Easiest Kayak Rack For An Older Woman Loading a 45lb Kayak On The Roof

Updated 03/25/2024 | Published 03/24/2024

Question:

I’m interested in the Hullavator but am concerned about the weight of each piece. My kayak only weighs 45 pounds. I understand the Hullavator also weighs around 40 pounds. I will need to remove it from a rack on an HRV - rear mirror does not fold after each use to keep my car in the garage. Am I to assume each piece is then about 20 pounds? Just wondering how difficult this would be for an active older woman to do alone, which is the point of getting an assist system. I replaced a car that had a lower roof. I am sure I cannot manage this high a lift for a long kayak but could probably manage a 20 pound more compact device, assuming installation and removal are not a major production.

asked by: Susan

Expert Reply:

I was hoping we had an installation video but it appears we currently only have use videos at this time for the Thule Hullavator # TH898. To begin you are correct the entire system weighs 39.7lbs so each individual piece would weight around 20lbs. They can be installed one of 2 ways depending on if your cross bars has a t-slot. There is a strap style arm that will hook on one side of the carrier and uses a bolt on the other side. Or there is a slot nut that will slide into a T-track on the top of the crossbars. Then you will be able to fasten into the slots on the track. Both of which will probably require you to use a small ladder to reach the fastener on the back side of the rack. I have linked the instructions for this at the bottom of the page which will likely help you better visualize what it required since Thule uses mostly images on their instructions.

Personally I feel like this is going to be your best option as it is the only carrier we carry that allows you to strap the kayak to the mounts before raising it into position on your roof.

expert reply by: Bud M