosgate R2D4 Prime

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Why we like it: This speaker delivers deep, powerful bass that is crystal clear. It is an exceptional subwoofer for a very reasonable price.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs:
Power Handling: 250 Watt RMS, 500 Watt Max
Voice Coils: Dual Voice Coils
In the world of car audio, there are few names as iconic as Rockford Fosgate. They have been making incredible subwoofers for many years, and this is a great example. The R2D4 subwoofer is the choice of many car audio enthusiasts. It delivers extraordinarily deep bass when you want that hard hitting sound, but can also deliver the clarity you need no matter what type of music you are listening to. Perhaps most importantly, this is a very reliable subwoofer that will provide you with the sound you want for years to come.
With 250-watt RMS and 500-watt max power, this is not the most powerful subwoofer on the list. This means you are not going to get the ear-splitting volume out of this option. Instead, you will get a superb balance of volume, ‘punch’, and clarity.
If you are simply looking to push the power to the max, consider the Planet Audio AC10D subwoofer, which boasts a 1500 watt max power level. If you want added volume without sacrificing on audio clarity, we recommend installing two of these subwoofers. You won’t be disappointed.

Pros
Perfect balance of hard-hitting bass and audio clarity
Made by the iconic Rockford Fosgate company
Dual voice coils

Cons
Relatively low power handling

2. Best Premium Pick: Skar Audio VD-10 D2

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Why we like it: This is a workhorse of a subwoofer that can provide you with endless hours of strong, clear bass.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs:
Power Handling: 500 Watt RMS, 800 Watt Max
Voice Coils: Dual Voice Coils
This subwoofer from Skar Audio is made from very durable materials and can stand up to a ton of abuse. While it may not break any records in any specific area, it will absolutely rattle your windows every time you turn on your system and crank the volume.
One thing you might notice is that the RMS is well over half of the max watt for power handling. This is a great example of just how durable this sub really is. It can perform for hours on end at higher power levels than most other subs are rated for, which is exactly what many people will want.
Another great benefit of this sub is that it is a shallow mount model, which means you can install it in an enclosure that is quite a bit thinner than many other options. This provides you with additional options for placement and configuration. As a dual voice coil sub you will likely want to install two of these in one vehicle to get the best sound possible. Overall, there is a ton to love about this subwoofer and very little to be disappointed in.

Pros
Very high RMS compared to max power limits
Shallow mount subwoofer
Extremely durable

Cons
Does not outperform other top subs in any areas

3. Best Pre-Mounted: Kicker 10” Vented Thin Profile Subwoofer

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Why we like it: This woofer comes pre-mounted in a thin profile enclosure, allowing it to fit easily under or behind a seat and it is also very easy to install.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs:
Power Handling: 300 Watt RMS, 600 Watt Max
Voice Coils: Single Voice Coil
The Kicker brand of subwoofers lives up to its name in that when the bass hits, you really feel like you are getting kicked in the chest, which is exactly what you want. This particular model can handle plenty of power to give you the volume and punch you desire.
While most people purchasing this subwoofer will primarily be listening to bass heavy music, the sound clarity is absolutely good enough to compliment any genre of music that you enjoy.
What really sets this option apart from many others is the fact that it comes pre-mounted in a low-profile enclosure. It can fit easily behind the seats in just about any vehicle, or flush against the trunk wall if you prefer. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, you could even slide it under your driver’s seat so you can really feel it every time the bass hits. Installing this sub under or behind the driver’s seat is a great option, though it will produce an uneven sound for other passengers.
To have balanced audio throughout the vehicle you will either want to mount it in the center of the trunk or install two subwoofers. If you are going with two subs, you should consider an option that has dual voice coils, such as the Rockford Fosgate R2D4.

Pros
Pre-mounted in a low-profile enclosure
Excellent sound quality
Able to produce sharp, pounding bass

Cons
Single voice coil

4. Best All-in-One: Rockville RW10CA Slim Subwoofer

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Why we like it: This subwoofer is enclosed in a case that also comes with its own amplifier.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs:
Power Handling: 200 Watt RMS, 800 Watt Max
Voice Coils: Single Voice Coil
If you want to add strong bass to your car audio system, but you do not want to have to go through a complex installation process, this is a great option for you. The Rockville RW10CA is another pre-mounted subwoofer, but this one comes with an extra bonus. Within the enclosure is a built-in amplifier that serves to provide the sub with the steady stream of power that it needs. With most other subwoofers, you need to buy the amp separately. Surprisingly, this has not resulted in the price rising significantly.
While this subwoofer boasts an 800-watt max power limit, the RWS limit is only 200. This would be more of a concern if you were using a separate amplifier, but since the built-in model is made specifically for this speaker, it is fine.
This actual audio quality on this subwoofer is not as crisp as you will find on other options such as the JL Audio 10W3v3, but it will be a huge upgrade compared to any stock system. If you are like the vast majority of people and not looking to win any car audio competitions or an audiophile with perfect pitch, this subwoofer is an ideal option at an excellent price.

Pros
Amplifier included in the enclosure
Very slim enclosure ideal for under-seat installation
Easy installation

Cons
Low RMS compared to max power

5. Best Budget Pick: BOSS Audio CXX Car Subwoofer

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Why we like it: Simply put, the price. We were shocked at just how inexpensive this model is while still producing very respectable bass levels.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs:
Power Handling: 400 Watt RMS | 800 Watt Max
Voice Coils: Single Voice Coil
When most people talk about car audio in general and subwoofers specifically, they discuss how to get the most powerful bass or the clearest overall audio. The fact is, however, for many people, these things just aren’t that important.
In many cases, the goal is to get a big upgrade to their vehicle’s stock system without spending a huge amount of money. If that is what you are looking for, it will be hard to find a better option than this.
The BOSS Audio CXX subwoofer will dramatically out-perform the stock audio systems in all but the very highest end of vehicles. The sound quality is very respectable, and you will get a bass hit that is unmistakable.
Sure, you aren’t going to get the precision or punch that you would find on something like the Rockford Fosgate R2D4, but you will love the upgrade none the less. Not only are these subs very inexpensive, but they can easily be powered by a smaller amplifier, which will save you even more.

Pros
Very inexpensive
Significant improvement over stock speakers
Can be run on a low-cost amplifier

Cons
Cannot handle huge amounts of power
Does not hit as hard as other subwoofers

6. Most Powerful: Planet Audio AC10D 1500-Watt Subwoofer

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Why we like it: This is a true powerhouse, boasting a 1500 watt max power that pushes out incredible volume for a 10’’ subwoofer.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs:
Power Handling: 750 Watt RMS, 1500 Watt Max
Voice Coils: Dual Voice Coil
If you love those sideways glances that you see from the vehicles next to you (or even across the road) because your bass is pounding, this subwoofer is a great option. It is one of the most powerful subs you will find before having to move up to a 12’’ or 15’’ model.
Despite the huge power capacity, the price on these subwoofers is still very inexpensive. Just keep in mind, however, that if you want to get the full performance out of these subs, you will need a powerful amplifier installed as well, which will bump your total price up quite a bit.
As a dual voice coil subwoofer, you should purchase two of these subwoofers and have them enclosed into a single box. We recommend installing them into a box that is ported with the subs clearly displayed when you open the trunk. This is because this model uses a flexible foam material that has great excursion, meaning the speaker moves more than other models, which looks really impressive when showing them off.
While there is a lot to love about this sub, it is no surprise that a low-cost model that can take this much power is not going to have perfect sound quality. Don’t worry, the sheer volume and punch of the bass will more than compensate.

Pros
Can handle huge amounts of power
Great excursion for visibly appealing display
Surprisingly affordable

Cons
Sound quality is somewhat lacking

7. Best Audio Quality: JL Audio 10W3v3

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Why we like it: One of the best sounding subwoofers on the market today.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs:
Power Handling: 250 Watt RMS, 500 Watt Max
Voice Coils: Single Voice Coil
There is no doubt that the JL Audio brand makes exceptional equipment, and this model in particular will give you some of the cleanest, most heart pounding bass you will find anywhere. On top of having incredibly crisp and clear sound quality, this sub is also visually appealing. If you install it in a great enclosure, your vehicle’s audio system will look as sleek as it sounds.
The one big problem with this subwoofer is the price. It costs far more than other subs on this list, and the extra expense just isn’t justified. If you are Bill Gates and money is truly no object, you may as well move up to larger subwoofers at a premium level. If you are in any way worried about cost, this model is just too much. Anyone who absolutely has to have a 10’’ subwoofer and doesn’t care about money, however, will be very happy with this model.

Pros
Truly premium quality sound
Made from excellent materials
Will produce window rattling bass without distortion

Cons
Very expensive

8. Best Kit With Two Subwoofers: Belva 1000-Watt Complete Car Subwoofer Setup

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Why we like it: This kit includes everything you need to setup a full dual subwoofer audio system in your vehicle.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs:
Power Handling: 500 Watt RMS, 1000 Watt Max
Voice Coils: Single Voice Coil
This is another all-in-one kit that includes everything you need to get your car audio system bumping. The big perk of choosing this one is that it comes with two 10’’ subwoofers installed in an attractive ported box. It also comes with the amplifier, so you do not need to purchase it separately. If you are looking for a simple upgrade to your car audio system, you won’t find anything that is much easier than this model.
If you are looking for premium quality and precision bass, these subs likely aren’t the right option for you. Instead, consider piecing together your own system using higher end subs such as the Rockford Fosgate R2D4. If you just want a good overall system that is easy to use, however, the Belva system will more than suffice.
This system even comes with a remote bass control that you can mount on your dash or near your seat to get precision control of your system, which is a great feature. If you do go with this system, let us recommend that you purchase some audio wiring rather than using the included wires, which aren’t of the best quality. This will give you an improved power flow, which translates to better sound.

Pros
Comes with everything you need
An easy and affordable way to upgrade your car audio system
Very attractive setup

Cons
Lower quality sound
Should buy better wires for installation

9. Most Durable: BOSS Audio Systems Elite BE10D

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Why we like it: Great well-rounded subwoofer that can handle lots of power.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs:
Power Handling: 400 Watt RMS, 800 Watt Max
Voice Coils: Dual Voice Coils
This is another nice subwoofer from BOSS Audio Systems. The main difference between this one and the BOSS Audio Systems CXX10 model is that this one has dual voice coils and the other is a single. Of course, the DVC option is going to be more expensive, and you should generally purchase them in pairs to get the full advantage. The quality of this subwoofer is quite high, though certainly not a premium option.
If you are looking to upgrade your current system and want to add a couple of good quality subs that can handle plenty of power, you will likely be very happy with this model. The bass produced by these subs is deep and strong, but not quite as clear as you will find on some of the higher-end options. While these speakers won’t be damaged when you turn the volume way up and hit the bass, there will be some noticeable distortion. If you just plan on listening to your music at reasonable (though still very loud) volumes, the sound quality is more than sufficient.

Pros
Can handle up to 800 watts of power
Affordable dual voice coil subwoofer
Made of durable materials

Cons
Some bass distortion at max volume

10. Best Stock Replacement: Studio Pro 10’’ Car Subwoofer

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Why we like it: Very inexpensive subwoofer that will serve as a good replacement for stock systems.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs:
Power Handling: 150 Watt RMS, 300 Watt Max
Voice Coils: Single Voice Coil
This is a low-cost subwoofer that can be used to replace the stock subs that you have in your vehicle’s system. While you will need to look at the specs of your vehicle, you likely will not need to have an additional amplifier to power this sub since quality stock systems produce enough power on their own. Whether you are replacing a blown subwoofer in your stock system or adding this sub to get a little extra bass, you should be happy with the results.
Given the price and materials found on this model you really can’t expect to get the earth-shattering bass that other subs can produce. That being said, many people aren’t really looking for that anyway. Anyone looking to dip their toes into improved car audio or wanting to replace existing subs in their vehicle will find this to be a great place to start without risking much money.

