Prinsu roof rack...any issues or regrets?

[robbymartin]

Anyone using this rack? I'm about to pull the trigger on a roof rack and this is the one I'm wanting...I'm just wondering if there's any regrets or issues that anyone has. This seems like a great rack, very versatile and relatively inexpensive vs. most other rack out there.

 

[LawnDart]

Ask [MENTION=49845]marshall[/MENTION] as he has had one for a month or two.

 

[3wbdriver]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/192917-another-full-length-roof-rack-option-prinsu-2.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/215714-prinsu-design-roofrack.html

 

[Snowgun]

Anyone using this rack? I'm about to pull the trigger on a roof rack and this is the one I'm wanting...I'm just wondering if there's any regrets or issues that anyone has. This seems like a great rack, very versatile and relatively inexpensive vs. most other rack out there.

Also extremely interested in anyone's experience with the Prinsu...

 

[TK-422]

I am very happy with mine. No problems so far.

Older top view. in the pic you can see the hi-lift was too far back and hit the hatch when opened. all I did was rotate 4 bars forward and the 5th to the back. Easy fix. Try that with a one piece rack.

 

[Jaydub514]

Recently installed mine- I'm a fan of Zachs personal attention to his customers compared to some (most) other companies out there.

Since the T4R is my daily driver, weight was a concern for me and the aluminum/modular construction was a huge selling point. Also, no rust issues!

It seems like when considering all the different full length rack companies there was always a give and take. I was considering the full length Frontrunner as it has a lot of adjustability and is lightweight as well but I personally wasn't a fan of the aesthetics.

After many sleepless nights I decided to reach out to Zach @ Prinsu to pick his brain. He answered very promptly and took the time to explain everything and then some. Compared to the lack of answers from other manufacturers this was a surprising breath of fresh air especially from a mostly one man run operation.

For me, Prinsu had the looks, the functionality, and the lightweight construction I was looking for. I will however say that the instructions were sorely lacking...it was an exercise in frustration at times but I'm glad it's behind me now. Maybe the 100+ heat didn't help any there...

Anyway feel free to PM me any specific questions that you have this rack deserves more press than it gets!

 

[TK-422]

Tip when installing the cross bars. Place a paint can lid and towel under the opposite side of the cross bar to keep it level. The holes and threads are very precise and will cross thread if it is not nice and level.

Start one side then go to the other, remove the lid and start that side. Leave 1/4" for adjustment until you get all the cross bars installed. Then go back and tighten them all up.

If the Allan bolts don't easily screw in don't force them. The threads are easy to mess up if you do.

the tall spacers go in the middle of the rack.

 

[Woodcarver]

Tip when installing the cross bars. Place a paint can lid and towel under the opposite side of the cross bar to keep it level. The holes and threads are very precise and will cross thread if it is not nice and level.

Start one side then go to the other, remove the lid and start that side. Leave 1/4" for adjustment until you get all the cross bars installed. Then go back and tighten them all up.

If the Allan bolts don't easily screw in don't force them. The threads are easy to mess up if you do.

the tall spacers go in the middle of the rack.

Thank you for the tip! Hoping to install my Prinsu rack this Sunday. :thumb:

 

[Panzr15]

I am very happy with mine. No problems so far.

Older top view. in the pic you can see the hi-lift was too far back and hit the hatch when opened. all I did was rotate 4 bars forward and the 5th to the back. Easy fix. Try that with a one piece rack.

It looks like you've tried multiple setups mounting a double row led bar? Which has worked best? Would you recommend ordering the substitute or standard wind deflector?

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[Trail-AMMO]

Curious for those with the full length version how the MPG is after the rack was installed...

I realize there will be a hit, curious how that comps to other racks if at all given its aluminum design.

Thanks,

-A

 

[Seattle206]

There are like two long threads about their racks filled with personal experiences.

With that said, mine has been great. I believe I am first to ever put on their 3/4 rack on a 5th gen w/ a moonroof. I've had it on since March.

 

[TK-422]

It looks like you've tried multiple setups mounting a double row led bar? Which has worked best? Would you recommend ordering the substitute or standard wind deflector?

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

The top picture. I hate wind noise and tried a few ways before I made the clear lexan one. Now you don't hear it at all unless you get a side wind.

 

[Shred_Head]

Tip when installing the cross bars. Place a paint can lid and towel under the opposite side of the cross bar to keep it level. The holes and threads are very precise and will cross thread if it is not nice and level.

Start one side then go to the other, remove the lid and start that side. Leave 1/4" for adjustment until you get all the cross bars installed. Then go back and tighten them all up.

If the Allan bolts don't easily screw in don't force them. The threads are easy to mess up if you do.

the tall spacers go in the middle of the rack.

So i am getting ready to install my full length Prinsu rack and I was wondering which stand-off spacers correspond to each mounting point?

Mine came with 3 sets of (4) stand-offs... 2 of the sets are identical in height and the other 1 set is shorter than the other 2 sets.

where does the shortest stand-offs mount (front, middle, or rear feet)?

I appreciate the help!

 

[TK-422]

So i am getting ready to install my full length Prinsu rack and I was wondering which stand-off spacers correspond to each mounting point?

Mine came with 3 sets of (4) stand-offs... 2 of the sets are identical in height and the other 1 set is shorter than the other 2 sets.

where does the shortest stand-offs mount (front, middle, or rear feet)?

I appreciate the help!

I believe the short ones go to the back.

 

[Scharfschütze]

Expanding my question above and hopefully soliciting an answer from TK-422: Does the sunroof open fully/work ok?

 

[TK-422]

Expanding my question above and hopefully soliciting an answer from TK-422: Does the sunroof open fully/work ok?

Yes it does. It easily clears.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Tip when installing the cross bars. Place a paint can lid and towel under the opposite side of the cross bar to keep it level. The holes and threads are very precise and will cross thread if it is not nice and level.

Start one side then go to the other, remove the lid and start that side. Leave 1/4" for adjustment until you get all the cross bars installed. Then go back and tighten them all up.

If the Allan bolts don't easily screw in don't force them. The threads are easy to mess up if you do.

the tall spacers go in the middle of the rack.

Sounds like they thread into bare aluminum with fine threads. Not a bad thing for something like this, but good to know.

 

[p_j_o]

The whole thing is aluminum which is why I went for this rack over the others - no chance of rust on this guy (considering I live in a rain-forest)

Also of note, the cross beams are standard extruded aluminum which you can also find on such sites as Amazon.

As to the other question that was posed regarding MPG - I noticed a 0.1L/100km change, something that happens when the weather changes so totally negligible on a daily driver.

 

[Swancy119]

I installed the 3/4 rack in June and I love it. You can do so much with it and I love that anything can be bolted to it. I don't have anything negative to say about it.

 

[Ducseven]

I regret that work has been so busy, the rack is still sitting on the garage floor waiting for assembly and install.........(however that has helped to pay for it)

Just may pull an all-nighter after work Friday to complete it!