Thule Hullavator 897 And Hullavator 897XT Compatibility Issues

Updated 07/23/2026 | Published 06/10/2021

Question:

Hello, I am having trouble mount a hullavator to the thule aeroblades arb53. I have have the adapter clips. nothing lines up. when i spoke to thule hoping for advice, diagrams, videos, something to clear the ineptness from my brain. I was told by Thule that the first generation 897 can not, in no way, shape or form, be mounted to this type of bar? the expertsinch at thule customer support of late have left me wanting lately for confidence i am getting good advice, so i wanted to inquire with you about this issue. On a second note, how do you tell the difference between a 897 and 897xt. Thule only offer of assistance was that there would be a identifying sicker giving model number. No such beast on either of my hullavators. they also said the 897x had pads that were foam w/canvass covers.....which mine has vs. just foam as the original 897 allegedly only came with.....but, of course, they offered the warning that some 897s may have had their pads replaced with latter ones, so that may not be a good indicator either. I am confused, frustrated and now concerned I have a bunch of equipment that is not compatible with each other. Please lift the fog for me. Thank you in advance for any assistance you might be able to offer.

asked by: Roger F

Expert Reply:

The brackets on the Thule Hullavator 897 and the Thule Hullavator 897XT are not the same. The first generation Hullavator was designed to only work with Thule square bars, so it will not work with your Thule WingBar Evo. The updated model, 897XT, was designed to work with square and elliptical shaped crossbars. If you have the correctly shaped bracket you will be able to mount your Thule Hullavator 897 to your Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Silver - 53" Long - Qty 2, part # TH711400. You will need four of the Replacement Aeroblade Shim for Thule Hullavator Kayak Carrier - Qty 1, part # TH56JV. If your bracket looks different your Thule Hullavator is not compatible with the WingBar Evo Crossbars.

I have attached a picture of the bracket, a product description link, and a video review link below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith

Thule underbar bracket
(click to enlarge)

Enbe

7/30/2025

Hello Mr. Smith, I ran into your reply regarding the difference between the Thule Hullavator 897 VS 897XT. I am currently shopping for a Hullavator and wondering if you can provide your expert advice. I currently have a 2020 Toyota Tacoma Double cab short bed with a Prinsu Cab Rack. The rack comes with 47" 1x2" rectangular crossbars. My question is, which version of the Hullavator (897, 897XT or even the 898) should I get? In addition, I noticed in the Thule Hullavator instructions manual, it states I will need a 3-4" overhang. Hopefully this is not the case for my current vehicle since someone from TacomaWorld (https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/prinsu-rack-with-thule-hullavator-pro.691762/#post-30764103), post #13 was able to install it on his Prinsu (on top of his topper) vice on top of my Cab. In addition, Prinsu now offers a slightly oval crossbar (same 1x2" size) that can replace my existing to accommodate more mounts. Link: https://prinsu.com/product/additional-1x2-crossbar/?srsltid=AfmBOopb0coc8fn6D3AMC56IM9WCp7xTyQhh6OwDz7A3JkpqpbT5SDqM Hopefully you have experienced a similar situation as mine and can provide your expert advice. Thank you sir! v/r

Jameson C.

7/30/2025

@Enbe There is only one version of the Thule Hullavator still made and that's the TH898 so that would be what you'd need.

Chucknos

7/23/2026

The bracket pictured is incorrect for the eco-bars. That bracket is flat, no underbulge, and has a hole to accommodate bolt to square not for mounting in t-trac.