Pros
Not very expensive
Likely won’t require an amplifier

Cons
Can’t handle too much power
Lower sound quality

Everything You Need to Know About Buying 10’’ Subwoofers for Your Car Audio System

Purchasing and installing new subwoofers in your vehicle is a significant investment. Not only do you need the subs themselves, but also the proper wiring, enclosure, amplifier, and more. You may even be purchasing a new deck and other components. Getting the right subwoofers will help ensure the end result looks and sounds just the way you want it.
The best way to make sure you make the right purchase for your situation is to learn more about this type of speaker, and how it is installed in your vehicle. Read through this guide to get a strong understanding of everything you need to know. If you are already familiar with the basics of car audio, just skip to the section that you need to learn more about so you can avoid any mistakes.
Amplifier for Your Subwoofer
All subwoofers need a lot of electricity in order to produce the powerful bass that you desire. In most stock car audio systems, the power comes from your vehicle’s electrical system, into the stereo deck, and then out to the various speakers. While this is fine for basic speaker systems, the deck cannot handle subwoofers that often need anywhere from 300 to 1500 watts of power at a time. This is where car audio amplifiers are required.
Amplifiers for car audio systems are quite complex and need to be handled properly. If you are not familiar with them, you will want to take the time to learn about car audio amps before making a purchase. The following, however, are the key aspects of amplifiers so you know what to look for when buying one.
Power Capacity
Similar to the subwoofers themselves, an amp is going to be rated based on how many watts of power it can feed per channel. Manufacturers will typically list the limits both in RMS (max continuous flow of power) and max watts.
While it might seem safer to have an amp that provides no more than the max watts that your subwoofer can handle, that is not the case. Insufficient power to a speaker can actually damage it just as much as far too much power. With this in mind, it is recommended that you choose an amp that can produce about 100-150% of the RMS watts of your subwoofers.
Power Source
If you are installing an amp that needs 600 or more watts of power, you need to upgrade your vehicle’s battery. This can be done either by swapping the existing battery out with a premium option, or better yet, install a second car battery that is dedicated to the audio system.
Number of Channels
Each amplifier will have a specific number of channels, which is how many ports are available to plug in speakers. Most people will connect one speaker to one channel. This means you need at least one channel per speaker you will be powering. There are a variety of other ways to hook things up, however, so just be aware that you have plenty of options. If you are only wanting to run your subwoofers through the amp, all you need is one channel per sub for the easiest installation.
Heat Production
Amplifiers have large amounts of electricity running through them. During peak use, they can get very hot, which has the potential to be a fire hazard. While you generally want to install the amp in an out of the way location, so it does not get damaged. Equally important is making sure that it is in a spot that is not near flammable objects so that it can operate safely.
Positioning Your Subwoofers
Before you purchase your subwoofers, you should know exactly where in your vehicle they will be installed. The options will depend on what type of vehicle you have, how many subwoofers you plan on purchasing, and other factors. While the specifics will vary slightly based on these things, the following are the main options you have available to you.
In the Trunk
The trunk is the most common place for your subwoofers. This area will give you plenty of room for a full-size enclosure for the subs. When going with this option, the type of enclosure will have a big impact on the quality of the sound your subs produce. We cover the various types of enclosures below in detail to help you to pick the right one.
Many people who are new to car audio mistakenly believe that having the subs in the trunk will distort or muffle the sound, but that is not the case. This location actually has the potential to provide you with the best overall sound quality.
Behind the Seat
Placing subwoofers behind the driver’s and/or passenger’s seat is a great option as it will really allow you to feel it when the bass hits. This is most commonly done in small sports cars or trucks with no cab since the speakers would make it difficult for passengers to fit in the back seats. In addition to really feeling the bass, this setup has the subs in the same area as the people in the vehicle, which can increase the overall volume.
Under the Seat
If you purchase a low-profile subwoofer, such as the Rockville RW10CA you can slide it directly under the seats of the vehicle. This directs the full power of the bass up and through the seat, which many people love. This option is great because it does not take up any usable room in the vehicle, and it is very easy to run the wiring since it does not have to travel as far as if the subs were in the trunk.
Replace Stock Speakers
The last, and least common, option is to purchase subwoofers to replace stock speakers in your vehicle. Some SUVs and other larger vehicles will have stock speakers that are large enough to be replaced by 10’’ subwoofers without any trouble. This option may require you to make some alterations to your vehicle’s seats, doors, or other areas so make sure you do everything properly to avoid causing damage.
Types of Enclosures
The type of enclosure used for your subwoofers is going to have a huge impact on not only the way they sound, but also the way they look. Some custom-made subwoofer enclosures can be true works of art that make your vehicle look amazing. Some are just functional boxes cut out of basic plywood.
The look of the enclosure can vary greatly, but there are generally just four options when it comes to the design that you need to choose from.
Sealed Enclosures
Sealed enclosures are basically just a hollowed-out box that has a hole the size of the subwoofer. The subwoofer is placed into the hole, facing out, and secured in place. The electrical wires are fed into the enclosure and hooked up, then the wire hole is sealed up. This option is best known for people who want ‘tight’ bass.
If you aren’t sure which type of enclosure you want to use, this option is an excellent place to start. They are typically inexpensive, and they have very few problems. They are also easy to make, if you want to go that route. You will find that they also produce a great sound that most people love.
Ported Enclosures
Ported enclosures, which are sometimes called vented, tuned, or bass reflex enclosures are quite similar to a sealed enclosure except there is one opening. This is typically a circular opening, sometimes with a plastic tube going into the box. The port size is determined by the size of the subwoofer. If it is too big or small, it will cause problems with the sound as it comes out. Ported enclosures can produce greater volume for the same amount of power, which is why they are desirable.
Single and Reflex Enclosures
Both the single and double reflex enclosures have the normal box with the subwoofer mounted in it, and then an additional box in the front. This makes it so you can’t actually see the sub at all unless the box is made with plexiglass (which is quite common).
On a single reflex enclosure only the box in front of the subwoofer is ported. With a double reflex enclosure both the box that has the sub and the front box are ported. These types of enclosures are also known as bandpass enclosures and operate very efficiently in that they are able to produce a huge amount of sound with lower amounts of power.
Get the Heart Pounding Bass You Need
There is a lot to know about subwoofers, and it can take quite a bit of time and effort to install them properly into your vehicle. The first time you switch on your new car audio system and pump up the volume, however, you will know that it was all worth the effort.
A powerful subwoofer can provide you with a car audio experience that you just cannot find anywhere else. Now that you know everything you need to make the right decision, review our top 10’’ subwoofers list to pick out the ones that you want for your new system. More

Trucks are great for many reasons, but one area that they lack is in adequate security. Sure, it’s easy to throw in what you need to carry around, but with that comes the prying eyes from strangers and a lack of privacy. To increase the security for things you place on your truck bed, consider investing in a roll up tonneau cover. They’re easy to install and one of the more affordable forms of tonneau cover available!

How to Choose the Right Roll Up Tonneau Cover
The best roll up tonneau covers are durable, strong, and sturdy enough to keep all your possessions safe. We’ll cover some of the basic features to look out for and which types of tonneau covers are the best for you. You can also find a more in-depth guide here.
Types of Roll Up Tonneau Covers
There are two main types of roll up tonneau cover, soft and hard, each with their benefits and drawbacks. This guide focuses exclusively on roll up covers, but if you want to know about different types of tonneau covers in general, you can read more about those here.
Soft Roll Up Covers
Soft roll up tonneau covers are the most basic type of truck covers that you can invest in. They’re made from vinyl fabric and can be UV resistant or waterproof. They’re enough to keep your items safe in the back of the truck bed while you’re driving, though they may be too soft to provide security since they can be sliced through with sharp knives.
However, they’re the more affordable option of the two types. They also weigh less and can be easier to roll up and use on a day to day basis.
Hard Roll Up Covers
Hard roll up tonneau covers can be made from metal or plastic. You’ll be able to protect your possessions much better, but the initial installation can be more difficult.
When they’re rolled up, they also take up more space compared to soft roll up covers. The process of rolling them up can also be more difficult due to their increased weight when compared to soft covers. They are also significantly more expensive than soft roll up covers.
Features to Consider When Buying Roll Up Tonneau Covers
Tonneau covers come in many shapes, sizes, and covers. You’ll want to find one that strikes a good balance between its durability, size, safety features, and price point. Below, we’ll cover the main areas of interest you should consider when purchasing a tonneau cover.
Size
Even if you have a tonneau cover with all the right features, it won’t work well unless the size is suited for your truck bed. If it’s too small or too large, it won’t provide adequate protection or fit correctly over your bed.
Our reviews make sure to highlight sizing options so that you know what you’re buying is sure to fit your truck model specifically. You can also click through to the Amazon product listings in our reviews and enter your truck’s model details to quick-check the size.
If you have bed rail caps, truck bed liners, or anything else that impacts sizing dimensions, you’ll need to make sure the cover you choose can accommodate these, too.
Safety Features
Many people want a tonneau cover to know that their items are safe in the back of their truck when left unattended. A lot of roll up covers have a clamp or Velcro strap to hold them in place, but some covers come with locks and better features. These covers will give you better peace of mind when you leave your truck unattended, knowing that it’s safe from theft.
Installation
While roll up covers are easy to use when they’re installed, getting started with them is another story. Soft covers may only need clamps and fasteners, but hard covers require you to mount, secure, and align several different components to get the cover onto the truck bed safely. You can read more about the installation process here.
Material
The material that makes up your roll up cover determines how much protection your items get, both from potential thieves and from the outdoor elements. Some softer materials can offer waterproofing, and harder materials can offer more protection from theft. The material may also impact the cover’s durability and overall sturdiness, which we note in our reviews.
Waterproofing
If you live in a climate where rainfall is an issue, it may be worth paying extra for a waterproof (or at least water-resistant) tonneau cover. As well as the lining itself, some options come with water-resistant seals to help ensure your possessions are kept safe in all weather conditions. Where this is the case, it’s always noted within our reviews.
Price
The price of the tonneau covers can range from affordable to very expensive. Some covers (often soft covers) can be found under $300 and will keep your items from falling off the truck bed, though they may not be as durable. Others range from $300-$1000, with a good mix of soft and hard covers. A few covers over $1000 have extra security features and offer the most protection.
Now that you know what to consider, here are the best roll up tonneau covers available today.

Top 10 Best Roll Up Tonneau Covers 2020
1. Best Overall Roll Up Tonneau Cover: Tyger Auto T1 Soft Cover

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Why we like it: Everything you need from a basic tonneau cover. It has water-sealing properties to keep your items dry and a secure latching system to keep all your items safe in your truck bed.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Soft
Material: Marine-grade vinyl, aluminum powder coated rails
Sizes: 5’6”, 6’6”, 8’0”
Weight: 25 lbs.
Waterproofing: Water-resistant and watertight
For an all-around solid option, the Tyger Auto T1 Soft Roll Up might be the best option. The cover is sturdy and durable, evident by the limited lifetime warranty offered by the company. In addition, it comes with special weathertight sealing strips so that your items stay safe and dry in the truck bed, no matter how wet the outside environment is.
The latch lock and tension system that comes with this cover is enough to keep your items secure, while the material is durable and hard for thieves to cut through. Installation shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes, and the built-in crossbars keep the product stable and secure when you’re using it. However, since this is vinyl, you may want to use Tyger’s own vinyl cleanser rather than just using soap.
The rails do extend a little above the bed rails, which can take away from the overall appearance. It also covers the stake pocket holes, so you won’t be able to use it with a ladder rack or side rails. However, by covering all the stake pocket holes, you end up with a watertight tonneau cover that’s capable of keeping all outside elements out when you’re on your next road trip.

Pros
Limited lifetime warranty
Weathertight sealing strips keep items dry in the truck bed
The latch lock and tension system is secure
Easy installation which takes around 30 minutes
Built-in crossbars add to the strength of the tonneau cover

Cons
Covers the stake pocket holes
Rails extend slightly above the bed rails

2. Best Budget Roll Up Tonneau Cover: MaxMate Soft Roll Up Cover

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Why we like it: The MaxMate cover does its job without costing a fortune, keeping your valuables safe in your truck bed. It’s durable and with a 10-year warranty, you won’t have to worry about spending money on another for at least a decade.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Soft
Material: Marine-grade vinyl
Sizes: 5’8”, 6’6”
Weight:4 lbs.
Waterproofing: Water-resistant but not waterproof
If you’re looking for an affordable option that’ll last you a while, the MaxMate roll up cover is right up your alley. It comes with a 10-year warranty, so you can be sure the brand owners know their cover is durable enough to last. In addition, the cover is strong when locked, making sure that nothing will fall out as you drive. Unfortunately, while this is a great deal, it comes in very limited sizes, so you may not be able to find one that fits your truck bed.
It’s made out of marine-grade vinyl that can hold its own against the elements. However, while the material itself is water-resistant, the lack of seals means that water can end up getting into the truck bed. While you can buy some stake hole plugs to keep water from leaking in, it is an extra cost that you’ll need to consider.
The side rails themselves are also a bit bulky, which can take away from the overall look of your truck. If you are concerned about the appearance, you can opt for a sleeker tonneau cover such as the TruXedo TruXport roll up.
It’s easy to install, like many other tonneau covers, and comes with aircraft-grade aluminum side rails that’ll keep it stable and secure. In addition, the vinyl itself remains wrinkle-free and won’t shrink or warp after months of use. As with many other covers, it’s also smooth enough to save you a bit on gas mileage.

Pros
Affordable and sturdy option
10-year warranty
Locks securely over the truck bed
Aircraft-grade aluminum side rails
Vinyl remains wrinkle-free and won’t warp

Cons
Doesn’t come in all sizes
Water can slip into the truck bed
Side rails are bulky

3. Most Secure: Gator ETX Soft Roll Up Cover

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Why we like it: If you don’t want to worry about your valuables falling out of your truck bed, the Gator ETX roll up cover is perfect. With adjustable tension controls and sturdy clamps, this cover is sure to keep all of your items safe.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Soft
Material: Industrial strength leather-grain vinyl
Sizes: 5’8”, 6’6”, 8”
Weight: 27 lbs.
Waterproofing: Water-resistant, not completely waterproof
The Gator ETX soft roll up clamps onto your truck securely enough that you can be sure your items won’t fall out. With an inside mount process and a no-drill install, this cover sits low and unobtrusively over your truck bed, adding to the overall look. In addition, it also comes with adjustable tension controls to help you get the most secure fit over your truck bed.
The cover itself is made in the USA, which speaks to the high-quality materials sourced for its production. In addition, the special design of this cover also includes 2 crossbars, which increase its strength, both against thieves and items that could fly out as you’re driving. To add to the quality, it also comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and a 10-year warranty for the tarp itself.
This tonneau cover may be all you need for the next decade! If you want a slightly cheaper roll up cover that also has a 10-year warranty, you should consider the MaxMate soft roll up cover. However, keep in mind the hook and loop rail closures are not as durable as the rest of the cover and can be easily damaged over time. In addition, some water can also leak into the truck bed, since soft covers don’t protect as well against water when compared to hard covers, like the BAK Revolver X2 Hard Rolling Cover.

