Roof rack research
- Thread starter mavrick1903
- Start date
adkfinn
Member
I saw the GB and didn't want to pollute that thread, but seeing this come up elsewhere on the board I have to ask the obvious question: Did Prinsu change their name or license this design to another company or is this just a complete ripoff of their design?
Don't get me wrong, I like it so much I own one (a Prinsu purchased a few years ago in a GB prior to the sale to CBI or whoever owns them now), but this seems like a blatant copy.
op2:BendRunner
New member
Can't wait to get mine! Any eta on delivery on the group buy?
unevolved
Member
I saw the GB and didn't want to pollute that thread, but seeing this come up elsewhere on the board I have to ask the obvious question: Did Prinsu change their name or license this design to another company or is this just a complete ripoff of their design?
Don't get me wrong, I like it so much I own one (a Prinsu purchased a few years ago in a GB prior to the sale to CBI or whoever owns them now), but this seems like a blatant copy.
Right? They didn't even bother to come up with a name that sounded different. That's just pitiful.
Inv4drZm
Senior Member
I saw the GB and didn't want to pollute that thread, but seeing this come up elsewhere on the board I have to ask the obvious question: Did Prinsu change their name or license this design to another company or is this just a complete ripoff of their design?
Don't get me wrong, I like it so much I own one (a Prinsu purchased a few years ago in a GB prior to the sale to CBI or whoever owns them now), but this seems like a blatant copy.
Just a couple things I've noticed:
The mounting design is completely different and maybe an improvement over CBI/Prinsu.
They have a different name for each of their racks for other vehicles like Grand Teton and Matterhorn.
Not every rack should be as labor-intensive, heavy, or costly as a Gobi/Baja. For the other construction option it's difficult to do much variation and it's always good to have more options to an extent.
adkfinn
Member
I agree with the point about mounting, that is different. And in general, I completely agree that more options is better, and affordable options even more so. It is also true that t-slot (the cross bars of this style rack) is a standard part and appearance and mounting method is going to be similar or identical to other racks that use this material. Still, all that being said, the design of the side bars (the drilling specifically - slot, holes, slot, holes) is taken straight off the Prinsu rack. This could've been easily been modified (improved for more/almost infinite adjustment of the cross bars mounting even), but wasn't. The fairing mounting, the slim cutout for a light bar, the contour of the bottom edge tight to the roof line are all also straight from the Prinsu rack.
unevolved
Member
The mount design is different, yeah, but I'm not entirely sure I'd say it's better. Definitely not as structurally efficient, the load path isn't as direct for loads on crossbars other than those directly mounted to the roof.
I know you're being facetious, but unfortunately there's really no way for a small company like CBI to defend themselves against knockoffs. Look at any good wheel design, there's Chinese knockoffs for 60% of the price (and quality) on the market within a few years.
We as enthusiasts make up a very small market. We complain that there's no innovation for our trucks ("waaaaa no one makes parts for 4th gens") but then when someone DOES make something new and innovative, when we go and support the shameless knockoffs instead of the innovative design itself, it makes it less likely that another new product will be developed. Why risk it? Someone else is just going to knock it off and keep you from making good on your R&D investment.
Buying knockoff parts is directly counterproductive to new parts being designed for our vehicles.
Flemster
Member
This comes up every now and then. It is also a valid point to bring up without seeing the rack in person and compare them directly to the Prinsu rack as they are similar style roofracks. There a quite a few major differences, along with some similarities. Our rack profile and internal cutouts are quite different despite matching the curve of the vehicle. Full seal mounting solution without the use of silicone or other messy sealant using a rubber seal that also protects the paint on the users roof. Our racks mount directly from the cross bar to the roof keeping the weight off the side plate and increasing the strength with a shorter load path. We use 1/4” 6061 aluminum materials and stainless steel hardware eliminating virtually all rust possibilities and not compromising on strength all while staying in an affordable price range with higher quality materials. Yes, we bolt aluminum plate to extrusion, so do about 8 other companies. But we all do it quite differently providing everyone with great options to make their vehicle as capable, rugged or as pretty as they please. We have been doing this for almost 2 years now and are continuing to make our product better and push the market in a positive direction of innovation.I saw the GB and didn't want to pollute that thread, but seeing this come up elsewhere on the board I have to ask the obvious question: Did Prinsu change their name or license this design to another company or is this just a complete ripoff of their design?
