Prinsu Front Foot Mounting .. Long term reviews????

[MBTaco2-4Runner]

Yes I've searched the forums and there is a ton of information regarding Prinsu vs Sherpa racks out there however I haven't seen any real posts for long term use. Several posts out there regarding the Prinsu rusting however that was on their old models. Their new models are all stainless steel.

I just got my 2023 4Runner about a month ago and I've been comparing information between Sherpa and Prinsu. What my biggest question is regarding the Prinsu/Prinsu Pro is regarding any issues with the way it mounts. With the Sherpa you have the rubber blocks that fill in the holes to keep dirt and water out but on the Prinsu it's basically an open hole. Even the factory roof rack covers the hole to keep it clean.

Anyone out there have any real world experience they can share with the mounting points filling up with dirt/water, tiny rocks, etc??? Prinsu definitely has the better load capacity but I don't like the idea of cutting the front weather strip should you ever want to remove the rack.

 

[Humble Leader]

there is a lot of discussion on a couple 4 runner forums about mounting roof racks. climate is going to play a part as well (rain, snow, freeze/thaw cycles)

the factory rack is sealed fairly well from the factory. I would say pretty damn well - not too many stories of leaks. when you go aftermarket you now introduce the possibility of leaks.

I am not a fan of silicone because over time, freeze and thaw cycles can cause it to become brittle, crack and leak water. something like an RTV I would say is better to seal holes. what's the best is the EPDM washers like how sherpa does it. I have used the same style EPDM washers for sealing my mounted cargo boxes (when I had them) on my roof and they were great for two years I had them up there - no leaks in any of the 8 locations where I ran bolts. butyl tape is also used to seal holes as well

IMO you will never create the same quality seal as the factory location - which I believe does use rubber washers (not EPDM though) and has the rubber outer foot to keep water out. any aftermarket roof rack should be inspected annually at the mounts. if you plan on carrying a tent or just need a whole lot of mounting space on the roof for gear then that's a tradeoff you have to make, water intrusion is possible. if you just need the occasional bike, kayak etc. that needs to go up there save the $ and get thule crossbars or a set of LFD bars that mount in the factory rails. I've had both and are both great

I generally don't like the idea of introducing possible water intrusion when I don't have to, especially in the climate I'm in

 

[honda250xtitan]

going on 7 years with a full prinsu (drill) rack. 2 years ago i abandoned the front holes and filled them. Using rubber feet from ace on the front of the rack. have had zero issues. AZ climate.

 

[MBTaco2-4Runner]

going on 7 years with a full prinsu (drill) rack. 2 years ago i abandoned the front holes and filled them. Using rubber feet from ace on the front of the rack. have had zero issues. AZ climate.

I had thought about doing that with a Prinsu as well... purchasing a rubber block and mounting the front feet like the Sherpa. I wonder though if the fact that the Prinsu sits on the roof vs the rubber weatherstrip in front if that contributes to it's load carry ability. The difference between the Sherpa and even standard Prinsu (not pro) is significant.

Prinsu 600lbs dynamic 1000 static
Sherpa 300lbs dynamic 700 static

And the Prinsu Pro is 700 dynamic 1200 static for less than the Sherpa. The front feet though... hmm. Apreciate the info.

 

[mrblah]

i used double sided tape on the front feet, never bothered to drill either, and it has lasted 7ish years

 

[honda250xtitan]

i used double sided tape on the front feet, never bothered to drill either, and it has lasted 7ish years

didnt think of tape. i just made sure the front feet are a bit long so its putting tension on the rack/middle mounts.

 

[honda250xtitan]

I had thought about doing that with a Prinsu as well... purchasing a rubber block and mounting the front feet like the Sherpa. I wonder though if the fact that the Prinsu sits on the roof vs the rubber weatherstrip in front if that contributes to it's load carry ability. The difference between the Sherpa and even standard Prinsu (not pro) is significant.

Prinsu 600lbs dynamic 1000 static
Sherpa 300lbs dynamic 700 static

And the Prinsu Pro is 700 dynamic 1200 static for less than the Sherpa. The front feet though... hmm. Apreciate the info.

yea either way for me, that is wayyyyy too much weight up that high. at this point the rack is for the radio antennae, chase lights, and.......yea that is all lol

 

[MBTaco2-4Runner]

yea either way for me, that is wayyyyy too much weight up that high. at this point the rack is for the radio antennae, chase lights, and.......yea that is all lol

I agree to some extent. I'm a margins person though when it comes to things like this. If I put 250lbs of stuff on my roof but the rack limits are 300lbs then I'm too close to the margin so to speak. That same 250lbs on a rack that can hold 600lbs is more comfortable.

With water being 8.4lbs per gallon and gas being 6lbs per gallon if you put 10 gallons of each on a roof it doesn't leave much room for anything else. I have a Thule rocket box from my truck that I intend to use on the 4Runner to transport things I don't want to put inside.

 

[DigitalAviatorZ]

IMO the bigger issue is water making its way down the bolts themselves. The way the Prinsu mounts there is no way to make it water tight.

 

[honda250xtitan]

IMO the bigger issue is water making its way down the bolts themselves. The way the Prinsu mounts there is no way to make it water tight.

lots of silicon/rtv. and checking on it to make sure it didnt dry out and crack

 

[MBTaco2-4Runner]

lots of silicon/rtv. and checking on it to make sure it didnt dry out and crack

That's definitely another thing to think about is maintenance. I live in Texas where it's hot and dry during the summer. Drying and cracking is always a possibility. Anyone who's ever owned a boat in these climates knows about maintenance on the silicone and RTV that needs to be done.