Installation of Prinsu Roof Rack

Hey everyone! In a couple days the Prinsu roof rack I ordered should arrive. I have watched a few videos of how to install it on my 2023 Tundra, but I want to get some advice from anyone who has done it already. I own a construction business and am rather competent mechanically, but drilling holes in the top of a brand new $65k truck has got me a bit nervous! Anyone out there have any tips, tricks or further advice on this installation? I welcome any and all comments, thoughts and ideas, or anything else you may think would be useful information. Thank you in advance!

 

Use a punch to start it, use a drill stop to keep from drilling too deep and hitting airbags.

I've never done an install, but those are the 2 things I'd make sure of if I did.

 

I'd like to know this as well. Sub'd.

 

I installed mine. Just followed the video and the install was straight forward. The tough part was actually drilling through some parts of the roof. I went through a ton of titanium and cobalt bits, so just make sure you have several on hand. The rear holes you have to make are really easy. Barely even have to apply any pressure. The toughest parts I found were the front-most holes. What I found to be the most effective was making a small hole (whatever size necessary to fit your step bit in) with a titanium or cobalt bit, and then using a skinny titanium step bit to bring the hole to the required size. Aside from that, install was straightforward. Don’t really have to think about the airbags too much if you use a smaller, shorter bit first and then just use the step bit to enlarge the hole.

I’d also try to vacuum or something while making the holes. Some of the metal shards made their way down to my passenger seatbelt assembly and jammed it, which was kind of a pain to deal with.

This is the step bit kit I bought off Amazon and just used the skinny one:

$23 ZELCAN Step Drill Bits, HSS 5PCS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set, 50 Sizes in 5 High Speed Steel Unibit Drill Bits Set for Sheet Metal with Aluminum Case, Multiple Hole Stepped Up Bits for DIY Lovers

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0177PN6SI

 

I did my a couple of weeks ago.

The video is a great start! The big thing is to plan on having lots of high quality drill bits and don't let the ease of the back 2 holes trick you in to thinking it will be simple. Start you first hole at 1/8 and then steep at least 2-3 drill sizes to the 3/8.

The drilling of the front 6 holes was the only issue i had. Putting in the nuts and throwing rack together and then on the truck was easy.

 

Like someone else mentioned. The front most holes near the windshield were the worst. Have extra bits on hand and start with a pilot hole. Definitely use a drill stop.
A second set of hands will make your life easier when placing the rack in place. Drill with the doors shut to keep metal chips out of the vehicle, if you can. Highly recommend Loctite Rtv 593.

$21 Loctite 593 RTV Silicone Adhesive/Sealant, Black, 190 ml (2093365)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FMP3MR1

 

Mine is coming today, ironically. I've got some time off work coming up in a couple of weeks so I plan to tackle it then. I've got a Prinsu on my Leer cap and the cab rack will finish off the rack system on the roof for me. Looking forward to tackling it.

Q1: Are you guys really using step bits for the roof as opposed to stepping up via individual bits? Also...highly recommend, anytime you're cutting structural metal - like a roof, to use cutting fluid. It'll help keep you from burning through bits.

Q2: For those of you who used drill stops...what depth did you set them at? I've watched a few videos from roof rack makers that require drilling. The only one who mentions a depth setting is Victory (I know why...because of their issues) and they recommend a depth setting of 1/2". Is that about right?

Side note: I'm not too scared of drilling holes in vehicles. I installed a snorkel kit on my 2012 4Runner back in 2017. Drilling a 4" hole in the fender of a $45k truck will get you over the fear hurdle very quickly. hahaha.

 

A half of an inch sounds about right.

There’s a some space on the back side before you hit anything. You just don’t want to lose it when drilling and let the whole bit fly through like a full inch while still spinning and hit the airbag or any cable harnesses.

Prinsu at least has a video of the install now. It was a guessing game when I installed it last year.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rIp_SjEIsdI

 

Surprised Toyota didn't add factory mounting points for the roof rack. All this work to just add some threads.

 

I don't think they ever have on their trucks. I know the previous gens also required drilling. I never added a rack to my old Taco, but I'm pretty sure that would've required drilling too.

The 4R platform has rack holes. I had a Gobi on my 4Runner and the install of that was pretty easy.

 

With the Trailhunter trim, hopefully all frames will include holes, whether used will depend on the trim.

 

Thanks for all the input everyone! I am definitely using drill stops and already have some good rtv silicone on hand as well. Per one of your tidbits of advice, I'll pick up some cutting fluid and will remember to keep the doors closed as I drill. Thank you as well to those who mentioned which holes would be toughest. I feel a bit better knowing more of what's in store. Armed with all the input, it seems like it's a pretty straightforward procedure. A million thanks!!! One last thing...... does anyone recall about how long it took them from start to finish?

 

My 2018 Tacoma had pre-drilled holes for installation. Was super easy.

 

Pretty sure my 2005 did not.

 

If I didn’t get stuck on the front holes, would’ve taken me like 4 hours total.

 

Yikes! even getting stuck on the front hole and 2 trips to get more bits I was done in like 3 hours

 

UPTOP Tundra Alpha racks are really nice. Unfortunately, I have the glass roof and can't install.....

 

uptop doesn't work with sunroof? I thought they all did

 

WAs suggested not to install due to room to open the glass?

 

Lol I spent like an hour on each side with old bits before I finally made a trip to Home Depot. Should’ve set my pride aside way earlier

 

I installed mine yesterday.

I won't regurgitate all of the details here. If you're interested, I did a post with pics, tips, & gripes on my build thread. Direct link to the post: Duster's Double Cab Build - The Daily Do-it-All

Suffice to say, I wouldn't tackle this again. Whatever a shop would charge is 100% worth it.

 

Jeez now I'm a little timid on getting it.

 

I installed my Prinsu rack yesterday myself. Took about 5 hours, and like others have said, it is a PAIN! I went through several brand new cobalt drill bits, even using cutting fluid extensively. Two 3/8 inch Dewalt cobalt bits broke off in the holes near the front. As everyone else agrees, the front holes are dang near impossible to drill. Unless you are relatively young and very able, as well as having all the equipment needed to make this go as smooth as possible, I would NOT recommend doing this on your own! The instruction video on Prinsu's site was extremely well detailed, but this process is not easy to say the least. All said and done though, I LOVE this rack!