Lurker finally ready to get busy

I have a 2009 dodge caravan with no rails(yes I'm a soccer dad). I went to the thule website to see what a setup will cost. apparently it'll be about 650$ when all is said & done. Haven't found much info on inno products. I was planning on going to sports basement in the presidio since I work around those parts, & they'll help me put it together & all. I would much rather spend my money at a local kayaking based business if possible. Just looking for a sturdy, & easy to use rack that wont damage my car.

if you plan to do it right, do it RIGHT. Don't settle for some old set-up. It sounds like you're gonna be in it for the long-haul. Get one that's sturdy enough to haul two(think future) I got the Thule Tracker II after 2 years of do it on foam blocks and life has never been the same.

check CL and Ebay....good luck and SEEyouOUTthere!

I would much rather spend my money at a local kayaking based business if possible. Just looking for a sturdy, & easy to use rack that wont damage my car.

Head south to Aquan off of Britton Ave in San Carlos, or north over the GG to Outback Adventures.  Both are sponsors of this site, offer 10% discounts right off the bat, as local as can be, and have kick-ass staff who WILL put out for you.  With your budget and wanting to spend time where it really counts (i.e., soccer games), just buy new so you don't have to bother with the cl.org kookiness. 

Like the title of your post says, its time "to get busy!"   

Hey mr5900ar,
You have an ‘09 Caravan? Like the one in this picture: http://digiads.com.au/car-news/latest-DODGE-news/2009_Dodge_Caravan_Super_Fuel_Economy_200809.html
If so, it shouldn’t cost too much to get an adequate rack. It shouldn’t cost more than $300, unless you want the fancy-schmancy Thule rack that loads the kayak for you.

First contact the dealership and ask for the factory crossbars (the new crossbars for my wife’s Chrysler Pacifica were like $130 so yours s/b similar). You can transport most kayaks on the factory crossbars by placing the kayak on the bars (upside-down because the bottom of the hull is usually not flat). Just make sure to strap the heck out of it, so it can’t move forward, backward, or laterally. Or get a Thule rack to mount on the factory crossbars (like another $100-150). Either the j-rack style or the saddle-style. They both have positives and negatives.

I transport my kayak on the factory crossbars (upside-down) about 95% of the time. I’d use the J-racks more often but they’re a pain to install and remove each time I want to go kayaking (my wife gets mad if I leave the J-racks on there all week).

And if you decide to get a Thule rack, definitely consider the local shops like Aquan or OA.
Good luck!