Help finding the best rack to buy!

[allwet]

I have a 2005 Dodge Stratus 4 door. I'm in the process of buying kayaks right now, and realized that I need to get a rack system to haul the kayaks around with. I will be hauling 1 sometimes 2 probably 12' single person kayaks. I also would like the ability to haul bicycles with this rack as well. I've started researching racks, and stumbled upon a mere 1000 or so different racks, thoughts, etc. What is the best brand of rack to buy? Any one have an ideas on a preferred brand as well as different ways to secure the kayak. Also, where's the best place to buy a rack? Thanks for any input you can provide!

[thule racks guy]

Hiya allwet, I may be a little biased since i'm in the Thule Racks biz but I think I can give you pretty good indication of what you will ideally need for a 2005 Dodge Stratus roof rack to carry a couple of kayaks and maybe a couple of bikes (and even other equipment you may not have thought of).

First things first, you will need what is known as a multi-purpose base rack roof system since your 2005 Dodge Stratus 4 door has a naked roof currently (no factory roof rack of any kind installed). So from Thule Racks you would need the Thule 400XT Aero roof rack system. This includes a set of four 400XT Feet, four 2115 Fit Kit clips (these are designed specially to fit the 2005 Dodge Stratus 4 door roofline) and a pair of Thule load bars (the 58 inch bars will be a good length to allow enough room for a couple of kayaks and a couple of bikes). This base rack system is easy to install and you will be ready to then choose the kayak carriers and bike carriers which will attach to the Thule 400XT base rack load bars.

I suggest going with the Thule 835XTR Hull-a-Port kayak rack. It is the most popular kayak rack made by Thule, is compatible with all types of kayaks including yours, makes loading the boat a cinch and each 835XTR Hull-a-Port kayak carrier system takes up much less load bar space than conventional kayak racks that carry the kayak flat. This allow you to easily attach two of the Thule 835XTR kayak racks to the load bars and have plenty of space left over on the bars to attach a couple of Thule bike racks. The Thule 517 Peloton is the most popular fork mount bike rack style that Thule makes (you remove the front wheel and attach the front bike fork to the bike rack). While the Thule 594 SideArm is the leading upright mount bike rack from Thule (this style of bike rack allows you to load the bike without having to remove the front wheel).

You can find any reputable Thule Racks dealer by going to the Thule website and clicking on the dealer section.