Roof Rack Recommendation for 2018 Jeep Compass for Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier

Question:

I recently purchased a 2018 Jeep Compass Trailhawk with a full sunroof, and would like to set it up for carrying my kayak. I have flush roof rails and see that Thule Aeroblade ARB47 is compatible with my setup. When I search for compatibility of roof bars, I continue to get a fit of 47inch bars, but the trouble is that I am also interested in purchasing the Thule Hullavator kayak pro carrier to mount to the aeroblades and in with that set up, I read, that I need 4-8foot of the bar to extend past the feet. With that said, I am assuming I need longer bars, but I am wondering what would be a good fit/length? My flush rails are about 43inch apart on my compass. I see that the aeroblades come in a few sizes so I am just wondering what size would work best. Obviously I want enough extra room, so the Hullavator works without the kayak hitting the side of my vehicle, but also I dont want so much extra space on the rails that it becomes an excessive eyesore. On that same note, do the Thule aeroblade rails have to be center between the podium feet? Or can I have a 6inch over hang on the left side of my car and be flush on the right side of my car with the rail and the feet? I imagine they would need to be center for weight distribution, but it was another thought I had with buying the correct size rails. Any input/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

asked by: Miranda S

Helpful Expert Reply:

I checked with Thule and they confirmed the fit of the Thule Hullavator Pro part # TH898 on your 2018 Jeep Compass with thier Aeroblade roof rack that has the 47 inch long Aeroblade bars.

So the rack you'd need consists of part numbers # TH711220, # TH460R, and # THKIT3164 and you'd be set to use the Hullavator.

The slots in the bottom of the crossbars do allow some movement of the bar in the feet so if you wanted to push them more to one side for the Hullavator's overhang requirement you certainly could do that.

expert reply by: Jameson C