I am a more recent subscriber than this publication date. However your Sept 2023 libations video pointed me to your November 2022 libations video which pointed me to your pressure washer leak test video which pointed me here… whew! I don’t have a Subaru or a Prinsu roof rack, but have been wanting to put a rack on an all wheel drive BMW that doesn’t have have any factory mounts. I think you’ve given me the confidence to disassemble my interior and custom Rivnut something through my roof. Don’t worry I won’t hold you accountable for any failures. Really enjoy the channel! Thanks from Michigan!

Can't believe Subaru didn't have studs for the stock rack, would have made the install take just as long as your video! Thanks for the clear and in depth instructions.

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

I know right!?!?! All that work to remove 12 nuts. Ah well, got more practice disassembling the interior LOL. I know some folks are intimidated by removing all that stuff so my main hope is that this helps folks feel more comfortable with the fact that it can be done :) Thanks for watching!

I opted to buy the spider no drill rack, but I use this video has instructions to help disassemble the inside. Very easy to follow thank you.

I have watched many install videos of this rack. To me this was perfect and to the point. Well done Tom as usual.

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks much! I couldn't find too many that focused on the interior...at least not any that were less than 30 minutes :P Glad to hear I seem to have achieved my goal of being detailed enough to be helpful, but not too long to be annoying :) Thanks for watching!

@RaceDayPhoto

3 жыл бұрын

@@TomtheDilettante you hit all the right points in detail. The big thing that puts people off is the interior work. You gave short detailed instructions that took any fear I had away. Again great job. Now back to my telescope.

Hi Dad the Dilettante! Great video, I've watched it multiple times just to remember how to take off those interior pieces. I'm going to be using the UpTop roof rack for the Crosstrek, but this is still the best install instructional video... even better than the manufacturer's. I imagine that it'll be similar enough to follow your same order of operations, here. It's like the rest of the comments say, you are making some of the best Crosstrek mod videos. I hope you are doing well and are still planning to make more content. Thanks for all this great stuff, though.

Tom, looks great! Trent has one on his Ascent and loves it. Great to see the channel growing so fast brother. Great job.

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Rick! Thanks for dropping by! And thanks for the support, advice and encouragement back when I was getting started...very awesome of you :)

Great job on the video man, that is really straight forward, and shows exactly what you need to do. Very awesome :)

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! If you're still in the market for one, I would recommend it. The flat-top design and the way it hugs the car is super cool IMHO :)

@TheAdventureZombie

3 жыл бұрын

@@TomtheDilettante I am, though I'm also kind of considering doing what Softroadingthewest did and make my own out of superstrut. But idk. I do really like the Prinsu racks :)

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheAdventureZombie check out 8020.net. lots of great aluminum stock for ideas

@TheAdventureZombie

3 жыл бұрын

@@TomtheDilettante Thanks man!

Would have loved to see this video yesterday! Followed another one that was nowhere near as straightforward and simple. Great job

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Sorry a day late :)

Thanks for this, Tom. I see you have some other goodies to tell us about. I'm looking forward to that.

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yeah, lots of content opportunities, so little time to produce :) Anything in particular you're curious about? Perhaps I can cover that sooner than later.

@rodh2168

3 жыл бұрын

@@TomtheDilettante I'm interested in your thoughts re the IKamper tent. There is the on-going debate about the Crosstrek roof-top load capacity. Then there's the new awning and the Rotopax fuel container bracket. All in good time.

As always, a great how-to video! I'm calling it now..... you are the best Crosstrek mod content creator out there! High quality video.... audio.... and excellent instructions making it easy to follow along! I must confess.... I cringe every time I hear the sound of panel popping! Anyhow, thanks again for sharing! Btw, who's that spry gentleman lending you a hand? Is that senior Tom?

