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To Prinsu or Not to Prinsu?

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by Ron_Pro, Nov 17, 2021.

  1. Nov 17, 2021 at 8:02 PM
    #1
    Ron_Pro

    Ron_Pro [OP] New Member

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    Literally every Tacoma and 4Runner owner are running a Prinsu or other roof rack on their builds. What is the reason why we don’t see a lot of Tundra owners run them?

    Is it the height limitations? (ie. garage)

    Is it drilling into the roof?

    I’m curious as to why it’s not as common on our trucks.
     
  2. Nov 17, 2021 at 8:06 PM
    #2
    Kdogg77

    Kdogg77 If it ain't broke, it will be...

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    6" RC suspension lift, 18" Pro Comp wheels, 35x12.5x18 tires, RC front/rear bumpers, RC Grill insert, Spider No Drill Roof Rack, Lighting by RC and Cali Raised. Interior mods include AJT Designs, Pioneer, and Rockford Fosgate.
    I have a rack on my Tundra and am glad I made the decision. When we pack up for a camping trip it gives me the extra space I needed for larger items in the bed. I usually put tents, chairs, easy-ups, and smaller items up top. Saves the bed for our larger items we need, with a little extra space if needed. It does have its cons I guess. My biggest one is the trips to Vegas because I can't park in the garages, but other than that...nothing.
     
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  3. Nov 17, 2021 at 8:18 PM
    #3
    Ron_Pro

    Ron_Pro [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the feedback. I recently added a roof top tent, and it’s mounted on low profile Yakima bars that are mounted on my retrax bed cover. Since it sits right over my bed, I can’t really pack anything higher than the bed height. I immediately thought having a Prinsu rack would be great so I can put a lot of gear up there rather than trying to squeeze everything in the bed. I just don’t see them a lot on Tundra’s and was curious if I was missing something.
     
  4. Nov 17, 2021 at 8:21 PM
    #4
    snivilous

    snivilous snivspeedshop.com

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    Because we have a bed? Is that a trick question :rofl:
     
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  5. Nov 17, 2021 at 8:26 PM
    #5
    Ron_Pro

    Ron_Pro [OP] New Member

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    Tacoma’s have beds too.
     
  6. Nov 17, 2021 at 8:31 PM
    #6
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    There are a whole mess of owners really focused on the low payload ratings. The last thing they want is more weight. Then there is the mess of folks concerned about MPG's, not sure why they even bought a Tundra.
     
  7. Nov 17, 2021 at 8:42 PM
    #7
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Hail to the King, Baby.

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    There are a few that have roof racks, but for those that don't there are a few reasons I've seen listed.
    1. Height - You touched on this and lots of people add lifts and big tires to the truck, and then there just isn't room in the parking garage at work or home.
    2. Height - I know, same as number one, but this is different. :p Tundras sit higher naturally, and trying to get stuff on and off the roof can be a pain. (I'm short so I may be biased.)
    3. Drilling - Definitely a factor for some, and for me personally it's the biggest factor. Too much risk of damaging the airbags that are up there.
    4. Vehicle purpose - Tacos and 4Runners are smaller and do trails more easily, so the crowd that gravitates that way is more likely to go with those vehicles and put racks on them. This is the biggest factor IMO.
     
  8. Nov 17, 2021 at 8:42 PM
    #8
    a_double

    a_double New Member

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    I have a full Prinsu on my 4Runner but wouldn't do it on the Tundra due to having to drill. If I had a Taco I'd do it.

    That's just me though.
     
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  9. Nov 17, 2021 at 8:51 PM
    #9
    Ron_Pro

    Ron_Pro [OP] New Member

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    Thank you! You’ve touched on everything I’ve been contemplating about. Drilling into the roof is definitely a huge factor for me as well. Also, I didn’t even consider the higher ride height after a lift. I just lifted my truck too and I can see trying to lift heavy items onto the roof can be difficult.
     
  10. Nov 17, 2021 at 8:53 PM
    #10
    Ron_Pro

    Ron_Pro [OP] New Member

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    Its nice how Tacomas and 4Runners have the pre-drilled holes already. Makes it much easier.
     
  11. Nov 17, 2021 at 8:56 PM
    #11
    Parksareforever

    Parksareforever New Member

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    Get a DC. No need for a rack with alllll that extra space
     
  12. Nov 17, 2021 at 8:57 PM
    #12
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    In some cases, standing in the bed to reach the rack works.
     
    Ron_Pro[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  13. Nov 17, 2021 at 8:58 PM
    #13
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Hail to the King, Baby.

