Compatibility of Thule TH898 Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier With Factory Roof Rack on 2017 BMW X5

Updated 05/26/2020 | Published 05/20/2020

Question:

Hi, I have a 2018 BMW X5 with the BMW roof rack. I’m interested In the Thule hullavator pro. Do I have to replace with a Thule rack? If so which one and what accessories do I need? Thanks

asked by: Anson T

Expert Reply:

If your factory crossbars extend 4 to 8 inches past the roof rack foot that attaches the crossbars to the roof, the Thule
# TH898 Hullavator Pro kayak carrier will work for you.

If the crossbars do not extend past the roof rack feet by that amount, you'll need to replace your existing roof rack. The rack needed will depend on what's currently on your roof. The 2017 BMW X5 was factory equipped with either rails that are flush mounted to the roof with no space underneath them, or rails that are raised up off the roof. In order to recommend the correct crossbar length, I'll need to know the side to side distance between your existing roof rails measured from the center of one rail to the center of the other.

If you can reply with that information, I'd be happy to make a recommendation.

expert reply by: Mike L