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much! And I hear ya...panel popping and that gut wrenching *crack* or *pop* definitely causes anxiety...even for someone like me who has pulled just about every panel in the darn thing LOL. To be honest, one of the reasons I wanted to create content was to show folks how to remove interior parts. There's some stuff out there, but the production quality isn't that great on many of them. Anyway, if it helps, once you pop a panel, popping it a 2nd, 3rd or 12th time is easier. That initial *pop* is always a bit tricky and stiff. As for the spry gentleman, that is my dad...Dilettante senior, mentor and friend. Thanks for watching and for the kind words :)

Great video Tom! Think you have succeeded in dismantling every bit of your Crosstrek at one point or another. LOL New rack looks great. Hoping you will do a video on your rooftop tent.

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks and I think you're probably right. Not much left in the interior for me to disassemble ;) As for the rooftop tent, it's on my to-do list...now that I had an opportunity to live out of it for nearly a week. Anything in particular you'd like to know? I take requests :)

@Eric-es4zs

3 жыл бұрын

@@TomtheDilettante Nothing in particular. Just curious about it all around. Ease of set up, what's included, how it is space wise for one or 2 people and how well the Crosstrek travels with it up there. That's one thing you don't see much of. People do the tent review but never really discuss getting it on or off the car, how they attach along with how it goes down the road and or trail. You always cover topics very well so I'm looking forward to it. I'm shopping around for one. Thanks!

Nice I've been back and forth between this and ATP so I went with ATP and my lady went with prinsu. Waiting for them now.

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Nice! I'm guessing the ATP mounts similar to the Prinsu? Good luck on both!

@nomadmav7040

3 жыл бұрын

@@TomtheDilettante I'm sure it's similar if not the same. Old rails come out new rack goes in like prinsu. We will see. Covid has caused a slow down it seems

Great video.

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks much!

I am considering a prinsu rack so I can load up a roof top tent. I also noticed you have the semi hidden warm bumper. My question is do you notice your crosstrek becoming sluggish after the roof rack+tent+ warn bumper? I’m trying to keep things as light as possible while still adding mods that I can. Thanks Tom!

Tom, question. I can’t find your video on how to take apart back of cross track panels. Specifically rear panel that reveals tow wires.. I’m going to try to add 15 amp shore power

Excellent installation video as usual. Will be interesting to see how you address the spare tire issue with your new setup given you have switched to the iKamper RTT.

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, on my latest trip I regretted not having a swing out tire carrier. Not just for the tire, but I really like how some folks have a drop down table set up on their swing out. That would have made quick coffee and breakfast setups a lot easier versus pulling out a small table and gear. So, I think it's time to start looking around for one of those soon :)

@chrisnesbit6823

3 жыл бұрын

@@TomtheDilettante I've been thinking the same. Drop down table and maybe a 5# propane tank and mount. Or a 3.5g Rotopak

Great video man!! Nice detail on the removal!! Cheers!! J&C KuehlKuest

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks much!

Now I am jealous.

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

My own envy is the reason I have one now LOL. No regrets though, it's a handy and sexy mod :)

Did the number of parts for the mounting hardware make sense to you especially when compared to the instructions on the website? I got 10 large washers and 6 smaller washers in my mounting hardware bag and no lock washers in spite of the 12 mounting holes…

Hey Tom great job as always. Curious about your comments in gas mileage with this rack when empty of course. As much as I would love to be on an adventure using this rack, most times I would be commuting and am concerned about mpg. Thanks again for you great content.

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. Funny you should bring that up. I'm going to try to tomorrow's 2 minute Thursday on my gas mileage with a fully laden crosstrek :-)

Great video, as always. I have a 2015 Crosstrek and am debating the prinsu rack. Does it render the sunroof completely useless? I imagine with the RTT it does, but what about just as a roof rack and a few items on top?

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Got this question a couple times. Short answer is "no", you can still use the moonroof, but of course the rack blocks some of the view just like any other basket. I'm actually dropping a short video on this topic tomorrow so you can see what it looks like :)

I have an ikamper on Yakima bars and mounts. Curious about the awning mount

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

I used Prinsu's low profile awning mounts. They're specific to the Prinsu, but when I had a regular roof basket, I used these mounts from GZilla and they were excellent! www.gzila.com/products/awning-mounting-clamps-standard

I just bought OEM crossbars and have been wondering which rack to get, but now I want a Prinsu...

