Prinsu Roof Rack on 1st Generation Tacoma

Hello folks!

I am thinking about installing a prinsu roof rack on my 1st gen. Would like the extra storage space! I know I will
need to drill holes and add riv. nuts . Any advice? Concerns?

 

I haven't done that one specifically but I put a roof rack on my old 4runner. It's pretty straightforward. Just make sure you line everything up how you want it and double and triple check it's straight before you drill any holes. I wrapped a bunch of tape on the drill bit so I wouldn't accidentally drill through my headliner. Rivet nuts and the manual tool can be purchased on McMaster. No one at any of the hardware stores near my house knew what I was talking about when I went searching for them. Also I put a bunch of silicone sealant on the rivet nuts when I installed them, and then smeared a nice bead on the outside after "riveting" them in. I also used silicone on the fastener threads when I installed the rack. You don't want your roof to leak!

 

Have you had any leaking since you installed?? I can't get a definitive answer on if its worth it but I am getting closer to just going for it.

 

I did all of those steps a couple years ago, and have had no leaks. Silicone is your friend in this situation.

I have a 2nd gen FYI. But Access Cab, you need to drill

 

You are drilling into the actual roof on the 2nd gen? I thought this was just a problem for 1st gens. Prinsu offers some instructions but I have called a few local shops and they say it's bad news (I understand you can't have any guarantee for that kind of work). I am not seeing much on Tacoma world that advises against it but am worried there are not tons of images or tutorials floating around w/ the 1st gen application.

 

Nope. Never had any leaks. Just make sure you use enough silicone and it's fine.

 

Silicone is your friend here. But, it does get brittle and dry-out with age so make sure you are checking it every year and plan taking the old off and replacing every 3-4 years.

 

I have the prinsu roof rack installed on my cab and shell. You can use Yakima tracks or rivets. Both will need you to drill into the roof. Just make sure it’s waterproofed. I don’t have any leaks but sometimes I get squeaks.

 

I know I saw somewhere on here that someone called Prinsu and worked with them to get the right size for their 1st gen, can't remember any installation notes though. I saw this video on YouTube recently, pretty cool solution for a low profile rack without drilling.

https://youtu.be/Z2rqgn3j4Uo

 

Wanted to circle back to this feed! Thanks for the input - Got the rack and installed so far so good!

 

Truck looks great! Really nice set up you got going on.

Which awning is that?

 

This is the Tuff Stuff 4.5 ft Awning. Fits the roof rack well with very little overhang. Here is the link https://tuffstuff4x4.com/products/tuff-stuff-r-roof-top-awning . It held up in the rain and wind on this trip! I recommend the little extension it adds a lot of usable shade space. I also might have gone a little bigger if I did it again - I like the slim profile of the fit on the truck but the extra coverage would go a long way.

 

Thanks! I think I'm going to go with the 6.5 ft one then. I don't have a roof rack so I just got to make sure I can somehow mount it to the crossbars that are on my camper shell.

 

Thought I would share this to this feed! Was able to mount 2 bikes on either side of the RTT

 

Which rack are you running on your bed?

 

finally got around to plastidipping the rims! Will peel off soon I am sure.

thought I would share to this thread!

 

Im using the CBI overland bars w/ a smitty built tent. The bars clamp on (which doesn’t matter to me so much anymore because I’ve drilled the roof)

CBI makes a side mount and I have rocky mount jetline bike mounts.

If I could do it again I would have gone with a taller bed rack. I like the low profile for the bikes but could definitely use the bed room when loading other gear.

 

Let me know how it goes!

 

@throughJules Looks great and has me seriously contemplating a purchase!

I’m curious if the prinsu is easily removable without concern for damage or leaks. Did you use rivnuts, what size?

I’d like to have one for my double cab and my camper shell, but I’d also like to be able to remove it if needed.

 

I would not trust removing this thing! So much silicone! And you would have lots of holes in the roof of your truck...I ended up having it installed at RackAttack in Santa Monica - I didn't have the confidence to do the drilling myself (or the space at the time) and they guaranteed the install as long as I have the truck. (I also got it on a deal because they misquoted me at first). I will find out more details for you in regards to what size rivnuts.