Full length roof rack options - Prinsu vs Westcott

[swampdog]

The LC came with the standard forward to back bars. One could just add cross bars, but that would not provide a lot of support for longer things like kayaks or paddle boards. A full length roof rack would help with safely carrying water toys and lots of other things.
The Prinsu Pro rack first caught my eye. It looks well made and solid, although pricey, especially in Canadian dollars. Then I came across the Westcott Modular Roof Rack at about $500 less than the Prinsu.
Both racks are full length, although the Prinsu looks a few inches wider. It seems that one would have to remove the factory roof bars in order to install either of these racks. Both racks are made of aluminum, and both appear to be of good quality. The Prinsu weighs considerably more at 70 pounds, as compared to the Westcott at about 46 pounds. The Prinsu uses double side rails and possibly heavier weight cross bars; those items could account for the weight difference. The Prinsu is rated at 700 lb dynamic load and 1200 lb static load; I can't find load ratings for the Westcott rack. The Prinsu also may have more options for tie downs and mounting accessories.
Does anyone here have familiarity with these two racks? Is the extra weight (and presumably strength) of the Prinsu enough to justify the extra cost? Is there another brand that one should consider?

 

[Thx_1158]

The LC came with the standard forward to back bars. One could just add cross bars, but that would not provide a lot of support for longer things like kayaks or paddle boards. A full length roof rack would help with safely carrying water toys and lots of other things.
The Prinsu Pro rack first caught my eye. It looks well made and solid, although pricey, especially in Canadian dollars. Then I came across the Westcott Modular Roof Rack at about $500 less than the Prinsu.
Both racks are full length, although the Prinsu looks a few inches wider. It seems that one would have to remove the factory roof bars in order to install either of these racks. Both racks are made of aluminum, and both appear to be of good quality. The Prinsu weighs considerably more at 70 pounds, as compared to the Westcott at about 46 pounds. The Prinsu uses double side rails and possibly heavier weight cross bars; those items could account for the weight difference. The Prinsu is rated at 700 lb dynamic load and 1200 lb static load; I can't find load ratings for the Westcott rack. The Prinsu also may have more options for tie downs and mounting accessories.
Does anyone here have familiarity with these two racks? Is the extra weight (and presumably strength) of the Prinsu enough to justify the extra cost? Is there another brand that one should consider?

I'm going with Sherpa once my LC gets here. I like the weatherproofing and design.

 

[Rhino-Rack]

Just because you asked for other brands to consider, I'll throw our Reconn Platform out there. There are a few running it around here who may be able to give some real world feedback. The GX550 forum has a few as well.

https://www.rhinorack.com/en-us/products/roof-racks/cross-bar-roof-racks/reconn-platform/toyota-land-cruiser-250-lexus-gx550-reconn-platform-95-x-48-with-rdb120_jc-02121

 

[Evergreen Daydreams]

I'm going with Sherpa once my LC gets here. I like the weatherproofing and design.

Same. I also liked the range of accessories that increase the capabilities of the rack, and the minimal branding (with the cool mountain logo on the side to boot). Ordered it yesterday and it already shipped!

 

[Thx_1158]

Same. I also liked the range of accessories that increase the capabilities of the rack, and the minimal branding (with the cool mountain logo on the side to boot). Ordered it yesterday and it already shipped!

Yep.... may I ask if you got the light bar option as well?

 

[Evergreen Daydreams]

Yep.... may I ask if you got the light bar option as well?

I did the full height (no bar) for now, but may swap it out later once/if I get around to adding a light bar

 

[skipowpow]

I have the Prinsu Pro. Easy install. Super solid. No real wind noise. Sherpa has great gear and customer service, but Prisu was one of the only ones available when I got my LC in July.

 

[BacaraLC]

Just installed Rhino Rack Reconn, 100% glad I waited for the launch. Super high quality and does not rest front fairing across the paint. So happy with my choice.

 

[obbob]

For these roof racks, is it possible to not install some of the cross bars so that the sunroof is not obstructed?

 

[BacaraLC]

For these roof racks, is it possible to not install some of the cross bars so that the sunroof is not obstructed?

I saw a post unofficially supported by RhinoRack saying you could leave 7th bar out for clear view.

