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Is this right for you? Product Expert Matthew E says:
This carrier with built-in lift assist takes the strain out of loading a kayak onto your roof rack. Arms with gas struts let you load and tie down kayak at waist level, then easily lift it onto your roof. Tie-downs included. Mounts to most crossbars.
Features:
Specs:
Note: Your vehicle's roof must have a load capacity of at least 130 lbs to use the Hullavator.
The Hullavator Pro gives your back and shoulders some relief as it helps you lift your boat onto your vehicle's roof rack. And you won't need to stand on your running boards or a step stool to position and tie down your boat. This carrier with lift assist comes down along the side of your vehicle so that you can load your boat and strap it to the carrier at waist height. The arms of the cradle adjust to accommodate your boat's hull, and padding helps protect your boat from getting scratched. Folding arms with gas struts deliver your boat in the cradles up onto your roof for transport.
Installation onto Existing Crossbars
The Hullavator Pro installs on top of your existing crossbars. This system mounts onto square and round roof rack crossbars with included hardware, and it slides into the channels of AeroBlade crossbars. To ensure there is sufficient clearance between your vehicle and the Hullavator when it is lowered, your crossbars must extend between 4" and 8" beyond the feet.
A pivot pin secures the arms of the carrier to the bar mount assembly and allows the rotation necessary to reel your kayak onto your roof rack.
Lift Assist with Gas Struts
Gas struts eliminate the majority of lifting required to mount your kayak onto your roof rack. Cradles roll out and down to a vertical position along the side of your vehicle so that you can load your kayak - cockpit out - into the carrier at waist height.
To lower the cradles, remove the release pins and squeeze the handles. The arms will unfold to lower the cradles down to the side of your vehicle.
To adjust the cradles, loosen the knobs and slide the upper arms of the cradle along the built-in track.
Squeeze the handles on both arms and lift your boat in the cradles straight up to roof height. The gas struts will assist you. Rotate your kayak onto the roof and gently lower the cradles onto the roof assembly. Pull the handles so that the arms snap into place for transport. Secure the Hullavator on the roof with the pin and clip.
You can add 2 One-Key System locks (sold separately) to secure the basket to your roof rack.
Padding and Tie-Downs
Tie-down straps with buckles are included for securing your kayak in the cradles. You can tie your boat down when it's at the side of your vehicle, so you don't have to reach up or throw the straps over the roof. Loop these straps through the arms of the cradles and around the hull of your boat. The straps have padded buckles that let you tighten the straps and secure your boat.
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (45 Customer Reviews)
This carrier with built-in lift assist takes the strain out of loading a kayak onto your roof rack. Arms with gas struts let you load and tie down kayak at waist level, then easily lift it onto your roof. Tie-downs included. Mounts to most crossbars.I have used Rhino Fokding J Racks, Malone Seawings...added a Rhino Rack Universal Side loader. Still can be a workout. Finally decided to invest in a rack that will make loading and unloading easier and less likely to cause injury. THULE Hullavators!! Now I only have to lift the kayak about chest high...and can attach all the steps while standing flat on the ground. Nor more climbing, reaching g and twisting. I am excited to have a rack that will save us time and energy that we could out to better use kayaking.
The hullavator makes it possible for us to continue kayaking. We only need to be able to lift the kayaks halfway and the hullavator does most of the work from halfway to roof by lightening the load. An awesome product!
Weather is nice again and I finally installed my (somewhat) newly purchased Yakima 60" Jetstream rack system with RidgeLine Towers along with Thule Hullavator TH898 to my 2016 X5. I hope to start some finishing real soon here in NJ.
