I use a three rack set up on a non-westy van.  The reason is different
spacing for different toys.  Sea Kayaks require longer spread than bike and
ski racks.  My middle bar is spaced forward from the rear enough to accept
bikes.
Doug E.
'84  Van-Go
'67 vw convertible  Vert-i-go

----- Original Message -----
From: "Melissa Mourkas" <westywoman@MAC.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, August 29, 2009 8:25 PM
Subject: Thule Roof Racks with 3 bars

>I goofed and ordered a "good deal" on used gutter mounts for a Thule
> roof rack from someone on Amazon.  Turns out I only got 2, not 4.
> Not terribly helpful and the seller is not admitting to a mistake.
> So, in moving on, I still need 2 more gutter mounts for a roof rack
> to accommodate 2 crossbars.  I went to REI today (Thule on sale!) and
> they only have a 4-pack available.  Thule only shows a 4-pack on
> their website.  I will call Thule on Monday and find out if they will
> package and sell just 2 gutter mounts.
>
> The preamble above is to inform the bigger question: I know I have
> seen Westies with three crossbars and I want to know how those are
> being used.  If the solution to my problem is just to buy the 4-pack,
> I want to know how this may benefit me down the road.  How would I
> make use of three crossbars in the future?
>
> Thanks, all!
>
> Melissa Mourkas
> 84 Westy "Honey Bee"
> Sacramento
>
> And yes, I do have a Westy life but I don't go camping when it's 105!
> Icky!