Pros
Secure clamps with adjustable tension control
High-quality ingredients sourced from the USA
Lifetime warranty on frame
10-year warranty for the tarp
Two crossbars increase the strength and security of cover

Cons
Hook and rail closures aren’t durable
Some water may leak into the truck bed

4. Best Premium Roll Up Tonneau Cover: BAK Revolver X2 Hard Rolling Cover

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Why we like it: The BAK Revolver X2 hard rolling cover covers all bases, from strength to security. Made from aluminum slats and accompanied by its auto latching mechanism, your valuables are certainly safe in the back of your truck bed.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Hard
Material: Gloss vinyl and aluminum slats
Sizes: 5’9”, 6’7”, 8’2”
Weight: 81 lbs.
Waterproofing: Comes with a rubber seal, waterproof
The BAK Revolver X2 cover comes with everything you might want, from its sturdy construction to the way it automatically locks onto the side of the bed as you roll it down. It’s durable, and the aluminum slats are also lined with rubber at the end to create a weatherproof seal.
While this is definitely on the pricier side, the quality and level of protection are hard for soft covers to match. However, keep in mind that this cover only comes with a 3-year warranty, so you’ll want to take good care of it when you have it.
In addition, the rubber seal that it arrives with is not as sturdy for waterproofing, but you can easily buy your own water seal to completely waterproof the truck bed. The material itself is water-resistant and high quality, much stronger than any of the soft covers. If you want a waterproof cover from the start, take a look at the TruXedo TruXport roll up.
Like other hard covers, this one is also a fair bit heavier and bulkier than traditional soft cover roll ups. However, with it comes increased security without you having to shell out thousands of dollars for a hard folding cover. In addition, you’ll be able to roll it completely out of the way for full truck bed access when you need to get something.
The aluminum construction of the cover also means that it can withstand up to 400 lbs. of weight on top, something far greater than what any soft cover can withstand.

Pros
Aluminum slats lined with rubber for waterproofing
More sturdy and durable than soft covers
Increased security
Cheaper than hard folding and retractable tonneau covers
Can withstand 400 lbs. of weight on top

Cons
May need to invest in a better rubber seal
Only has a 3-year warranty
Heavier and bulkier than soft covers

5. Most Durable: TruXedo TruXport Roll Up Cover

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Why we like it: If you want a roll up cover to lasts you years, the TruXedo TruXport soft cover is the right option for you. Made with leather-grained fabric, this cover is durable and won’t wrinkle or shrink over months of usage.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Soft
Material: Commercial grade leather-grain vinyl
Sizes: 5’8”, 6’6”, 8’0”
Weight: 26 lbs.
Waterproofing: Water-resistant material
The TruXedo TruXport roll up cover is made with high-quality leather-grained fabric and is designed to last. This fabric also protects your valuables and possessions from most weather elements without increasing the weight of the cover. In addition, the material not only adds to the strength of the cover, but it also adds to the overall sleek and stylish aesthetic.
However, keep in mind that it’s not completely waterproof, and some water may leak into your truck bed. If you are concerned about water getting into the truck bed, your safest option would be the oEdRo roll up cover.
On the bright side, the material itself isn’t prone to warping or shrinking when wet and holds up under rain or snow. It also has dual paddle latches at the ends that can keep your tailgate in a locked position whenever the cover is closed, adding an extra level of security. Best of all, the cover is made in the USA, so you’re helping out the economy with your purchase.
One installation perk that jumps out is the pre-set tension controls added to the dual latching system. Adjusting the tension is one of the hardest parts of the installation process, and TruXedo takes care of that for you. However, when you are installing, to get the perfect fit, you may need to install the cover lower than the guideline provided in the instruction manual.

Pros
Made with high-quality leather-grained fabric
Dual paddle latches at ends add extra security
Doesn’t shrink or warp when exposed to rain and snow
Made in the USA
Pre-set tension controls make installation easier

Cons
Not fully waterproof
Water may leak into the truck bed from the sides
May need to install lower in the truck bed to get the right fit

6. Lowest Maintenance: Lund Genesis Elite Roll Up Cover

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Why we like it: The Lund Genesis Elite cover is very hands-off, especially when it comes to care and maintenance and. You can use normal soap and water without needing to invest in special cleaners, and the cover itself is resistant to most outdoor elements.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Soft
Material: Twill-weave matte canvas
Sizes: 5’7”, 6’4”, 8’0”
Weight: 25 lbs.
Waterproofing: Water-resistant material
Tonneau covers can be hard to clean and maintain, but the Lund Genesis Elite cover takes care of that for you. You can wash it with basic soap and water without needing to invest in any extra specialist cleaners. The twill-weave material is resistant to water, mold, mildew, UV, dirt, and dust, so you won’t have to worry about cleaning it often, either. Once you get it set up, you can go a while before needing to deep clean the cover.
There’s a single latch mechanism that’s easy to use with this cover when you need to get it up or down. It’s also low profile, meaning it’s mounted inside the truck bed and won’t interfere with your current truck design and appearance. Paired with its resistance to dirt and grime, you have a cover that looks good almost all year round!
However, the material does start to shrink and warp after a few months of use. While most soft covers may end up having this problem in the long run, you can avoid it by investing in a hard cover such as the BAK Revolver cover.
In addition, the tension adjustment during installation can be difficult to get right, and the cover itself may not fit perfectly on your truck. Make sure you check the amazon style guide to check that the specifications fit your truck well. In addition, while the material is water-resistant, the seams do not have special waterproof sealing, so water may be able to get in if you didn’t install it securely.

Pros
Only need soap and water to clean
Resistant to most outdoor elements
The single latch mechanism is easy to use and roll up
Twill cover is water-resistant
Low profile and black cover matches with all truck designs

Cons
Material shrinks or warps after a few months of use
No waterproof sealing
Tension adjustment can be difficult to get right

7. Best Weather Resistance: oEdRo Roll Up Truck Bed Cover

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Why we like it: The oEdRo tonneau cover can keep your items from getting damaged by outside elements with their included weather strip.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Soft
Material: Double layer PVC
Sizes:8 ft., 6.5 ft.
Weight: 27 lbs.
Waterproofing: Made of waterproof material
The oEdRo tonneau cover specifically aims to keep your items safe from the outside environment, with an included weather strip for sealing. The material it’s made of is entirely waterproof, and the weather strip keeps dust, rain, and snow from getting onto your truck bed. If you have any delicate items you’re transporting that you can’t afford to get wet, this option is for you.
It also comes with dual tailgate paddle latches that can only be opened when you open the tailgate first. This adds an extra layer of protection against people who may try to break into your truck bed.
The cover is also designed to be slim, so you can save up to 12 percent on gas costs when using it, and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty, so it’s definitely built to last.
In addition, oEdRo simplifies the installation process by providing aluminum quick clamps to secure the rails to the truck bed. However, the clamps do come with rubber protectors that make installation a little trickier to latch on and adjust correctly.
The directions for the installation process can also be confusing to read, so if you want a cover that’s easier to install, try the Tonno Lo Roll cover. The width of the cover itself is also a little too large for some trucks, so make sure you use the amazon sizing guide.

Pros
Weather strip protects your valuables from the environment
Made of waterproof material with special seals
Dual tailgate paddle latches for added security
Save up to 12 percent on gas due to slim design
Limited lifetime warranty

Cons
Installation with clamps can be difficult
The instruction manual is hard to understand
The width is a little too large for some trucks

8. Most Protective: TruXedo Sentry CT Cover

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Why we like it: If you’re worried about your valuables being stolen, the TruXedo Sentry CT hard roll up cover is the perfect choice for you. Aluminum slats are bonded to the heavy-duty woven fabric, making it difficult for anyone to cut through the cover.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Hard
Material: Woven fabric and aluminum slats
Sizes: 5’8”, 6’6”, 6’7”, 8’0”
Weight: 75 lbs.
Waterproofing: Water-resistant but not watertight
While it’s a little more expensive than other options, this truck cover offers significantly more protection for your valuables. The hard cover is difficult for thieves to cut through, especially with the pressure-bonded aluminum slats on the underside of the black fabric.
In addition, installation isn’t difficult as you’ll just need to mount this to the inside of your truck bed. However, when compared to the installation for soft covers such as the Tonno Lo Roll cover, you’ll notice it takes more effort to get this cover completely set up.
However, while this material is durable, it’s not completely waterproof like the other options. Some water may leak in from time to time as there are no water-resistant seals. In addition, the added aluminum slats make this cover heavier, so it may also be harder to roll up with one hand. You’ll also have to take good care of the cover since it is so expensive.
While it is heavy to manually roll up, the quick release system added to this truck does help you out slightly, letting you remove the entire cover when activated. In addition, the cover is completely blacked out with a matte finish, which pairs well with any truck you might have.
Finally, there’s one more extra security latch at the center of the cover that helps with protection and keeping your cargo safe when you drive.

Pros
Strong and durable
Hard for thieves to cut through material
Matte black finish pairs well with all trucks
Quick-release system opens cover quickly
Extra security latch keeps cargo safe during transportation

Cons
On the pricier side
No water-resistant seals
Much heavier than other options

9. Best for Cold Weather: North Mountain Soft Vinyl Roll-Up

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Why we like it: The North Mountain tonneau cover is still pliable and easy to roll up, even when the weather gets chilly. The material is tear-resistant and doesn’t get brittle, with epoxy coated aluminum rails to improve durability.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Soft
Material: Double-sided vinyl tarp and aluminum frame
Sizes: See Amazon sizing guide
Weight:7 lbs.
Waterproofing: Improved water runoff design
Some tonneau covers are difficult to roll up when it gets cold, becoming more brittle and prone to tears. However, North Mountain’s cover is just as easy to roll up in cold weather, barely changing no matter how extreme the temperature gets. After all, it’s specifically designed to be tear-resistant, no matter the weather. The aluminum rails also have an epoxy coating to help against lower temperatures.
However, keep in mind that this cover only has a 3-year warranty. If you want a soft roll up cover with a longer warranty, you should definitely consider the Tyger Auto T1 option.
The design also has you covered when it comes to waterproofing and usability. It sits on top of the installed rails to allow the water to run off without getting into the truck bed. In addition, with connecting crossbars and low profile bows, it’s easy to roll up the tarp whenever you need to get full access to your truck bed. The installation itself isn’t too difficult, with easy clamps for assistance.
With that being said, you may need more tools to get the cover set up. You may want a hex key wrench to adjust the tension of the cover so that it stays in place. The crossbars also aren’t always secure in their elastic sleeves, so you may have to be mindful not to drive too quickly down the interstate.

Pros
Flexible and tear-resistant in cold weather
Aluminum rails have an epoxy coating
Improved water runoff design
Crossbars allow for easy roll up of cover
Easy to install

Cons
Only a three-year warranty
Crossbars can be loose in their elastic sleeves
Need a hex key to adjust the tension

10. Easiest to Set-Up Tonneau Cover: Tonno Lo Roll

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Why we like it: The Tonno Lo Roll truck cover is fast and simple to install, a one-man job that takes under an hour.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Soft
Material: Double-sided vinyl tarp
Sizes: 5’5”, 6’5”, 8’0”
Weight: 36 lbs.
Waterproofing: Water-resistant seals
The Tonno Lo Roll tonneau cover is easy to install in just minutes, perfect if you don’t want to spend an afternoon getting the details of the tonneau cover down. It comes with heavy-duty clamps that are simple to align and get right the first time, with no drilling or cutting required. All you might need is a 17mm socket, a ratchet, and some clamps to hold the side rails in place during installation.
The material is created from a tear-resistant black tarp and double-sided vinyl for improved durability. The tarp itself is waterproof, and the added water-resistance seals keep your items from getting wet when it drizzles. In addition, it’s also pliable and makes rolling up the cover quick and easy, giving you full access to your truck bed at a moment’s notice. It also comes with a Limited Lifetime Policy, this cover’s form of warranty.
Unfortunately, over the course of a few months, the Velcro holding the cover in place becomes loose due to UV exposure, which is bad if you live in a sunny location. If you want a more durable option, you should consider the TruXedo TruXport roll up.
For this tonneau cover, you may have to resew the Velcro straps yourself once you see signs of tearing. In addition, the warranty doesn’t cover normal wear-and-tear. However, you can avoid some of these problems by keeping your truck out of the sun when not in use.

Pros
Fast installation in minutes
Needs very few outside materials for installation
Comes with water-resistant seals
Easy to roll up and use
Limited Lifetime Policy

Cons
Velcro disintegrates and becomes loose over months of use
Becomes damaged from too much UV exposure
Warranty doesn’t cover wear-and-tear issues

Guide to Picking the Perfect Roll Up Tonneau Cover
When it comes to your truck, you want the best tonneau cover for keeping your items safe and secure when you’re driving on the interstate or when you leave the truck unattended. Below, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty details for tonneau covers, so you know exactly what to look for and what to avoid.
Types of Tonneau Covers
When it comes to tonneau covers, you have more than just the roll up covers covered in this guide. While roll up covers are the most inexpensive and beginner-friendly, we’ll cover some of the basics below for the main categories of flat tonneau covers.
Roll Up Covers
Roll up covers are the least expensive and the quickest to install. These usually just need a few clamps, with no drilling necessary and very little setup time. However, they also offer the least protection and durability out of all the tonneau covers, evident with their lower price point. If this is your first tonneau cover, roll ups may be the safest option for you to test out.
Folding Covers
Folding covers often come in a tri-fold design, though some may have more or fewer folds. They take up slightly more space when folded up, but they’re good if you plan on carrying higher cargo that rises above the truck bed, and you need for your truck bed to be exposed to air. They’re also sturdy and can be extra secure when your truck has a locking tailgate.
Retractable Covers
Retractable tonneau covers are the most expensive and retract into a canister that’s located at the front of the truck bed. They can be made from vinyl, aluminum, or other strong materials, and provide the most security for your truck bed. These covers can also be secured when they’re only partially open, which the other types can’t do.
The Benefits of Tonneau Covers
Not sure why you should invest in a roll up tonneau cover? Here are some of the top benefits that they provide!
Theft Protection
The primary reason is to keep your possessions safe, even when you’re not around your truck. While normal cars have trunks to store your valuables, your truck bed is open to the world, and anyone walking past can easily reach over and steal some of your items. To keep your things safe, a tonneau cover is the way to go. Our favorite tonneau cover for protection would be the BAK Revolver cover.
Organization
While it may sound odd, getting one of these tonneau covers makes it easier to keep your items organized in the truck bed. Because the cover protects against the wind, your things won’t shift around in the truck bed nearly as much, and you’ll find them in the same position when you finally arrive at your destination to make unpacking that much easier.
Keeping Items Safe During Transportation
If you’re planning on transporting something fragile, or something on the lighter side, you definitely don’t want your things shifting around on the truck bed as you drive. Tonneau covers keep the wind from knocking your things over and into one another.
Even better, it keeps your items from flying off the truck bed when you suddenly stop or start your vehicle! Your items are as secure in your truck bed as they would be in a traditional car truck. One tonneau cover that does that really well is the Gator ETX cover.
Better Gas Mileage
It might sound strange, but investing in tonneau covers can improve your mileage by up to 10%. With the cover, there’s much less air resistance when you’re speeding along the highway, and this definitely adds up over time. Once the truck bed is covered, it won’t generate as much air drag, and the covers are even designed with this idea in mind. In our experience, the oEdRo roll up cover does this really well.
Resale Value
The resale value of your truck can increase when you install one of these tonneau covers, which can be a real benefit if you ever plan on selling your truck. Because the covers offer extra protection, you can think of them as another investment that you’ve made for your vehicle. Buyers will appreciate the already installed cover, and a cover could end up earning you some more money come selling time.
Privacy
With a roll up tonneau cover, you’ll have an opaque cover over the truck bed so that people can’t tell what you’re carrying around. Perfect if you don’t like the idea of the world seeing the things you may put in your truck bed
Installing Roll Up Tonneau Covers
After choosing the perfect tonneau cover, installing it is the most important step to keep it secure on your truck. You’ll want to open your tailgate first to make the process easier in the long run. The process can be difficult, and it’s best not to complicate it any further.
If you have a soft tonneau cover, you can simply attach the clamps and straps to the locations marked in the instructions manual. However, hard roll up tonneau covers require some more work from you. With hard covers, you’ll need to follow these steps.
If your tonneau cover has side rails, clamp them in place, either on the outside or inside. Be careful, as this step will determine the overall stability of your cover.
Ready the rubber seal next to keep elements from getting in.
Add additional Velcro to make the cover even steadier.
Unroll the cover tarp from the rear cab towards the tailgate.
Care and Maintenance for Tonneau Covers
Tonneau covers can be expensive, so you want to make sure that you take proper care of yours. While different materials need different levels of maintenance, you’ll want to regularly clean your tonneau cover, whether with water and soap or with specialized cleaning products.
For example, vinyl covers may need special vinyl cleaners, and covers with several moving parts will need you to check every few months to make sure nothing has come loose. For other materials, water and mild soap will suffice for cleaning unless the instruction and installation guide for the cover says otherwise.
Check that the clamps, bolts, and mounting equipment are still in place and haven’t budged. In addition, you’ll want to examine the cover overall to look for nicks, bumps, spots of corrosion, or any other imperfections. These covers can be large and heavy, so small issues can build up over time and end up ruining the cover.
Finally, to keep the cover in top condition, you’ll want to make sure not to leave heavy objects and equipment on top of the cover. Especially if you have a soft cover, doing this will cause it to sag and become damaged over time. Your instructions manual will likely have a maximum weight that can be put on it, so consult the guide first.
Some tonneau covers require less maintenance than others, such as the Lund Genesis Elite. Others, such as the BAK Revolver cover require a bit more care from you.
Final Thoughts
Getting a roll up tonneau cover is the perfect way to keep your items safe and increase your truck’s value without having to spend a fortune. It gets the job done, and the higher-quality roll ups can be used for years without becoming damaged.
Once you get past the installation phase, you’re good to go. No matter how intense your next road trip or expedition, a tonneau cover makes sure all your things are safe in the truck bed. More

What is the most cost-efficient way to completely overhaul the look of your vehicle? Painting and restoring your rims. Daily wear and tear can undermine the aesthetics of everything from a highly-modified import to a classic American muscle car. Wheel rash, scratches, and chips all contribute to a reduced visual appeal.
In this guide, we will explain how to fix these issues, which paints should be used on the rims after restoration, and how to best care for your wheels into the future.

Factors to Consider in Rim Paint
When choosing the perfect accent for your ride, color ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people may love a bright neon pink finish while others will despise it. We are not going to be evaluating which colors are aesthetically pleasing. Instead, this section is specifically about quantitative specifications that identify the great paints from the subpar.
What Do I Need?
To paint your rims, you will need a primer, which can also act as the main coat, and then, after sanding your rims, applying a base coat and a clear coat to finalize the look. You don’t have to use a primer, but you’ll get a better result if you do.
We’ve included all three types in our list, and some can do multiple jobs – we’ll note in the reviews which. In our full buyer’s guide, we detail the whole process from start to finish.
Color/Finish
When we think of color, we generally think, “Which color? While the literal paint tone is essential, when we say color in this section, we refer to the individual colors’ brilliance or uniqueness.
Is all that glitters gold? There are many varieties of gold on the market. Color is always going to be somewhat objective, but there is a mainstream appreciation of what makes a good finish stand out from the crowd.
Color matching is a huge deal for many car owners. Let’s take a 2019 Hyundai IONIQ as an example. It has a rose gold accent on the interior and the exterior of the vehicle. While yes, any rose gold should be close, a company like Dupli-color makes specific paints that accurately match OEM colors, including accents.
Quality
Consistency, few streaks, and not requiring too many coats – as well as having a decent aerosol delivery system – are the hallmarks of good quality paint. Most paints will look good if a pro uses them. The real test of quality is how it looks when used by an amateur.
Quality also encompasses the ease of use and how well the product performs. For example, some paints are incredibly cheap but have very poor quality assurance on the nozzle, cap, and even color intensity. We will not be recommending these brands because they are notorious for being inconsistent, and the minor savings will not equal the time you may take to repaint or wait for an exchange.
Durability
One of the most critical factors that differentiate brands and finishes apart from each other is durability. Resistance to water, chips, heat, and other environmental hazards are all aspects of durability.
There is a reason why you should not use just any paint on your rims. Certain paints are resistant to a very high temperature, which is vital due to the extreme heat generated by your brakes and calipers. This is also true as far as water and environmental factors are concerned. Paint on the exterior of your car must be waterproof and weather-proof; otherwise, it will peel, bubble, and crack, and that is not a look anyone is going for.
The final factor when it comes to durability is chip or scratch resistance. Most automotive paints have very high damage resistance. Rim paint is no different.
Cost
The average can of wheel paint costs you around $10. Some manufacturers offer entry-level paints at about $5 a can price point, but others can range up to approximately $30 a can. Overall, the cost is usually in line with quality and durability, but not in every case. We will clarify when a product is an excellent deal.
With those factors in mind, let’s get your wheels spinning with our favorite car paints on the market.

Top 10 Best Spray Paint for Rims 2020
1. Best Overall Rim Paint: Dupli-Color Paint

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Why we like it: Dupli-color offers a highly accurate color match and an excellent quality finish for a price that should be in almost anyone’s budget.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size: 12 oz Cans, Single, or 6 Pack
Colors: Bronze, Graphite, Black, Gold, Alloy, White, Copper, Rose Gold, Silver
Finish: Matte, Metallic, Gloss, Primer
Dupli-color was founded in 1938 by US Army Lt. Colonel Sigmund E. Edelstone. The colonel had an innovative idea to offer automotive paint perfectly matched to OEM paints. Starting from his garage, he purchased the paints from Sherwin-Williams and made the products available to his customers. Today, Dupli-color is a Sherwin-Williams company and stays true to its founder’s desire to demand perfection in automotive paint matching.
This product comes in many different colors, but our personal favorites are the Rose Gold and White. The Rose Gold has a metallic finish that looks so smooth and professional and color-matches many OEM finishes.
Of all the rim paints available, their White is the best. The flat matte finish on this paint is out of this world. You might be thinking, “Who wants white rims?” However, once you see it, it will be hard to forget.
The Dupli-color High-Performance Wheel Paint is available in either single 12-ounce cans or a pack of six 12 ounce cans. We would recommend picking up a case as it’s a better deal overall, and you will always have a little bit leftover.
Duplicolor High Performance is easy to use and easy to spray correctly. They have one of the best quality assurance systems on the market, with very few nozzle failures or clogs.
It is almost always cheaper to buy a six-pack than buying three cans, which is somewhat shocking. It is a positive for those who will be painting a full set of wheels, though, because the discount found on the six-packs allow you to not worry about running out of paint.
Overall, Dupli-color has fulfilled Lt. Colonel Edelstone’s dream of perfectly matched automotive paints. The quality and colors are unmatched by any other automotive paint manufacturer, and the value and QA are top-notch. We highly recommend Dupli-color High-Performance Wheel Paints as the best overall rim paint.

Pros
Color Match
Great Quality
Many Colors/Finishes

2. Best Primer: Dupli-Color Scratch Filler & Primer

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Why we like it: Perfect Filler and Primer 2-in-1 that can deal with minor surface imperfections before base coats.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size: 11 oz. Cans, Single
Colors: Gray, Red
Finish: Primer
Dupli-color comes in again with a fantastic product meant to meet the needs of most amateur painters. Available in either gray or red, this primer will work on almost any potential base coat color. The gray version is slightly more expensive as it is more universal, but both options should fulfill your needs.
It is sometimes harder to determine how good a primer is just by looking at it. This product stands out from the rest of the market to consistently get complete coverage with very few downsides. This filler and primer are rust-resistant and are usable on high heat applications such as wheels and brake calipers.
What sets this product apart from the other primers is its inherent ability not to dry out before you are done with your project. This primer has a slightly longer dry time, and that is a good thing. Certain brands use a quick-dry formulation in which the primer will often dry inside the can before you are done, which leads to beading and bubbles on the final product.
This product is recommended to those who have only minor scratches and imperfections on their wheels. When you can save a bit of money and get a top-performing product, what’s not to love?

Pros
Filler & Primer
Great Quality
Long Dry

Cons
No Black Option

3. Best Clear Coat: USC Spray Max 2k Aerosol

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Why we like it: USC Spray Max 2k is a professional product in a rattle can. It can stand up to abuse, providing you allow ample time for the coat to settle.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size: 2-11.8 oz.Cans
Colors: Clear
Finish: Clear Coat
The USC Spray Max 2k High Gloss Clearcoat is the best clear coat you can buy in a can. It’s as simple as that.
This clear coat goes on stiff and glossy. It has a bright sheen to the finish that makes it look like it was professionally done. It also has an excellent polishability and can be waxed with very high resistance to abrasion and scratches. This clear coat is rated for up to 500 degrees Celsius and should withstand any heat from brakes or other external factors.
It is a relatively easy product to use but has one quirk that may lower its overall appeal. When you take off the lid, the first time you use it, you have to push the nozzle down to make the internal compartment break so that the actuator can mix with the urethane inside the can before spraying. Once you do that, you have about 48 hours to use it before it dries out.
It has a twelve-hour dry time at 20 degrees Celsius, so make sure to do this last before heading to bed. Then in the morning, you can get back out there to do one more coat. Make sure to follow the directions on the can when applying it.
We highly recommend letting the wheels sit for 48 hours after clear coating to allow that outer coat to harden without cracks or environmental hazards.

Pros
Best Canned Clear Coat
Great Quality
Combo 2-Pack

Cons
Long Dry Time
Complicated Instructions

4. Best Premium Wheel Paint: VHT High-Temperature

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Why we like it: VHT offers a top of the line wheel paint that rivals expensive automotive grade paint only available from manufacturers.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size: 11oz Cans, Single, or 6 Pack
Colors: Gloss Clear, Aluminum, Chevy Rally Silver, Gloss Black, Graphite, Satin Black, Matte Clear, Ford Argent Silver
Finish: Clear, Base, Gloss, Matte
VHT offers an easy to use, matte or gloss base coat and clear coat that will rival OE manufacturers’ rivals. This paint is best when used in conjunction with our guide below.
As far as the color and finish options, VHT leaves a bit to be desired. The limited selection may sway people to choose a different product. However, those who do choose VHT will have at least two color-matches available in Chevy Rally Silver and Ford Argent Silver.
This paint is resistant up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and has built-in resistances to chips and cracks. It is specifically formulated to be used on wheels. It can be used on either steel or aluminum wheels and will rejuvenate the look of your car. Durability is a concern with paint exposed to the elements, and VHT offers the highest quality paint that we could find for this specific application.
There is one additional downside to using VHT over other brands is the price. While it is a top competitor, the color selection, in addition to its price, leaves it in the premium category.