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

LOL! Sounds like you're on a similar journey as me. I bought the OEM crossbars, mounted a budget basket to it, and that served me well for the first year and change. The flat-top form factor of the Prinsu, and the fact that it hugs the vehicle were really appealing to me so I'm very happy I had an opportunity to install and test one of these out. It all depends on your intended use. OEM bards and a basket work great, but I think the Prinsu's design will offer more flexibility long run. Good luck and thanks for watching!

Does anyone here know how much they charge to install this at a rack shop ?

Awesome video! New subscriber with an '18 Crosstrek. Now that you've had the Prinsu Roof Rack on for a bit and adventured with it, how usable is your moonroof? Were you able to set the crossbars in a way to not entirely block the view and allow in a little light or is the moonroof/tilt basically just useless now? I really wanted a moonroof in my XTrek when I was looking to buy one and I really want a platform-style modular roof rack but I dont want to lose the leisurely use of having a moonroof to let in a decent amount of light and air when I want to keep my passenger windows up. Thanks!!

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and for the sub. I actually got this moonroof question across KZread, Instagram and Facebook. I'm doing my first "Two Minute Thursday" tomorrow with the intent of addressing 1-2 questions or comments from viewers. Tomorrow's inaugural episode will address this question. Spoiler: Yes, you can still use the moonroof, but of course it's somewhat obstructed by the rack. Thanks and have a good one!

@MANOFBOBRUISK

3 жыл бұрын

@@TomtheDilettante awesome! Thank you for letting me know. Will you be doing this “two minute thursday” on YT or IG?

Yo Tommy boy, are you working on that video for the nice light bar you have mounted on your Prinsu roof rack? I need your guidance.

@TomtheDilettante

2 жыл бұрын

what would you like to know?

Did you need new Tire Pressure Monitors with your car or does it not have? Looking at wheels for my 21 CrossTrek

@TomtheDilettante

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I purchased new tpms sensors with the new wheels and had them programmed at a local tire shop. I suppose you could use the oem ones and transfer them over but I kept the OE wheels as spares just in case

How are hot plus nut get install? Do I need the tool you used in the video? Or can I tighten it manually with out a special tool?

@TomtheDilettante

2 жыл бұрын

I've heard plus nuts can be installed without the tool, and using something like an extra nut or sleeve and some washers. I did a quick KZread search and found this video (kzread.info/dash/bejne/fnp8lMmpfbTTo7Q.html) which shows how one guy did it without the tool. Hope that helps. Thanks, and have a good one!

@chriskorner

2 жыл бұрын

@@TomtheDilettante thanks! That’s actually what I need.

Having checked out a few of your vids I definitely appreciate your channel. I'm curious about your overall opinion of the Crosstrek. You've pretty much done all you can to improve the off-road capability of your trek. If you could do it over again would you choose the Crosstrek again or a vehicle with higher off-road potential (i.e. body on frame SUV or truck)? I'm currently at a crossroads. I own a 2018 same color as yours. I bought a 173lb 4-5 person RTT and want to do a lot of dispersed camping in Colorado with my family. I don't think mounting the tent is realistic on the roof so if I keep it I'm probably going to build a utility trailer to mount the tent(guessing 700-1000lbs w/trailer, tent and gear in it). With 3 small kids, wife, gear in vehicle and in trailer, in the Colorado mountains I feel like I may be pushing the Crosstrek too far. Your thoughts would be super appreciated.

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and the support! My setup works well for me as usually I'm adventuring solo or at most with my wife. A 173lb RTT is probably too much for the Crosstrek to be honest. As I understand it, the dynamic weight limit on the Crosstrek is 150lbs so 173 would put me outside the comfort zone personally. A trailer is a good idea...I've actually been thinking of the same myself. But, if you're taking a route with a lot of switchbacks, a trailer might prove to be challenging. Also, consider the added weight for stopping (not just accelerating). If I got a trailer, I would personally either upgrade the brakes and/or get trailer brakes and a brake controller. Even if it was under the 1500 lb tow capacity. I love my Crosstrek, but to be honest, based on the way you describe your situation...especially with the desire roam around Colorado and do dispersed camping with a family, you'd probably be more comfortable with something like a 4-Runner. Running solo in Colorado last October with a healthy amount of gear, I had CVT heat issues when running long and hard (e.g., up Argentine Pass). Even last week cross country to Utah and roaming about southern Utah, the CVT hit the 230's a few times...enough to prompt me to call it and just install a CVT cooler (coming sometime this summer). Overall, sounds like you should trust your gut in that your plan might be pushing the Crosstrek a bit far. Even if it works out well, with the amount of people and gear you're likely to be carrying, I suspect something larger would make for a more pleasurable experience. Just my two cents. Refunds available upon request :)

@ncd7184

3 жыл бұрын

@@TomtheDilettante thanks so much for making the thorough reply I appreciate it! Yeah I agree it may no longer be the vehicle that meets the need. Part of me wants to trade in for a 6 speed, slap an ironman 4x4 2" lift and all terrains, load all the kids up and gear, and pull that trailer out on the trail just to show people what can be done with less. I'm a minimalist at heart and it would be great to have an inexpensive, easy to maintain off-roader that gets 25-30+mpgs for $20k. Especially with the rising gas prices, high cost of true 4x4s, and just cause it'd be fun to look at the face of a Jeep owner on the trail as they feel a little less important lol

Can you tell me the brand of the (red) shim tools you were using to pry the plastic clips out please?

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

No problem. I have 2 sets of these from Amazon and LOVE them! Low cost and quite versatile in my experience so far. amzn.to/3u3zKqE

@sonny8085

3 жыл бұрын

@@TomtheDilettante Many Thanks

Hi, Great video, I was wondering I have a 21 Subaru with a sunroof can you still use the sunroof with the rack I saw on their website you can but every other video I watched on it said that you can not I am just wondering before I buy the rack.

@TomtheDilettante

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, it can still be used. Check out this video on how it looks: kzread.info/dash/bejne/e4CByrKEnZunipM.html

@huntereckley2931

2 жыл бұрын

@@TomtheDilettante thank you for replying I did not see that video on your page

@TomtheDilettante

2 жыл бұрын

@@huntereckley2931 no problem at all. I hope it helps. I've been happy with the Prinsu so far. You definitely need to seal the holes in the roof well though as an FYI to avoid water ingress.

Great video. What camera were you using inside the car?

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Used a combination of Sony A6600, GoPro Hero 8 black and DJI Pocket 2 for the video. The latter 2 were used mainly for the inside shots. The Sony I would use to film outside in. Hope that helps and thanks for watching :)

@frankwc0o

3 жыл бұрын

@@TomtheDilettante It does help, thanks. I noticed you used lights inside the car to film. I'm guessing you need to do that so the Hero 8 won't look to noisy?

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

@@frankwc0o The extra lighting is mostly for some foreground lighting. When shooting from inside out during the day, the interior shots get washed out by outside light (underexposed foreground). Using extra lights just helps me better expose the overall video. I'm not an expert by any means, and I'm sure there is proper photography / videography jargon from what I'm trying to explain LOL...this is just what I've noticed works well enough for me :)

Where did you plan on mounting your full size spare tire?

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

waiting for a Rigd swing out tire carrier to arrive. Sadly it was shipped via FedEx, who in my experience is probably the most incompetent carrier on the market. It's already late, and in the last 24 hours I've received 3 text notifications from them...each one informing me of an additional day delay. But, when (if) I get it, I'll be sure to share my thoughts on it with folks :) Up until this point, I had been mounting my full size spare either on the roof or on a folded down rear passenger seat.

Any issues with the moonroof after?

@TomtheDilettante

3 жыл бұрын

Negative. Moon roof continues to work well with the Prinsu on it. I actually use the moon roof often as a means to access the roof rack in order to tighten things like rooftop tent mounts LOL. Easier than trying to squeeze an arm in from the side :)

If I have a subaru with prinsu rack I would of regret seeing lifted tacoma and 4runner with prinsu rack...rather own the beast toyota and not put money on a suburu