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    But that's kind of like intentionally getting herpes because you like chapstick. I mean, you can use chapstick without the sores. :boink:
     
  14. Nov 17, 2021 at 9:00 PM
    #14
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Generally, I'd be trying not to put anything too heavy up that high anyway, but lifting anything completely overhead can be a struggle.
     
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  15. Nov 17, 2021 at 9:02 PM
    #15
    Rodtheviking

    Rodtheviking New Member

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    I have one, just had to get over the drilling into the roof.

    I did have to drill out one insert as it didn't crush properly, that was a pain.

    Also the drilling location next to the side airbag is a little sketch but I got a depth gauge for the drill bit so I didn't worry about it too much.
     
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  16. Nov 17, 2021 at 9:06 PM
    #16
    Ron_Pro

    Ron_Pro [OP] New Member

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    Completely agree. I guess I shouldn’t have said “heavy” per say. Like you said, anything overhead can be a struggle.
     
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  17. Nov 17, 2021 at 9:07 PM
    #17
    Ron_Pro

    Ron_Pro [OP] New Member

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    Agree as well. I have a roof top tent so I don’t have that option, but I can see how that can alleviate some issues.
     
    Last edited: Nov 17, 2021
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  18. Nov 17, 2021 at 9:09 PM
    #18
    alwzdfiant

    alwzdfiant New Member

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    I love my prinsu. I have a ROAM box I use for tow straps, rope, first aid kit, smaller items I don’t want to keep in the cab. I think I’ll be getting their smaller box soon it’s not as high. 32DDFB61-3B82-4589-90A1-DBB5D326FD6C.jpg05BDD158-0E33-432D-889C-D26CE604E142.jpg 7E5D4405-3382-4503-B7AD-F3A4DE901AD7.jpg
     
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  19. Nov 17, 2021 at 9:10 PM
    #19
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Rolling down windows and kicking off my slides then standing on the window sill also works for reaching up there.
     
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  20. Nov 17, 2021 at 9:10 PM
    #20
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Have you considered something like a bed slide or a decked system to let you pull stuff out from the bed for easier access?
     
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  21. Nov 17, 2021 at 9:18 PM
    #21
    Ron_Pro

    Ron_Pro [OP] New Member

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    Yes, I have considered the decked system. That would be great to have, but I’ll probably go with a mid or full height bed rack first to give me more bed clearance.
     
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  22. Nov 17, 2021 at 9:20 PM
    #22
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Makes sense, and for what the decked costs, I'd recommend the Leitner Designs bed rack. You can get the side storage pods and such to really have it all fancied up. It's just so expensive.
     
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  23. Nov 17, 2021 at 9:22 PM
    #23
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    My reason, is because I feel it's best to keep nearly all the extra curricular activity stuff in a trailer. No loading one day prior or the day of the trip. No immediate unloading upon return. Have something to park and hold our spot while we adventure. Plus we have heat, air, shower, fairly storm proof living quarters, and all that stuff. Saves space in the garage too. Toy hauler for the win here. Yes, single digit MPG.
     
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  24. Nov 18, 2021 at 3:49 PM
    #24
    alwzdfiant

    alwzdfiant New Member

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    8250A2DD-C4E9-4C7A-80FE-3065EA8CC1C7.jpg Just saw this in case you are looking…15% off
     
  25. Nov 18, 2021 at 4:23 PM
    #25
    Rodtheviking

    Rodtheviking New Member

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    Get it direct, same price.
     
  26. Nov 18, 2021 at 4:57 PM
    #26
    HuntTruck

    HuntTruck New Member

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    Tundra.random-3.jpg

    skis. elk racks/sheds. maxtrax. rotopax. so much room for activities.
     
  27. Nov 18, 2021 at 8:07 PM
    #27
    pnw.tundra

    pnw.tundra PNW Tundra

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    I didn't want to drill into my roof, but when I installed my GFC, the truck didn't look proportional.

    Glad I decided to get a prinsu. Looks so much better and now I have a 50" light bar, set of 4 max trax, and a recovery box.

    1L5A4330.jpg
     
  28. Nov 18, 2021 at 8:20 PM
    #28
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    we have a big bed but for me it's height issues going into certain parking structures. Also not being able to park in the garage at home with one on.
     
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  29. Nov 18, 2021 at 9:54 PM
    #29
    Ron_Pro

    Ron_Pro [OP] New Member

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    A GFC definitely calls for a roof rack to balance it all out. I completely agree with you. Nice build!
     
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  30. Nov 26, 2021 at 11:01 AM
    #30
    Ron_Pro

    Ron_Pro [OP] New Member

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    Pulled the trigger on a Prinsu Rack. Let the drilling begin! For those of you that have it, any install tips or suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
     

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