Can The Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier Fit Onto My A.R.E Camper Shell Roof Rack?
Question:
My A.R.E. cap has an internal frame and the 48inch roof bars mount directly to it see pictures. I want to add two sets of Hullavators. I think that I need wider bars - can you tell me if I need wider bars? If so, I want them to mount directly to my cap the same way my current bars mount - will a wider set of Thule bars mount directly to my cap? If so, how wide do I need to go? Thanks
asked by: John R
Expert Reply:
It looks to me like you are already setup to safely accommodate one or two Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carriers # TH898. The Hullavator requires a minimum of 4" crossbar overhang on each side of the towers, and based on the photos you attached, it appears as though you have plenty of overhang on each side. You will also need to make sure your crossbar is at least 65" long since each unit requires 28.5" of crossbar space and 4" of overhang. Each unit weighs about 40lbs and then you will have the weight of each kayak, so make sure you have the proper weight capacity to handle this. If your setup meets these requirements then you are all ready to install two Thule Hullavators.
If you don't have the necessary 65" crossbars then I recommend using one Hullavator for one kayak and then a different kayak carrier for the second kayak, such as Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier # MPG114MD. If you wanted load assist then you can add Malone TelosXL Lift Assist # MPG351XL which works with the Malone Downloader. I attached a few demonstration videos.
Products Referenced in This Question
Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- J-Style
- Folding
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp On
- No Load Assist
- Malone
more information >
Telos XL Load Assist for Malone Kayak Carriers - Side Loading
- Accessories and Parts
- Watersport Carriers
- Load Assists
- Malone
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: Can Two Yakima ShowDown Kayak Carriers Be Used Together
- Q&A: Which Crossbars Will Work With The Thule TH898 Hullavator?
- Q&A: Difference Between Yakima CoreBar and JetStream Roof Rack Crossbars
- Q&A: Thule Hullavator 897 And Hullavator 897XT Compatibility Issues
- Q&A: Will Telos XL Load Assist Work With etrailer J-Style Kayak Carrier
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing Set Up for a 2024 Buick Encore GX
- Q&A: Is Weight Capacity of Yakima CoreBar Crossbars Per Bar or for Pair
- Article: How to Strap a Kayak to a Roof Rack in 4 Steps (With Pictures)
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- 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