Does Thule Hullavator Need Crossbars to Extend 4 to 8 Inches on Jeep Wrangler
Question:
I have a Wrangler JKU with a Gobe Stealth Rack. The cross bars do not extend beyond the roofline 4-8”. Since the Wrangler is box shaped compared to passenger sedans...would it be possible to mount the Hullavator without the 4-8” extension beyond the roofline?
asked by: Charlie
Expert Reply:
I reached out to a representative of Thule who told me the Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier and Lift Assist # TH898 will require crossbars to extend at least 4 inches because the arms have some give, so when you put the kayak on it is likely to make contact with your Jeep Wrangler; additionally, they said is was unlikely to fit your Gobe Stealth Rack.
Instead, the Malone Channel Loader Kayak Load Assist # MAL48FR could be a good option.
This load assist will require the use of a saddle-style kayak carrier the Yakima SweetRoll Kayak Carrier # Y04074 will fit so long as your Gobe rack has crossbars that measure no more than 3-1/2" x 1-11/16" and you have a usable spread of at least 24", though that does not look like it will be an issue with your Jeep's rack as there are numerous crossbars. The cradles on the SweetRoll Carrier have integrated rollers on the rear to help ease loading your kayak as well as rubber pads which offer your kayaks protection from being damaged.
It attaches by clamping onto your crossbars and also comes with bow/stern tie-downs to save you an added expense. To lock this carrier to your Nissan and help protect your investment I do recommend adding Yakima Same Key System (SKS) Lock Cores # Y07204.
I have added a link to a video review of the SweetRoll for you to take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
Malone Channel Loader Kayak Load Assist
- Accessories and Parts
- Watersport Carriers
- Load Assists
- Kayaks
- Malone
more information >
Yakima SweetRoll Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Fishing Kayak
- Kayak
- Paddle Board
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Saddle-Style
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Rear Loading
- Clamp On
- Load Assist
- Yakima
more information >
Yakima Same Key System (SKS) Lock Cores (QTY 4)
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Roof Bike Racks
- Roof Box
- Roof Rack
- Ski and Snowboard Racks
- Keys
- Lock Parts
- Lock Cores and Cylinders
- Yakima
more information >
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
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Track Mount
- Clamp On
- Load Assist
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: When Extended Down How Far will the Thule Hullavator Be From the Top of the Cross Bars
- Shop: Replacement Endcap for Thule Outrigger II Easy Loader Extension Bar
- Q&A: Does Thule Hullavator Come with Straps for Securing Boats to Vehicle
- Q&A: Recommended Roof Rack for Mounting a Thule Hullavator Pro on a 2021 Toyota RAV4
- Q&A: Can Two Thule Hullavators Be Used on Roof Rack
- Q&A: Is Thule Hullavator Kayak Carrier Compatible with Yakima CoreBar Crossbars
- Q&A: Yakima Jetstream Roof Rack for Use with Thule Hullavator TH898 on 2018 Toyota Highlander
- Q&A: Recommended Roof Rack Compatible With Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier on 2018 Honda HR-V
- Article: How to Strap a Kayak to a Roof Rack in 4 Steps (With Pictures)
- Article: Roof Rack Information
- Article: Roof-Mounted Watersport Carriers
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers