Re  the problem of weight on the hatch:
It's not such an inexpensive solution, but a dream-come true for my needs: I
had a custom rack made by the amazing  GARY LEE in Canada. ( Gary Lee 403
272-7284
 email gary2a@telus.net)

It's a swingout solution, like some  spare tire racks on jeeps etc, so
there's no attachment to the rear hatch at all.  For pix go to

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/vanagonrack.htm

And specifically for the swing out version go to:

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/swingbike/swingbike.htm

I ordered a combi version that has a fold down shelf for boxes etc  since I
need that as much as  a bike rack, and it's easy to  tie 2 bikes onto that
shelf. See:
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/swingrack/swingrack.htm

Highly recommendable, and it's totally peasant dealing with Gary!!!

Peter Lackner
90 Syncro
Santa Barbara CA

> From: Jean-Pierre Le Cruguel <jlecruguel@AEI.CA>
> Reply-To: Jean-Pierre Le Cruguel <jlecruguel@AEI.CA>
> Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2005 11:40:10 -0500
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Bike Carrier
>
> Hi all,
>
> Regarding bikes, I think the top is not the best solution:
> -not easy to have access to. (unless you are very tall/strong).
> putting 2 bikes up there takes some effort. 4... it's even more trouble
> to have access in the middle of the van.
> It depends what kind of trip you plan, but I would not be happy to have
> to do it everyday....
> - lot of wind resistance too.
> To me the best thing is on the hatch/back. It's low, easy to access.
> For 4 bikes, you'll have to go with the hitch option.  because of the
> weight.
> it's too much weight for the back door (imagine you have to open it, or
> to access the engine.)
>
> I have seen some models, based on the hitch, where you can move the rack
> slightly, so you can open the back door.
>
> A guy in Quebec sells this:
> http://apl-adresse.com/rakawest/
>
> I do not tink there is an easy answer, or a cheap solution. I hope you
> already have a hitch. 4 bikes make a big limitation.
>
> HTH,
> JP
>
>
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