How To Load a Heavy Hobie Mirage Eclipse SUP Onto the Roof of a Vehicle with Raised Side Rails

Updated 05/27/2019 | Published 05/23/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On

(23)

$648.95

Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Lift Assist and Tie-Downs - J-Style - Clamp On

(147)

$611.90

Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 58" Long - Silver

(1749)

$251.95

Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4

(224)

$264.95

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 53" Long - Qty 2

(1277)

$279.95

Question:

I am purchasing a Hobie Mirage Eclipse it a SUP with removable foot pedals. 12 ft long — 35 inches wide I’m not sure I can lift 48lbs up unto the roof of my 2018 RAV4 Limited. It has factory rails. What could you suggest I purchase.

asked by: Della A

Expert Reply:

The best option I have for you to easily load the Hobie Mirage Eclipse SUP on your 2018 Toyota RAV4 would be with the Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Carrier part # Y04081. The ShowDown is a very popular option for heavy kayaks and SUPs because it has a set of arms that extend down to about waist level and make for loading and unloading your watercraft very manageable.

Please note that in order to use the ShowDown you will need a set of crossbars with at least 4" of overhang past the mounting feet. Therefore, if you have factory crossbars or you don't yet have crossbars I recommend using the Thule WingBar Evo Crossbar System part # TH711420 and part # TH710401.

If you would like for a more cost effective option we do have the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack part # MPG216 which will work with the Hullavator or can be paired with the Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier and TelosXL Load Assist part # MPG114MD-351XL. This option will offer load assistance but won't be as streamline as the above.