Assisted Kayak Carrier Recommendation for 2020 Subaru Ascent with Thule Roof Rack
Published 12/23/2020
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have 2 tandem 13.5ft kayaks 72lbs each to fit on a Subaru Ascent 2020. Looking for best option on load assist. Have Thule 53inch crossbars. Have purchased but not yet installed Thule Hulaport XT 2 for each Kayak so theres time to return and repurchase if needed. First thought, Yakima Showboat 66. Would this work with this set up? Second thought, return Hullaports to get Malone J and Malone sideloader. Seems nice but the J racks dont seem to be as nice or secure. Thought? The Yakima setup seems the most seamless but can you use it with loading tandems into j racks?
asked by: Troy M
Expert Reply:
The best assisted kayak carrier that would fit the Thule crossbars on your 2020 Subaru Ascent would be the Thule Hullavator part # TH898 which allows you to load the kayaks at about waist level and then push it up onto the roof using the assisted gas shocks of it. It also has a 75 lb capacity so your 72 lb boats would easily work well.
The other options you mentioned aren't terrible but since you asked for the best option the Hullavator is what you'd want.
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
- Folding
- Aero Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp-On
- Track Mount
- Load Assist
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Search Results: kayak trailer
- Search Results: malone downloader
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount - Side Loading - 132 lbs
- Shop: Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
- Shop: Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount
- Shop: Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Lift Assist and Tie-Downs - J-Style - Clamp On
- Video: Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier and Lift Assist Review - 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Video: Install: Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Lift Assist and Tie-Downs on a 2015 Toyota 4Runner
- Video: Installing the Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs on your 2021 Audi Q7
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack with Lift Assist
- Video: Mount: Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Lift Assist and Tie-Downs on a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox
- Video: All You Need to Know About the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Best Thule Roof Rack For Installing Hullavator On 2015 Subaru Forester
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: All About the Inno Kayak Lifter Load Assist
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar for 2" Hitch Receivers
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Search Results: trailer lights
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Roof Rack and Assisted Kayak Carrier Recommendation for 2026 Subaru Outback Wagon
on Watersport Carriers
Troy M.
12/23/2020
I have 2 tandem 13.5ft kayaks 72lbs each to fit on a Subaru Ascent 2020. Looking for best option on load assist. Have Thule 53inch crossbars. Have purchased but not yet installed Thule Hulaport XT 2 for each Kayak so theres time to return and repurchase if needed. First thought, Yakima Showboat 66. Would this work with this set up? Second thought, return Hullaports to get Malone J and Malone sideloader. Seems nice but the J racks dont seem to be as nice or secure. Thought? The Yakima setup seems the most seamless but can you use it with loading tandems into j racks?