Pros
Above Average Color-Match
High Durability
Great Dry Time

Cons
Expensive
Few Color Options

5. Plasti Dip Luxury Metal Spray

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Why we like it: Plasti Dip offers a beginner-friendly luxury grade finish that is non-permanent and a great way to learn how to paint automotive parts and wheels.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size: 2-11oz Cans w/Cangun
Colors: Aintree Green, Black Sapphire, Glacier White, Limegold Metallic, Satin White Aluminum, Selenite Gray, Ultrasonic Blue, Volcanic Red
Finish: Base, Metallic, Matte
Plasti Dip has a mixed reputation; you either love it or hate it. It is most well known for being used to “wrap” cars in a semi-permanent paint and has been the topic of discussion for many automotive purists since its release.
One of the most significant advantages of using Plasti Dip over conventional paint is that it is removable and is an extra layer of protection between the natural environment and the exposed metal on wheels.
There are many different colors available in their luxury lineup, which, as far as we are concerned, is more of a marketing term than an upgrade over their existing products. To be entirely fair, they have expanded their canned line-up for this product specifically, so it is advertised.
Of all their color and finish options, the Aintree Green is incredibly vibrant. It would fit the aesthetic of an old school Jeep or off-road 4×4. It has a slight “pebbling” found in almost all Plasti Dip paints and looks good in green. Another top pick would be Volcanic Red, which is brilliant. It has a decent amount of brightness built in to make your wheels stand out from everyone else out there.
The best part about using Plasti Dip aside from the removability is the increased durability and protection. Different from almost every other paint on the market, the coating that is applied ends up being slightly rubberized and, in turn, allows for a little bit more action before scraping or chipping.
When using Plasti Dip, you do not need to sand and prime your wheels unless you want the coating to be permanent. We recommend coating one wheel to see if you like the finish, and if you do, peel, then sand and prime.
One final thing that needs to be said about any Plasti Dip product, cleaning, and prep, is even more critical than standard paint. This is because it adheres to the metal rather than melding with it. Ensuring that you follow all the steps and take your time will significantly increase the finished product’s overall appeal.

Pros
Great Price
High Durability
Removable/Non-Permanent
Unique Look

Cons
Non-Permanent
Requires Careful Prep

6. Best Budget Wheel Paint: Krylon Automotive Sandable Primer

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Why we like it: If you are looking for a budget-friendly primer and base Krylon is your best bet for quality and consistency.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size: 12 oz Cans, Single
Colors: White Primer, Black Primer, Black Acrylic Enamel, Gray Primer, Green Primer, Red Rusty Primer, Silver Base
Finish: Primer, Base, Matte, Gloss
One of the most well-known paint companies in the United States today has to be Krylon. It has been the budget rattle can option of everyone from your grandma to the neighbor kids spraying their name on the side of the McDonald’s bathroom stall. Their wheel paint is no exception to their budget-friendly lineup.
While they don’t offer many base coat options, they have a handful of hard to find primer colors, specifically Green and their Rusty Red. These would be great for both of the Plasti Dip base coats if you decide to make them permanent.
If you are looking to save money on paint and primer, this is the best option. It is a fantastic option for people on tight budgets who still want that new look. There have been issues with the nozzles being less than perfect, leaving drips and drying out quickly. But aside from minor inconveniences and the lack of base coat options, Krylon offers a good product.
There’s not much that separates this line from their standard paint line other than slightly increased heat resistance. If their primers were compared to food, they would be spaghetti without sauce. There is absolutely nothing wrong with how they perform, but they miss the part that completes them. They have a 2-in-1 filler primer that is their best product by far and feels like the chef finally decided to add the sauce to your primer-y noodles.
Overall, Krylon offers a good product line when it comes to automotive primers. They are not going to impress you or your neighbors, but they will do what they are meant to do. The lack of options on base coat colors is pulling this line down, but the ones that are offered are adequate.

Pros
Great Price
Obscure Primer Colors
Brand Recognition

Cons
Only One 2-in-1 Option
Only 2 Base Colors
QA Issues

7. Dupli-Color HWP103 Clear High Performance

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Why we like it: Dupli-Color offers a top-tier clear coat at a reasonable price that often flies under the radar of casual buyers.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size: 12 oz Cans, Single, 6-Pack
Colors: Clear
Finish: Clear Coat
Dupli-Color is back again, this time with their High-Performance Clear Coat. It appears that the company decided to make this outstanding clear coat available at a reasonably competitive price.
Though many companies produce clear coats, very few are genuinely spectacular; this is one exception to the rule. They get to sell more products, and you can get a professional-grade clear coat for a fraction of the initial cost.
This paint has a sheen gloss that is virtually unmatched in the market; it looks great, is smooth to the touch, and offers a little more bling than other brands do. The most important factor that truly sets this apart from even our top pick for clear coats is the overall durability of this coating has.
Durability can be hard to quantifiably measure without damaging your wheels. However, one statistic is often overlooked on clear coats, and that is their temperature resistance. Most readily available automotive clear coats have a maximum temperature ceiling of between 200 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This paint has a ceiling of closer to 500 degrees, which allows it to be used on both wheels and brake calipers, engine parts, and other high-temperature applications.
We recommend that if you plan to use a Dupli-Color base coat, you should probably use this clear coat as well. If you’re not using Dupli-color, then the Spray Max will still be the better product if you have no intention of using it within a high-temperature application.

Pros
Perfect Gloss Sheen
Hard & Durable
Works Great with Dupli Color Base Coats

Cons
Difficult Application
Dries Too Quickly In Heat

8. VHT SP756 Engine Enamel

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Why we like it: VHT’s Engine Enamel line has many fascinating and unique colors that can be used as accents on engine parts or wheels.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size: 11 oz Cans, Single, or 6 Pack
Colors: Chrysler Hemi Orange, Competition Ford Blue, Gloss Yellow, Grabber Green. Hot Pink, Chevy Orange Red, GM Holden Blue, and many others.
Finish: Enamel Gloss
VHT has one of the most diverse lineups of high-temperature automotive paints available today. With over 30 different shades, many of which are color-matched to specific, mostly American, OE manufacturers, you are bound to find the right choice. With a quick dry of around 30 minutes and a complete dry overnight, this might be one of the better options out there.
However, just like the other offerings by VHT, the price pulls this down slightly and would be a hurdle for some purchasers, especially if you happen to have larger aftermarket wheels.
This paint has one of the highest-rated temperature resistances of 550 degrees. This is fantastic as a dual-use paint. We especially recommend the 6-packs on this product because of the overall savings per can and because there are so many other potential uses in accenting with this.
If all you are worried about is how good your wheels will look after a full restoration and paint, this is the paint we would recommend. It has fantastic flaking on the metallic selections. The glossy finishes are reflective, and the few matte options also stand up to scrutiny.
The biggest downside of this product other than the price is just how massive the paint itself is. The spray feel is slightly different if you do not shake it exceptionally vigorously. This is to be expected with the extreme heat rating. It is just something that may be difficult to adjust to or learn with.
We recommend this product to people looking for intense colors that don’t mind spending an extra few dollars on a can to get a perfect finish. We would also recommend having some previous automotive painting experience because this paint is not very forgiving and can get goopy if you are not careful. Again, always read the instructions on the can. They do matter and are different from brand to brand.

Pros
Quick Dry
Many Colors Available
Heavy Coating

Cons
Difficult Application
Expensive
Requires Extra Prep

9. Rust-Oleum 260510 Automotive 2 In 1 Primer

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Why we like it: Rust-Oleum enters with a competitive 2-in-1 primer at a low price with decent coverage.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size: 12 oz Cans, Single,
Colors: Gray
Finish: Primer
Coming in at under $8 is a huge selling point and one that Rust-Oleum doesn’t want to give up because frankly, in comparison to the other primers available, that’s about all it has going for it. 2-in-1 filler primers have to be good enough to fill those millimeter-sized scratches and give you good coverage. This paint gets the coverage right, but the “filler” seems to be missing or just not the best.
As you can probably tell, this is not one of the premier primers on the market, but its price does make up for that somewhat. We like products that do exactly what they are advertised to do. This sadly fails on that front. The nozzles on these cans can be drippy and are not high quality.
However, what keeps this product relevant is its ability to get full coverage with many coats out of this one can. It has a swift drying time of around 10-15 minutes and does an outstanding job for priming darker base coats. The color on the cap is a bit deceiving. The primer itself is quite dark, especially after the three or four recommended coats.
If you are looking for a cheap primer and don’t care about the filler because either you already filled with Bondo or have new wheels, this is the way to go. Low cost is rarely a good sign for automotive paint, but this does fulfill the needs of priming, just not filling.

Pros
Cheap
Good Coverage
Quick Dry Time

Cons
Filler Doesn’t Work
Lid Doesn’t Match Color
Nozzle Drips & Leaks

10. Plasti Dip Rim Kit

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Why we like it: Plasti Dip offers an all-in-one package for people looking to do a solid black non-permanent finish on their rims.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size: 6-11 oz. Cans w/Cangun Grip
Colors: Black with Glossifier
Finish: Gloss
This is an exciting product that could quickly be the best wheel paint in the world or the worst. It depends on what exactly you are looking for. Like other Plasti Dip, this is a removable non-permanent finish that can be peeled off when you are done with the look or are looking to sell your vehicle.
This specific package comes in just under $55 and includes four cans of their black Plasti Dip spray and two cans of the glossifier, which acts as the clear coat in this application. This will generally be enough for the most common wheel sizes. If you are unsure as to how Plasti Dip works, check out this video by DipYourCar.
One common complaint relating to this kit is that the glossifier is somewhat inconsistent. Our advice would be the “clear coat” in this instance is entirely optional, although recommended. If you decide that after getting a good solid black coating that you like how it looks, just skip the glossifier as it can, unfortunately, take away from the look it has.
Remember that this paint product is not permanent. If you mess up, you can peel and try again. This is probably the best option for someone who is just learning how to paint wheels or automotive parts and is worried about ruining something or changing something permanently and regretting it later.
Overall, this kit, with its added glossifier and Cangun bonus, is impressive. We’d recommend to even complete beginners. Quality, durability, and ease of use is the name of the game that Plasti Dip is playing, and they hit a home-run with this product right here.

