PrInSu Design Studio Roof Racks BS Thread

I really don't think I need HD bars for what I'm carrying...

 

Yet....

 

Never putting a RTT up there... That's the only think I can think of that's necesary...

 

Also what is a Heretic light bar? Can't seem to find any specs/options/pricing...

 

I got 7 HD crossbars, holding Plano case, maxtrax & 4 2 gallon rotopax cans. HD bars will give you more options on mounting things.

Here's 40" heretic studio light bar

 

You never know....

It's the brand of light bar that Zach sells. He makes wind farings with cutouts for them.

 

Here, check out there website. Made in the USA (Utah).

http://hereticstudio.com/

As far as the HD bars go, there are many more options on the mounting capabilities for them. I like to have my mounting eyes on the sides so I can run my straps or bungees all the way to the edge of the bar. Also makes it so I don't have to move them around it I need to use the rack to carry something larger then the space between them. This is completely invaluable to me. Check out the below links.

http://issuu.com/zachscott/docs/2005-2014_toyota_tacoma_cabrac/2?e=10185453/9907940

http://issuu.com/zachscott/docs/2005-2014_toyota_tacoma_cabrac/6?e=10185453/9907940

 

Wanted to throw a little update up here for all you current owners of the cabrac. With a broad spectrum of opinions regarding noise from the rack, some not worried about it at all and not experiencing much, others having serious complaints, I wanted to try and look at it from a fresh angle.

I have been running a semi custom rack on my truck that although is very similar has some minor differences. I took the racks off the truck and drove it like that for a couple weeks, took notes, drove with the toprac only, took notes, cabrac only took notes, and with both racks back on and have taken some notes. When I added the cabrac I added a standard one like I ship out and tried it with and without a lightbar.

I have driven in a variety of conditions, speeds, with varying cargo loads. Here are my conclusion.

The best position for the wind deflector has been on the lowest setting. Others may have different experience but I can't argue with this finding.
Most noise that I experienced happened from 60-70 mph.
Most noise I experienced was actually from crosswinds.
Normal driving with a tailwind was completely quiet.
Normal driving with a head wind yielded some noise, but nothing extremely bothersome.
Normal driving with crosswinds yielded the most noise. Unfortunately there isn't much to do to get around this. Its isn't bad in my or my various passengers opinions (tested it with a few) but definitely noticeable.
The number of crossbars doesn't affect noise. I ran it with the standard 6 bars and the tighter spaced 11.
Cargo seems to reduce noise in some cases, not sure why.
Overall my wife and I, and the other various people I took for drives decided that the noise isn't that bad and that most of the noise from my personal truck comes from other features like the tires, armor, etc.
Noise will vary greatly, I imagine on a bone stock, brand new truck, the noise will be more noticeable than on one that has been lifted and has all terrain or mud terrain tires.

Now onto the more interesting stuff. Wanting to help out those who are having bigger issues with this I looked into some possible enhancements. I wont say fixes because for the most part with customers it hasn't been a problem. One thing I found and just installed on my rack last night was this nifty little trim.

It is an automotive trim like you would use on your fenders or doors but has a bulb gasket type seal on the bottom. It is used for doors that need a weather tight seal. It has a 1/8" opening in the trim which fits the aluminum wind deflectors just right. The bulb on the bottom is 7/16" diameter which perfectly fills the gap between the roof and the deflector when it is on the bottom setting.

It looks clean and in the 20 minutes of driving I did this morning seemed to eliminate ANY noise I could attribute to the rack during normal driving conditions with head winds. Sidewinds still cause the noise I can hear and due to the design of the rack there isn't any way around that. If you live in areas where strong crosswinds are consistently present then this rack probably isn't for you.

I still want to drive it a bunch to see what I think after some longer drives but I think it might just be the ticket for some of you out there.
If you are interested in getting some to try yourself it can be found on Amazon. Use the specs I listed above. 1/8" opening with 7/16" diameter seal. I ordered mine from www.IOWA80.com. You can get it by the foot but shipping was as much as the product. https://www.iowa80.com/DirectionsWE...c=Side+Bulb+Trim+Seal+with+1/8"+Channel+Width

If I decide it really does make a difference (I have a hard time telling because my truck is noisy without the racks) I will buy it in bulk and get it to those who want it for as cheap as possible as well as include it with all future sales.

 

I just ordered my trim piece, although the noise has never bothered me much. Thanks Zach.

 

Nice research write up. Good to see a vendor respond to customer input regarding their products. I am in the "wind noise? what wind noise?" category myself. However, hopefully this research and possible solution will help the others.

 

I use a similar gasket for my faring - had similar results. Good looking out Zach.

 

X2^

I can not emphasize the amount of customer attention that you provide Zach.

Anyone that has even considered this rack should stop thinking about it and pull the trigger. Absolute attentions to detail, product variations, versitlity and customer support! How do you go wrong here?!

If everyone took the time and care that you put in to your product, the word cheap would not exist. From one inventor to another, thanks for sharing you passion with the world.

 

Well said.

 

That looks way better than the 1/4" pipe insulation i have been using!

Thanks for your efforts Zach.

 

If anyone is so bothered by their wind noise and would like to sell their cabrac please contact me.

 

Just picked up my shell today. As soon as my old cover sells I'll be ordering a TopRac!

 

Here I am waiting for the 3rd Gen 4runner racks

 

@zscott will the tracks being at a slight angle affect mounting a TopRac? Also, does this look like it will line up with my AccessRac well?

Thanks!!

 

We should be able to make it work fine. How far apart are the tracks on center @SixthSnail

 

I'll measure in a minute. It looks like they line up perfectly with the weatherstripping on my cab.