I haven’t tried that combo myself but others say the Dissent bumper with Slee skid plates gives good protection without adding much weight. Great for off-road angles and keeping the underside safe.
E-KDSS is great for off-road articulation but on the road the difference is pretty subtle. Most people find the Overtrail still rides well but if you are focused on comfort and luxury features and do not plan to off-road much, the Premium Plus is probably the better fit.
If the strut’s already replaced, it could be the sway bar end links, control arm bushings, or strut top mounts causing the looseness. Make sure all suspension bolts are properly tightened. Some road noise is normal but it shouldn’t sound like worn ball joints.
The coating itself usually isn’t a warranty problem, but drilling holes can create gray areas, so many people avoid that and use factory access points. Dealers in northern states are used to Fluid Film–type coatings and it typically doesn’t interfere with service. The GX resists rust fairly well...
That humming at 20–35 mph is often related to a wheel bearing or tire noise. Try lightly turning left and right at that speed and see if the sound changes, which usually points to a bearing. Also check for uneven or cupped tire wear, as tires can make very similar sounds.
New interview with Doriane Pin after her F1 Academy title win. She talks about working with Prema/Mercedes, learning from Hamilton and Russell, and her long-term goal of reaching F1. A good watch for anyone following future talent:
The 165 lbs limit includes the box, bars, and all the cargo together. Upgrading to Yakima or Thule bars won’t raise that limit since it’s set by the vehicle roof. If you want more flexibility, a platform rack like Rhino-Rack or Prinsu can handle more weight when parked.