Roof rack options

Getting ready to do my first mod to my new Tacoma, and add a roof rack.

I see a lot of folks on here discussing the Prinsu racks, which I have to say look pretty nice from the pictures. If I elect to go that route it will likely be their Cabrac product.

My previous experience with roof racks have been Thule setups, which I've generally been happy with.

The primary use for the rack will be carrying kayaks to/from the river on weekends, or the occasional long piece of whatever that I'm bringing back from the home improvement store.

Anyone have thoughts either way about what they like/dislike for these options? My main concern with the Prinsu is it looks like the majority of the load is transferred to the roof on pretty small contact points, which concerns me about the weight capacity. At least the feet on the Thule setups spread the weight out over the foot/roof interface. On my previous Prius I've had as many as 5 whitewater kayaks on my roof at once, for a total weight of ~200 lbs. I do like the option to add a light bar to the Prinsu rack, as some of you have done.

How about noise? If I got the Prinsu I'd definitely go with a deflector to try to cut down on wind noise. My last Thule bars whistled like crazy if I drove at highway speeds in the rain, due to the hollow cavity on the bottom half of them.

I'd appreciate any thoughts you all have!

 

Nobody, really?

 

@bluedegeon

 

Give FrontRunner a look also. Been very happy with mine and the amount of options is almost endless.

 

Sorry, I can't speak to either the Prinsu or the Thule rack systems.

I've been using the Yakima Q-Towers for the last 6 years or so. First on my 2004 DC, and now on my 2014 DC. The Yakima setup works quite well (when installed correctly) for my level of use, which is typically 2 or 3 12-13 ft. sit-on-top kayaks weighing 65-75lbs. each.

I don't use any of the paddle craft accessories Yakima offers. I just stack and strap with NRS cam buckle tie downs, and I've never had an issue with shifting on the highway. My typical travel distance is 400-500 miles (South Louisiana to North Arkansas mostly).

I will say that I've experienced a little sliding of the rack system once before. However, it was pouring down rain while I was driving on crappy roads in the Ozark Mountains with 4 kayaks on the roof. So, a lot of factors going into that (over the 200 lb. factory recommended weight limit, consistently rough road conditions, steep grades and wet surface). I'll also mention that I never tie down the bow and stern of the kayaks (which I really should do). That may have helped prevent slipping.

Aside from that, I'll mention that I added the fairing to deflect wind when I had my 2004. The hum got really annoying when I got over 40 mph on that truck. I've not yet tried the rack on my 2014 without the fairing.

 

You have my support for Prinsu

 

The Front Runner is interesting. It's nearly identical to the Prinsu, even down to the installation instructions, but nearly twice the cost.

 

Cool that your Thule accessory works on the Prinsu rack, I was curious about that. Any modification required?

 

No mods at all

 

No wind noise at all. Weird that there wouldn't be but the way they designed it is pretty cool. Same goes for the FrontRunner being compatible with no mods. Both are very good racks and you can't go wrong with either one.

 

Honestly the only reason I didn't buy a Prinsu is I just don't like the look of all the exposed bolts. That's just a matter of taste and not function.

 

Exactly

You can't go wrong with either one.

 

Thanks everyone!