Installing The Thule Hullavator On Yakima HD Crossbars On A 2021 Toyota Highlander

Updated 06/06/2022 | Published 06/02/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima HD Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 55" Long - Qty 2

(161)

$318.95

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

(124)

$899.95

Question:

Hello- I’m having trouble installing my Thule Hullavator Pro on my Yakima HD Crossbars, and I need some help, please. I used the Ask an Expert feature to ask about installing a Hullavator on Yakima bars since Thule does not make crossbars for my 2021 Toyota Highlander. Here’s a link to the response I got: https://www.etrailer.com/question-626571.html?fb=yes Accordingly, I ordered the parts that were recommended. However, after installing the crossbars, I could not figure out how to install the Hullavator on them. There seems to be no way to access the slot in the top of the bars so as to attach the Hullavator. I’ve checked the instructions that came with both the bars and the Hullavator and combed YouTube for a video, but no luck. So now I have crossbars installed on my Highlander that don’t seem compatible with my Hullavator. I’ve also noticed that another expert on your site recommended that I use Yakima round bars, which is not what were recommended to me, and therefore not what I ordered. The HD bars I have are more of an oval or aero shape than round. Can you please advise me on how to either remove the endcap of the HD bars so I can access the slot and install the Hullavator, OR whether I should return the HD bars and get round bars for this application instead. Photos show the end cap on the bar and the square nut that I cant figure out how to get into the top slot. The end caps do not seem to be removable. So please help me figure out what to do next. Thank you. -Juju

asked by: Juju

Expert Reply:

The Yakima HD Crossbars # Y01156 will work with the Thule Hullavator # TH898. Based on the pictures you sent in it looks like you have the crossbars installed upside down. The end caps have an opening on the other side that lets you easily slide in t-slot accessories.

You'll just need to unmount the crossbars from the towers, flip them over, and remount them to the towers. The screw seen in your pictures is what holds the endcaps in place. Removing those will allow you to remove the endcaps.

I've attached a video below where Adam will walk you through the installation of the crossbars.

expert reply by: Kevin C