Full length roof rack options - Prinsu vs Westcott

[swampdog]

I chose the Prinsu partly because it has thicker and heavier aluminum parts than most other options. It also has a correspondingly higher load rating. It has been in place on the LC since late 2024 and we have no issues with it.

If I were to carry very heavy things up there and noticed any shifting, I probably would add a couple of additional longitudinal aluminum supports, bolted in place. That would not be all that difficult to do.

Also, watch out for paid posters who slam (or promote) the Prinsu and other products. I recently met someone who worked full time - posing as a Toyota owner, posting fake information on the forums promoting products.

 

[Dano]

Yeah, I had to buy a rack sight-unseen and the Prinsu’s load rating was significantly more than others, and sealed the deal for me. I very recently received my rack with manufacturing/fabrication defects and have been working with Prinsu for replacement parts. This extra time has allowed me to take a harder look at the rack prompting my questions.

I see some pics online where people (sometimes more than 1) are standing on their racks. Not something I’m planning on doing but this is America and if I want to rack-stand with family on my Prinsu pro rated to tolerate 1200lb load, I’m gunna do it! Actually not planning such stunts but may occasionally have heavy loads and I really question if the LC250 version of this rack would perform as billed if standing/load bearing on rails along along backside on the front section.

Prinsu must have noticed a problem here, and added the dovetail joint interface where the front and rear sections meet (do you have this or the prior flat version without?). The dovetail may help a little but unlikely anywhere near the support there would have been (and exists on nonLC250 versions) had they not divided the rail into 2 pieces. Seems likely the load data comes from versions of the rack that are undivided/solid and are being applied to all versions including those for LC250 and Lexus owners.

I’m out of town but plan to post pics illustrating the above issues. I really don’t want to have to add home spun aftermarket brackets to the rack to bolster it as I’m sure my job won’t look professional and because of the nearby bracket on the rear section may make this not easy to do. Seems otherwise like a quality rack, but I’m having some misgivings about the purchase as I’m not believing the load numbers.

Q: Are the RhinoRack main rails one piece e or 2 piece?

The overhang on the front was one reason I waited for the RhinoRack Reconn. They have a 4th set of supports that sit in channel with thick foam pads. Super stable even with my big tent. Zero fluttering or vibration. Plus zero paint contact on the front fairing.A

 

[skipowpow]

I have the Prisu Pro on my 250 for a bout a year now. I have zero concerns about the weight rating. Stood on top (220#) and didn’t feel any flex. I feel you are over thinking it since you have been dealing with a defect and are now more skeptical. Once bolted together, the two interconnected pieces become thicker than brands like Sherpa, it feels as solid as anything on the rig. I think the cross bars or feet would fail long before the side rails.

 

[Backwoodsy]

Check out Backwoods Adventure Mods. This is their DRIFTR mounted to the top of the 24 LC. Has some unique features like cutouts for chase lights in the rear and handles on the side. It also uses a 1x3 crossbar so there isn't as much deflection with tent up there. Made in the USA and ships for free

 

[booch2024]

Check out Backwoods Adventure Mods. This is their DRIFTR mounted to the top of the 24 LC. Has some unique features like cutouts for chase lights in the rear and handles on the side. It also uses a 1x3 crossbar so there isn't as much deflection with tent up there. Made in the USA and ships for free

View attachment 46736
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Looks great!
How was installation?
And what tent is that? Looks nice and compact!
Thanks

 

[Icgreen3]

The Prinsu Pro rack finally arrived, after about a six week wait. It took about three hours from start to finish to install it; not bad, we thought. The Prinsu is heavier than most options out there, and it does seem solid.
I do wonder about the unsupported length of the front part of the rack; maybe the heavy nature of the Prinsu rack will help with preventing sag towards the front. The alternative would involve providing support under the sides of the rack near the front, but hopefully that won't be necessary. This issue likely applies to all the full-length racks. Someone mentioned that the rack touches the paint at the front. Mine does not quite touch, although it comes close. The part that might touch the paint is soft foam weatherstrip, so I can't see it damaging the paint anyway.
We used all the cross pieces that came in the box. It seems to me that it could include one more crosspiece, installed on edge at the rear of the rack. The cutouts in the metal and the predrilled holes are there, but no bar to install. This looks odd, as if something is missing. And installing a bar there would strengthen the rack. Maybe whoever packed the box counted wrong. I suppose one could remove the crossbar above the sunroof and use it at the back. Maybe Prinsu is listening; if so, please send me another cross bar.
Still need to check for wind noise and keep an eye on the fuel mileage. It appears as aerodynamic as possible, so hoping for the best.

Great information thank you so much. Thinking about buying this are you still happy?

 

[Icgreen3]

The overhang on the front was one reason I waited for the RhinoRack Reconn. They have a 4th set of supports that sit in channel with thick foam pads. Super stable even with my big tent. Zero fluttering or vibration. Plus zero paint contact on the front fairing.

How is the wind noise? Still happy with rack thinking of buying one. Thanks

 

[Mopper]

Eyeballing their Accessory Plates for use on my OEM rack- your setup looks sweet!