Oh. My. Goodness! This is a stellar solution for kayak loading and transporting!! The story: My first thought had been, "I'm not spending so much money for a kayak carrier." I ordered a different rack at 1/2 the cost. When the first rack arrived, I quickly realized that while it was well made, getting a kayak into that rack on top of my tall SUV was going to require a step ladder and lots of acrobatics. Without opening it, I sent the rack back and ordered a Thule Hullavator. Hint 1: Watch the online videos on how to install or have a professional help you; the included instructions are horrible. Still, I did it myself, and you can, too. Once installed, the Hullavator Pro is sheer genius! You'll appreciate this amazing rack every single time you use it. Every. Single. Time. The gas struts really do so very much of the lifting lift for you! Hint 2: the hand release on one of my cradles seemed to stick and I had to squeeze the release with both hands before it would lift. I despaired. Then by accident almost, I discovered that anytime this happens, I could use the hand grip to gently push that entire assembly a few mm towards the car. Poof! Both struts easily, smoothly begin lifting my kayak. Thule's Hullavator really is a bargain considering how quick it is to load/unload a kayak and because of the work it does for you! I HIGHLY recommend the Thule Hullavator and etrailer!
Must have for a heavy kayak, and/or for taller vehicles. I installed it on Thule areoblade 54cm on a 2018 Honda Pilot. It fits but barely. I would probably recommend 60cm ars if you want to pair it with another Hullavator. Installation note: in order to meet the 4" clearance from the footpod of the rack, I had to install the bars slightly asymmetrical (they stick more on one side of the vehicle than the other). Not enough that it is noticeable. With the 54cm bars, I can pair the hullavator with a Yakima Jaylow, or a Yakima 16 cu in roofbox. I am also able to carry a fishing kayak that is 35" wide but it's tight (the carrier is rated for 36"). A couple of usage tips for what it is worth: - when you lower the boat, make sure to keep the boat level (don't lower one side more than the other). Failing to do so may result in contact between the boat and the car. Don't forget to fold your side mirror too. - When you strap the boat, I find it useful to strap one side lightly, strap the other side, and then tighten things down. It ensures the boat seats properly on the cradles. If I tighten things right off the bat, and the boat isn't perfectly seating on the cradles, I get an issue locking the once the boat is flat on the roof (not sure if that makes any sense, but if you run into the issue, you will know what I mean). - Once setup, it takes less than 5min total to put the cradles in or off the bars (i.e. if you need to park in a garage and clearance is an issue). I hope this helps. In any case, this is an awesome rack.
I installed the Hullavater on my 2002 Toyota Tacoma's canopy that has 2" tubular rails. I couldn't find any cross bars to fit so I custom made the cross bar from scrap square tubes. It also lowers the high by about 4" compared to stock cross bars. Assembly is simple. I went online to download the English version instruction instead of the one in the box. Installing the loaders on the base bars is just a simple one pivot pin each. It depends on your vehicle's high, I have to climb a little to line up the holes to pin them. Maybe after frequent use, I will perfect my method. I first installed the cross bars too close together. When I strapped the kayak down, it put tension on one of the carriers made it difficult to snap lock in place. Realigned the cross bars, now it works as design. One down side is they sit very tall on top of my truck so I have to install them outside and remember to remove them before I back into my garage. I wish they can be folded down. I would give them a five stars. I read some complains about the bases get rusted easy. I sprayed them with rubber paint before I installed them. So far they look ok under Seattle sky. Although they are a little pricey, I really like that I don't have to climb up to strap my kayak not to mention it is easy on my back when load and unloading.
Anthony - 12/07/2019After two back operations in three years, it was time to get some help getting two kayaks on our truck cap. After a short learning curve we easily loaded our two kayaks for our upcoming trip. These are pricey, but well worth the investment.
I recently ordered 2 heavy Hobie kayaks and need to be able to carry them on top of my truck so that I can tow a Fifth Wheel. The Hullavator Pro carriers seem much sturdier than competing brands, and the lift assist will make loading on top of my F350 much easier. They were easy for me to assemble and install. (I purchased 2 sets). They are expensive, but it’s not worth losing a kayak in traffic in order to save a few bucks. I have had other Thule carriers, and have been very happy with the strength and longevity.
Thomas - 12/03/2020I recently upgraded from a 2017 Ford F-150 to a 2019 Ford F-350 and the height difference between the two over the bed with a Leer cap was substantial. The Hullavator kayak carrier system seemed like a good way to save my back while towing our travel trailer and having the kayaks go with us. This is not an inexpensive why to get the kayaks on top of my F-350's cap but it is the safest way. The carrier arrived on time and most importantly not damaged or missing parts. The carrier appears to be built to last and the fit and finish is well thought out. The instructions made the assembly and installation fairly simple to accomplish. I have not as yet traveled with it but I have loaded a fishing kayak on it. I loaded a 32 inch wide fishing kayak on it in both the upright position and upside down. I do not anticipate any problems while traveling in either configuration. I have given it 4 stars because of the high price which is Thule's problem and not Etrailers. Etrailer's representatives were very informative and helpful in my decision to purchase this item.
These Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier with Lift Assist are excellent. My wife and I have heavy Hobie kayaks. These carriers make it so much easier to get them on top of my Ford Evpedition. I highly recommend them.
Game changer for people who can't lift a kayak to place on a roof rack. Makes the transport of kayaks so easy one will go kayaking more often.
I ordered my Thule Hullverator on a Friday and received the following Friday. My son-in-law helped install it on Mother’s Day. Everything was included in the boxes. I ordered from you instead of Thule because you offered free shipping. Otherwise it was the same price. Very easy to order and prompt. Thank you.
Perfect customer support and perfect product. Walked us through what needed for our Kayak rack!! It’s been awesome, works great! Super easy to install…Most products have how to videos.
I have received the package and it looks like it will work with my Thule rack system.
Heavier than I thought they would be. Will not fit in my garage when attached to car. Would be nice if the kayak support bars folded when not in use. Overall, good quality.
Part A is defective, I am working with Lauren at Etrailers to try to get two new one sent to me as I look at my kayak sitting on my garage floor. I cannot believe that Thule is as great on their products as they have been touted, but we will see if they come thru with replacement parts ASAP. Lauren is awesome. Thule has to have had this issue before, they part they riveted to the main attachment is off by 1/8 inch which means I cannot attach the pin that lets me add these bars and remove them. They need to respond to Lauren first thing Monday morning, send me the parts overnight so I can get out there. I am 68 and picking this up as a new adventure. Lord, don't stop me now.
This is the third Hullavator set I have purchased, I've had the other two for several years and am extremely pleased with their ease of use and the quality and durability of the product. However, there was one minor issue with this particular set. The pivot pins could not be installed in the arm assembly when attempting to attach them to the bar mount due to interference from a portion of the underside of the bar mount. I used a Dremel to remove a very small amount of the metal obstruction which resulted in the ability to easily install the pivot pins. I did not have this issue with my other Hullavators so it must be a relatively recent manufacturing issue at Thule and was only a minor annoyance that would not prevent me from purchasing this item in the future. As usual, my experience with etrailer was very positive and I will continue to patronize them due to their excellent service and product selection.
I did 5 star not on the product but on the quality and speed etrailer.com performed on my order. They got it shipped same day and had it delivered next day! Can’t complain! As for the product, I bought this in advance - looking forward to spring already! So I cannot rate the product until I put it together and use it.
Makes it quick and easy to load up a kayak by yourself. After being out rowing all day, it’s very relieving to be able to load up and tie down the kayak at waste level.
The carrier requires a lot of assembly. The written instructions were not the best. It would have been nice to see an installation video. It installed without any problems. It is a little tricky installing and removing it to the fixed mount and installing the pin. Once I realized there was a bar to hook the carrier onto while installing the pin I was fine. As with most Thule products the quality is good. It would have been nice to have the locks included considering the price.
BobG - 12/03/2017Thanks for the follow up Bob G. I would like to caution you to make sure that the roof of your vehicle and the crossbar system that you are using will adequately support the weight an additional Hullavator and your boat.
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Rachael H - 12/4/2017A little challenging figuring out how to work the lift assist, but love the etrailer videos that helped me figure it out. Everything worked together perfectly.
I am new to roof rack systems but the customer service and ordering was seamless. Never have I encountered such knowledgeable and friendly reps. Order from here you will not be disappointed.
Great product! Very user friendly
The Hullavator Pro works like a charm! It allows us to put our 15' touring boats on top of the Jeep easily, and has turned a two-person job into a one-person job. The staff at e-trailer were wonderful too! They answered all our questions, did a price match, and got our Hullavator out to us in a timely manner. I highly recommend this company. We have made multiple purchases from them within the last two years, and all of our experiences have been great.
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