Don't get me wrong, I like it so much I own one (a Prinsu purchased a few years ago in a GB prior to the sale to CBI or whoever owns them now), but this seems like a blatant copy.
All the group buy orders are being cut early next week and the orders with powder coat will be sent there immediately after. They will most likely be rolling out end of next week and the following week.
We worked hard to greatly improve the mounting design of these style racks on the market, most all other companies have a 90 degree bend in 3/16" aluminum or steel which was off the table as far as our standards. We wanted to decrease the distance of load path as well as provide a full seal mount without messy sealants. Our mounting design is the perfect solution to keep it simple, strong as hell and factory"ish".
Now some could argue that the load path increases if the weight is mounted on a crossbar that is not where the feet are, and this is true. But any substantial weight that is put onto the rack will contact the crossbar with the mounting brackets which most of the time is the case. Ie. Tents, awnings, loaded up the weekend project from Home Depot. Even if you had say a spare tire mounted on cross bars that do not make direct contact to our mounting feet it would still safely and confidently carry the load.
Happy to answer any other questions regarding out roofracks. Not trying to thread jack, just wanted to share this option with the community.
edwardvmassey
New member
I'll sell you a Whitson for $2500
Toxicity927
New member
Put on a Prinsu rack last year and love it!
Does this company actually exist? I emailed them a few weeks ago inquiring about a lift kit and never got a response.
AuSeeker
Elite Member
Call them, they do have a toll free number/
OBX-4thGen
New member
Prinsu is a winner! Free shipping
Prinsu 2003-2009 4th Gen Toyota 4Runner Roof Rack
– Roof Top Overland
Prinsu 2003-2009 4th Gen Toyota 4Runner Roof Rack
– Roof Top Overland
There's always this... LOL
custom fabrication
That_Titanium_4RNR
New member
bUiLt nOt BoUghT bRoOo!!
SweetDanish
New member
Great thread from over the years, so let's keep it going!
I am trying to make a final decision on upgrading my roof rack, and thought I'd revive this thread.
In looking at racks, I have some concerns about how my accessories will work with each rack.
Since I already own a Thule rooftop box, a variety of kayak racks (Kuat, Thule & Yakima) and some other rooftop mounted accessories, those need to work with a new rooftop setup. With some of the brands there is mesh or rails around, and I'm feeling like I lack confidence in my decision with all the compatibility.
I don't want to damage my box or kayak, so would love thoughts/feedback from those who own any of them.
In the effort to help consolidate all the options, here are the brands that are available, but am I missing any from the following list??
Prinsu
Front Runner
Gobi
Rhino Rack
ARB
Gamiviti
I am trying to make a final decision on upgrading my roof rack, and thought I'd revive this thread.
In looking at racks, I have some concerns about how my accessories will work with each rack.
Since I already own a Thule rooftop box, a variety of kayak racks (Kuat, Thule & Yakima) and some other rooftop mounted accessories, those need to work with a new rooftop setup. With some of the brands there is mesh or rails around, and I'm feeling like I lack confidence in my decision with all the compatibility.
I don't want to damage my box or kayak, so would love thoughts/feedback from those who own any of them.
In the effort to help consolidate all the options, here are the brands that are available, but am I missing any from the following list??
Prinsu
Front Runner
Gobi
Rhino Rack
ARB
Gamiviti
Last edited:
K-D-Runner
New member
There's also Alpha Foxtrot fabrications and Sherpa Equipment company, I'm sure there's others but those come to mind off the top of my head. I also know you can get plans from Silver Rhino Media then have those cut and welded if you're interested in that route.Great thread from over the years, so let's keep it going!
I am trying to make a final decision on upgrading my roof rack, and thought I'd revive this thread.
In looking at racks, I have some concerns about how my accessories will work with each rack.
Since I already own a Thule rooftop box, a variety of kayak racks (Kuat, Thule & Yakima) and some other rooftop mounted accessories, those need to work with a new rooftop setup. With some of the brands there is mesh or rails around, and I'm feeling like I lack confidence in my decision with all the compatibility.
I don't want to damage my box or kayak, so would love thoughts/feedback from those who own any of them.
In the effort to help consolidate all the options, here are the brands that are available, but am I missing any from the following list??
Prinsu
Front Runner
Gobi
Rhino Rack
ARB
Gamiviti
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