Pros
Great Price
High Durability
Removable/Non-Permanent
Unique Look

Cons
Non-Permanent
Requires Careful Prep

Complete Buyers Guide to Spray Paint for Wheels
You decided you wanted to paint your wheels but then remembered you ran into the curb at McDonald’s at 3 am the other night. It’s okay, ‘tis but a flesh wound. This section will be going over exactly what you need to repair wheel rash, chips, and scratches on your rims to get the best possible paint finish.
How To: Prep, Repair, Prime, & Paint Rims
On average, to get your rims professionally refinished and painted, it will cost somewhere between $100-$250 per wheel depending on location and overall wheel condition. This is quite expensive, but the good news is that it will cost you significantly less to do independently.
On average, if you follow this guide, it will cost around $100-$150 to do a full set of wheels, with a primer, base coat, and clear coat finish. This is much more affordable for the average consumer, but there is one downside, time. Even the most seasoned detailers will spend close to three hours per wheel, not including the time spent in between coats.
Weekend projects are great time sinks, and painting your wheels is no different. Plan on popping open some cold drinks, ordering some delivery, and spending time perfecting your ride.
Once you’ve got your primer, base coat and clear coat ready, here’s what else you’ll need.
Other Tools
Bondo
Sandpaper
Cangun Grip
Sanding Block
Gloves
Face Mask
Goggles or Safety Glasses
Index Cards
Masking Tape
Prep Your Wheels
Before starting, you will want to remove any wheel weights with a flathead screwdriver; they should just come off without much hassle.
Next, if your wheels are separated from your tires, remove the wheel stem using needle-nose pliers. If you have not removed the tires from the rim, that’s fine; just make sure to cover it with some 3M Automotive Masking Tape. Index cards staggered between the lip of the rim, and the tire itself will keep the tire’s sidewall clean.
Cleaning
You are going to need to clean the wheels with some soapy water and a towel. Remember to use warm or hot water. Automotive degreaser will also work if there is a lot of dirt and muck on the rims. If you are still having problems removing some excess dirt, a Scotch-Brite or rough sponge may help.
It is important to clean both sides of your wheel because you wouldn’t want to touch the backside of your rim, get grease or oil on your hands and transfer that to the clean side.
We recommend painting both sides of your wheels, especially if you are going from black to a different color, as the backside will sometimes be visible.
More than anything else, don’t rush the cleaning. It will be significantly harder to utilize the Bondo if the rims are still dirty. Make sure the wheels are dry before continuing.
Repair Your Wheels
For deep gouges and curb rash, you will need Bondo Metal Filler to fill the indentations and imperfections in the steel or aluminum. However, before you get to the filling, you’re going to want to sand down the wheel.
Sanding the Wheels
Start with the deeper gouges and scratches. You’re going to use some 80-grit sandpaper to even out these imperfections. When using the 80-grit, you will want to sand down to the bare metal below the original finish.
The sanding process must eliminate that gouge. For curb rash, you can use the same 80-grit sandpaper, or if you have a rotary tool with a brush head, that is also very effective.
Before moving on to the metal filler, make sure you blow off any dust on the surface of the wheel because that may cause inconsistencies in both the paint and the filler.
Finally, go over the entire surface of the rim with rubbing alcohol and a clean towel. Once you can rub down the wheel with a clean towel and cannot see any excess dirt, then and only then can you proceed to use the filler.
Using the Filler
Read the instructions on the container. There is a ratio for the included hardener and the filler that is important to get right but is relatively easy. If you purchased the 3M Bondo Metal Filler, the lid is 3 inches in diameter; this will be used to mix the hardener and filler.
Put a half-inch (deep) of filler on the lid, make sure it is covered to the lip, and then add the recommended 35 drops of hardener. Now you can knead it back and forth with the included mini-spatula and spread it out. The Bondo will generally harden after about 20-30 minutes, so this is where you’re going to want to hurry a little bit.
Now, you have the clean wheel and prepared Bondo; you’re going to want to start filling any of the damaged spots that you sanded down previously. Don’t worry about leaving too much Bondo in the damaged sections. If needed, you can sand it down later, right before painting.
Make sure to force the Bondo into any of the gaps left from the sanding. If you have gloves, you can use your fingers to shape it into the right form. Let it dry for 20 minutes. Remember, it’s all going to be sanded one more time before paint or primer is ever applied.
Sand Your Wheel Again
Next, sand the entire wheel smooth using 80-grit sandpaper—sand down all the areas that you used Bondo to repair the damaged wheel. You can use a sanding block for the flat sections if you have one as it makes the whole process much more expeditious.
For the areas with the curb rash, you will just hand sand it on the wheel’s lip without using the block. Spread the sandpaper around the lip tightly and go all the way around the wheel, careful not to stay on one section too long.
Finally, sand down the entire wheel surface with 320-grit sandpaper. This is to smoothen the entire face of the rim to allow for better adhesion of the primer and paint to follow. Make sure the wheel is completely clean using rubbing alcohol and a fresh paper towel.
Prime Your Wheels
At this point, you’re ready to paint.
You will want to use a primer filler to fill the final few gaps left by both sanding processes. For the first coat, don’t worry about covering the entire surface of the wheel. This is generally referred to as glazing the wheel. Specifically, this initial process is a standard side-to-side sweep of back and forth motion so that the wheel gets dusted or “glazed” with primer.
Let it dry for about fifteen minutes, and you can move on to the second coat.
Primer coat number two is similar but this time, try to get more of the surface covered in paint. Make sure to change your angles to get the crevices coated in primer. You don’t want to miss something and then have to come back to it later.
The third coat of primer should be a total and complete coverage of your wheel. There should be no bare metal or exposed base at this point. This should be your final coat before you choose colored paint. In specific scenarios in which there was significant damage to the wheel, you may want to do a fourth coat. This is to ensure the paint sticks and that the primer fills any gaps.
When the final coat of primer has been drying for at least an hour, you can then go about sanding down the entire surface of the wheel with 600-grit sandpaper. There is no need to wet-sand your wheels. You don’t want water getting into the primer; it just makes your wait time significantly longer. The whole point of sanding is to ensure that the wheel is smooth and ready for paint.
Wipe down your wheels with rubbing alcohol and a fresh towel, and once they dry, you can start painting.
Painting Your Wheels
Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for, for at least a few hours, due to all the prep, priming, and sanding. Let’s get to painting the wheels.
If you have decided to go with a metallic variety of paint, make sure you shake the can very well. Metallic paints run very easily and can ruin all that work you just did if you mess this part up. Fear not, it may sound daunting, but it’s really simple if you follow this one rule. More light coats with minimal coverage are always better than a thick single or double coat. Don’t rush.
Using the same method of side-to-side spraying, lightly coat each wheel. Keeping the nozzle farther away is always better. Make sure to keep an eye out for a drippy nozzle as that sometimes occurs.
You will probably do between 3 and 5 coats per wheel, depending on the color, finish, and humidity. Once you are happy with the look of the wheels, let them dry.
Once the wheels have dried, repeat the same process with your clear coat, two light coats, then one final thicker coat with complete coverage. Let them dry, and congratulations, you have just learned how to repair professionally, refinish, prime and paint a set of wheels.
FAQ
Can I Use Any Paint on My Wheels?
You should only use specifically designed temperature resistant automotive wheel paint, along with a primer and a clear coat. Normal paint will struggle with the high heat of the wheels and will melt, strip away and cause other issues.
Do I Have to Use Primer?
No. If you are using a Plasti Dip or vinyl spray, you do not need to prime your wheels. For any conventional paint, it is highly recommended to prime your wheels.
Final Thoughts
Painting your wheels personalizes and reinvigorates the look of your vehicle. There are many different options for color and finish. Whether you are looking for a sleek matte black or a wacky lime green, there are so many fun and exciting directions you can take. If you’re looking for other ways to adorn your car and are thinking of painting the whole body of your vehicle, our article on best paint guns for cars might be of interest. Happy trails. More

RVs are a great way to see the world and enjoy the outdoors without leaving behind the creature comforts of home. You can pull off the highway and find a nice, quiet spot to stop and watch the sunset. Then, seconds after sundown, there’s an awful chugging. Suddenly your neighbor’s generator comes to life, and the whole park is drowned in a sea of exhaust fumes. “If only there was a better way!” you grumble as you claw your way back into the safety of your rig.
There is. Just like the solar panels you can buy for your house, you can have an incredible solar array on your RV. In this guide, we will arm you with all the information you need to buy your own RV solar kit, starting with a short guide. We’ll then give you the ten best kits along with our reviews. Finally, we’ll aim to provide you an in-depth guide and answer any questions you might still have at the bottom.

Shining Light On Solar Kits
Adding solar to your RV can seem really complicated. In this quick guide, we will break down the different parts and take the mystery away so you can confidently buy the kit that suits your lifestyle.
Solar Basics
At the core, photovoltaic cells (PV), the fancy way to say solar panels, take sunlight, and convert it into DC voltage. That’s straightforward enough.
DC vs. AC
Your RV likely has a few systems that run on DC, or 12v, power. The engine does, and often the water pumps, cabin lights, and warning systems do as well. DC power from solar panels can basically do everything you can do using batteries instead of turning on your generator. The problems and complications with solar arise when you want to use that power to make some popcorn in a microwave. It’s not just a microwave, but anything that runs off a normal house, or 110v, outlet.
It takes a lot of solar power to make a microwave run, and the only way to get a lot of solar power is to have a lot of solar panel surface area. An RV simply does not have the space for big systems. Then, just to add extra problems to the mix, microwaves don’t run on DC power; they run on AC power. You can’t just plug in some solar panels into your electrical panel and get satisfactory results.
Batteries and Inverters
Fear not, brave citizens, there is a solution. Instead of trying to run the microwave off solar power, you can run it off batteries. Batteries can hold a lot of energy. With the help of a device called an inverter, they can easily power your microwave.
Solar panels are really good at charging batteries. Any household battery charger you plugin works by sending a small amount of DC voltage to a battery over a long time, exactly how a solar panel operates. That means a solar kit has to use the sun to charge batteries, and then you can use the batteries to power your appliances. It’s nice when everything works out.
The Major Parts of a Solar System
No, we aren’t talking about the planets; we are talking about everything you need to utilize solar power on your RV. We’ll get a lot more in-depth about each component down in the full guide.
For now, just know that a kit can contain some or all of these components. Any parts not contained in the kit are components you will have to source yourself if your RV doesn’t already have them.
Panels: The panels can be either Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but make less power for the size.
Wires: Wires, plugs, and connectors transport power from the PV array to other components.
Charge Controller: A charge controller regulates the amount of power going into the batteries, so they don’t explode.
Batteries: Batteries hold onto the power so you can use it at your convenience. Conventional lead-acid batteries, like the ones in your car, are not preferred for use in modern systems. Instead, AGM batteries or the more expensive, more efficient Lithium batteries are what you need.
Inverter: The inverter converts DC power from the batteries into AC power for the outlets. We’ll discuss inverters in-depth later on. Be aware that many RVs have an inverter installed already.
Extras: Kits can contain a variety of extras, like battery monitors, USB chargers for phones and lights, and fuse/breaker panels for convenient wiring.
How Much Solar Do You Need?
The short answer to the question is that you need enough wattage from solar as it takes to make sure your batteries are full after a full day of sunlight, and you need enough batteries to run all the appliances you want to run. An online calculator like this one can make it easy to calculate.
Unfortunately, there are still a lot of variables. How much sun you get, how many batteries you have room for and plan on buying, how much room you have for the solar panels, and perhaps most importantly, how much you can afford.
Rather than worry too much about getting the biggest, nicest solar kit on the market, our advice is to start small and expand over time. Adding solar panels or batteries is the easy part once the rest of the installation is done. Even if you get a system that isn’t quite what you need, you can always add more panels in the future.
With that short overview out of the way, let’s get into the reviews. It’s important to note that the best system for you may not be the one we think is the best. The best one for you is the one that fits your budget, power requirements, and space constraints. You will likely have to compromise on one of those categories, so we include a description of who each kit is best for in our reviews.

Top 10 Best RV Solar Kits 2020
1. Best Overall RV Solar Kit: Renogy 200 Watt

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Why we like it: It’s a high-quality starter system that is perfect for getting into the PV world.
Editor’s Rating:

Facts
Wattage: 200
PV Type: Monocrystalline
Batteries: Not Included
What’s In The Kit?
In the kit, you get mounting brackets, wires, and a charge controller. One of the things that set Renogy apart is their cabling. We know that doesn’t sound really exciting, but they have these super easy to install boxes that house all the connections and junctions. That makes the entire install one of the cleanest you can get.
You’ll have to source your own batteries, which is unfortunate. That’s standard, though; only a few kits are like the WindyNation kit on our list and actually include batteries in the package. The good news is that this Renogy kit comes standard with a lithium ready charge controller, so you won’t have to upgrade it if you decide to invest in high-end batteries.
Who’s It Best For?
This is the perfect kit for someone that wants to do things on a budget but doesn’t want to sacrifice quality. Especially if that person wants to upgrade items in the future. The panels are high efficiency and can stand up to a lot of abuse. They will last long enough that when you upgrade, you will be adding more panels, not replacing them.
200w with 2 batteries is a great amount for small to medium RVs and trailers, and it’s a perfect starting point for larger rigs. The lack of included batteries lends itself well to being a starter system, too. Your RV probably already has a small battery bank, so you can still upgrade to solar and then upgrade your batteries later.
Our Thoughts
This is easy. If you are on a budget and want to build a system over time and want to make sure that the system is high-quality when you are done, get this kit.
Just buy it with the knowledge that it’s not complete yet. It doesn’t come with fuses or blocks; you’ll have to buy those separately or use the existing ones on your RV. It doesn’t come with batteries and it doesn’t come with an inverter – it’s just some nice solar panels and a charger.
We have two kits on our list that are more complete: the WindyNation 400 watt and the ECO-WORTHY 1kw. They both have batteries and inverters. They are also more than four times the cost of this kit and require a lot more work.

Pros
Easy to install
Panels are high-quality
The charge controller is one of the better ones available

Cons
Doesn’t include batteries
Doesn’t include some smaller components like fuses

2. Best Premium Kit: WindyNation 400 Watt w/ Batteries

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Why we like it: This kit is everything you need to install solar on your RV.
Editor’s Rating:

Facts
Wattage: 400
PV Type: Polycrystalline
Batteries: 4 100ah AGM
What’s In The Kit?
Everything. You get four AGM batteries with an inverter to maximize their use. You get four 100w solar panels and all the wiring to hook them up. You get a charge controller and mounting hardware.
You don’t get a battery meter, which is unfortunate. You also are only getting polycrystalline panels. We wish that WindyNation had chosen to go with monocrystalline panels like the Renogy kit uses. The price is already steep so it wouldn’t cost that much more, and you’d get another 50w or so from the same amount of space.
Who’s It Best For?
Do you have a larger trailer or RV, but you don’t want to spend time sourcing out any of your own parts? Then this kit is perfect since it has everything you need. Smaller rigs can get by with the WindyNation 100 Watt, but anything with a/c, a microwave, and a TV really needs 300-400 watts and 3 batteries. This kit has 400 watts and 4 batteries, so you are good to go.
Our Thoughts
It’s nice when you buy a DIY kit for a project, and it actually has all the parts you need to finish the project. That’s what this kit is. It’s just everything you need to install a 400w solar system onto your rig.
We have two big complaints. They aren’t really deal-breakers because they are easy to fix down the road with a few upgrades, but we would gladly accept a higher price if WindyNation had just included them in the kit. Like we mentioned before, the first is that we wish they had gone with higher-quality monocrystalline panels.
The second is that we wish they included a pure wave inverter like the one Go Power has. The modified wave inverter included in this kit isn’t terrible, but it’s not much more expensive to get something far less likely to hurt sensitive electronics.

