Can I Use a Yakima ShowDown or Thule Hulavator on a ARE Topper?

Updated 05/23/2024 | Published 05/19/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Yakima Control Tower for Factory-installed Tracks (QTY 1)

(73)

$76.03

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

(114)

$899.95

Landing Pad 1 for Yakima SkyLine and Control Towers - Qty 2

(910)

$71.95

Yakima RoundBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 78" Long - Qty 2

(15748)

$157.17

Rhino-Rack Heavy-Duty Roof Rack for Camper Shells - Track Mount - Black - 65" Bars

(102)

$559.99

Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On

(23)

$648.95

Question:

Can I use the yakima showdown or thule hulavator with my 2007 Tundra using either 70 or 80 inch crossbar on my ARE topper?

asked by: Valerie A

Cute Doggy
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

First of all, thanks for the picture of your cute doggy! Yes, you can use a Thule Hullavator Pro item # TH898 or Yakima ShowDown item # Y04081. I can't tell from your picture but there were versions of the A.R.E. camper shells that had tracks on them already. The factory rails were made by Yakima.

For a complete roof rack system on your A.R.E. topper you will need the following parts if you have the rails:

Yakima Control Towers item # Y8890027 - You will need 4 because they're sold individually

Yakima Landing Pad 1 item # Y00221 - Sold as a pair you will need 2 sets.

Yakima RoundBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 78" Long item # Y00411 - 1 set includes 2 crossbars.

If you do not have tracks you can use the Rhino-Rack Heavy-Duty Roof Rack for Camper Shells item # Y01-140B which is everything you need.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Valerie A.

5/22/2024

Thank you Jerred. I ordered the Rhino Rack set up (from e-trailer) for the cab of the truck as my kayak is 17ft and I need it sitting more centered on the truck when I pull my travel trailer. Do you think this will work? I read the Vortex Aero Cross bars is compatible with the hullavator but now I am wondering if the 65" is wide enough. 1 Rhino-rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - 65" - Black - Qty 2 1 0 1 Rhino-rack 2500 Leg Kit For Vortex Aero Crossbars - Qty 4 1 0 1 Dk Fit Kit For Rhino Rack 2500 Series Legs - Naked - Qty 4 1 0 I do have the Yakima tracks on my camper shell and was contemplating what I would need in addition to the bars on the cab. My concerns is the cross bars will only be 27" apart and my cockpit on the kayak is larger than that. I may need to additionally support the kayak on the camper shell. I was considering this kit: Rhino-Rack Roof Rack for Factory Tracks - 2 Vortex Aero Crossbars - Black - 65" Long Item # Y02-500B-NT I was planning on using the hullavator on the crossbars placed on the cab and I am concerned 65" will not be wide enough. I wish I had waited to order until you responded but I can always send the 65" bars back and order the longer ones. Your thoughts?

Valerie A.

5/22/2024

I am wondering if the 71" Rhino Aero Cross would work, but perhaps I need to go to 79" Thank you

Jerred H.

5/23/2024

@ValerieA You need 4" -8" of crossbar space past the mounting legs for the Thule Hullavator Pro item # TH898 to fully function without hitting the side of your truck. The Yakima ShowDown item # Y04081 requires 3-1/2" of overhang from the edge of the camper shell to the end of the crossbars. I recommend taking some measurements before you send back what you already purchased.