Post Your Roof Rack Setup

[VWDiva]

I always see the yakima brackets on the side (wide body or bronco) of the Westy top. Does anyone know of a reason not to use these "top Loader" brackets? seems to offer the aesthetic advantage of the track system but wouldn't distribute the load at all.

I plan on hauling two 17" touring kayaks over long distances. Is there a structural advantage to a side mounted bracket?

[ThankYouJerry]

^^^ I can't answer your specific question, however, if you do end up going with the side mount ARGs (Artificial Rain Gutters) like most of us have, make sure you opt for the "wide" version not the thin/short version. The wide version has 4 bolts and disperses more weight than the thin 2 bolt version.

http://www.gowesty.com/product-details.php?v=&id=3193

2 bars works for many, but I prefer 3 bars. Consider your spacing carefully (your current needs vs. future needs). Also, you want your weight as far to the rear as possible. Many think weight should be in the middle, but this is incorrect. Of course, any cargo overhanging the rear could interfere with opening the rear hatch. Things to consider.
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1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD

[buildyourown]

[zak99B5]

[dobryan]

[Martian-mart]

[PDXWesty]

Racks should be spaced 32" to 36" apart if you want to use standard attachments. Just mark and measure where you want the first bracket then measure 36" for the other. I use masking tape on the top laid down first and mark on the tape. Then mistakes aren't permanent.
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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[Martian-mart]

Thank you!
Any suggestion to the height? I'd like to go with three like in the photo so I can take my canoe. I'd use a high gutter mount foot just behind the cargo box before where the roof pops. So the gutter attachment being mounted needs to be located where the rack that sits on it is at the same height as the front.

[vwwestyman]

I know it is a Bay but should help out with spacing ideas and all that.

I attached 3 sets of Thule ARGs to my pop top. The front bolt of the rearmost ARG is a shared hole with my pop top struts. The spacing of the others was based primarily on aesthetics... I think I ended up with 32 inch spacing between each set.

To decide what looked better, I tried a couple options. I attached the rear ARGs, then used large pieces of masking tape to color in black boxes for the two spacing options I was considering, and just went with what I liked the looks of better. One example below.

For my canoe, I keep the bars at the front and back. The kayak will ride at that spacing OK, but is a little better with middle and back. If I ever get a "roof coffin" or basket or anything like that, I'd use middle and back.

The stupid hole in the side is fixed now...

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Dave Cook

President, Wild Westerner Club

1978 Champagne Edition Westy, repowered to '97 Jetta TDI
1973 Wild Westerner
My Thing

[PDXWesty]

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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[ragnarhairybreeks]

Aluminum, to be painted black.

Alistair
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'86 7 passenger syncro, converted to westy pop top, project still in progress
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94, now gone...
https://shufti.blog/
Old address still works...
http://shufti.wordpress.com

[erste]

[jvarg]

[kourt]

I just realized I hadn't posted my roof rack setup.

These are Thule 387 towers on Yakima ARGs mounted in the side of the poptop. I'm carrying two Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 (17' long) kayaks, each weighing about 55lbs. We drove from Austin to Key West and back with this configuration without issues.

I've also used these racks to haul rowing shells:

Plus some big antenna arrays, and in the case of this past summer, a rooftop box full of mountaineering gear:

kourt

[pedrokrusher]

Never seen this roof rack set-up before.
Looks like some factory option!
Really nice for surfboards, windsurfs and stand-up paddle boards.

Anyone can make this picture bigger? Thanks!

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Pedro
1989 vanagon Karmann Gipsy #652, TDI AFN
1991 vanagon westfalia conversion TDI ALH Silverfox
ex-1989 vanagon syncro passenger Syncrofox (Sold)
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=598791&highlight=
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=493964&highlight=speed+aap+trans
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=496589&highlight=carrier+bars
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=506025

[shagginwagon83]

No joke - I have had my 1A towers and bars for almost two years.

I am on the fence of having three or four bars.

Three bar looks nice. But I don't know if I can get away with only three bars.

I plan on having a 150w (maybe 100w) panel (always on vehicle), a road shower, cargo box, and depending on season a kayak holder or ski/board holder powderhounds. Looks like I'm going to have to get the measuring tape out.

Edit: nevermind I know how i'll do the road shower

[/img]
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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan

[tjet]

2 pairs of Gary Lee's roof racks with a 3/4" sheet of marine grade plywood & 1/8" diamond plate on it. The front 2 racks I found in a junkyard...

Very strong & low profile. I'm going to fabricate a folding tent on it for rooftop sleeping It's also a great sunblock. Interior stays a lot cooler

[SyncroButter]

[Timwhy]

Yakima A1 towers w/ basket

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'15 Audi A3 Quattro
'09 VW Tiguan (dead)
'87 VW Westy
'91 Tin Top
'90 Cabby
What the Westy wants the Westy GETS


http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=Timwhy&show_results=summary

http://www.youtube.com/user/TIMWHY2?feature=mhee

[germanairsucker]

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1986 Syncro tintop
1991 Carat vanagon weekender
1986 westfalia
1989 wrek Syncro westfalia


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