Hullavator Compatibility with Thule Xsporter Crossbars on 2018 Chevy Colorado

Updated 03/24/2021 | Published 06/18/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

(114)

$899.95

Thule Xsporter Pro Adjustable Height Truck Bed Ladder Rack - Aluminum - 450 lbs - Silver

(87)

$1149.95

Question:

I read from other posts that the hullavator will fit on the xsporter rail. I have the older version of the xsporter that was used on a full size pickup. Now I plan to use the rack on a 2018 Chevy Colorado. I will have to shorten the rails to keep them from extending too far over the bed width. I plan to get a hullavator for this truck. How far must the exsporter rail extend beyond the vertical support to provide the proper clearance when the hullavator is lowered? I havent cut the rail yet, but if I cut it too short, Im dead. Do you think if I leave the same extension as I had on the full size pickup Id be ok? The rail length on the full size was 71inch and extended 4.5inch from the out side of the support. Thanks

asked by: Stanley B

Expert Reply:

The Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier and Lift Assist with Tie-Downs - Side Loading # TH898 requires 4-8 inches of crossbar overhang past the towers to ensure there is no vehicle contact. I recommend using this same measurement as a guide for use on your Thule Xsporter truck rack. The Hullavator will fit on your Xporter crossbars.

I looked up the Xsporter # TH500XT dimensions for your 2018 Chevy Colorado and the crossbar dimensions are 72 inches long, so I don't recommend shortening your bars at all until you confirm the angle of your Hullavator on the bars when lowered for proper clearance.

expert reply by: Jason S

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Bob W.

4/4/2020

I have a couple of Hullavator 897xt carriers that have been mounted to the square tube crossbars. I want to mount them to a Xsporter Pro but I don’t know if I should by an adapter or mounting bracket. I don’t think the old mount from the square crossbar will fit on the Xsporter. Thanks

Chris R.

4/6/2020

Your older model Hullavator should have \come with channel mounting hardware, which is what you will use to attach to the Xsporter bars. This is what is used to mount to anything other than the square bars you were using before. If you don't have these parts please let me know.

Jon H.

3/21/2021

@ChrisR I am in the same boat (no pun intended). I originally had my Hullavators installed on the square bars, so I believe the store I purchased them from kept the parts they didn’t use when they installed them. Now I’d like to instal them on my Xsporter. What parts will I need?

Kef G.

3/24/2021

@JonH We have the Replacement Aeroblade Shim for Thule Hullavator Kayak Carrier, part # TH56JV, that will let you use the T-slot of the Xsporter. The T-slot is the channel that Chris was referring to.

Bob W.

4/10/2020

Can you give me the part numbers for the channel mounting hardware to connect the Hullavators to the Xsporter Pro. I’ll need to get two sets and not sure if I have any of the parts now. Thanks, Bob

Chris R.

4/10/2020

You will need 4 each of the Square Nut # 853-7557, Washer # 951061254, and # TH919063054. This will allow you to mount the components to the integrated channels on the crossbars. If you have the original manual it does show how to do this.

Bob W.

4/11/2020

Chris, thanks for all of your help. I finally got my instruction manual from our stored motorhome. You sent me a link of the three parts I need including a 30mm bolt, washer, and square nut. I have some 25mm bolts and I will try those first to see they work. I assume the washer goes under the bolt head. Thanks again.