Prinsu vs factory roof rack?

I'm wanting to get a roof rack. It won't be for much but maybe install an awning and maybe corner cube lights. Might use it to occasionally help haul stuff from Lowe's.
Should I get the factory unit or a Prinsu?
The money saved for the factory unit almost pays for the other stuff.
Thanks...

 

If you going to buy a roof rack buy once lol. I like my Prinsu rack.

 

I like the looks of the prinsu much better than the factory setup to be honest.
I do wonder about wind noise and possibly worse mpg with it tho

 

I’ve had both. First the factory, and I never trusted the plastic bars and clips. I trust my metal Prinsu much more.

 

Skip the rest.
Go for the best.

Prinsu.

 

I haven't checked out the feel of a factory Tacoma rack but I've used the factory rack on my Sequoia to carry a luggage carrier several times and it worked fine

 

Mine worked fine too, but it always made me nervous.

 

While the factory is less expensive, adding lights and awnings is not as easy as a prinsu. You may need to purchase additional brackets which could negate the savings.

 

Brackets will be needed for the prinsu as well will they not?

 

On the new design he has holes on the side rails specifically for awnings. Also lights are easy and usually just use the brackets that come with your light bar. There's so many ways to do it on the prinsu because of the t slot system, and the numerous holes/slots on the side rails.

 

Personally, I have the OEM rack. I often carry my 14ft canoe without issue. I have also carried loads of 2x4s and other items as well. Never a problem plus (and this is a big plus) the racks fold back into the holders so when it is not in use there is no wind noise, or mpg reduction due to drag. In addition, the rack is always "there" and I don't have to think about installing and/or taking off. Do what you want, its your $, but the Prinsu seems like a lot of $$$$

 

I like my Prinsu ok I think that for what you pay there should be a lot more attention to detail paid. I think it is probably the best on the market at this time. I wouldn't hesitate getting one. The wind noise drowns out my tire noise from my Gdyr Duratracs it's pretty loud but most rack systems are it's just a fact and something you have to deal with. If there is any MPG loss it is negligible I haven't seen a loss since install and I calculate mine at every fill up.

Mine they didn't clean all the slag off of the side pieces and a couple of the holes for the cross bars were not threaded. I got mine secondhand but it was brand new in the box. Maybe these issues have come up more since CBI took over manufacturing.

 

After reading the 10 page thread on installing the factory rack, it is a little intimidating with so many people having issues putting it on without a gap

 

If you’re intimidated by that install then you don’t want to install a prinsu. Way more involved to make it look clean.

 

Not really intimidated about installing, more just the bad fitment of the parts

 

The factory roof rack is ugly.

And overall doesn't look very functional because it has nothing to actually protect the paint on the roof, which is important if you don't want to ding up the roof and have it rust over time.

Although I think if you are going to regularly use your roof for hauling it might be a nice idea to get the roof Line-Xed to protect it.

 

Debating same exact thing. Prinsu is nice. And too get the DCSB Cabrac with powder coat is about 650 after shipping direct from prinsu. Dealer price on factory rack is around 300. Versatility of prinsu would be nice as the factory rack is fixed and not adjustable. Tough call.
I have a v series with rails ordered and was planning to put towers and currrent Yakima set up with arb awning on cap. Prinsu on front cab.

 

I have the OEM rack, and never had an issue. It hauls my 2 kayaks no problem and I like the stow away cross rails.

it depends on what you want to haul honestly... if your stuff is going to be under 100lbs, then go OEM.... if you want the ability to carry heavier, go Prinsu

 

Thinking about my intended use (some light pods and awning) I think I might have to go with the prinsu.
I could probably make the oem work but the prinsu will be more modular.

 

Any pictures of prinsu racks set ups with and without a light bar?