While there is often little choice for needing to carry kayaks and stuff like that putting storage on the roof just doesn’t make sense long term. Being able to lift the roof is just one consideration. That extra weight on the flexible part of the roof over time will cause stress cracks and leaks where the racks are bolted and eventually even the hinges. There is also the consideration of wind resistance and the increased effect of side winds. Needing to store stuff on the roof is one of the first signs you out grew the Westy. A choice to consider is a rear hitch and one of those hitch mounted carriers. One with a swing away mount is nice so you can still open the rear hatch.  

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Neil2
Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2016 10:35 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Thule box weight, pop top issue?

I'm considering adding a Thule box to my pop top.  My PT has the gas strut assists but if the capacity is 110 lbs. and the box itself weighs 40 then .
. .

Has anyone ever found the full weight of the bars, box, and gear inside to be too much to lift easily?

Please/thanks!

--
Neil2
'82 Diesel Westfalia (Ducky)
'86 Vanagon/Westfalia Wannabe (SaVannah)
'08 170" 2500 Mega Roof Dodge Sprinter (Moby)
'90 Westfalia Subagon
Fulltiming since August 2008
Nunquam Pendite Divendium