DIY Prinsu Top Rack Made on Wood Router

Since you are a woodworker you will be able to crush this! This is essentially just a series of templates and jigs. I'm definitely not a woodworker but I enjoy working with my hands. Post up some pictures once you get started!

 

Yeah. We had a Yakima rack on a past car. It was stupid loud without the wind deflector.

I think the main source of noise is the back wall, but adding some insulation to the roof makes a lot of sense.

 

I mean that makes since because there is not the thick seat that the double cabs have. I've thought about dropping that back panel and adding some deadening. Whenever I have someone in my back seat ,which is rare, they always complain about not being able to hear the people in the front.

 

Agreed. For me, it only seems to be a problem at higher speeds on worn pavement, esp worn concrete.

Otherwise, I am often impressed how quiet the Taco is compared to other trucks and SUVs that I have been in.


It is funny though, when our girls are back there, they usually have their earbuds in, so there aren't any noise complaints unless my wife and I pump up the jams and start signing along to the good stuff.

 

I did the noico at the same time. I use the tracks to give me more options for my Thule bars so the front bar can be mounted on either the cap or the cab for long trim or ladders. Mileage is 1-2 mpg better with nothing so most of their time is mounted in quick grips inside the shell. I leave T-nut blocks in the tracks along with the bases. The twist-in slot nuts don’t seem secure enough for the loads I carry. The noico helps with rain noise but by no means makes it quiet, I think more insulation(different frequency absorption) and better door seals would be needed for that but it is a bit better. Just don’t expect limo quality from the noico alone.

 

There’s a vent behind the seat too that is basically open air.

 

All of these companies have priced themselves out of the market. We will see a lot of DIY racks coming out.

 

True since they are so obvious to make but don’t discount your own labor when figuring the savings. And most simply have no interest in diy to begin with. For me it mostly comes down to whether or to what extent I’d have to modify something purchased. Too much and I end up just making exactly what I want instead.

 

It turned out really nice. Also, it looks like based on your standard cost that the Prinsu is price pretty fair.

 

I don't think the price is that unreasonable. This dude spend +$300 and that's before you count labor, overhead and profit to keep a business afloat. That 80/20 isn't cheap and neither is labor and rent.

 

I do not necessarily disagree with you, but there is also the factor of a vendor's ability to buy in bulk (wholesale) and process in batches.

You are correct though, the cost of running a business and making money is not free.


I value my free time at about $2/hr. That makes projects like this, pretty darn tasty.

 

That's awesome. Guys have been using routers to mill out AR 15 lowers for awhile now.

 

Agreed, but it’s also true that they pay wholesale for materials and can buy in lengths/sizes that minimize waste. Add to that making 10 doesn’t take 10x as long as making 1. Some are willing to pay and some would rather make it themselves just because they can. The logic of the decision is very personal. And if you don’t have time, tools, or space, your inclination hardly matters.

 

I don’t disagree that there is overhead involved. When I priced out material it came to about $150 depending on the vendor.

From a labor perspective, the CNC is doing the bulk of the work and I have to assemble the rack regardless if I made it or bought.

You can rent CNC time for $20.

 

I’m bored and can’t decide whether to agree or disagree with everyone this morning.

 

Great build, I've cut a lot of aluminum with wood working tools. If it weren't for the burning shards that stick to everything, I would say I prefer it to most wood. I hope more people are inspired to learn the skills to fabricate their own parts.

I'm a hobbyist, not running a business, but when I decide to build or buy something, I usually don't do it for cost savings. Sometimes even if the cost is more, I'll still build it because tool investment, or knowledge gained for building more in the future. Many home improvement projects I'll gladly pay more so I don't have to do them.

 

I agree with this to a certain extent with certain products. In this specific case, the labor to manufacture the side plates is drastically less considering they are able to print hundreds of these in no time on a water jet. The cross bars take zero labor and are most definitely purchased in bulk. I would venture to say that there is more labor in packaging these racks then in fabricating them. But like you said, there is a solid amount of overhead to keep the lights on.

That being said, I made my own because I wasn't crazy about the overall look, length and mounting height of the Prinsu. I'm also a cheap ass at heart and love projects! I'm not trying to bash Prinsu, they make some stellar product!

 

Thanks man! yeah I think the MDF was tougher of the router bit then the aluminum was.

 

great job man! Awesome write up! THANKS

 

I’d spend a year getting the programming all wrong and end up with an acme rack with QC done by W.E.Coyote. I think lacking those skills I’d be more likely to rough cut slots with the table saw(a smaller dia blade can cut shorter slots) and just finish them with the router. Be damn careful though, power tools and metal are a dangerous combination.