Kayak Load Assist for Use with Thule Hull-A-Port XT Kayak Carrier TH848

Updated 06/28/2019 | Published 06/27/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2

(1275)

$279.95

Camco Adjustable Height Platform Step - Aluminum - 19" Long x 14-1/2" Wide - 1,000 lbs

(67)

$112.07

Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount - Side Loading - 132 lbs

(125)

$204.88

Yakima HandRoll Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - 1/2 System - Saddle Style w/ Rollers - Clamp On

(36)

$168.95

Question:

Hi! My kayak is super light 32lb but I have a Jeep renegade and can’t quite lift it up onto the Thule Hullaport rack alone. Are there any load assist extenders that will fit these bars? Hoping not to have to get throw down for the Hullavator pro. Currently have the Hullaport XT. Load assist / extender for Thule evo wingbars. Thanks!

asked by: Megan

Expert Reply:

There is not an add-on load assist specifically made to work with your Thule Hull-A-Port XT Kayak Carrier TH848 but I can offer you some options to make it easier to load your kayak onto the roof of your Renegade.

Option 1 is the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL which attaches to your existing Thule Evo crossbar. This consists of a support bar that swings out and a telescoping pole that rests on the ground to give you a place to rest one end of the kayak while you attend to lifting the other end. The Load Assist reduces the amount of weight you need to handle at one time. You can see this in the linked photo.

Option 2 is a rear-load-assist product from Yakima, their HandRoll 1/2-System # Y04082. This kit consists of two roller assemblies that mount on your rear crossbar in place of half of the Hull-A-Port XT to enable loading the boat from the rear of the Renegade. Once you place one end of the kayak on the rollers you only need to slide it forward.

You might also consider a simple cost effective folding step # CAM43676 to give you better roof access. This comes fully assembled and is lightweight and folds to a compact size.

expert reply by: Adam R