 

[SomeOtherIdiot]

I have had my Sherpa for about 3 months now. I am very happy with the design and build. I did the half fairing with the light bar.

 

[SomeOtherIdiot]

For these roof racks, is it possible to not install some of the cross bars so that the sunroof is not obstructed?

I would ask that of the manufacturer. They might have a kit or a different layout design for the sunroof.

 

[Thx_1158]

I have had my Sherpa for about 3 months now. I am very happy with the design and build. I did the half fairing with the light bar.

Where did you put the switch for the light bar?

 

[ajc]

The LC came with the standard forward to back bars. One could just add cross bars, but that would not provide a lot of support for longer things like kayaks or paddle boards. A full length roof rack would help with safely carrying water toys and lots of other things.
The Prinsu Pro rack first caught my eye. It looks well made and solid, although pricey, especially in Canadian dollars. Then I came across the Westcott Modular Roof Rack at about $500 less than the Prinsu.
Both racks are full length, although the Prinsu looks a few inches wider. It seems that one would have to remove the factory roof bars in order to install either of these racks. Both racks are made of aluminum, and both appear to be of good quality. The Prinsu weighs considerably more at 70 pounds, as compared to the Westcott at about 46 pounds. The Prinsu uses double side rails and possibly heavier weight cross bars; those items could account for the weight difference. The Prinsu is rated at 700 lb dynamic load and 1200 lb static load; I can't find load ratings for the Westcott rack. The Prinsu also may have more options for tie downs and mounting accessories.
Does anyone here have familiarity with these two racks? Is the extra weight (and presumably strength) of the Prinsu enough to justify the extra cost? Is there another brand that one should consider?

I was considering the same racks and ran across this video discussing them (and the oem rack): . Let us know what you do and how it goes!

 

[SomeOtherIdiot]

Where did you put the switch for the light bar?

next to the door.

 

[swampdog]

The Prinsu Pro rack finally arrived, after about a six week wait. It took about three hours from start to finish to install it; not bad, we thought. The Prinsu is heavier than most options out there, and it does seem solid.
I do wonder about the unsupported length of the front part of the rack; maybe the heavy nature of the Prinsu rack will help with preventing sag towards the front. The alternative would involve providing support under the sides of the rack near the front, but hopefully that won't be necessary. This issue likely applies to all the full-length racks. Someone mentioned that the rack touches the paint at the front. Mine does not quite touch, although it comes close. The part that might touch the paint is soft foam weatherstrip, so I can't see it damaging the paint anyway.
We used all the cross pieces that came in the box. It seems to me that it could include one more crosspiece, installed on edge at the rear of the rack. The cutouts in the metal and the predrilled holes are there, but no bar to install. This looks odd, as if something is missing. And installing a bar there would strengthen the rack. Maybe whoever packed the box counted wrong. I suppose one could remove the crossbar above the sunroof and use it at the back. Maybe Prinsu is listening; if so, please send me another cross bar.
Still need to check for wind noise and keep an eye on the fuel mileage. It appears as aerodynamic as possible, so hoping for the best.

 

[BacaraLC]

The overhang on the front was one reason I waited for the RhinoRack Reconn. They have a 4th set of supports that sit in channel with thick foam pads. Super stable even with my big tent. Zero fluttering or vibration. Plus zero paint contact on the front fairing.

 

[swampdog]

Interesting. It would be relatively easy to add foam pads near the front on the side pieces of the Prinsu. Although that also could cause some abrasion over time. Is the Rhino Rack as heavy as the Prinsu, with double thickness side construction? Prinsu advertises that this rack is much more heavy duty than previous racks.

Edit - Just checked the weight ratings. The Prinsu is rated for quite a bit more weight, both static and on/off road. It has two? more crossbars and likely weighs more - I can't find the weight spec on the RhinoRack. Not sure how the price compares.

Lots of options out there and everyone will think they bought the best - lol.

 

[BacaraLC]

I’m not sure on weight, but it has a rather heavy duty main rail, thinner outer overlay and an L rail on the inside. Then has a total of 7 cross rails, plus front fairing is rather stout and structural. The front legs with pads sit right in channel on top of seam sealer so not worried about abrasion over time.