FWIW, I have installed a rack system on two Westys so far and had no problems. Using the existing holes in the Westy top, I would make rain gutter brackets, drilling holes to match, using 1" angle iron and 1/4" round stock welded on one leg, near the edge of the angle iron. A backing plate behind the fiberglass provides reinforcement. This is the system I use. Next, I took an old roof rack system for skis or surf boards, eliminated the old straps and fabbed kayak cradles out of 10" PVC (using my micro wave oven to shape them) and U-bolted them to the bars. I use a pair of those crank tie-downs and a rope on the front to secure the load and the pop top at the same time...nothing tests your load (or your nerves) like the 18 wheelers on Mex One: yikes! The Westy roof is indeed strong. The book says 200 pounds...my 'yaks are 50# each plus I use them for cargo holds and I have crawled up there many times with my 210# carcass to rummage for something. Kit Carter, 85 Westy central coast, CA |
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