BCITORGB wrote:
Tink recommends:
===============
Did you follow my suggestion about using 2x4 runners that would
extend
further to the front. Most of the standard rack, are only 4 or 5 ft
max
between cross bars. That leaves alot of a 18 ft double or longer,
unsupported.

Frtzw seems to be gitting the hang of this, we will see what he comes
up with. TnT
===============

I'm with you re the runners, but now what? So I've got runners
extending forward, past the standard short rack -- I like that idea.
But, what do you recommend I do with these 2X4 ends... since my bow,
curved as it is, will likely sit several inches above these 2X4 ends.
What/how do I construct to fit on these ends to support the bow. Just
foam perhaps? I'm stuck.

Cheers,
Wilf
===========

Evening frtzw, you would want to install a cross 2x4 at the ends of the
2x4 extended runner. What you are trying to accomplish is to have your
kayak supported as far forward and as far back as possible on the top
of your van. The cross 2x4 could have the foam hull supports attached
to them for the kayak to actually set on.

If you recall in the other thread, Wolfgang made a comment about his
kayak being 9.5 ft. long, and setting just fine on the standard van
rack. And he is proably correct. the problem is yours is twice as long,
meaning you would have a long unsupported overhang of the boat beyond
the standard rack, which was evident in your picture of the kayak on
you van. He could get away with driving all the miles he did with his
kayak, but you will eventually have trouble and damage your boat, and
especially if you tighten the ropes on the bow and stern to much.

I have made a similar rack for my vehicle previously, and used for bike
rack, ski rack, and now kayak, wind surfer, and other misc junk. I dont
feel that it is necessary to fit the cross piece to the curve of the
top. Just bolt it on top of the runners near the end, as far forward
as you can get it. It should clear the curve of the roof, and extend
out as wide as the van body, maybe even a couple of inches wider, and
gives you some clearance to get a tie down rope or strap around the
cross piece. The cross piece this way rest on the extended runners
which transmits the weight to the body support structures, and not just
the skin.

Sort of a big square frame on top of your van. All this needs to be
attached to the existing rack. If you have gutters, I suggest using
turnbuckles and strapping to make a tiedown between the extended cross
piece, and the gutter. This will keep the front of the rack from trying
to lift off while driving down the road.

The main advantage of the rack is you do not have to tie the kayak down
by passing ropes through the windows and across the inside the van.
Depending on where these would go through, you may not be able to get
your doors open. This result in the accompaning amusement of watching a
short plump guy crawl in and out through the drivers window. Personally
I have trouble seeing that, or as in my case, a big plump guy! With a
rack, you tie the kayak down to the rack, and use the bow and stern
lines to maintain the kayak on top of your car, and not flying off as
you drive down the road, which is usually not considered to be
desirable.

If you tranport your bikes much, you can make some brackets using bike
axle and quick release for much less than Thule parts, and bolt them on
to the 2x4 cross pieces. (I'll try to dig one out for you and take a
picture and email.) On your Aerostar, you could probably put 6 bikes
on top. Try pricing out a 6 bike Thule, and this whole thing can be
made for less than $20 plus if for bikes, maybe $10 more/bike. plus
tiedown rope and foam blockes that you already have. Add one kayak,
stir, and have a good time. When you get the second kayak, and you will
have a second one, you will be set, maybe even a third, when you have
another buddy go with you! Which you should! Definite safety in
numbers! And even more fun!

Hopefully this clears some of your questions, TnT