Best Kayak Load Assist For Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars

Question:

Hello! I have a 2018 Toyota Sienna XLE minivan. I have Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars (53" Long) and Rapid Crossroad Feet for Thule Crossbars; and a Hullavator installed on the passenger side of my vehicle. When we are taking two kayaks out, we have been strapping the 2nd kayak directly to the roof rack on the driver's side. And it requires a fair amount of muscle to do so! I have been looking at a side loader, but want to be sure that installation will not interfere with the Hullavator. The other option could be a kayak roller to load from the rear of the car, but we typically strap the kayak onto the car with the cockpit closest to the roof of the car (so there is more to grab for loading and unloading). Two questions: 1) What do you recommend in terms of a Load Assist Device? 2) What's the best way to strap down the kayak? Cockpit down or up? (FYI... if it matters, we have a WS Pungo 120 and a Hurricane Skimmer 116) Thank you!

asked by: J

Expert Reply:

Hello!

Thanks for the question and a kayak load assist is definitely a good idea, with a side loader being the best option. A roller from the rear is helpful, but you still have to do the heavy lifting, so the side assist is going to give you the most help. And the best side-load assist that will work with your Thule WingBar Evo crossbars is one from Inno:

- Inno Kayak Lifter Load Assist # INA453

The # INA453 just clamps onto the outer edge of the crossbars, and has an arm that swings out when you're ready to load up your kayak. The load assist is designed to fit the size of your Thule bars so it'll work out perfectly for you. Then as far as the best way to strap your kayak, people generally do cockpit side down.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Julie

7/18/2024

Hi Kyle! My Inno kayak lift load assist has arrived. I have two questions: 1) The shape of my Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars isn't symmetrical. Is that ok? That means that when I tighten the screws on the Inno, one side needs to tighten more than the other. 2) I have the 53" length bar on a 2018 Toyota Sienna. So when the bar swings out on the Inno, there isn't a lot of clearance with the side of the vehicle. Is that ok? I haven't tried loading a kayak yet. I have photos that I can share if that would help.

Kyle S.

7/19/2024

@Julie Yep, it's perfectly fine for the WingBar not to be symmetrical, that won't be an issue. And it's ok there isn't a lot of clearance; you'll just need enough to help get the kayak started up and on the roof which shouldn't be an issue at all.