Opinions on the 100 Series Rack by Prinsu
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Trunk Monkey
Moderator
If you search "prinsu", limit to titles, limit to the 100 section only, many threads and reviews on them.
I have one. No issues or problems with it. There are stronger units as the cross bars weight is only supported by the bolts that hold them in. But I don’t put anything too heavy on the rack. I do have a solar panel mounted up there. Again zero issues.
Eyedaho
SILVER Star
I like mine, a few years in. Similar to Shane, I don't put a ton of weight on it, but I have had no issues with raft frames, outfitter table, oars, etc for rafting trips, ladders, etc.
it will probably hold a ton of weight but there are some better designs if you need to carry maximum weight (look at Dissent). But it’s rated for 600 lbs static and 300 dynamic. I’m sure it will handle that much but I don’t carry anything close to it.
If weight is your concern, Gamiviti is your best option.
- Thread starter
- #7
It seems a bunch of people sre commenting on weight, is this an issue?
Im looking to put a around 170lb tent on it. The Prinsu website claims that it can hold 600 dynamic and 1000 static. This weight shouldn't be a problem, right? Id be more worried about my vehicles suspension to be honest.
I don't think it'll be an issue but I just wanted to point out, which is only my opinion, that all of the weight of the cross bars and weight of cargo is supported by the bolts that hold the cross bars to the side frame. I'm sure it will hold a ton of weight but I also think there are better engineered designs. I still bought this rack because I like how it looks and it fits all of my needs. If I was going to put a lot of weight on the roof (say 300lbs+) I'd probably chose another design. But it's just my my 2 cents.
I have had mine for almost 2 years...no regrets. I have no weight on it yet. No plans for a tent either, maybe some boxes later down the road. I removed OEM rack and installed it myself with silicone with the bolts that go into the existing holes...fit was nice and tight, zero issues.
cbbr
SILVER Star
We have that Prinsu on our 4Runner and a Gamiviti on the Cruiser. Both fantastic racks. The Gamiviti is definitely stronger and would take far more abuse, but my wife liked the look of the Prinsu and all we haul on it is "vacation" stuff - cargo box/kayak/SUP.
As for the weight questions, here is the difference to me - I walk on the Gamiviti and don't think twice about it. The crossbars are individually strong. I would never attempt that on the Prinsu as it feels like the collective structure may hold some weight spread across, but not is a small footprint.
As for the weight questions, here is the difference to me - I walk on the Gamiviti and don't think twice about it. The crossbars are individually strong. I would never attempt that on the Prinsu as it feels like the collective structure may hold some weight spread across, but not is a small footprint.
Very happy with my Prinsu rack as well. I’ve had it a little over a year and it does what I need. Two big factors for me was that fact that it’s very low profile so I can still get into parking garages. Second is that’s it’s aluminum and rust will never be an issue. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy it again or recommend it to folks.
Somebodyelse5
16124-75030
The way they use spacers under the mounts is a pretty poor design and puts a moment on the threadserts. I would buy gamiviti for the 100.
The prinsu cross bar screws are also cheese grade... they lasted about a year in the arizona desert, where it rains maybe 3 times... Installed with grease and they still galled and failed. thread class is too loose, screws are too cheap and have a poor coating.
I would NOT buy a prinsu rack knowing what i know today.
The prinsu cross bar screws are also cheese grade... they lasted about a year in the arizona desert, where it rains maybe 3 times... Installed with grease and they still galled and failed. thread class is too loose, screws are too cheap and have a poor coating.
I would NOT buy a prinsu rack knowing what i know today.
When I was considering a Prinsu, it was suggested that I look at Bowfin Cruisers. The rationale was simple - "It's a lot like the Prinsu, but better made." I've had mine for a couple years. But, I can't comment on strength... because the heaviest thing I've had on it is an 8' Christmas tree. I know. I know.
EDIT: I forgot. The rack is subjected to frequent uncoordinated dynamic loads of approximately 180lbs... I clean my gutters a few times each year. The simplest way on my roof is parking the 100 partially in the garage. Then, I step from the tire to the roof rack to the roof, and reverse the process coming down. The Bowfin hasn't let me down yet... well, you know what I mean.
EDIT: I forgot. The rack is subjected to frequent uncoordinated dynamic loads of approximately 180lbs... I clean my gutters a few times each year. The simplest way on my roof is parking the 100 partially in the garage. Then, I step from the tire to the roof rack to the roof, and reverse the process coming down. The Bowfin hasn't let me down yet... well, you know what I mean.
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FamilyCamper
SILVER Star
I have had prinsu for 2 years and have had a XL tent up there with me and my wife sleeping in it. No issues ever weight wise but I have had 3 of the bolt heads snap off. Thankfully they don't rust in and I can just pop the one side of the bar up and unscrew the broken bolt and replace. As another member said, i try not to walk right on top of the bars. Been up there before and I just keep most of my weight close to the side rails. I love how easy it is to slide RTT on and off the flat bars as well as canoe.
