What Kayak Carrier and Load Assist do You Recommend for My 2018 Honda Pilot with Factory Crossbars?

Updated 12/09/2021 | Published 12/07/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount

(114)

$899.95

Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(142)

$179.95

Telos XL Load Assist for Malone Kayak Carriers - Side Loading

(24)

$404.95

Question:

The rails are 47" apart, can I use a Thule 60" cross bar and have it work?

asked by: Mark N

Expert Reply:

Thanks so much for providing photos of your factory crossbars on your 2018 Honda Pilot. Unfortunately, with these flush-style factory crossbars, you will not be able to use the Thule Hullavator # TH898 on your roof. This is because the Hullavator requires at least 4 inches of additional crossbar length after the crossbar feet in order to function properly. I went ahead and attached a diagram of this measurement to give you perspective. Also, even if you could mount 2 Thule Hullavators with on your roof, you will most likely be close (or over) the weight capacity of your factory crossbars.

Another thing that complicates matters is that we do not have a confirmed fitment of aftermarket crossbars for your Pilot. This is because roof rack manufacturers do not test out crossbar fitments on raised rails if they already come with factory crossbars with the rails. There is no way to know for sure if they will fit.

For these reasons, the best alternative is to purchase two sets of the Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs # MPG114MD along with the Telos XL Load Assist for Malone Kayak Carriers # MPG351XL. The DownLoader will clamp to your factory crossbars as long as they do not exceed 3" wide x 1" tall. In order to confirm whether they will fit, I recommend measuring the width and height of your crossbars. With the Telos XL, you will have the load assist function that will allow you to easily load your kayaks on the roof of your vehicle. As far as securing the kayaks to the cradles, the DownLoader comes with 2 load straps and 2 bow/stern ties with each set.

expert reply by: Bob C

Thule Hullavator # TH898
(click to enlarge)

Factory Crossbars on a 2018 Honda Pilot
(click to enlarge)

Mark N.

1/1/0001

The rails are 47" apart, can I use a Thule 60" cross bar and have it work?

Bob C.

12/9/2021

Unfortunately, even though you will have enough crossbar space between the rails, we (as well as Thule) cannot confirm whether any feet will work with the setup. This is because Thule has not done any testing on your vehicle's raised rails. They have only done testing on flush factory rails and naked-roof models. With that being said, it is best to go with two sets of Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs # MPG114MD along with the Telos XL Load Assist for Malone Kayak Carriers # MPG351XL.