Choosing Full Roof Rack: Prinsu or Westcott?

nonamex said:

I had originally settled on Prinsu but then took a look at Westcott. Now I will get the Atlas rack from Sherpa for two reasons. First reason is the thicker aluminum and second is the no cutting of the rubber weather strip on the roof. Sherpa is more expensive than either Prinsu or Westcott, however. I'm not expecting the vehicle until December or maybe 2025.

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Bluegill said:

Prinsu Pro Roof Rack
$1,355.00
No weight listed on website
Free shipping

Prinsu Pro Lexus GX550 Roof Rack

Westcott Designs Full Length Modular Roof Rack
$995
47 lbs
Shipping to Sacramento $200 (I saw that you're in NorCal)

Lexus GX 550 Full Length Modular Roof Rack - Westcott Designs


Main differences I can see:

Prinsu has "6 integrated drop-in points per crossbar". Westcott doesn't have drop-in points so you have to remove 2 side bolts so you can lift up a crossbar a little bit to slide in anchor bolts.

Prinsu has a bend (like an "L" shape) on the side rails that increase rigidity. The Westcott side rails have a bit of flex....not much, but I can feel they tiniest flex now that I've installed roof rack grab handles on the side rails of my Westcott rack. That being said, I can grab one handle and haul my 225 lbs up and it's fine.

I don't know how much the Prinsu weighs but it looks heavier. Heavier is not better, unless lighter = cheap and flimsy, which the Westcott is not.

They both look great. Heck, they look the same and you probably couldn't tell them apart from 10 feet.

I can also tell you from personal experience that the Westcott does not make any discernable wind noise.

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S SUBERI said:

I have the Westcott Roof Rack as well and I agree with everything Bill said above. I have a moon roof so initially we left off two cross bars and there was some play. I added one of the cross bars that we left off and it tightened it up. I'm very happy with it and it replaced the OEM RR which has a totally different look and sits much higher.

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nonamex said:

I had originally settled on Prinsu but then took a look at Westcott. Now I will get the Atlas rack from Sherpa for two reasons. First reason is the thicker aluminum and second is the no cutting of the rubber weather strip on the roof. Sherpa is more expensive than either Prinsu or Westcott, however. I'm not expecting the vehicle until December or maybe 2025.

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Snooperstyle said:

The Sherpa also has proprietary rubber blocks (not sure right term) used to mount to the factory holes, so you don't have to use RTV silicone.

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TexasD-90 said:

I originally had the Lexus crossbars on my OT+. Way too much wind noise. I removed them and only had the OT roof rails running front to back. Then I installed the Westcott full rack. This is quieter than the roof rails! I am very pleased with the aesthetic, the weight, the value and most of all the noise!

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Incognito86OT said:

I have come down to either Prinsu or Westcott for the full RR. I like them low profile, low wind noise, has rear side windows Molle panel, rear ladder, and cut out for light bar.

Please assist and share insights with me which one to choose from, greatly appreciated!

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1 due said:

I have the prinsu rr LEXUS installed it and the warranty it don’t know if they that for WESTCOTT

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1 due said:

I have the prinsu rr LEXUS installed it and the warranty it don’t know if they that for WESTCOTT

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Kennedyusmc said:

The Westcott is the lowest profile which means less wind noise. It was one of the first to market and many have it reporting no noise.

Prinsu is about 2” taller and basically the same design with the few detailed differences described above (drop in t rails, side pieces are reenforced)… that don’t warrant the price difference to me.

The Sherpa looks structurally the same as the Prinsu, however it mounts using the cross bars vs the side frames. I’m not sure if that’s the strongest design.
I do like the sherpas “booting” systems for keeping water out.
It’s also the gaudiest design competitive with the victory4x4 from my view.

I think the Westcott is the superior design and best price. I’ve got mine assembled and will install in a few weeks.

I’ve made a few tweaks (pics to follow) preparing for install as I wait for roof PPF.
I used brass washers for the crossbars mount bolts- (the brass will contrast and patina and look sharp against the earth paint).
I also ordered a box of epdm rubber 1/8 washers to sandwich between roof spacers and mounts to seal it.

You should use silicone in any circumstance for added water penetration security. My 17 Taco was victim of the roof tail light leak and rusted all my tools behind the seat and molded the truck a bit. Still stinks. Pissed.

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Dr Bob said:

I looked at all the racks and chose Westcott. Light weight, easy to assemble( they have a you tube video),low profile ( almost no noise), left out the 2nd bar and almost unobstructed moon roof and it look better in person than in photos! To boot if you are a first responder or military, you get $100 off so $1095 including $200 shipping!

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