CBI Offroad is known for crafting high-quality, durable parts designed to enhance off-road builds. From rugged bumpers to versatile accessories, they offer a wide range of products to help you customize your vehicle for both functionality and style. Among their offerings is the Prinsu roof rack, a popular choice for those looking to increase roof storage while maintaining a sleek, off-road-ready look. In this review, I’ll walk through my experience installing the Prinsu rack, discuss its overall quality and usability, and highlight a few things to keep in mind when considering this upgrade for your rig.
Installation Process: A DIY Success
The installation of the Prinsu rack was fairly simple overall, though it could feel overwhelming depending on your skill level. After receiving quotes from several shops—at $125/hr for about 5 hours of work—I decided to install the rack myself. The shops didn’t even realize drilling was required until I showed them the parts, which made me question their expertise. After some research and watching a few YouTube videos, I felt confident enough to give it a go.
The process started by assembling the rack on the garage floor. A helpful tip is to leave some crossbars off to access the mounting holes more easily. Once the rack was together, I prepped the roof by removing the weather stripping and cleaning the surface. I then measured 7 inches from the windshield and marked the first two holes. I placed the rack on the roof to double-check the alignment, and while the instructions suggest marking the holes 7 inches from the windshield, there’s some flexibility to move the rack forward or back if needed. The most important thing is ensuring the wind deflector sits flush on the roof to prevent wind from getting underneath.
Drilling the first two holes was the most challenging part, as the metal towards the front of the roof is thick. I found it helpful to use a variety of drill bit sizes, working my way up gradually, and being patient to avoid drilling through the headliner. Once the holes were drilled, I installed the plus nuts, making sure to apply plenty of silicone for a tight seal.
Next, I lightly bolted the rack in place, marked the remaining 10 holes, and drilled them following the same process. After installing all the plus nuts, I placed the rack back onto the truck. Before tightening the bolts, I applied silicone to the plus nut holes and around each bolt and washer to ensure everything was watertight.
Overall, while the process required some patience and attention to detail, the installation was manageable with the right preparation and care. I honestly believe with a few YouTube videos, some confidence, and patience anyone could do this DIY project. The most intense part is the drilling and making sure you have enough silicone to seal the holes. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO USE THE SILICONE. I used a TON!! The rack is now securely in place and has been holding up great!
Quality and Usability: Built to Last
The quality of the Prinsu rack is outstanding. Once assembled, it feels incredibly solid and heavy-duty, yet to my surprise, it’s surprisingly lightweight. I was able to easily lift and install it by myself—it actually weighs less than my lightbar. The rack is made from durable aluminum with a sleek powder coat finish, and its design offers great customizability and a high weight capacity.
With a static weight capacity of 1000lbs and dynamic capacity of 600lbs, this rack opens up a world of possibilities. So far, I’ve mounted a lightbar, traction boards, two Rotopax jugs, and a cargo box, which has freed up a lot of space in my truck bed for road trips. Not only is it practical, but it also looks great!
Wind Noise Considerations: A Small Trade-Off
One thing to keep in mind, however, is wind noise. While the rack itself doesn’t generate much noise, the type of lightbar you install can make a significant difference. Even on a calm day, my lightbar combined with the roof rack creates wind noise that sounds like you’re driving in 40mph winds. Despite that, the overall performance and look of the rack are fantastic, making it well worth it.
Summary
The Prinsu roof rack is an excellent addition to any off-road build, offering solid construction, impressive weight capacity, and customizable features. Installation is manageable with a bit of research and patience, especially if you're willing to tackle it yourself. The rack is lightweight yet sturdy, easily supporting a variety of gear like lightbars, traction boards, and jugs. While wind noise can be an issue depending on the lightbar you install, the overall performance and aesthetics of the rack make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to maximize roof storage space and enhance their rig’s appearance.