Thanks, Joy and others, for the comments. I plan to carry either a sea kayak or a tandem canoe up top on the Westy.

Yakima makes two different "artificial raingutter" brackets (last time I looked) to allow mounting their 1A towers on vehicles that otherwise could not take them. They also used to make a mount called the "Top Loader." They let you mount racks on camper shells, Westy poptops, etc.

Anyway, the "Side Loader" and "Wide Body" both bolt through a roof/shell to create a ledge on which to mount the towers. I think probably the Wide Body is the best for the Vanagon, from what I've seen. The Side Loader looks similar, but seems to be designed for areas of limited space. I think I'm going to get a Wide Body setup. Both versions are currently on sale at REI.com, if anyone else is looking for them.

Brian
:::<< I have Yakima racks on my poptop using the side loaders. >>
:::
:::What are "side loaders"?
:::
:::George