PrInSu Design Studio Roof Racks BS Thread

What hardware did you use to mount your Hi-Lift? Looking for a similar setup for my MaxTrax and looked on McMaster but wasn't sure what size bolts would fit into the rack slots

 

I just got some Yakima TopGrip attachments that are lockable. https://www.yakima.com/topgrip

And if you didn't know, both Yakima and Thule market their products differently in other countries. AND almost always it is cheaper outside the US.
Here is the topgrip called the AceO'Spades in Austrailia for $20 cheaper including shipping and lock cores (US version doesn't come with locks): https://www.ebay.com/itm/Yakima-Ace...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Another example are Thule Aeroblade Edge Crossbars. They are sold individually in the US for about $250 per bar, and $250 per set in the UK WITH locks!

 

I didn’t even know Yakima went to this style rack. Now to go search for compatible accessories

 

Curious if anyone is running a Rigid sr series light bar on their rack and did you get the mounts from prinsu?

 

I usually mount things using the series 10 stainless drop in t nuts from Tnutz.com. Got the triangle bracket in picture from same place. Select the 1/4-20 thread option. They’re about $1.20 each for the T nuts but they Also have less expensive non stainless options
https://www.tnutz.com/product/db-010-ss/

Bolts are 1/4-20 X 1/2 long button head 80/20 black oxide stainless from McMaster Carr. Got matching black stainless lock nuts and washers from McMaster Carr. They charge for shipping so plan ahead and buy extras for your next project so you only pay shipping once.

 

Ok... Am I dumb and not looking at this correctly or do I need different bolts?

I have a Prinsu, two rotopax, rotopax deluxe mounts, and the roto universal mounting plate..... How do I mount all of this to the roof rack without the bolts sticking out too high and hitting the gas cans?

Or is my problem the fact that I'm trying to use the carriage bolts Roto sends with its mounts? Do I need to buy my own very short bolts or cut these down? The Rotopax sits on top of the bolt and I'm afraid it'll damage the roto over time. Or am I just missing something because I've been in quarantine too long and can't think straight.



Edit*..... Or should I just screw the bolts DOWN into and thru the prinsu crossbar. I'm trying not to drill into the crossbars and weaken the strength.

 

Why not use t slot nuts instead of bolts? That’s what the aluminum tslot extrusions are designed for. They were never really intended to be used with carriage bolts, that’s just a cheap solution that works relatively well.

 

I used carriage bolts for mine. Cut them down if they were too long. No issues. Done.

 

They're still too long.. I guess I'll just cut them down.
Do you know if local hardware stores like Lowe's, HD, ace have tslot nuts?

 

I responded to your PM, but I figured I would post this here as well.

I'm not sure if you can get them locally. Fastenal or Grainger might stock them though.

Prinsu bars are 10 series aluminum extrusions that are 1"x2" or 1020.
tnutz.com has the bars already presized for good prices. They also sell hardware.
https://www.tnutz.com/?s=prinsu&post_type=product
https://www.tnutz.com/product-category/10-series-hardware/

You can also get a lot more pieces from 8020.net.
https://8020.net/catalog/category/view/id/4/?color=15&series=17
https://8020.net/catalog/category/view/id/196/?series=17

Basically if it says it's for 10 series, it will fit.

For bolt length (so they don't bottom out in the channel), you need to know the thickness of the thing that you are bolting on. Just measure it and use the diagrams on 8020 to determine how long of a bolt you need.
Add the panel thickness plus slightly less than the depth of the channel, which is .235" or 6mm.

For example, if you are bolting down a bracket that is .125" thick, then you need a bolt that is .235"+.125" = .36" MAX length. Now I know you can't buy a bolt that length, but if you are using a washer you can add that thickness in there as well .066" for a 1/4" washer. That comes to .425", so you could get 3/8" or 1/2" and file them down a little.

Also, remember that if something says its 1/8" or 1/4" thick, it probably isn't. Most material is not going to be exact. If it's powder coated, that adds thickness. If it's painted, that adds thickness. Invest in some digital calipers if you haven't already. They are useful for all sorts of things.

$28 NEIKO 01407A Electronic Digital Caliper Measuring Tool, 0 - 6"es Stainless Steel Construction with Large LCD Screen Quick Change Button for Inch Fraction Millimeter Conversions, Digital Caliper Measuring Tool

https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-01407A...ywords=digital+calipers&qid=1588274239&sr=8-3

 

Little let down myself. Finally ordered me a Prinsu a month ago. When it showed, all I got were the cross bars, side rails, and wind fairing. They were on top of it when I emailed and told me they'd ship out all the hardware immediately. Today, I finally got the second package and it has the hardware to attach the wind fairing, but nothing to connect the side rails to the cross bars or to mount the rack on the roof. Again, they seemed super cool about it, apologized, and said they'd ship the rest out immediately.

I get it's a tough time and I get people make mistakes, but I've got 90% of a really nice rack sitting in my garage with nothing to do. It's killing me.

 

Buy shorter ones. They exist. Lot easier than trying to cut the damn things.

 

Anybody got coupon codes for any sites for the prinsu rack?

 

I think https://truckbrigade.com is still doing free shipping.

 

Thank you!

 

Got my rack on today

 

Nice! On sale? How much?

 

Thanks. Not on sale. Normal price. Worth it in my opinion

 

Did you ever end up getting those brackets?
I did. Paid ~$12 shipping, fcking things don't work with my 44" light bar (which is WAY deeper than Hereti or Auxbeam) .

 

No Seb. I ultimately bought a 4 pack of L corner braces from Home Depot for like $3 bucks and drilled the holes larger, and sprayed them black. Worked like a charm.