How Can I Fit The Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack On My 2025 MG ZST 1.5 Vibe CVT W/Factory Bars

Updated 03/04/2026 | Published 02/27/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(124)

$899.95

Question:

Vehicle: 2025 MG ZST 1.5 Vibe CVT with factory MG crossbars fitted to factory raised rails. The crossbars have a T-track. I am trying to fit a Thule Hullavator Pro. The supplied bolts were too short for the MG crossbars, so I purchased longer T-track bolts to make it work. The Hullavator mounting brackets include lower spacer/underbars that sit beneath the crossbar. On my setup, these underbars don’t appear to serve a purpose other than spacing, and they prevent the original bolts from reaching the T-track square nuts. Is it safe or advisable to remove these lower spacer/underbars so the original bolts can engage properly with the T-track nuts? Doing so would allow the brackets to sit almost flush with the crossbars.

asked by: Maree

Bolt
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Thule Hullavator
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Expert Reply:

Hey, Maree.

Thanks for your question. I looked over the instructions to find what spacer you may be referring to and the only thing that I can find that sits on the under side of the Thule Hullavator # TH898 is the underbar bracket, which is needed to attach the upper bracket.

Based off your pictures you sent to me, it looks like that's what you are referring to. I would recommend using those brackets. When I assembled one of these racks a few years ago they were pretty crucial to keep everything safe on the roof. Using a longer bolt would be perfectly fine.

Also, congrats on the new vehicle. Even if you got it last year, I still think it's worth congratulating on! How are you liking it?

expert reply by: Gwendolyn Y

Thule Instructions
(click to enlarge)

Maree

3/2/2026

Thanks for the reply, yes I think using the brackets is essential so I'm really asking if it's ok and safe to use a longer bolt. Regarding the car it's nice to have something new but I had my Honda set up with my racks, a tow bar, dual battery for my fridge/freezer, heaps of room for my camping gear etc and I've had to start from scratch!

Gwendolyn Y.

3/3/2026

@Maree You can totally use a longer bolt with no issue. I also totally understand that! Getting new means that nice new car smell and no trips to the repair shop. But starting over from scratch when you had a pretty nice set up can be a downer. When I got my first new car I kept thinking to myself "okay, where do I start? what do I need? what will fit? what will work?". But Once you get going I know that you will come out with a really nice set up! Forgot to ask if the OEM bars are flush or not. Most OEM bars I'm familiar with are flush and don't have over hang. The Hullavator does need a minimum of 4" of over hang on the side it's on.

Geo

3/4/2026

Hi Maree, Thule’s term for the “spacer” that you’re referring to is the “Aeroblade Adapter Bracket” (part “Z” on the parts diagram at the front of the instructions). I think they would say that it’s essential. For one thing, it keeps the bolt perfectly perpendicular inside the hollow bar mount assembly (part “A”) protecting it from the undue strain of “racking”. I don’t see any problem with using a longer bolt if your MG T-track requires it. Measure carefully: it needs to fully penetrate the square nut, but shouldn’t bottom-out in the track. Geo

Gwendolyn Y.

3/4/2026

@Geo Thanks for sharing all sharing all this, Geo. You bring up some really good points especially about making sure the bolt isn't too long.

Ron K.

3/4/2026

I don't see how to add pics so I can only write. I have 2 sets of the Hullivators. All the hardware I needed to mount them on kayak racks of my 2025 GMC Canyon were included. I just needed to used correct bolt lengths which I believe were included.

Gwendolyn Y.

3/4/2026

@RonK Thanks for sharing your feedback, Ron. How you have been liking the Hullavator so far?

Ron K.

3/4/2026

@GwendolynY I'm on my 3rd set. First set was old and one of cradles broke so that was my newest order. We have heavy sit on ocean kayaks so the Hulivator makes it so easy. Many times when we're loading/unloading people come up and ask questions

Gwendolyn Y.

3/4/2026

@RonK Oh I bet! We have some basic kayaks we can rent out here at etrailer and I know for sure I wouldn't want to use a heavier one than those without something like the Hullavator.

See All (5) Replies to Ron K. ∨

Richard M.

3/4/2026

Hi Maree, "The Thule Hullavator Pro requires the roof rack crossbars to extend 4 to 8 inches beyond the towers (mounting feet) on the side where it is mounted." I'm not familiar with your cars' crossbars but factory crossbars usually don't extend beyond the towers. "A minimum of 4 inches of overhang is required on each side to prevent the arm from damaging the vehicle." I had to get aftermarket crossbars for my Subaru in order to use the Hullavator.

Gwendolyn Y.

3/4/2026

@RichardM Thanks for that reminder, I reached out to Maree in a comment she left to make sure. I think some people forget about that bit especially with the excitement when getting a new vehicle.