I'd go with the trailer unless you intend on going off road much.
Then it's a matter of getting the yaks smacked by branches on top vs
mobility issues towing a trailer. I've pulled trailers full of
firewood and a boat that weights about as much as my 90 Syncro Westy
short distances several times and know the limitations. A Sportsrig
trailer would be very doable under most circumstances, since it is so
light.

Do let me know if you come to the bay area. Lots of fun places to
paddle and plenty of Vanagon folk.

Keith

On Jan 6, 2008, at 7:44 PM, DAVID & ANGIE BUTLER wrote:

>      Thank you all for responding. Our situation may be a little
> different. We have three kayaks total, but will only be carrying
> two at a time:  Perception Carolina Airalite, 54 lbs.; an Ocean
> Kayak Prowler, 63 lbs; and a Hobie Mirage Adventure Fish (peddle)
> kayak, 62 lbs.  Our VW Vanagon is a 1987 camper with pop top.  We
> bought the high rise Yakima or Thule (can't remember which) rack
> posts, but realized that we probably wouldn't be able to pop the
> top with the kayaks on top and taking them off all the time would
> be way too much work, so we returned the posts without ever
> mounting them.  We also figured over a hundred pounds on top of the
> vehicle might be too much weight up there.  We also have a
> lightweight Sportsrig trailer with riser, which allows us to carry
> up to four kayaks or two of them and a lot of other gear (up to 450
> lbs.).  We're hoping that this system will work for us, but were
> very much interested in how other VW bus folk carry theirs.  Does
> anyone have experience pulling small trailers behind your bus?
>
>     We're sure glad to find a group like yours...we'll be in your
> area in May or June.  Maybe we'll be able to meet up with you
> somewhere and even go for a paddle with folks who know the area.
> Once again, thanks very much for your input.
>
>
>                               Be talking with you,
>
>                               David and Angie Butler
>
>                               Casa Grande, AZ
>