Will Thule Hullavator Fit a Yakima Roof Rack on a 2018 Subaru Outback

Updated 08/25/2025 | Published 03/22/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

(117)

$899.95

Landing Pad 15 for Yakima SkyLine and Control Towers - Qty 4

(914)

$149.95

Yakima RoundBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 58" Long - Qty 2

(15749)

$161.77

Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2

(605)

$269.95

RoundBar SL Adapter for Yakima BaseLine, SkyLine, TimberLine, and RidgeLine Towers - Qty 4

(752)

$29.95

SkyLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Fixed Mounting Points, Flush Rails, and Track Systems - Qty 4

(67)

$274.95

Question:

I want to put the Hullavator on a 2018 subaru outback non touring. The Thule roof rack options look like the are only 24.5 inches apart. Can I use the Yakima rack system? From your video it looks like the factory cross bars are removed, and then the Yakima rack can be placed at about 29 inches. The Thule looks like it adds significantly to the height of the whole rack system, and the Yakima seems like it integrates better. Thoughts? Thanks,

asked by: John T

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Thule Hullavator, # TH898, will fit on a Yakima roof rack so if you like the spacing and looks of the Yakima racks you can certainly go that route for your 2018 Subaru Outback.

With the Hullavator the roof rack crossbars need to stick out past the mounting feet by at least 4 inches. What this means you will need to use longer bars than what would normally be recommended for the vehicle.

If you go with a round bar system then you will need the following parts:

Crossbars # Y00409
SkyLine Towers # Y53TR
Round bar adapters # Y03536
Landing Pad # Y00241

If you want to go with the JetStream aero bars then you will need the following parts:

JetStream bars # Y00426
SkyLine Towers # Y53TR
Landing Pad # Y00241

expert reply by: Michael H

Sue A.

2/28/2020

i have bought my cross rails. Does the Hullavator rack bolt on to rails.and do i need anything else when i buy hullavator to put on my rails ?

Chris R.

2/28/2020

The Thule Hullavator will either clamp around the crossbars on the roof or attach to their built-in channels (if present). You won't actually bolt anything to the bars themselves. The hardware needed for either application is included with the Hullavator. Nothing else is needed for install and operation (other than your kayak!).

Kim

7/5/2025

Thanks for this information. I have a 2018 Outback with the factory crossbars. The jetstream bars link says it is not compatible with the 2018 Outback. I know it needs to stick out at least 4” each size. Which jetstream bar and length is needed for the Hullavator? Thank you.

Jesse M.

7/7/2025

@Kim Hello Kim, the 60" JetStream Crossbars can be used on a 2018 Subaru Outback. The recommended size is 50" but it is possible to go longer. Here are the parts you will need: - Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2 # Y00426 - SkyLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Fixed Mounting Points, Flush Rails, and Track Systems - Qty 4 # Y53TR - Landing Pad 15 for Yakima SkyLine and Control Towers - Qty 4 # Y00241

Kim

8/24/2025

@JesseM I purchased the 60” jet stream bars for my 2018 Outback but the measurement from the Yakima towers to the end of the bars each side is 10” I thought the Thule Hulluvator recommended not to exceed 8”? Is this a problem? Thank you.

Jesse M.

8/25/2025

@Kim So the only other size aero bar would be the 50" which would be too short since there would only be 3" of overhang. For the Hullavator they recommend between 4"-8" of overhang but as far as the Yakima aero bars there is no bar that falls within that range.