"...could the top be opened with the canoe on?"

LOL...Yeah, just open the back hatch slowly...especially when driving that way.  Have you experimented with raising the roof while it's holding that kind of weight?  I can't count how many times I read that to make sure I understood what you are asking.

Matt
New Cumberland, PA
'81 Westy (current)
'74 914 (current)
'95 Nissan Altima (daily)
'72 Fastback
'83 Rabbit
'81 Rabbit
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Cory Sammons 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2001 12:01 AM
  Subject: roof rack for 84 Westie

  Found a couple of articles about roof racks for Westies.
  One mentioned that Thule recommends no more than 2 bikes mounted to a roof rack with the artificial rain gutters drilled into the top.  It goes on to mention that some people have had no problems with more than that mounted.  My Q: Anyone out there carried a canoe (~80lb) on this type of system (Thule with artificial rain gutters drilled into the camper top)?  How did it go and could the top be opened with the canoe on?  Any other suggestions for carrying a canoe and maintaining functionality of the pop-top?
  Thanks for any info.
  Cory
  N. Bridgton, ME

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