Can Yakima HullRaiser J-Style Kayak Carrier Be Fitted to Aero Bars on a 2017 Toyota Highlander

Updated 03/07/2023 | Published 03/06/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Universal MightyMounts for Yakima Roof Mounted Accessories

(69)

$58.95

Kuat Class 2 Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Fixed Arms - Clamp On

(13)

$172.37

Question:

Hi - I have a set of the older Yakima JayHook kayak racks that fit on the Yakima round bars. I’d like to use them now with my 2017 Toyota Highlander which has the aero-type factory crossbars. Could you recommend a proper adapter or conversion kit? Thanks

asked by: Chris H

Expert Reply:

It looks like you have the older HullRaiser J-Style kayak carrier 8004029 that mounts directly to round bars.

You can upgrade them to fit aero-style crossbars by using the MightyMounts and the Yakima Bolt Upgrade Kit 8860007. Unfortunately this bolt upgrade kit was discontinued a number of years back and Yakima doesn't list the specs. This means you can either get the MightyMounts and find some hardware locally to make it work, or you can upgrade to a newer carrier set. Here are the MightyMounts you need:

Universal MightyMounts - # Y03590

If you wanted to upgrade to a newer J-Style carrier I recommend checking out the Kuat Class 2 Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs # C2R1B. This has fixed arms like your current system but it's more cost-effective and it comes with bolts and clamps to fit a wide variety of crossbar styles and sizes.

expert reply by: Jon G