Raingler Nets

Raingler has been on the scene for several years now, making nets and accessories for Jeeps. At the request of Xterra owners, Raingler has stepped up and delivered! There are currently a half dozen nets specifically designed for the Xterra. Their newest product, the "Medium Xterra Roof Pocket" is the subject of this review, and was released in December of 2003.

Medium Xterra Roof Pocket

The roof pocket is one of the smallest two of the nets available for the Xterra and is designed to carry oft-used items up and out of the way yet maintain easy access. More than just a net, it's also a pocket which can hold smaller items that can slip out of a net - and builds upon the "Mini Interior X-Net" product.

What I personally find nice about this net as compared to some of the other options available is that the pocket does not protrude into the passenger compartment (that is, forward of the rear seat backs). Therefore, taller passengers in the rear seats will not hit their heads on your gear...

The pocket is made out of 10-year saltwater grade and UV-resistant materials to ensure a long lifespan under the harshest of conditions. A solid top panel and a mesh bottom panel make up the "pocket" and both sides as well as the rear seams are held together with Velcro. This allows quick access from multiple positions to the contents and with the mesh lower, you can quickly identify same. Upon close examination, the quality of the components and assembly is apparent. This is some nice stuff.

Installation

Installed directly between the four rear/cargo area hooks, it can be hung tightly (closest to headliner) or slung lower by about 4-5" to allow stowing of jackets or blankets above the pocket. The tension and mounting is accomplished via four anchor straps with quick-release tabs that allow quick and easy adjustment. If you don't plan to immediately store items above the pocket, you can wrap and neatly tie back the anchor straps (so they don't dangle). As with any cargo, you should ensure that no heavy items that may become projectiles in an accident - are left loose.

Installing anchor strap	Tieing back the strap

When installing the pocket using the stock, older-model Xterra cargo hooks, you might want to consider rotating the front two hooks to make the installation cleaner. This step isn't necessary, but I opted to do it and it only took a minute or two using a #2 philips screwdriver. The pocket will work with either the old or new style cargo hooks. With the newer type, make sure to install the anchor straps through the hook and not just around it.

Stock orientation	Rotated for install

Finished Install!

Once the net is installed, you're ready to start stowing your soft goods. The pocket itself is ideal for smaller items that you wish to keep handy for ready access - recovery straps, bungee cords, cameras and so on. You can access the pocket contents without having to roll back the cargo cover, as would be the case with using the small side compartments of the Xterra. If you've got the back loaded with gear as is often the case, you wouldn't even be able to get to those side compartments. Another benefit is that the contents of the pocket are difficult to see from the outside of the Xterra, keeping stuff away from prying eyes.

Although the pocket could probably take it, avoid stowing hard, heavy objects such as shackles in it. If for some reason the pocket isn't closed properly or in the event of an accident, these objects might come loose and could be dangerous or break a window.

Installed and empty	Recovery gear and straps!

An obvious question might be, "how does it look through the rearview mirror?" With nothing stowed above the pocket and only a few low profile items within, the pocket is just slightly visible. The view out of the rear window will diminish more with additional gear stowed but all in all very tolerable and barely noticeable. The important view, down near the bottom of the window - is completely unaffected.

The pocket reaches (and even overlaps slightly) the rear cargo area light, but does not seem to affect the lighting much. The cargo area is just as bright as before and if anything, cuts the glare of the light from your rearview mirror at night. If you twist the edge of the pocket slightly, you'll clear the light perfectly as the pocket is not larger than where the light starts and in fact, pulls away from the light a little when loaded.

As seen in rearview mirror	Initial overlap of light

Field Testing

Update (7/7/04): The Raingler net performs well at its intended function, but there are several issues that have been noted during its use. The Velcro that runs the length of the rear is still holding up, but if you have a decent amount of items/weight in the net, you must be careful opening the net or the Velcro will separate rapidly, spilling the contents. Perhaps rivets through the two corners would prevent this. The other issue is with storing items (blankets, towels, etc.) above the net and under the headliner. Items will NOT stay up there short of using one or two bungee cords criss-crossed around the net. There is simply not enough tension on the net using the provided straps... This is not the fault of the net, simply the way the stock cargo hooks and net work out. Still, an excellent product that holds a decent amount of gear up and out of the way. Quality remains top notch and neither the materials or workmanship has failed in any way.

Conclusion

The Medium Xterra Roof Pocket is of high quality in both design and execution and would be a great addition to your Xterra. It cleans up your cargo area nicely and securely holds your gear - and who doesn't have a surplus of stuff in their truck? Whether carrying small day to day items or stashing foul weather or recovery gear, this pocket is sure to please, and at a comfortable price.