Install day for my Prinsu Design Studio roof rack finally came. When preparing all the parts and laying them out, I realized that there are no instructions in the packaging that the rack came in. Not to worry though, because Prinsu has all of the install guides online HERE.
After reviewing the instructions, it was apparent that it would be very straightforward. One “Specialty” item you may need is a T27 torx bit — something I just happened to have since everything on my old VW used torx…
First I laid out a painter’s blanket so I didn’t have to set the rack directly on concrete. Then, I bolted everything together loosely.
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| Bolts not fully tightened |
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| All snugged up! |
I left the second rail off for now since I have a sunroof and I wanted to be able to use it. The rails are very easy to add down the road if I’d like to. Everything fit together nice and square, so I snugged it all up.
Next, I began to prep the roof for mounting. I have the sport rails, so they do not have any clips to hold the end caps on, instead they are some sort of pressure fitting male/female connection. I used a trim puller tool to get under the lip and slowly wiggle the piece upward. On the sport rack, you will have to detach the main rail from the bases if you want to slide the crossbars out first. For me, I just lifted the whole rack off.
Once the old rack was off, I was left with a 10 year dirt, grime and wax ring where the old feet were.
To combat most of the grime, I used simple green and a microfiber cloth.
But I was still left with this halo at each mounting point. I used some Meguiar’s Scratch X compound to clean things up even more.
Now we’re ready to get it on the truck! BE WARNED — This rack “only” weighs about 60lbs, so in theory it is a very easy lift. But, since you have to lift up and hold your hands slightly away from your body, it can be a little harder than it initially sounds, especially on a lifted truck. Make sure the person you ask to help is up for the task, and just try not to drop it on your roof!
I thought I had pics of the spacers and silicone globs, but I can seem to find them…In short, don’t skimp on the silicone. Get the bead inside the tube and all around the opening. When you put the spacer in, you should see it squish upwards into it.
Carefully rest the rack onto the feet and align the bolt holes. Personally, I used a tape measure and measured off the edges to center it on my roof, but the holes probably align close enough to center on their own when tightened down.
After it’s all tightened down, sit back crack a beer and admire.
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