NEW YEAR, NEW RACK, NEW ADVENTURES.
January is that quiet, hopeful space between last year’s memories and the coming year’s possibilities. It’s when we clean the slate, reimagine our plans, and regear our vehicles for the journeys ahead. At Over The Top Racks, we see January as more than just the start of a new calendar — it’s an invitation to dream bigger, pack smarter, and explore further.
Start Fresh — Reassess Your Setup
The off-season is the perfect time to take inventory of your rig. How’s your rack system holding up? Do your mounts still feel tight and true? Have your accessories adapted to your evolving gear needs?
We encourage you to take a moment this month to:
Remove everything and do a full inspection for wear, corrosion, or loose bolts
Swap out any fading or damaged straps, pads, and lube up your locks
Recheck weight loads — sometimes gear accumulates over the year, and your rack’s capacity may be stretched
Think ahead about what you’ll carry in 2026 (maybe a rooftop tent, additional water carry, extra tools)—and whether your current rack is future-proof
A small investment now can save headaches on the trail later.
Upgrade & Reinvent Your Rig
January isn’t just for introspection; it’s for setting intentions in metal and hardware. If you’ve been eyeing a rack upgrade, kayak cradle, or heavy-duty load system — now’s the time to plan.
Here are some ideas to spark your gear goals this year:
Modular Rack Systems — go for flexibility so you can shift between bike, paddle, and overland setups
Load-Assist & Lift Systems — make solo loading easier (especially for bigger gear)
Smarter Storage Add-ons — tool trays, MOLLE panels, side mounts, cargo sliders
Rooftop Tents or Annexes — extend your comfort zone vertically
Recovery & Safety Upgrades — winches, anchor points, recovery gear and organization
Let us help you spec a setup that grows with you. Whether you want a minimal rack for weekend escapes or a full expedition-ready rig, we’ve got the knowledge (and the hardware) to make it real.
Turning Intentions into Expeditions
Dreams and gear only matter if you take them for a spin. As soon as the roads allow, get out there. Use your newly inspected or upgraded setup. Test it. Adjust it. Learn from it.
Here are some small wins you can aim for early in the season:
A day trip with lighter gear, just to test mounting, clearance, balance
A weekend winter day trip for a dry run — see how your gear handles wind, snow, rain, or sun
A midweek drive to a lookout, just to feel the freedom again
Don’t wait until summer. The sooner you break your setup in, the more confident you’ll be when the trails call your name.
Let’s Gear Up Together
All of us at Over The Top are itching to help you make 2026 your boldest year yet. Drop by the shop, send us your vehicle specs and adventure goals, or bring your rig in for inspection. Whether you want advice on rugged racks, accessories, or full overland setups — we’re here to guide, install, and test alongside you.
Here’s to a fresh year, stronger rigs, and endless horizons.
Equip your adventure — 2026 starts now.
— Megan & the Over The Top Racks Team