Best Type of Crossbar To Use with the Thule Hullavator on a 2017 GMC Yukon XL

Updated 05/15/2019 | Published 05/13/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(119)

$899.95

Inno Square Crossbars - Steel - Black - 65" Long - Qty 2

(1177)

$150.22

Custom Fit Kit for Inno XS300, XS350, XS400, XS450, INTR, and INXR Roof Rack Feet

(3)

$109.84

Inno Feet for Square Crossbars - Track Systems and Fixed Mounting Points - Black - Qty 4

(164)

$205.76

Custom RCP Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack RC and RV Series Roof Rack Legs - Fixed Mounting Points

(300)

$139.99

Question:

It looks like in using the square bar, the connecion would be stronger because you use two bolts on each end. It looks like on a wing bar, you just have one t bolt on each end. I would think after time the t bolt would wear on the wing channel- any thoughts on this? I’m set to pull the trigger on a hullavator- just thinking about which is a stronger -less wobble- set up. Also do the square bars create wind noise? The bar size recommended for the yukon is 60”, I measured mine, where the outer edge to outer edge of the flush mount factory rail. 50 1/2+ -. The hullavator needs 4 to 8 inch of over hang. The max of 8 “ would mean i need a 66 “ bar to keep it balanced. Or just leave the one side 8” out and the other side 2” out. Any issues here?

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

The Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier part # TH898 can indeed be used with both square crossbars via clamp-on attachments as well as aero crossbars via the track system. However, I would not say that one is stronger than the other. Roof rack manufacturers do extensive testing on their track systems and I cannot say I have ever heard of anyone having an issue with the tracks deforming. The main reason I recommend using aero crossbars is because they are much quieter than the square crossbars. The track system is also more convenient than the clamp-on attachments.

For aero crossbars I recommend the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbar System part # RRVA165B-2, part # RRRCH4, and part # RRRCP43-BK. For square crossbars I recommend the Inno Square Crossbar System part # INB165, part # INXP, and part # INTR154. These systems both have 65" long bars which is what I recommend for the Hullavator on your 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The next size down will would be too small for you. However, with the square crossbars you can trim them if needed. The crossbars can be centered on the roof and still have enough overhang for you but if you like you can offset them.

expert reply by: Conner L