whats the best kayak stacker/racks dodge caravan minivan?

Avoid the "stacker" style uprights. If you want to transport them that way, get the J'style racks. Like these: http://www.target.com/p/sportrack-sr5511-roof-mount-j-stacking-kayak-carrier/-/A-14510819 I have the Thule version, like this: http://www.backcountry.com/thule-hull-a-port-kayak-carrier
If I use my wife's suv/van, I normally strap the kayak directly to the factory crossbars upside-down. But it's not wide enough to fit 2 yaks like that, so I'll attach the Thule j-rack and put the wider kayak in it...so one yak is in the j-rack and the other is strapped to the crossbars upside down. I've been doing that for about 6yrs now.

I forgot to mention that I have good friend "Ron" who has not joined the site yet , but does read some of the threads on ncka---HI RON!!!!---- ,he has a set of racks  he got used that may fit my van and is willing to let me use them...not sure what kind yet/or if they will fit,gonna see this weekend
probably buy a set for us anywyas -all good advice and links here...I like the one yak in the j-rack and one on the roof bars -flat-upside down with ropes tied down,plan for now I think

Everyone say hi to Ron will ya... 

went and tried my buddies yard sale yakima roller and v rack...maybe later I can get the right clamps but for now -no go

put in calls to Thule and getting advice

tried the stock cross bars after work and flimsy enough to quit trying right away

went to R.E.I -not my favorite place to shop- but they had everything in stock-dude walked out to our minivan -to a look to see what I had and went inside and put together everything I needed=crossbars,hull-a-pro racks-raised clamp foot system for my roof bars to carry the crossbars and same key 6 lock set to keep it all safe---straps etc the whole package.....one stop shopping with factory guarantee and no re-buying because I "saved" a few bucks...aint cheap thats for sure

but it's done---just under 500  ..

I still have the receipt---did I F^&K up??? 

they have a big sign in front of all their sport racks saying 20% off till like sept 1 st or something...I could not tell very well by my receipt but the sales folks say it was....checked ebay on each item and it is close enough or better than online same items  cost

Dont look back Craig ! lol You made the right choice.

Alex

thanks Alex

I forgot I spent all that money till I saw this thread while having morning coffee...now Sick again 

oh well just money........better than giving it to costco...wait...dont they have roof racks 

Been driving the man van for just over a year now, and always mount my yaks upside down on a set of 60+ bars. My experiance with all those fancy attachments has been less than satisfactory.  Just pad the bars, 2 straps and make sure to secure the bow and stern and you should be good to go.
No pic avail at this time, but you might remember seeing my mini van (dodge caravan) parked across from you at PIF.

Great advice on the bow and stern straps. Having a leveraged weight working against the factory roof rack mounts will loosen them over time and also let salt water inside the roof.

After investing in roof racks and mounts for a number of vehicles over the years I have come to the conclusion that I would have been dollars ahead with buying a small utility trailer instead. The roof mounts and special locks and cross bars and saddles are expensive and when you need enough for two kayaks it generates a large total tab.

probably ,
but I hate trailers and if I wanted trailer I'd get bayliner PB,which may happen soon anyways 

I will for sure use bumper to bumper ropes as well as/on top of the thule strap and racks

already over the $$ deal....till I saw this thread again 

500 bucks?!
That's more than your car cost!


 

our new /used dodge van silly
...not the blue beast civic ex, the blue beats has 2"x4" and fender washer racks....
Amy said no way -made me put the drill and silicone away..  cuzz I put some wood racks on there in a heart beat bitches
19.99 and if you order in the next 10 minutes I'll throw in another 2x4 -U just pay shipping

i would have loved to make a nice pressure treated rack for the dodge caravan---She has Veto power 

she wont be caught dead in the civic..had to make respectable long range derby/event ride

but you should have seen the looks I was getting stuck in traffic for miles at a crawl ,during car week ,with saltwater dripping from the back of  the kayaks, aint no bentley's tail gating dripping water...I had a Rolls Royce with full seats staring at me across the lanes while we sat frozen in traffic...the people had smiles for the beast

I think some folks thought it was part of car week

I have an awesome foldable trailer from harbor freight that is awesome. I bought it 2 years ago for 250.00 dollars and it is almost finished. lol . No bullshit . . Gonna be awesome when its done. 

Alex