Question about roof racks
Printed From: ProfessorPaddle.com
Category: General
Forum Name: Whitewater Forum
Forum Discription: Open Discussion Forum. Whitewater related subjects only
URL: http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14256
Printed Date: 28 May 2025 at 1:18pm
Topic: Question about roof racks
Posted By: PaddleGirl
Subject: Question about roof racks
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2014 at 9:20am
Hey guys, I'm putting a roof rack on a full size van. How far apart should the bars be? Is it better to have it towards the front or back? It's pretty much just whitewater kayaks that will be up there. I didn't have much of a choice with the rack on my little car, so I'm just not sure where to put this one.
Thanks!
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Replies:
Posted By: brig
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2014 at 7:09pm
30" bar center to center is a good width for play and creek boats.
The "where" depends on how you want to load/unload the boats.
In the center or rear would be my suggestion. Center would allow you to use the side door to stand on, and the rear is a great place to climb up onto the roof if you don't have a ladder.
Hope this helps.
If you're using raingutter type towers, look on Craigslist as they often pop up really cheap.
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Chris B.
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Posted By: PaddleGirl
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2014 at 12:21pm
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Thanks Brig. It's funny I set them at 30" yesterday, figuring it should be a little wider than my current setup at 28" - good to hear confirmation. Now I just need to finish the job and secure them. And I'm going with the rear because I forgot about my roof vent when I initially asked the question...
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Posted By: Jed Hawkes
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2014 at 8:16am
If you put them towards the back of the van it will also help slightly with aerodynamics.
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