I would much prefer to load/unload from the slider side for both convenience
and safety. 

It tends to keep me further away from traffic at busier launch sites. I�m in
the Lakes Region of NH where we have far too many out-of-state drivers
staring at their cell phones or in-dash GPS to pay attention to anything
going on around them. The slider side also gives me easier access to my
gear. 

Will not be carrying on my Westy as I do not want to drill the top to mount
the rack. A gutter mount is too much hassle when I want to open the poptop.

On 2/11/16, 9:37 PM, "kenneth wilford (Van-Again)" <kenwilfy@comcast.net>
wrote:

> One of my customers has one on their Syncro Westy.� I believe it is set up to
> pick the kayak up from the driver's side.� Why not just do that instead of
> worrying about the sliding door?
> 
> Ken
> 
> On Thu, Feb 11, 2016, 8:48 PM�David Weaver <busboy-nh@comcast.net> wrote:
>> Just curious if anyone has used a Thule Hullavator Kayak Carrier on a tin
>> top Vanagon. I can load my 12 foot kayak inside the van, but have to remove
>> the front seat to be able to close and lock the rear hatch. Not the best
>> arrangement, especially when you have a passenger.
>> 
>> Also want to know if when mounted on the right side of the van whether there
>> is enough clearance to leave the slider open while the rack is lowered to
>> load or unload the kayak. The Thule website simply says the rack fits the
>> Vanagon, nothing more....
>> 
>> Thanks!
>> 
>> Dave Weaver
>> Charlestown, NH
>> 
>> 88 Vanagon GL
>> 90 Westy
>