Prinsu Rack Feedback

Looking for feedback from folks on wind noise / functionality of their Prinsu racks. Was looking at making one, but found a decent deal on a used one.

Any pics of 2 kayaks mounted would be appreciated. I'd be switching between kayaks and some gear boxes. Thanks.

 

I actually removed my Prinsu cab rack because of the wind noise and sold it. Maybe I’m too sensitive but I couldn’t stand it with all the highway miles that I drive.

It’s a great product, extremely functional and well built. Just too much wind noise for me.

 

my non OEM stock rack was louder than my prinsu.
of course though I have MUD terrains so maybe that drowns out the noise

 

I have no wind noise that I can hear. Of course I’m an old fart.

 

Also removed mine because of road noise and crosswinds it was like it a big sail. I make regular trips to visit family 12 hours away and constantly fighting wind and the sound drove me nuts. Looking to go oem because I used the rack very frequently but it just wasnt worth the cons to me.

 

OP…I’d see if you can find someone near you with a Prinsu that you could test drive just to get an idea of the wind noise since it’s such a personal opinion on whether or not it’s loud.

I say that because sealing those holes on the roof after you take a roof rack off is a complete bitch.

 

I bought some small all thread screws sealed those and installed em. Made it pretty quick and is reversible if you're having leaking issues.

 

I appreciate the info! I was having issues with my fist attempt at sealing it all up. After I started noticing water in the cab, I stripped everything on the roof and resealed all the holes with silicon and then waterproof tape over that. Been good so far, fingers crossed.

I actually made a thread about it if anyone needs the info:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/waterproofing-roof-after-roof-rack-removal.753989/

 

Thanks all for the feedback. From the points you were making, I think I'm gonna pass. I have a trailer I can use when needed to haul what I need around, and I'm guessing snow removal in the winter will be a pain from the racks as well.

 

My other ride is an old jeep with giant tires, no doors and no top... and my tacomas tires are loud as is.

And I got blown up a few too many times overseas, so I guess I'm probably not the best one to ask about noise.

But I didnt notice much of a difference when I put my prinsu on. This is a picture with 1 kayak on it, its a wide flat bottom fishing one, so I just had it flat, but I've had 2 up there, that one flat and one in a rack with no issues. As long as the rack(s) you have are compatible with T bolts, should be fine. I had to kinda retro fit my kayak racks with T bolts, but its solid.

 

After having mine for a few months, I decided I’m going to take it off and sell it. It’s very convenient to access gear but I could instantly tell the drag I got with the wind not to mention the 2mpg drop

 

Thanks for adding the pic, making me rethink my decision now.

 

I'm wondering what I'd lose personally. I run a cap all year, and it's super charged, so already have a pretty good parasitic

 

Hey guys we actually launched a video on our youtube channel just this week discussing this exact question and we put it to the test on our new Nissan Frontier which is very similar size platform as the Tacoma. Below is the link for you to take a look.

https://youtu.be/uc209gFY7oo

 

No worries!

 

Nice video. Maybe my only concern would be the perceived noise increase. With a rack, I was concerned with whistle or a specific tone/frequency. A nice one-up would be a drive-by test as well as interior measurement and check an FFT for peak increases or frequency band increases. Some of those may add little to nothing to overall sound pressure level.

 

I love mine and thought it was the best solution to mounting a variety of things up top.

For me, the noise from the Prinsu was less than the stock rack and less than the added noise from my bigger tires.

Definitely get the rubber strip along the bottom and lower the front fairing all the way.

 

I've only ever noticed noise in crazy crosswind situations, otherwise the stereo, tires, and kids in the back seat are all much louder..
Carries the canoe great, good spot for the solar at the campsite as well - otherwise the Maxtrax live there 24/7.



Zero regrets, the Prinsu has been one of my best mods. Even moved it over from the 2nd gen when we traded it in.

 

I've had mine installed for 2+ years and love it. Whilst increased wind noise is noticeable, it blends into the background once you get used to it. Aesthetics, build quality, and functionality is wonderful. I especially appreciate having the rack whenever I'm hauling long items, as the rack functions as a durable/superior fulcrum point vs a bare roof.

 

I don’t notice any additional wind noise with my rack.
Now, by “additional” I mean just that…
The truck wasn’t quite to begin with…it’s a truck.
What I’d find unacceptable is whistling and or vibration..non of which I found with Prinsu…
I had a ladder rack on a work van years ago that would let me know when I was approaching 75 mph…It sounded like a steam whistle!