John Kuthe wrote in message ...
Chris wrote:

All,

I'm thinking of buying a Kia Sedona Mini-Van and Thule sells add-on
feet/bars for the factory rack. I've read some negative comments about
factory racks. Do you think that this setup would do fine for transporting
1 kayak? 2 kayaks?

Factory roof rack mounts vary in their structural integrity, I'm sure. I draw
this conclusion from pulling the headliner out of a 1990 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban
/w/ a factory rack, only to find the factory rack mounted in nothing but the
roof sheet metal! Not in any stronger braced points, just the relatively thin
roof sheet metal. I was quite surprised, especially after hearing about all the
chatter about "aftermarket rack manufacturers have measurments telling them
where to drill in the roof of various vehicles to mount a rack in a reinforced
part of the roof"! I don't believe that 100% anymore, cause I witnessed the
1990 Suburban not *having* any additionally reinforced places that it's own
factory rack was mounted in!!!

John Kuthe...

My sister owned a Kia Sportage.
3 front ends later I think I would give the Kia line up some scrutiny.
If you have not bought the car yet you may want to get hold of a good
mechanic friend and ask what they think of Kia.
Perhaps they have come a long way in 3 years. Suzuki has improved and
they used to be (( Rough )),
Thuly racks are good as are Yakama. I would trust them. My 1990 VW
Golf carries 3 sea kayaks and normally I dont have straps to the bow.
I put a light rope on the stern as a break line .
Good luck.
Alex