Pros
Includes batteries
Generates enough power for larger RVs
Includes an inverter

Cons
Solar panels could be better quality
The inverter could be better quality too

3. Best Starter System: WindyNation 100 Watt w/ Battery

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Why we like it: It includes everything you need to get started, even the battery.
Editor’s Rating:

Facts
Wattage: 100
PV Type: Polycrystalline
Batteries: 1 100ah AGM
What’s In The Kit?
This kit is ¼ of the big WindyNation kit. It has one 100 watt panel instead of four, it has one battery instead of four, and it has a few wires instead of a ton. It does use the same framework as the big system, though, so upgrading at a later point in time is easy. Adding panels and batteries is literally a plug and play process.
It doesn’t have an inverter, though. It also doesn’t come with fuses or junctions or anything; it’s just a charger, wires, a panel, and a battery. You may even want to source your own cables. The included wiring is 10 AWG, but 8 is recommended for 20ft runs.
Who’s It Best For?
The quality of the WindyNation panel and charger is a step below the quality of the Renogy system. The big difference is that WindyNation includes a single AGM battery for you. If you have a small travel trailer or Class C that doesn’t already have a battery bank, then that included battery is just what the doctor prescribed.
Our Thoughts
Unlike the WindyNation 400w we recommend, we don’t really have an issue with the fact that it’s a polycrystalline panel. We don’t have an issue with the slow charge controller, either. That’s because this system is a lot less expensive. You can tell they were trying to keep the price low, and campers on a budget will appreciate that.
That being said, we do feel like they could have included an inexpensive inverter. It’s really the only thing missing from the kit. You can easily run lights, pumps, and charge your cell phone, but you wouldn’t be able to use the electric coffee pot. You can buy one here that’s a pure sine inverter and rated to 500 watts, and doesn’t cost that much. It’d just be nice if it was in the kit ready to be hooked up.

Pros
Inexpensive
Comes with a battery
It’s expandable

Cons
Doesn’t include an inverter
The quality of the components could be better

4. Best For Small RVs or Overlanders: Go Power! Weekender

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Why we like it: The Go Power! Weekender is a highly efficient system that can take a lot of abuse.
Editor’s Rating:

Facts
Wattage: 190
PV Type: Monocrystalline
Batteries: Not Included
What’s In The Kit?
Included is a high-efficiency panel, wiring, Bluetooth controller, install kit, and pure sine inverter. The pure sine inverter is one of the nicest inverters on our list. With 1500 watts of power, you can run multiple appliances at once, and the “pure sine” part of the description means that you won’t risk hurting any sensitive electronics.
It does not include a battery, but it is set up to be wired into a 30amp service. That’s great if you have a class C that already has a battery bank, but useless if you don’t have batteries already.
Who’s It Best For?
This kit is best for anyone that has a smaller rig and not a lot of roof space. We’re talking about overlanders who only have a few square feet of the truck cab to work with, van campers, and people with teardrop trailers. Everything about the Go Power system is centered around quality and efficiency so you can get the most power from a limited space.
Other solutions for lack of space usually involve collapsible panels, like the XINPUGUANG kit we recommend. Or they are fairly low power like this ACOSYSTEM kit. The Go Power kit is robust, hard mounted, and can still get you enough power to run whatever appliance you need.
Our Thoughts
The Go Power kit is a really high-quality version of the much less expensive WindyNation kit here. That quality shows through in the attention to detail. They actually include a fuse link and a plug for a 30amp service.  Other kits don’t include those things.
That price will turn many people away, though, especially since you will still have to source some batteries to take full advantage of it.

Pros
High-quality
Includes a pure sine inverter
Kit includes 30amp hookup

Cons
Doesn’t include any batteries
Expensive

5. Most Portable: ACOPOWER 100W

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Why we like it: It’s waterproof, sits on a portable stand, and is easy to set up.
Editor’s Rating:

Facts
Wattage: 100
PV Type: Monocrystalline
Batteries: Not Included
What’s In The Kit?
The entire kit is a weatherproof panel that you have to set up and a simple charge controller. That makes it the kit with the least number of parts on our lists, so if there’s anything else you’d like to have, you’ll have to buy it yourself.
Who’s It Best For?
The biggest advantage of this kit is that you don’t have to mount it to your RV. You just carry it outside, set it up facing the sun, and clip it to your battery. Small trailers, camper vans, and truck campers will benefit from this kit the most since the engine battery is often the only battery on these types of rigs.
It’s also a great kit to buy if you just are not ready to commit to a system you have to install. Since all you have to do is unfold it and throw it down, you don’t have to install anything and risk putting holes in the roof of your RV.
Our Thoughts
We have two big categories of solar kits on our list. Big kits, like the WindyNation 400w or the Go Power 190w, are like residential solar systems. They are installed like residential systems, they work similarly, and you use them the same way you would use 110v power at your house.
The other category is more general purpose. These general-purpose solar kits don’t work like home solar. Kits like this ACOPOWER 100w or the even more portable GVSHINE 30w won’t power your appliances. They work best to keep cell phones or other devices charged, or for running low voltage LED lights. You can use them to charge batteries, but it will take a while since they need to be set up every time you stop. Unlike mounted systems, you can’t charge while driving down the road.
If you don’t need all the comforts of home, you can save a lot of money and get one of these convenient kits. If you take your RV out into the woods to actually enjoy the woods and not enjoy a football game on the TV, then the quiet, easy to transport ACOPOWER 100w is perfect.

Pros
Portable
Inexpensive
Easy to set up

Cons
Doesn’t include an inverter or batteries
Not good for running appliances

6. Best Budget: HQST 100 Watt

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Why we like it: It’s inexpensive, but it still includes enough power to be useful for appliances.
Editor’s Rating:

Facts
Wattage: 100
PV Type: Polycrystalline
Batteries: Not Included
What’s In The Kit?
This kit is neat because you actually get a lot of extras for the price. It comes with the standard panel, wires, and brackets like most kits do. It also comes with a junction box, LCD readout screen, and a charge controller that can handle a large variety of batteries.
The issue is that none of those parts are great quality. They work, but you can tell that the panel is less sturdy than others by the way it flexes as you work with it. The LCD screen is more like an old calculator than an iPhone, and the included wires are too thin to run longer distances.
Who’s It Best For?
If you saw the Renogy kit and thought it looked perfect, but you recoiled at the price, this is the kit for you. Even if you opt to double the power output to 200w by buying an extra panel, it’s still quite a lot cheaper than the Renogy kit.
You will need to source some batteries, but since this kit is great for a budget build, you won’t feel bad taking the extra time to get a really good deal. Most junkyards have AGM batteries from all manner of junked RV and industrial trucks. Bring the yard attendant some donuts and ask them for the good neighbor discount. You can probably get all the batteries you can carry for less than the price of one new lithium.
Our Thoughts
We get it; sometimes, price is the biggest factor when choosing, well, anything. That’s the reason we make these lists. We want people to get the best value for their money that they can, and a big part of that is making sure that even the inexpensive products we recommend will still do what people need them to do.
That’s what the HQST kit is; a product that is inexpensive but will still do what you need it to do. In this case, it will charge batteries and power lights. It won’t do much more than that unless you upgrade the system at a later time. They cost so little, though, that you’ll have money for upgrades when you need them.

Pros
Inexpensive
Includes a charge monitor
Easy to expand

Cons
Quality could be better
You’ll want to buy different wiring

7. Best Space Saving: XINPUGUANG 100w Flexible

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Why we like it: These flexible solar panels are easy to take with you and set up on the go.
Editor’s Rating:

Facts
Wattage: 200
PV Type: Monocrystalline
Batteries: Not Included
What’s In The Kit?
Two high quality flexible solar panels and a charge controller. Although, if you check the listing, you can actually get this kit with up to 10 flexible panels. 200 watts is enough power to charge 2 batteries without much issue. 1000 watts is enough that you could run a microwave without the batteries.
That’s it, though. You don’t get batteries, inverters, mounting hardware, or anything else. It would be nice if they included some kind of mounting assistance. Even if it’s just suction cups that have hooks on them.
Who’s It Best For?
These panels walk the line between a portable system like the ACOPOWER 100w, and a hard-mounted system like the Renogy. They produce more power than most portable systems but are still considered portable since they don’t mount to the roof. They are flexible and easy to carry around, but they aren’t as simple to set up as a truly portable system.
That makes them the perfect thing for people who will travel out to a destination and stay in one spot for a few days. You drive in, roll out the panels, and you’ll have adequate power during your stay. The big advantage of the flexible panels is that you don’t need any roof space. RVs and trailers like an Airstream that wouldn’t be able to accept a standard panel mount because they have a curved roof are excellent contenders for flexible panels like this.
Our Thoughts
Solar panels come in all shapes and sizes nowadays. These flexible panels are a great example of innovation in the solar industry. They don’t have to be mounted flat, and the biggest advantage is that they don’t take up very much room. They don’t have an aluminum frame or glass top taking up space.
That makes them ideal for anyone that is space limited or who may have to take the panels inside from time to time. Even if you don’t own an RV and are just adding solar to your outhouse for private TV time, you don’t want solar panels out in the elements during strong winds or hail. With these flexible panels, you can just pull them down and stack them out of the way inside.

Pros
Can charge batteries quickly
Flexible panels can conform to unusual surfaces
They are easy to store when not in use

Cons
Can be hard to set up
You have to set them up somewhere when you stop

8. Best for High Energy Needs: ECO-WORTHY 1KW

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Why we like it: 1KW is enough to power anything.
Editor’s Rating:

Facts
Wattage: 1000
PV Type: Monocrystalline
Batteries: 2 100ah AGM
What’s In The Kit?
This is the biggest kit on our list. You get three times the number of panels as the Renogy kit we recommend, and it comes with two batteries. It also has a standard charge controller, plenty of wiring, and a gigantic 3500w pure sine inverter.
Those six panels generate over a kilowatt of power. To put that in perspective, if you run a small AC, your TV, and make toast all at the same time, you’ll still have power left over.
Who’s It Best For?
There are two types of people that would really benefit from a kit this large. Both of them need to own larger RVs. Each panel is a little over two feet wide and a little under five feet long. That means you need 60 square feet of roof space. That’s more than the total square footage of roof space on the average class C RV.
The first type of person who can benefit from a large system like this is the type of person who uses an RV as a more permanent home. If you regularly use appliances during the day, this solar kit will run them without charging batteries. That way, you can park anywhere, even if they don’t have hookups, and enjoy all the amenities you get from running the generator without burning the fuel.
The second type is the RV owner with a big family. It’s hard for one or two people to use more than a few hundred watts in a day when you are at camp. It’s easy for 5 people with cellphones, laptops, Nintendos, and a constant need to open and close the fridge for the fifteenth time to use a ton of power over the course of a day. If you’re running a washer/dryer combo for example, the extra power might be needed.
Our Thoughts
This kit is gigantic, costs a lot, and generates way more power than the average RV crew can use. For most campers, the WindyNation 400w is more than adequate. There’s only so much popcorn you can pop, after all.
If you do need a lot of power, though, then it’s a very nice kit. The pure sine inverter is one of the higher quality inverters you can buy, and the two included batteries will expand your storage capacity. If you plan on being off-grid for a while or just have a lot of friends that you want to take road tripping, there’s no better value than this kit.

Pros
Generates a lot of power
Has an excellent inverter
Includes batteries

Cons
Takes up a lot of space
Expensive

9. Best Simple Travel Kit: GVSHINE 30W Panel Foldable

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Why we like it: It’s a simple kit that includes lights and USB charging. It’s perfect for small trailers or tent campers.
Editor’s Rating:

Facts
Wattage: 30
PV Type: Polycrystalline
Batteries: 1 14ah Lithium
What’s In The Kit?
This is a really fun kit. The battery isn’t a standard AGM or RV battery; it’s a green brick with a handle on it so you can carry it around. The solar panel is the size of a laptop when it’s folded up, and the kit includes lights that automatically turn on with motion.
It’s not a kit that will charge batteries or run appliances. The 30w panel only generates ⅓ the power of the portable ACOPOWER panel, and that’s not enough power to even try to run a microwave. It will charge a phone, power a tablet, and run a handful of lights, though.
Who’s It Best For?
The perfect place for this kit is in the trunk of the car towing an older camper trailer. Or anyone with smaller trailers, or people who bring tents with them when they go out RVing. Anywhere that you won’t have access to batteries or don’t have an electrical system installed already.
One of the neat things about this kit is that it’s incredibly portable, so while it is great for lighting up an RV or campsite, it’s also great to just have around your house in case the power goes out. It’s also great for keeping in your truck for emergency cell phone power.
Our Thoughts
The GVSHINE solar kit’s greatest strength is also its greatest weakness. It’s tiny and easy to set up. That makes it perfect for lights, but it can’t charge a big battery or run a water pump.
Not everyone needs to run appliances, though. For a large number of outdoorsy types, even the lights and cell phone charging are a luxury that they usually wouldn’t have. This unit is fantastic for that.

Pros
Very portable
Battery and panels don’t take up much space
Has lights and USB chargers included

Cons
The battery can’t run appliances
The panel won’t charge larger RV batteries

10. Best Kit With A Backup Source: ECO-WORTHY Wind and Solar

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Why we like it: It includes a wind turbine so you can weather storms just as well as days in the sun.
Editor’s Rating:

Facts
Wattage: 100 (solar) 400 (wind)
PV Type: Monocrystalline
Batteries: Not Included
What’s In The Kit?
Most of this kit is fairly standard. You get a panel, a charge controller, some cables, and some brackets. When it comes to solar, this kit is pretty much exactly the same as the budget HQST kit.
What really sets it apart – and the reason to buy this kit instead of any others – is the wind turbine. The 400w wind turbine is a great way to generate green energy without relying on the sun.
Who’s It Best For?
The easy answer is that it’s for anyone that uses their RV as a base. If you are scientists out doing research or living on a remote constructing site, then you want as many options as you can get to make sure your power never runs out. Especially if you go to a place that doesn’t get very much sunlight, like Seattle or Alaska in winter.
In our view, the person who is going to gravitate towards this kit the most are those with a strong interest in green energy. It’s great for anyone who wants to experiment with wind power and off-grid living.
Our Thoughts
Sometimes when we write these lists, we like to include products that people might not know to exist. These products are usually not a good answer for everyone but might inspire a few people who like cutting edge gadgets or out of the box thinking. We included this kit for those people.
Solar is a fantastic option for getting green power. Even though it’s low efficiency in the grand scheme of things, it is the simplest and most accessible energy production available to the average person. But it has a lot of drawbacks. It takes up a lot of surface area, it doesn’t work unless it’s in direct sunlight, and it’s susceptible to damage from the weather. A wind turbine only needs moving air to generate power, and they are easy to stow if the weather takes a bad turn.
Unfortunately, this kit really is more of an entry-level product. Something for you to experiment with and engineer solutions for. It’s not really meant for an RV that’s going to be moving around all the time, and they don’t include mounting hardware that is conducive to RV use. These problems are compounded by the fact that you need a higher level of research and skill to connect everything. Wind power is more complicated to work with than the fairly constant, easy to work with solar power.

