Thule Hullavator Kayak Carrier Mounting Requirements
Updated 06/03/2019 | Published 05/30/2019 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Can I install this on a factory roof rack with aeroblades
asked by: Donald M
Expert Reply:
To install Thule's load-assist Hullavator kayak carrier # TH898 on a vehicle's roof rack the ends of the bars must extend out past the roof rack feet by at least 4-inches. You can see this requirement illustrated in the linked diagram. The comparable Yakima ShowDown carrier # Y04081 also has a similar bar space requirement.
If your roof rack is a Subaru factory type whose bars do not extend past the rack feet/rails then you can still use the Hullavator but you'll need to add a different roof rack with longer bars that provide the needed clearance at the sides of the vehicle to prevent the Hullavator from contacting the car.
Yakima's HD Crossbar rack made of parts # Y01156, # Y53TR, # Y03541 and # Y00241 fits the non-Touring version that has flush mounted rails that run front to back. The 55-inch bars are the longest available for your Outback and you can check using a tape measure to confirm that these will extend out far enough.
If you don't care to change your roof rack you can still use a load-assisted kayak carrier like the rear-loading roller-style HandRoll # Y04082-2 which directly fits your factory bars and provides roller-assisted loading from the back of the car. If you prefer to stay with a side-load carrier have a look at the Malone Downloader/Telos load-assist carrier # MPG114MD-351XL which also fits your existing roof rack. You can see how the Telos load assist works by viewing the linked video.

Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Saddle-Style
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Track Mount
- Clamp On
- Load Assist
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Malone Foam Kayak Block for Truck Racks - 14" Long
- Shop: Malone Foam Block for Kayaks - 12" Long - Qty 1
- Shop: Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Lift Assist and Tie-Downs - J-Style - Clamp On
- Shop: Yakima HandRoll Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style w/ Rollers - Clamp On
- Shop: HD Bar Adapter for Yakima Streamline Towers - Qty 4
- Q&A: How to Install Thule Hullavator on 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness OEM Rack
- Shop: Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Installing the Towsmart Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2024 Toyota RAV4
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Search Results: roof rack
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Hitch C13416 and EcoHitch Hitch 306-X7396 for a 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Video: How to Install: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver on your 2023 Toyota RAV4
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Recommended Roof Rack for Mounting a Thule Hullavator Pro on a 2021 Toyota RAV4
- Search Results: hitch bike racks
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2023 Toyota RAV4
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Ground Clearance for the Ecohitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2022 Toyota RAV-4
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: Could Tire Hold Bike Rack INH120 Carry an E-Bike with Fenders
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount