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How to Carry a Fishing Kayak on the Roof of a 2019 Toyota RAV4  

Updated 07/07/2020 | Published 07/03/2020



Question:

I have a 19foot Toyota RAV4 XLE with flush roof rails. Im looking for a rack system to support a large fishing kayak. Is this system compatible with the Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier and Lift Assist with Tie-Downs - Side Loading - TH898? Im concerned that the 47inch cross bars are not wide enough for my vehicle. Is it possible to substitute wider wings to accommodate that lift system if so, how wide? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

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Expert Reply:

Yes you can substitute for longer bars on your 2019 Toyota RAV4. The Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars 47" # TH711200 have a more factory look because they don't stick out too far. I attached a video below with this set on a 2019 Toyota RAV4 and you can see how they don't stick out too far. To go wider you will need to use the Thule Rapid Podium Feet # TH460R and the fit kit for your car # TH78RE

The 47" bars are recommended but you can go wider as long as you don't extend past your mirrors. It is a possibility that you hit your head getting in and out of the vehicle when your bars extend past the body of the vehicle. With the Thule Hullavator Pro # TH898 only needing 28.5" of cross bar space the 47" bars would technically work but I like to bring The Hullavator further out if possible to provide a little extra room between my boat in the loading position and my vehicle. The 50" bars # TH711300 in silver and # TH711320 in black would give you an extra 1-1/2" on each side of the vehicle. This length gets you out further but still keeps a fairly streamlined look compared to the longer 53" # TH711400 which may not work. The channel that attaches the foot pack to these bar is what limits your overall length of bars because it has a stop on how narrow the feet mount which could cause the longest bars to not work.

Another thing to keep in mind is the weight and size capacity of the Hullavator. As nice as the carrier is and especially with the load assist it has a weight capacity of 75 lbs and maximum kayak width of 36" . A lot of fishing kayaks exceed that weight. If your boat exceeds that weight the Yakima ShowDown # Y04081 is a load assist with a slightly higher capacity of 80 lbs and no stated width restrictions.

If your Kayak is over 80 lbs the Lockrack Watersport Carrier # LR54FR which works with wider Kayaks and has a capacity of 175 lbs. This is a unique style that reduces the amount of straps and time to secure your kayak. It is still recommended to use a bow and stern strap # Y04031 with these racks. I attached a video for each of these carriers below.

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Zachary D

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