RE: [Paddlewise] Minivan

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
> [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of Doug Lloyd
> Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2000 12:07 AM
> To: PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net
> Subject: [Paddlewise] Minivan
>
>
> I just bought a flame red Dodge minivan (short wheelbase, cab-forward
> design, with bra and fog and driving lights). It has the factory roof-rack
> allowing a Yakima tower to slide right into the factory rail. I'm setting
> it up as previously suggested on this list with a left and right cradle up
> front and left and right rear rollers -- both on 66 inch bars. Does anyone
> know if this set-up is strong enough if I carry three British heavies this
> way (third kayak would be tied above and between the other two kayaks with
> an ensolight pad for deck protection on the two below)?



Hi Doug,

Yakima bars (the round bars themselves) are rated at 150#/bar.  If you call
a Yakima dealer they can tell you what the Caravan itself is rated for.
When establishing weight ratings for roof loads they take many factors such
as cornering and general handling into consideration.  So one can often
safely exceed the rating with prudent driving.

This must be an older Caravan as I think the newer ones have eliminated the
gutters; that's too bad really, the Caravan was the last hold-out.  My
personal experience has been that you can put as many boats on a pair of
Yakima racks (using the 1A gutter towers) as you can squeeze on, provided
the gutters are structurally strong.  I used to regularly carry six on a 1/2
ton van.  Now this is all opinion, and your mileage may very, but I wouldn't
be shy about "loadin' 'er up and hittin' the road".


OOPS!  Just reread your post.  You are talking about using Rail Rider towers
in the factory rack.  Well, the bar strength remains the same.  Factory
racks vary widely from vehicle to vehicle, some are well fastened and others
not.  My recollection is that the Caravan's is pretty stout.  It in part
depends on what hidden members the rack is attached to in the roof.  On some
vehicles a heavy load will dimple the roof.  I would just keep my eyes open
and watch for any deflection.  And not to start another debate, but
definitely tie bow and stern lines.  Some factory racks have been peeled off
the vehicle because of the lack of bow lines.

Again, all of this is just my opinion.  Congrats on the new ride.


Cheers,

--
Rob Cookson
		3 Hats Design
		INTERNET  PRINT  ILLUSTRATION
		5201 15 Ave NW
		Suite 220
		Seattle, WA 98107
		206.851.8202 direct line
		206.784.1641 main office phone
		206.784.2231 main office fax
		mailto:rob_at_3hats.com
		http://www.3hats.com


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