At 04:49 AM 6/1/2004, you wrote:
>Date:    Tue, 1 Jun 2004 03:31:04 -0400
>From:    Michael Rule <mikerule@UFL.EDU>
>Subject: accessory rack mounting
>
>Hi Volks,
>
>What are your preferences for mounting Thule/Yakima-type racks to
>your Westy?  I've been waffling between towbar, tailgate, and roof
>mounted for 3 weeks now... seen some clever set-ups for all- but
>I'm interested in opinions, encountered issues/problems, and
>general thoughts!

For roof mounted you *may* need a ladder.. IMHO
you *will* need a ladder to get a bike up there
(and properly secured)

Also, have a yakima rocketbox and without a ladder,
you cannot reach over and into the box to tighten
the inside (away from the curbside edge) set of
screws/nuts.. whatever you call them.

For the above reasons.. I'm going with a fary lee
rack on the liftgate for bikes, then the roof rack
still for the rocketbox.

one can lift the westy pop top with the rack and
*empty* rocketbox installed, but it takes more
effort.

mind you, we dont put really heavy stuff in the box on top..
just bulky light things (sleeping bags?  kid carrier/backpack)
that sort of stuff

hth

  -tim