Can Two Thule Hullavators be Used on 2020 BMW X5 With Thule Roof Rack

Published 10/20/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 53" Long - Qty 2

(1275)

$279.95

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

(144)

$179.95

Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Lift Assist and Tie-Downs - J-Style - Clamp On

(144)

$611.90

Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 2

(767)

$54.95

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

(118)

$899.95

Question:

I see a lot of different answers/opinions on putting two Thule Hullavators on a roof rack. I have a 2020 BMW X5 that has a roof weight capacity of 220 pounds with two light kayaks Hurricane 40 pounds each and Thule feet and Aero Bars. We struggle with the height of the car and lifting the kayaks to load and was told that two Hullavators is not recommended by Thule. What would you recommend? Thanks!

asked by: Kathy L

Expert Reply:

You can use two kayak carriers with load assist on your 2020 BMW X5 with a Thule roof rack, but not two Thule Hullavators. The issue is that the crossbars are not long enough to support two Hullavators, but there are a couple options that will work:

Option 1
- Thule Hullavator Pro # TH898
&
- Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier and TelosXL Load Assist # MPG114MD-351XL

Option 2
- Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier and TelosXL Load Assist # MPG114MD-351XL
&
- Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier # MPG114MD

Option 1 gives you two independent load assists, while Option 2 gives you one load assist - the TelosXL - that you can use with both carriers. Option 1 is the easiest overall to use, and allows a quicker loading as well, so that's the route I'd go, but I did want to give you the options. If you do go that route and want to lock the Hullavator to your roof rack, you can do so with the One-Key System Lock Cylinders # TH450200.