Prinsu roof rack 1st gen

I just got my first Tacoma, it's a 2000 Xtra cab and I'm looking at getting a roof rack. The one that I think looks the best is the prinsu design roof rack. Does anyone have any thoughts about them for the first gen? Good or bad? How durable? Should I get it or a different brand and how easy is it to install?

 

I’ve been wondering the same thing except I have a double cab.

 

I've tried looking around on the internet and no one is talking about them for a 1st gen. Only seen one picture of 1st Gen that has prinsu roof rack

 

Did you ever decide in getting one? I'm lookiing at them to mount a solar panel to.

Nice truck!

 

I only know of Prinsu.
https://cbioffroadfab.com/product/toyota-xtra-prinsu-cab-rack-1995-2004/

* THIS ROOF RACK REQUIRES DRILLING INTO THE FACTORY ROOF FOR INSTALLATION OF NUT CERTS.

 

Yep, Thats the thing that has me hesitant. I could use the space for solar panels but once you drill the holes there is no going back to stock. Sometimes I flirt around the idea of finding a unicorn 1st gen and swapping the parts and sell mine. Holes in the roof is not a very good selling point.

 

What's the solar for?

My neighbor has a Land Cruiser and just leaves a solar panel propped up next to it to keep the electronics charged. Then puts that away when he drives it.

 

Something I'm considering between the two. (Prinsu rack set up vs being able to move it wherever the direction of the sun is). Space will be kind of limited in a camper shell. I've been really wanting to sell my house, quit my job, rescue a pooch and go full time overlanding/Glamping in my truck. Ive been thinking about it for years and would rather have done it and got it out of my system vs be lying in my death bed and old man wishing I would have.

 

Have you seen these? They are magnetic mount solar battery tenders. Might be worth checking out.

DuraVolt Fifth Wheel & Travel Trailer (Class B&C RV) Super Magnetic for 1x 12V Battery - No Experience Plug & Play.

https://www.amazon.com/DuraVolt-Trailer-magnetic-battery-maintainer/dp/B00BYDNKCM

 

Thanks, Will do!

 

I mean, they're good racks. But they're also pretty expensive for what you get, IMO.

If you have (or want to have) an "overlanding" focused instagram account, for sure get one, otherwise I'd save my money and consider other options.

 

Kinda depends on what you're trying to keep charged. Those appear to be for maintaining the charge on your starter battery when you store your RV for long periods of time. 8 watts isn't going to be close to enough to charge a deep cycle.

I had a 40 watt panel that couldn't keep up with a few lights, a water pump (occasional use), and a fan in my travel trailer. After a couple days, I could see the house battery getting depleted. While it never went dead, I was clearly using more voltage than was getting replenished with a 40 watt panel.

 

With CBI, you definitely get what you pay for. I just picked up one of their swing out bumpers and the welds are some of the cleanest I have ever seen and I work offshore and have came across a fair share of guys that can lay a bead. I agree, it’s expensive but the quality is definitely there.

 

Oh I know. I have their DIY front bumper, and while my welds are not exactly up to CBI's quality, the metal they sent me was top notch.

That said, I don't really care enough about dime stacking to pay over a grand for a bumper. I'm a grinder, not a welder, lol

 

I have a buddy that just bought a used Sherpa rack, thats pretty legit, but for his 4runner.. it got me thinking again that you can make these for a quarter the cost, whole thread on it here if budget is an issue. I do love the look of them though!

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-prinsu-style-shell-rack.521186/

 

Yup completely doable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylPZkwRBA5o

The hardest part for the first gen is the mounting points. Personally, I'm just a bit leery of drilling holes in my currently watertight rust free roof.

 

Got the rack installed with my mechanic and it wasn't fun, but it's done and it looks great. My roof already had a hole drilled in it from a light bar from the previous owner so I went for it. Lots of silicone. I also wanted to show a photo of it actually in use since it seemed everyone was just showing off their cool new hat. I held 5 gal of gas, 5 gals of water, firewood, and trash up there with no problems. I'd feel comfortable throwing another 5 gals up there no problem. Some things I thought might be helpful for anyone looking to buy:

1. The hardware is generic. You'll have to buy new screws and spacers if you want it to fit right. It comes with large spacers that would make the rack sit way too high. I contacted Prinsu, no help.

2. I'm pretty sure this is the same rack for the 2nd gen and so on. Because of that, the rack wont sit completely flush at the front (unless you want to grind the spacers perfectly).

3. There are no instructions, you have to wing it. I even contacted them directly and they generically pointed me to 2nd gen videos which don't help.

Would I recommend buying one for a 1st gen? The price point is way too high to have to go out and buy your own hardware and with no instructions. I'd only buy this rack if you really want cool points or desperately need storage. Otherwise, throw it in, or on top of the truck bed. Glad I have it, but I'd steer others away from doing it.

 

Hey man just picked up my rack today and noticed what you're talking about for the spacers. Which spacers/hardware did you end up using to make the rack sit flush? And how was the install? I want to install myself to save $$$ but cant find many instructions out there for guidance.

 

I used some stainless .25" spacers and shorter bolts...can't remember the size off the top of my head.

We drilled each hole slowly and then used a step drill bit for the rivet nuts. Make sure the rivet nuts are super locked in before backing out. I had one that gave me a bunch of trouble as it wasn't properly seated. If I was to do it again, I'd drill the first two front bolts, bolt it down, then mark the back two, bolt those, then mark the rest. I ended up having to shave some material off the rack with a Dremel because my bolts were slightly too far forward once the rest were mounted.

Get new drill bits, extra washers in case you need to space the bolts a bit, and Toyota silicon (use a lot of it on rivet nuts) before you crack into it as well. It should take you half a day if you have everything ready.

 

I think he is talking about toyota fipg.