Recommended Roof Rack for a 2017 Ford Escape w/ Side Rails for a Thule Hullavator

Published 04/15/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount

(118)

$899.95

Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4

(224)

$264.95

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2

(1275)

$279.95

Question:

I have a 2017 Ford Escape 5 Dr. I want to mount the Hullavator Pro Kayak carrier. It has factory rails installed. When my girlfriend talked to a factory representative he told her to get the 60 inch long EVO wing bars- Aluminum to be able to clear the side mirrors. The part number 711400 he gave her is for the 53 inch bar. But when I go to your Thule website and E trialer website both sites recommend the 53 inch bar. Which bar do I need? The 60 inch or the 53 inch?

asked by: Michael L

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Thule Hullavator Pro item # TH898 requires 4" - 8" of extra crossbar space past the legs for the autolift feature to function. Under normal circumstances you would not want a crossbar this large which is why you are getting conflicting information.

I have a better option but if you want to stick with Thule parts then you will need the 60" Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars item # TH711520. This set of crossbars along with the Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars item # TH710401 will attach to your Escape's factory rails.

The Thule Hullavator is compatible with other crossbar manufacturers. I recommend using the roof rack by Rhino Rack which includes the following parts:

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 59" Long item # RRVA150B-2

Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Raised Factory Side Rails - Qty 4 item # RRSX100

I have linked an installation video below.