Roof Rack Recommendation for 2021 Toyota 4Runner Off Road with Raised Rails

Updated 07/07/2025 | Published 06/27/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Thule WingBar Evo Roof Rack for Raised Rails - Aluminum - Black - Qty 2

(28)

$544.90

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

(118)

$899.95

Question:

OK, I just purchased a 2021 Toyota 4Runner off-road. I have the Toyota OEM rails on the roof. I am looking to install two Thule Hullivators on the 2021 4Runner Off-road. Thule no longer makes crossbars or footpads for this vehicle. What can I use for Cross Bars and what length CrossBars will I need for two Hullivators and what feet or footpads. I am looking for a secure fit as I take the kayaks on trips wit me. Recommendations please. Also what model locks will I need. Please give model numbers for the locks, crossbars and feet/pads?

asked by: Lawrence S

Expert Reply:

Hey Lawrence, the OEM crossbars of your 2021 Toyota 4Runner attach to a set of raised rails that you could put your hand under correct? If so, then the Thule Wingbar Evo part # TH52ZA is a confirmed fit and would work great to carry two Thule Hullavators part # TH898.

If you have something different and I'll see what your best option is.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Lawrence S.

6/30/2025

OK, that is one way to go. Let me apologize but I did not ask the full set of questions. Your solution is a solution, BUT I am also looking to install two Thule Hullivators on the Roof. In speaking to people, another option would be to use the Thule CrossRoad 450 Foot Pack Roof Rack Mount Kit and the Thule Square bars at a length of 65". Both of these Thule options are no longer for sale at Thule but you might have some at Etrailer or some resale markets. The reason I am leaning to the Thule is that in speaking to Thule today if I were to use the Wingbar I would also need to purchase a different attachment for the Hullivators to the Wingbar, but if I use the out of production Thule 450 and the Square bars, then the Hullivators would fit perfectly on the Thule Square Bars. Also I was concerned that the Thule CrossRoad 450 has what looks like a rubber strap on the bottom, but I was assured that the rubber is a cover over aluminum. The hard part was determining what length Square CrossBar to use and some from your staff as well as at Thule suggested for a 2021 4Runner a 65" CrossBar should work perfectly, To explain to all reading this is that when using the Hullivator, when the Hullivator is lowered to the side of the 4Runner, if there is not enough overhang from the CrossBars, the Hullivator would slam into the side of the 4Runner. Also I want to thank you and associates for all their help. If I said anything incorrectly, please correct me as your are the expert.

Jameson C.

6/30/2025

@LawrenceS Thule has a current square bar roof rack fit for your vehicle with the part # TH85VA. Do you by chance have the older Hullavator that only attaches to square bars?

Lawrence S.

7/5/2025

@JamesonC I am writing this to help those in a situation similar to what I experienced. First. I want to thank all the support staff here on ETrailer. I have been speaking to support staff here, and at Thule plus other sites. First, since I am looking to install two Hullivators on the roof of my 4Runner, I wanted a set of STRONG crossbars. Some of Yakima's cross bars are made of Steel and others it seems are made of aluminum. I did not feel aluminum was as strong as steel so I prefer steel. Also the attachment parts at least in my mind would be better if I stayed all Thule. Now it seems Thule changes their parts and bars every 5 years or so which really confuses the issue. One of my Hullivators is under 5 years and the other I am not sure, In speaking to support staff it was suggested that their system showed that shorter crossbars would fit my 2021 4Runner and that is true, BUT not when adding the Hullivators. If the bars are too short, the Hullivator will hit the side of the 4 Runner and of course I did not want that to happen. I measured the width of my 4Runner and by the top it was about 48" wide, but the doors below the windows were about 68" wide. The Hullivator hangs out past these measurements, so I was looking for a 65" CrossBar. I did find a 64" crossbar and if this one does not work, I will keep looking for a longer one. I also decided to go with the Thule Crossroad 450 Footpack (this one was new). They are both awaiting delivery. I went this way so I did not need to try and figure if my older equipment would work with the newer parts now being sold. These parts are no longer in production and in short supply in the aftermarket I can just resell them and get different parts. In the olden days, I could call Thule and ask what width bars I need but they do not seem to supply that info any longer - this is a real shame. Thank you ETrailer Support team for all your help. I will be back for other parts and appreciate your assistance.

Jameson C.

7/7/2025

@LawrenceS Glad to help! And yes I totally can empathize with the frustration of Thule changing their bar design a few years ago as that made things a lot more difficult.