Tandem Roof Top Rack

[RangerTom]

I am starting to shop for a roof top tandem hauling rack that will fit on my existing Yakima crossbar system. In addition to the Yakima product, I'm considering the Thule, ATOC, and RockyMounts tandem racks. If anyone has any experience/suggestions/tips on these or other racks I'd appreciate hearing from you. The rack will be used on a Toyota Van (or occassionally a VW Bus).

Along the same lines, has anyone seen any kind of rack setup on the interior of a van for bike hauling? The Toyota van has the 3rd row seats that fold flat into floor, the second row tilt forward or remove.  I was considering attempting to build up some kind of system (removable)for single bikes or the tandem (The tandem actually can fit in the van standing up without removing the wheel by carefully squeezing it between the two 2nd row seats). I would consider a setup that requires removing front wheels and using the fork mounting brackets that are sold for applications such as pickup truck beds.

Thanks in advance for any ideas

Tom

[erniegrillo]

I got a front fork mount, attached it to a 2 x 8 piece of wood and that is how I carry our tandem in the back of our van. Use a 4  x 4 or other piece of wood under the mount to give you some height so the crankset rings and chain don't hit the carpet. I also recommend the ATOC if you want to go roof mount.

[DaveB]

I have a couple of front fork mount blocks bolted to a 7" x 40" piece of 1/2" plywood for carrying up to two bikes in the rear bay of my Honda CRV.  I stapled several 6" long pieces of the "hook" part of 2" Velcro to the bottom of the board so it grabs the carpeting and stays in place.

I'm sure something similar, sized to fit your van, would work.  

[bogiesan]

http://www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/search.pl?category=202500

A sliding rail system that can be DIY if you're handy with your tools:
http://www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/readitem.pl?
Accessory=1157062737

I have friends with this Draftmaster, they love it. But that's what I'd
expect them to say after the investment.
http://www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/readitem.pl?
Accessory=1027022491

Myself, I cannot imagine carrying my tandem-sized long wheel base
recumbent on a roof or hitch. No, I want it where i can see it: in a van,
in a pickup bed, or in a trailer.

In the back of Adventure Cyclist magazine you will find ads for several
tandem shops.

david boise ID

go, ristretto, FCP/AE
"Read the manual."