I built a Prinsu Style Roof Rack for $300 - Here's the How-To

[SuperfastMatt]

I needed a new roof rack and while I like the CBI/Prinsu style it is just way too expensive for some laser cut aluminum and T-Slot bars.

So I made my own; it took about half a day and cost me around $300.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ylPZkwRBA5o" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>


So far it works great! I'm happy to answer any questions.

 

[ElectroBoy]

I needed a new roof rack and while I like the CBI/Prinsu style it is just way too expensive for some laser cut aluminum and T-Slot bars.

So I made my own; it took about half a day and cost me around $300.

So far it works great! I'm happy to answer any questions.

Haha! Good job with the video! And that’s a nice looking rack!

 

[-E5J-]

I needed a new roof rack and while I like the CBI/Prinsu style it is just way too expensive for some laser cut aluminum and T-Slot bars.

So I made my own; it took about half a day and cost me around $300.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ylPZkwRBA5o" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>


So far it works great! I'm happy to answer any questions.

Very, very resourceful and impressive. Nicely done.

 

[pDubs]

Nice, looks good!

It would be awesome if you could share all of the materials you bought with links.

Question: I see you are utilizing the 4 stock mounting locations, but it looks like there's some feet at the front in front of sunroof too. Did you drill and put a mount there are does it just rest on the rail?

 

[Hammer0313]

Best thing I’ve seen :cheer2:

 

[SuperfastMatt]

Nice, looks good!

It would be awesome if you could share all of the materials you bought with links.

Question: I see you are utilizing the 4 stock mounting locations, but it looks like there's some feet at the front in front of sunroof too. Did you drill and put a mount there are does it just rest on the rail?

I got the crossbars from here: EX-1020-BLACK – 1″ x 2″ Smooth T-Slotted Aluminum Extrusion – Black Anodize – NEW | TNUTZ
For fasteners, go to McMaster and get two packs of 97763A267 (black stainless bolts) and one of 96765A140 (washers)
The side aluminum (2"x1/4" two pieces 8ft long) I got from my local hardware store but you can get it from MetalsDepot.com for not too much.

The feet on the front are rubber bumpers I had lying around but you can get similar ones here: (McMaster-Carr. I mounted them to the extruded aluminum so that they just press down on the black rubber seams in the roof. I don't think they're needed unless you're loading up the front of the rack with heavy stuff, though they might help keep it from vibrating around.

 

[pDubs]

I got the crossbars from here: EX-1020-BLACK – 1″ x 2″ Smooth T-Slotted Aluminum Extrusion – Black Anodize – NEW | TNUTZ
For fasteners, go to McMaster and get two packs of 97763A267 (black stainless bolts) and one of 96765A140 (washers)
The side aluminum (2"x1/4" two pieces 8ft long) I got from my local hardware store but you can get it from MetalsDepot.com for not too much.

The feet on the front are rubber bumpers I had lying around but you can get similar ones here: (McMaster-Carr. I mounted them to the extruded aluminum so that they just press down on the black rubber seams in the roof. I don't think they're needed unless you're loading up the front of the rack with heavy stuff, though they might help keep it from vibrating around.

You rock! Thanks

 

[raghu4026]

Excellent video and info. I am going to try this myself. I was waiting for deals on a drill press. Thanks to you, I'll now look for a milling machine :cowboy:

 

[tomb_rnr]

Nicely done for half a day project!

A couple of days refining the system and it's not a bad option for a rack!

 

[jdhunz]

The end comment on $4k worth of tools...spit my drink everywhere!!!:jump:

 

[KANGZ]

good job. i also think full roof racks out there cost too much. especially gobi. here is mine in the making.

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[gainman]

Nice job

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[Charlievee]

I needed a new roof rack and while I like the CBI/Prinsu style it is just way too expensive for some laser cut aluminum and T-Slot bars.

So I made my own; it took about half a day and cost me around $300.

So far it works great! I'm happy to answer any questions.

I'm cursing you and praising at the same time. Nice work. Can you share more detail on how the front shroud is mounted?

 

[Little Tower]

Thanks for the video and great job!
I love seeing creative people doing it themselves. :cheers:

 

[MillerPKA]

Even as a Gobi owner, much respect for coming up with a purpose-built rack on your own. Double credit for the no-bs explanation video to help others. Primo post.

 

[KWSRStorm]

Theres ao many unique ways to use that t- track. Turned out great!

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[raghu4026]

For fasteners, go to McMaster and get two packs of 97763A267 (black stainless bolts) and one of 96765A140 (washers)

Do you happen to have the part number for the nuts as well? Thanks

 

[llDemonll]

This is why I laugh when people are paying $1,500 for a rack. This guy produced a one-off for a quarter of the price. Produce those at scale and it's even cheaper. Yea fit-and-finish might not be there, but that doesn't mean if you make your own you can't make modifications as you go.

Solid how-to

 

[SuperfastMatt]

I'm cursing you and praising at the same time. Nice work. Can you share more detail on how the front shroud is mounted?

At the front I have an extruded aluminum cross bar that is at the same angle I cut the front of the side bars. I'm using some t-slot nuts and bolts, and I just drilled holes through at the right location. I can get a better picture this evening.

 

[SuperfastMatt]

Do you happen to have the part number for the nuts as well? Thanks

94407A104
McMaster-Carr