Pros
Can generate power even when you have no sunlight
Inexpensive
Is a great kit for experimenting with

Cons
Not specifically for RVs
You need to DIY a lot of components

The Big Guide to RV Solar
Welcome to our big guide. Here we will go over the benefits of solar, the finer details of the design, and answer some of the frequently asked questions surrounding RV solar.
The Pros and Cons of RV Solar
We’ll start this section by answering one of the biggest questions: why would you install solar on your RV?
The short answer is that generators are noisy and pollute, and PV arrays do not. In order to get a detailed answer, let’s compare the good and the bad parts of solar electricity.
Pros
Solar is quiet. Kits like the WindyNation 400w system can replace a loud generator. Most kits like the Renogy 200w will greatly diminish the number of times you’ll have to start the generator.
It’s an accessible way to harness green energy. Residential solar kits can easily climb into the tens of thousands of dollars. Putting solar on your RV can be as little as a few hundred bucks, and you can even experiment with wind power.
It increases the resale value of your RV.
It’s an easy way to add an electrical system to a trailer or camper that does not currently have one.
Cons
If you only camp at places with electric hookups, there’s no benefit.
It has a high initial investment cost.
Solar panels don’t work well in the rain. You may still need a gas generator as a backup.
The Parts of an RV Solar Setup

We mentioned them briefly above, but solar electric systems are made of a few core components. Here we’ll get a little more in-depth on each part and talk about what parts you may already have on your RV.
Panels
Panels are the most prominent feature of a solar panel system. The average panel is about 2ft x 5ft in size, and, unless they are flexible panels like the XINPUGUANG kit, they will have an aluminum frame that’s about 2in thick.
There are three main types. You can read about the three types here if you want the science. The two types you will come across most are monocrystalline panels and polycrystalline panels.
Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but cost more. Polycrystalline panels cost less but are less efficient. You can see it in action if you compare the Go Power Weekender with the WindyNation 100 watt. They both use a panel that is about the same size. The WindyNation panel is both significantly cheaper and produces 90 watts less than the Go Power panel does.
Wires
The wires included in kits vary a lot, and sometimes you’ll need longer wires or bigger cables for different applications. The wire is measured in gauge, then classified by material and construction. The higher the gauge, the smaller the wire. Most wires are either copper or aluminum and either solid or stranded.
There are two main things you need to know to calculate wire size: length and amperage. The best thing to do is use an online calculator like this one to make sure you are getting the right diameter and material.
Charge Controller
A charge controller is a relatively simple device. Batteries can’t handle max amperage all the time; they have to be charged in a controlled way to keep them from dying prematurely. The only significant consideration for choosing a charge controller is the type and size of battery they can charge. Most modern controllers, like the one included with the Renogy system, can handle most battery types and sizes, so it’s usually not a concern when choosing a kit.
Batteries
You’ll come across two main types of batteries in the RV world: AGM and Lithium. You can read about them here, but the basic rule is that the more charge they can hold, the more they cost. A lithium battery and an AGM battery are the same size, but the lithium battery can hold a lot more charge.
Many kits, like the Go Power kit, do not come with batteries. That’s because most RVs already have a battery bank. You may have to do some research into your RV’s electrical system to know if you want to add more batteries or upgrade them.
Inverter
Inverters turn DC voltage, the voltage from solar panels and batteries, into AC voltage, which is used to power appliances. Inverters are measured in watts and come in two main styles. Pure sine wave inverters are high-quality and are the best at emulating house voltage. Go Power and ECO-WORTHY both include these higher quality pure sine wave inverters.
Modified sine wave inverters are of lower quality and don’t produce “clean” energy. You can get into the science here. Appliances will run worse on a modified inverter, especially things like heaters and microwaves that use constant power. Some devices, like sensitive laptops or modern HD TVs, risk being damaged by modified sine waves.
Unless you are really on a strict budget, get a pure sine wave inverter. The WindyNation 400w kit comes with a modified wave inverter, and we honestly suggest you get rid of it and buy a different one.
Your RV may already have an inverter. If you can use your 110v outlets when your generator is off and you aren’t hooked up to a service, you already have an inverter. Hurray for small mercies.
Usable Power
We apologize; we realize this is a lot of information. Unfortunately, that’s the nature of solar energy. The good news is that all this information translates directly to setting up solar on your house, so if you ever plan to do that, you are already equipped with a lot of the knowledge.
DC Power
You don’t actually need an inverter to take advantage of solar panels or batteries. You can do a lot of neat things with just DC power. This GVSHINE kit here is a great example of how you can use a solar panel without needing 110 volts.
Lights, batteries of all types, pumps, starters, and specialty equipment like DC TVs and stereos can run off a simple panel and single battery setup. If the panel is big enough, you don’t even need the battery.
There are two primary voltages for RV electrical systems: 12v and 24v. You will have to do some research to find out what your RV is wired for since most kits and battery systems can be set up for either style.
AC Power
For the average person, AC power is more straightforward than DC power. It’s the power that comes out of the wall in your home. It will be 110-120v, and it’s what powers all your modern appliances. To turn the DC power from batteries or panels into AC power, you need an inverter. We discussed those more in-depth above.
Watts
Wattage is easy to calculate. You take the voltage and multiply it by the amperage. A small microwave that plugs into a standard wall outlet needs 110 volts and draws 5 amps. 110×5=550 watts.
You’ll notice that most kits, even the larger WindyNation 400w, don’t produce enough power to run that small microwave. That’s why we spent so much time in this guide talking about inverters and batteries. Having a battery bank with an inverter is the only way to power most household appliances without needing to buy a ton of solar panels, like with this kit.
FAQ

How Many Watts of Solar do I Need?
If you don’t want to use a simple online calculator like this one, head over to this webpage to learn how to do the math.
How Many Batteries Can a 100w Solar Panel Charge?
A 100-watt solar panel can output 30 amp-hours a day. An average AGM battery is rated at 100 amp hours, but you should never regularly discharge a deep cycle battery below 50%, so a single 100-watt panel will charge 2/3s of a standard AGM battery.
That’s why many kits, like the Renogy kit we recommend, come with 2 solar panels as standard, producing a total of 200w; it will charge a standard battery in one day easily.
Can You Run Your AC with Solar Panels?
The answer is yes, but only if you have the solar panels charging batteries that are hooked up to an inverter. It is very unlikely that you can run an AC on solar power alone unless you have a very large array.
Are Solar Panels for an RV Worth It?
We go over that in this section, but to make a long story short: yes, they are. Solar panels are good for your wallet in the long run, they are good for the Earth, and they can generate quiet power in remote places.
Enjoy Peaceful Power
Whether you are a hardcore RV enthusiast that regularly takes trips across the US or just a weekend pavement warrior who’s on a first-name basis with your local KOA, RV solar can make your outing more enjoyable. You won’t have to rely on hooking up to the power, and you won’t be “that guy” who starts up their generators at 6am because you need to make coffee. More

There’s no better feeling than escaping the pitfalls of modern living and getting reacquainted with nature in your RV. But as much as we love a digital detox among jaw-dropping natural scenery, there will come a time when we start to miss the comforts of home.
While an RV’s in-built 12V electrical system is capable of running a whole bunch of gadgets and gizmos—your lights, fan, water pump, and fridge, to name a few—it won’t run any 120V appliances. And that means you’ll have to forgo your favorite coffee machine, TV, blender, console, and laptop computer, etc.—unless, of course, you invest in an inverter for your RV.
Read on to learn all about the technology and discover the ten best RV inverters on the market.

Features To Consider in an RV Inverter
Before we present our top 10 list of the best RV inverters, you should understand what you’re looking at. Here’s what you need to look out for when shopping for an inverter to use in your RV.
Wattage
RV inverters are rated to a certain number of watts, which refers to the maximum power consumption of the appliance(s) they will support. Look for an inverter with a higher wattage than the most energy-hungry device you plan to use.
Surge Wattage
RV inverters are rated to withstand a certain level of surge power, which is when an appliance uses more power than usual for a brief moment. Ensure the surge rating on your inverter is higher than the potential surge spike on your biggest appliance.
Type
RV inverters come in various types: Modified Sine Wave, Pure Sine Wave, and Square Sine Wave (mostly obsolete). Although cheaper, Modified Sine Wave inverters are less efficient than Pure Sine Wave inverters and aren’t suitable for sophisticated electrical devices like computers.
Protections
The last thing you want to do is short circuit your expensive inverter because you tried to dry your hair at the same time the kids were watching TV. High-quality inverters come with a range of inbuilt protective measures to ensure they don’t melt or explode.
Size
Space is of utmost importance in any RV; there’s no point purchasing a bigger power inverter than you have to. If you’re pressed for room, or if you’re planning on moving your inverter between RVs, then a miniature portable inverter might be your best bet.
Price
Our recommended RV inverters range from $50 to $1,500, so the cost will be a crucial factor in your decision. To save money, only buy an inverter that is as powerful as you need it to be.
With these things in mind, let’s find the inverter you need to power up your RV for the road ahead.

Top 10 Best RV Inverters to Buy in 2020
1. Best RV Inverter Overall: Krieger 1500 Watts Power Inverter

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Why we like it: This no-nonsense inverter works perfectly every time and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Wattage: 1500W
Surge Wattage: 3000W
Inverter Type: Modified Sine Wave
Size: 13.75 x 7.62 x 3.37 inches
Outputs: 2x AC plus 2x USB
This widely popular RV power inverter from KRIËGER is ideal for the average user. Boasting a respectable output of 1,500W (3,000W at peak), the unit is capable of complying with most RVer’s electricity requirements and comes in at a very reasonable price point.
KRIËGER has a rep for creating quality gear that’s built to last, and this particular model comes with a range of built-in protections: Over voltage, under voltage, overload, short circuit, and high temperature. The included LCD will warn the user of potential issues, and the unit comes with a lengthy three-year warranty.
We also love how small this package is—just 13 inches long for a 1,500W inverter is a rarity in this day and age. Its super silent fan is inaudible above your other RV fans, and the unit comes with four outputs (2xUSB and 2xAC) for charging multiple devices.
If you like the look of this product but don’t quite need 1,500W, the good news is it comes in several cheaper, low wattage models as well (plus a few bigger ones, too). Just be aware that it uses Modified Sine Wave technology; thus, it won’t safely charge complex electrical devices.

Pros
High-performance inverter
Multiple inbuilt protections
Handy LCD display
Good value for money
Small and compact

Cons
Modified Sine Wave isn’t suitable for computers

2. Energizer 1500 Watts Power Inverter

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Why we like it: This outstanding inverter from Energizer is just like the bunny—it “keeps going and going and going.”
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Wattage: 1,500W
Surge Wattage: 3,000W
Inverter Type: Modified Sine Wine
Size: 13.75 x 7.6 x 3.5 inches
Outputs: 2x USB and 2x AC
As one of the biggest battery brands in the world, Energizer is a name you can trust. And this high-performance 1,500W inverter does the company proud thanks to its durable design.
The Energizer converter is a viable alternative to the aforementioned 1500W KRIËGER inverter — it offers roughly the same features and performance for approximately the same price. It has a myriad of protective measures like overload, over/under voltage, short circuit, and high-temperature cut-off, rendering it safe under any conditions.
Much like the KRIËGER, you’ll also get a handy LCD to view the current input and output wattages as well as learn of any potential issues. It’s also approximately the same size, has the same number of ports, and boasts a similar silent fan—there’s not much difference between the two.
Between this and the KRIËGER, it’s a close call, but the KRIËGER has a longer three-year warranty (versus the Energizer’s two years), which gives us more confidence in its longevity. Nonetheless, they’re both excellent inverters, so you won’t go wrong with either option.
Once again, it’s a Modified Sine Wave model; thus, efficiency isn’t optimal, and it won’t safely run complex devices.

Pros
Good value for money
Trusted well-known brand
Small and compact
Multiple protective features
Long-lasting design

Cons
Two-year warranty is less than KRIËGER
Uses inferior Modified Sine Wave technology

3. Best Premium RV Inverter: Renogy 3000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter

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Why we like it: Renogy’s obsession with quality and Pure Sine Wave Technology sees this system outperform its rivals.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Wattage: 3,000W
Surge Wattage: 6000W
Inverter Type: Pure Sine Wave
Size: 17.5 x 8.7x 3.7 In
Outputs: 1x USB and 3x AC
The Renogy Group has been making (sine) waves in the American RV space in recent years for its high-quality 12V products that outperform the competition. And this outstanding power inverter is no exception, with a clear and smooth electrical distribution thanks to its use of premium Pure Sine Wave technology.
This particular inverter boasts a conversion efficiency of over 90%, which reduces strain on your battery system and allows you to run your favorite devices for longer than ever before. Minimal harmonic distortion ( More