Easy to Load Kayak Carrier Recommendation for 2019 Subaru Forester with Raised Side Rails
Updated 09/15/2020 | Published 08/18/2020 >
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Question:
Hi Jameson! You're incredibly helpful, thank you so much. So, I want to make sure I understand. It looks like the Yakima carrier is only for a single kayak. If I want lift assist, I would need to buy two, one for each side. There aren't any kayak carriers with lift assist for two, right?. If that's the case, and cost prohibited me from going that route, what would the best option be for two kayaks on a Subaru Forester 2019 with only factory side rails: Crossbars? Kayak racks?
asked by: Stephanie H
Expert Reply:
The best option to make loading kayaks on the roof of your 2019 Subaru Forester is going to be with an assisted kayak carrier like the Thule Hullavator part # TH898 which you'd load at waist height and then push the rack and kayak up onto the roof with the strut assisted carrier's lift mechanisms. So to fit that on your vehicle you'd need a roof rack with wider crossbars like the Malone # MPG216 which has bars that are 58 inches long. This would give you ability to install two of the Hullavators for both of your kayaks.
I attached a review video for the Hullavator on a similar 2019 Forester for you to check out as well.

Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Saddle-Style
- Folding
- Aero Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp-On
- Track Mount
- Load Assist
- Thule
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Stephanie H.
9/1/2020
Looking to transport 2-3 kayaks with my 2019 Subaru Forester sport. It has side rails, no crossrails. Im looking at the Thule stacker, but Im short and worry about being able to lift the yak to position. Can u recommend crossrails for the Thule, and any other recommendations?