Roof Rack Set Up For Carrying A Thule Hullavator On A 2017 Chevy Traverse
Updated 09/02/2025 | Published 08/03/2025
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Hello! I am interested in purchasing the Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier and need help determining what cross bar setup is required to fit a 2017 Traverse that has factory ‘C’ channel rails. Thank you!
asked by: Michael H
Expert Reply:
Hi Michael!
To get a Thule Hullavator # TH898 on your 217 Chevy Traverse, you will need a roof rack set up that has the crossbars extend 4 to 8 inches past the towers. I believe the C channels you mentioned are flush mounted rails running along the roof? If they are, I put together a custom roof rack set up that would give you 59" crossbars (the ones typically used are 54"). This will give you plenty of room for the Hullavator!
Rhino-Rack Sportz Aero Crossbar - Aluminum - Black - 59" Long - Qty 1 # RR33AG (will need qty.2 of these)
Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4 # RRRLKVA
Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Naked Roof # DK297
What kind of kayak are you going to be carrying? I did a little bit of kayaking in my younger years, but after trying and failing to stay upright for more than 30(ish) seconds on a surf ski, I decided it wasn't really for me. : P
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Saddle-Style
- Folding
- Aero Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp-On
- Track Mount
- Load Assist
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Best Thule Roof Rack For Installing Hullavator On 2015 Subaru Forester
- Q&A: Roof Rack and Assisted Kayak Carrier Recommendation for 2026 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Q&A: Will Two Thule Hullavators Fit on Roof of 2016 Ford Explorer
- Q&A: Best Roof Rack For Thule Hullavator On 2024 Acura RDX
- Q&A: Can Two Thule Hullavators Be Installed On The Roof Of A 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness?
- Q&A: Installing Hullavator Pro on JetStream Crossbars
- Q&A: Is the Material of the Yakima HD Crossbars Infill Y01166 Same as what Came On Bars
- Article: Roof-Mounted Watersport Carriers
- Article: Trailer Maintenance Schedule
- Article: Holiday 2025 | Staff Picks for Real-Life Adventures
- Article: Holiday 2025 | Best Gifts for Towers
- Article: Holiday 2025 | Best Gifts for RVing
- Article: How to Strap a Kayak to a Roof Rack in 4 Steps (With Pictures)
- Article: How to Choose a Bike Rack for a Jeep Wrangler
Lazer S.
9/2/2025
Hi Michael, Did you manage to set up the roof rack for your Traverse and get the Thule Hullavator installed? I'm curious to know how it worked out for you, as it could really help others looking to carry their kayaks with a similar setup.