Will Yakima OverHaul HD Work With Retrax Pro XR Tonneau And Thule Hullavator?

Updated 06/01/2026 | Published 05/25/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima OverHaul HD Adjustable Truck Bed Ladder Rack w/ Tonneau Cover Adapters - 78" Crossbars

(121)

$1558.90

RetraxPRO XR Hard Tonneau Cover - Retractable - Aluminum - Matte Black - Accessory T-Slots

(99)

$2399.99

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

(124)

$899.95

Question:

Question regarding Yakima Overhaul HD. It is our understanding that it is compatible with Retrax Pro XR for our 2015 Silverado 6.6 bed. We want to make sure that 2 Sets need to transport 2 kayaks the 2 pairs of Thule Hullavator Pro 898 are compatible for this set up. We also understand that cross bars over hang must be at least 4inch or more so curious if we would really need the 78inch cross bars? Thanks so much for any help. BL Chiffons

asked by: Betty L

Expert Reply:

Hey Betty, thanks for reaching out. You are on the right track here and thinking about all of this correctly. The Yakima OverHaul HD Adjustable Truck Bed Ladder Rack w/ Tonneau Cover Adapters # Y01151-5955 will indeed work with the RetraxPRO XR Hard Tonneau Cover # RTT-80462 on your 2015 Chevy 1500 with the 6-1/2' bed.

Also, the Thule Hullavator # TH898 will work great with the OverHaul HD crossbars as long as you use the T-track mounting method. I do recommend sticking with the 78" crossbars because they will have enough overhang past the uprights (between 4" and 8") to where you can use the lift assist without hitting the side of the truck. Also, those longer bars will be beneficial if you plan to use two Hullavator systems - one on each side. It'll just give you way more space to work with. Once that's all said and done, this will be a really slick kayak carrying setup.

What kind of kayaks do you have? Do you usually load and unload by yourself?

expert reply by: Jesse M

Yakima OverHaul HD Adjustable Truck Bed Ladder Rack w/ Tonneau Cover Adapters
(click to enlarge)

Betty C.

5/29/2026

Wow, thx for reply. First time I have ever submitted a question. Really appreciate your detailed reply as we have not been able to find such details in our research. 78” bars especially good to confirm as we will be needing to transport 2 kayaks via Thule Hullivators . I hope to be able to load by myself but now in my 60’s might need help secondary to length and weight of kayaks that can present a challenge since outfitting a full size truck. Downsized to 13’ Venture Easky and a 12’ Wilderness Pungo both poly boats so a tad heavy but remains in the specs of rack system. Thank you again. We always value ETrailer’s exceptional customer service.

Jesse M.

6/1/2026

@BettyC Thank you so much for the kind words, Betty! I'm glad I was able to help. It sounds like you've got a great pair of kayaks, and while those poly boats aren't exactly lightweight, the Hullavator does a fantastic job taking most of the lifting strain out of the equation. Hopefully it'll keep you enjoying the water for many years without having to wrestle kayaks onto the roof. I really appreciate your support and your trust in etrailer, and I hope you have some great paddling adventures ahead!

David

5/30/2026

The tonneau cover is beautiful but they shipped me the wrong rails to except the rack so I have a brand new rack that doesn’t mount to my tonneau cover. There solution was for me to buy another tonneau cover than return the old one. So wasn’t going to drop twice the amount of money for something e trailer screwed up. Nice product not pleased with customer service.

Jerry E.

5/30/2026

The Yakima racks do great on my '24 Tundra. I have a Retrax cover with the T rail sides. I do have 78in bars that go across and also the side bars that attach to the front and back. I am not sure I would add anything to the top of the Yakima racks, though. My risk-averse brain doesn't like the idea of having my Kayak attached to something that is then attached to something else. I push my Kayaks up top and strap them down to the crossbars. Seems safer.

Jesse M.

6/1/2026

@JerryE Thanks for sharing your setup, Jerry! I can definitely appreciate the risk-averse approach. It sounds like you've got a solid system with the Retrax T-slot rails and 78" Yakima bars, and if loading directly onto the crossbars gives you confidence, it's hard to argue with what works.