Recommended Roof Rack for a Hullavator on a 2023 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab w/ a Factory Roof Rack

Updated 07/24/2025 | Published 07/13/2025

Products Featured in This Question

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

(23)

$544.90

Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4

(224)

$264.95

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2

(1274)

$279.95

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

(114)

$899.95

Question:

I would like to install the Thule Hullavator system on my 2023 Tacoma double cab. I have the factory roof rack. What are my options if I keep the factory rack or I remove the factory rack. I would rather not have a system that mounts to the door frame if the factory rack is removed. Thank you

asked by: Conrad S

Expert Reply:

Hey Conrad. If you keep the factory roof rack you won't have enough distance at the end of your crossbars for the lift assist feature of the Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack item # TH898 to function correctly.

Since you have the factory roof rack on your 2023 Toyota Tacoma double cab, you can use the Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars item # TH710401 and the 60" Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars item # TH711520. These longer crossbars will give you enough space for the Hullavator item # TH898 lift assist to function.

Do you have the factory roof rack that has the crossbars that fold in?

expert reply by: Jerred H

Conrad

7/23/2025

I installed the raised feet and the 60" Evo bars, it was not a "plug and play" job. I needed a 60" bar on both the front of the truck and the back but the problem with the OEM Tacoma roof rack is that it is just over 2" narrower in rear across the roof than the front across the roof. The slots in the bottom of the Evo rail was just barely long enough to allow the feet to slide in far enough to attach the front feet and rails. The rear 60" rail's slots were just over an inch to short to allow the feet to slide far enough in to meet the roof rack. Since I needed 60" of clearance a shorter set of bars would not work just like two different length bars would not work. Solution, I lengthened the two slots by about 1" on the rear rail and it went on perfectly. Bottom line, unless someone was experienced enough and willing to make modifications to the rear slots I couldn't recommend that set up for a 3rd gen Tacoma with a factory rack. It might have been possible to utilize two shorter rails but I think the next shorter evo is to short. Square bars where the Hullavator unit clamps on would possibly be the best solution. Thanks Conrad