Date:         Tue, 22 Feb 2005 20:23:13 -0500
Reply-To:     John Runberg <jrunberg@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Runberg <jrunberg@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: Raingutter mounts on Westy top?
Comments: To: briwasson@VERIZON.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I put yaks on my westy, but they spend most of the time in the house. Only use them for the kayaks since the shorter longboards fit inside. I found a set of used 1A towers on *bay for cheap and got 66" bars locally. The clamp to yakima fake gutter brackets which are bolted to the van.

> 1. Do you run the bolts all the way through the top, so they are visible inside the camper?
the fake gutters mount on the sides and the bolts go all the way through. the canvas prevent you seeing them and they are short enough not to risk tearing anything.

> 2. Is it necessary to reinforce the area where the bolts and nuts attach? (With a steel plate or something similar.)
I've heard yes and no. I used large fender washers from the hardware store between the 'glass and nut to prevent damage. Also used nylon nuts to prevent loosening, but loctite words as well.

> 3. How far down on the top do you mount the brackets?
My top was already drilled. If I had to do it again, I'd mount them so they were as low as possible. No need (for me) to have them high up there. I used a little silicone sealent on the bolts to prevent water movement, but I'm not sure it really matters.

john