Roof Rack for 2017 Ford Explorer Compatible With Thule Hullavator Pro

Question

Question:

Roof rack for Ford Explorer compatible with Hullavator pro. I would like to use Hullavator to load kayak on my Ford Explorer 2017. I have factory crossbars which are not compatible with Hullavator. Therefore, I would like have a new roof rack compatible and also less pricey. As I checked from your website, the best option is Rhino rack vortex. I want to make sure if this is compatible with Hullavator. This is 54” bar, will I get enough extension when I assemble them in my car. As per the instructions for Hullavator, 4”-8” extension required. Thank you for your help.

asked by: Tolga

0

Expert Reply:

There is a roof rack for your 2017 Ford Explorer that is compatible with the Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier and Lift Assist # TH898, although the 53 inch bars of the Rhino-Rack system are not going to be quite long enough to work. Due to that, in order to get long enough bars you will need to go with the Yakima roof rack.

The reason is due to how crossbars mount; they foot pack that attaches to the bars slides into a channel underneath the crossbars. That channel on the Rhino-Rack bars only goes a short distance from the edge of the bars, while the channel on the Yakima bars goes along the entire distance of the bars. I made a diagram for you which shows the underside of both bars so you can see the difference.

So the roof rack I can guarantee will work with the Thule Hullavator Pro # TH898 consists of the 60 inch Yakima JetStream Crossbars # Y00426 (Black), SkyLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars # Y53TR, Landing Pad 19 for Yakima SkyLine and Control Towers # Y00245 as well as the optional Yakima Same Key System Lock Cores # Y07204 for security.

While it is possible the 59 inch Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRVA150B-2 (Black) or # RRVA150S-2 (Silver) will work there isn't a way to know for certain because like you mentioned, the recommended length from Rhino-Rack for a 2017 Explorer are 53 inch bars. I think it's more likely than not the longer Rhino-Rack bars will work but cannot guarantee it, though if you want to take a shot the rest of the set up for your Explorer for this rack is the RCH Legs for Rhino-Rack Crossbars # RRRCH4 and Custom RCP Fit Kit # RRRCP45-BK. I've added links to some video reviews for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

click to enlarge

Answer 1

If you wanted to use the 60 inch CoreBars part #Y00422 that you referenced on the roof of your 2017 Ford Explorer you could. You'd need the towers part #Y53TR and the landing pad #Y00245 and you'd be set. Since the CoreBars use a sleeve that…

view full answer...

Answer 2

That all depends on what roof rack you have or that you are looking at. The Thule Hullavator Pro #TH898 itself weighs in at 39.7 lbs but that is not including any roof rack parts. If you could verify which roof rack you have I can let you know the…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Since the factory crossbars on your 2019 Ford Expedition are flush with the side rails they likely don't have the needed length to support both your 28 inch wide kayaks side-by-side, although you may want to take a quick measurement to be sure.…

view full answer...

Answer 4

From the looks of your included picture, it looks like you have flush factory rails and Yakima Round crossbars for your 2022 Honda CR-V. In order to use your Yakima RoundBars, you need to first remove the factory crossbars you currently have…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The weight capacity of most of the roof racks is 165 pounds but you're going to be limited by the capacity of your Explorer's roof. I took a look at an online copy of your owner's manual and it states that you're limited to only 45…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Aside from a slight change in the appearance of the crossbar (the WingBar Evo has some boxed edges as opposed to the completely smooth front of the AeroBlade) the biggest differences are the rubber strip on top of the crossbar and the weight…

view full answer...

Answer 8

For the LCI52-SB-86.5-68.5, the two ending measurements are: 1st - measurement from hub to hub, meaning the length of the axle in this case is 86.5 inches. 2nd - spring seat dimension where they're welded, meaning the spring seats are 68.5 inches…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Yakima's Skyline towers part #Y53TR can fit the tracks of the Retrax XR that you have with the landing pad 1 part #Y00221 but there isn't a way with the Baseline towers. Your Yakima Corebar or Jetstream bars will work with the Skyline towers…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Yes, I have listed for your below the roof rack systems from Rhino-Rack, Thule, and Yakima that will fit the RetraxPRO XR Hard Tonneau Covers like part #RTT-80243 for your 2019 Ram 1500. Rhino-Rack Vortex Crossbar System part #RRVA180B-RRRLT600…

view full answer...

Answer 11

For a roof rack to be compatible on your 2020 Jeep Wrangler with Sky One-Touch Power Top, it can't be mounted on the top of the roof and it needs to be high enough for the folding roof to clear. What you need are tall gutter-mounted roof racks.…

view full answer...

Answer 12

If your current springs have 5 leaves then going to a 7 leaf spring will increase the height of the trailer a little and make the trailer more susceptible to sway. Regarding capacity if you go with springs rated higher than what is required it will…

view full answer...

Roof Rack for 2017 Ford Explorer Compatible With Thule Hullavator Pro

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching