Recommended Roof Rack for Hullavator and Kayak Carrier on 2019 Honda Pilot

Question:

I have a 2019 Honda Pilot with roof rails flush type. I also have a single Thule hullavator set and a Hull-a-port set. I would like to mount both kayak racks on the pilot and would like to know what length square bar you would recommend for them, I am considering a Thule Evo SquareBar and i believe my choices are 53 inch or 60. I would also like to know if you have any weight concerns with the below all on the roof, In your opinion should I drop the hullavator and switch to a different model for the tandem. If so, what you would recommend. Hull-avator set: 40 pounds Hull-a-port set: 15 pounds Kayak 1: 39 pounds Kayak 2: 65 pounds tandem

asked by: Bob

Expert Reply:

Thank you for all of the information!

While you are able to use the Hullavator # TH898 with your setup as far as weight goes, this kayak carrier does require the crossbars to stick out 4" - 8" out past the roof rack feet. Since the Thule SquareBars have a limited amount of space under them for the feet you can only use the 53" Bars # TH712400 but this wouldn't give you the required spacing for the Hullavator.

I recommend using the Yakima 60" JetStream Crossbar # Y00426 instead with the Towers # Y53TR and Fit Kit # Y00245 for your 2019 Honda Pilot. This gives you enough room for the Hullavator and the Yakima JayLow # Y04073 plus your kayaks. You can also add locks to your kayaks using # TH450400 and then locks to your roof rack with # Y07204.

Attached are some videos for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G

Kathryn L.

6/9/2020

Hi, we have a similar issue. We just bought a second Old Town tandem kayak, so we now have 2 kayaks that weigh 60lbs each. We have one Thule Hullavator rack installed on our 2012 Honda Pilot. What would be the best solution for Transporting the other kayak? We’d hoped to do another hullavator because of the ease in mounting the kayak, but we understand we’d surpass the recommended weight limit for the pilot. We’d really appreciate recommendations!

Chris R.

6/12/2020

I think your best option for that second kayak is the Malone DownLoader Carrier # MPG114MD-351XL. This will give you another set of J-style cradles at the other end of your crossbars, and the load assist will help a ton with getting it up on the roof. Because the load assist components aren't a permanent part of the setup (you'll just attach them and use them as needed) they won't take up more space on your crossbars or work to exceed the roof's capacity like a second Hullavator would.

Kathryn L.

6/12/2020

@ChrisR That's very helpful. We would still exceed the weight limit by some. Is that a problem? Kayak 1 (Manitou tandem = 78lbs) + Kayak 2 (Heron Old Town Tandem 60 lbs) + Hullavator (40 lbs) = 178lbs without the second rack. I am thinking we may have to sell the Hullavator and go with standard Thule racks and just deal? Or is it not such a problem to exceed the weight limit by 20lbs or so?

Chris R.

6/15/2020

@KathrynL Even though it's just by a small amount, I can't recommend exceeding the rack's weight limit. You may need to go with a lighter carrier like you mentioned to keep the total under the safe limit.