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Recommended Kayak Carrier With Load Assist For 2018 Jeep Renegade  

Published 05/27/2021



Question:

Im willing to change my crossbars for a better system. Im currently using Malone J style Downloader kayak racks but I have to use a step stool and balance a 45# kayak on my head and back while climbing and gently placing it. The system is not working for me and causes me to miss too many days on the water. Can you suggest a system and crossbar? The Hullavator seems awesome but Im concerned that the long crossbars needed will cause a ton of wind noise and look terrible when a kayak isnt loaded. Is this still my best option? Could I get a traditional rack on the other side to manually load a second kayak on the rare days I need it? Or does the Hullavator take up too much room? Or is there a better system for me? The Malone TelosXL? That seems like a contender but doesnt appear to be in stock anywhere. Please help with any suggestions! Im a disabled vet who desperately needs the therapeutic time on the water but with a back injury that makes loading and unloading a literal pain in the neck. Thank you!

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Expert Reply:

If you already have aftermarket crossbars then you may be able to use the Thule Hullavator Kayak Load Assist # TH898 along with another kayak carrier such as Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs # MPG114MD. The Hullavator requires the crossbars to overhang at least 4" on each side of the towers and takes up 28-1/2". The Hullavator does weigh about 40lbs so that could also be an issue when you figure in the rest of your cargo on the roof. If you did want to go this route, then you could add Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack 58" # MPG216 if your roof has factory rails, or add Rhino-Rack Aero Crossbars 54" # RRVA137B-2, Legs # RRRLKVA, and Fit Kit # DK478 for naked roof.

If you are opposed to the long 54" crossbars or the fact that the Thule Hullavator takes up 40lbs of the weight capacity, then I recommend using two of the Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs # MPG114MD along with the Malone Telos XL Load Assist # MPG351XL. Your current crossbars must be at least 41" long in order to fit the second Malone Downloader. I attached demonstration videos for you.

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Andrew N
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