Recommended Roof Rack And Kayak Carrier For 2016 Toyota Highlander XLE With Flush Roof Rails
Question:
I just purchased a 2016 Toyota Highlander XLE with flush factory rails. I have a Pungo 120 Kayak and want to use the Thule Hullavtor Pro to transport it. What roof system would I need? Is is also possible to put a second Hullavtor on the vehicle for a friends kayak, what square bar size would your recommend I purchase now now knowing that might be an option later? Can I also have a Thule cargo box on the vehicle at the same time as the Hullavator? If so am I limited to a certain cargo box? Im still trying to find the weight load limit for my roof but somewhere it said the flush rails hold 150 pounds. Thanks in advance for your help!
asked by: Lynne P
Helpful Expert Reply:
The Thule Hullavator Pro, part # TH898 is a great kayak carrier and it makes it much easier to load and unload your Pungo Kayak, especially with the height of your 2016 Highlander.
The roof rack I recommend for your Highlander is the Thule WnigBar roof rack. This roof rack includes aerodynamic crossbars that help reduce wind drag and noise. To order this roof rack you will need part # TH711400 for silver bars or part # TH711420 for black bars, part # TH460R, and part # THKIT3134.
To secure the kayak carrier and the roof rack on your Highlander I recommend using the Thule One-Key locking system part # TH450600. This lock system comes with 6 lock cores that would take care of the 4 roof rack legs and the 2 Hullavator carriers.
Since it can be tough to find places to attach the tie-downs for the kayak you may want to check out the etrailer tie down kit, part # e36ZR. These attach to the bow and stern tie-downs and are secured by closing in the rear hatch and the hood of the vehicle.
With the weight of the Hullavator at about 42-lbs, and the kayak at about 49-lbs you would only have enough weight capacity for about 60-lbs total. Trying to find a light enough roof box to work with that and the weight of any cargo you put in the box I am afraid it would exceed the roof weight capacity for your Toyota. The width of the Hullavator being 31-inches would mean you need a roof box about 22-inches wide or less to fit the 53-inch crossbars. You can use longer crossbars like part # THARB60 which are 60-inches long but weight would become a factor when using the kayak carrier and a roof box.
If you are looking for a roof cargo box by itself that will work with the AeroBlade roof rack I recommend part # TH629706. This is the Thule Motion XT and it has 16 cubic feet of space. The box measures 77-inches long x 36 inches wide x 17-inches tall and has a weight capacity of 165-lbs. This box weighs 42-lbs by itself so you would be limited to about 106-lbs of cargo to stay within the weight capacity of your Toyota roof.
Products Referenced in This Question
- Boat Tie Downs
- 11 - 20 Feet Long
- Bow Strap
- Cam Buckle Strap
- 0 - 1 Inch Wide
- 176 - 350 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 6
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Roof Bike Racks
- Roof Box
- Roof Rack
- Ski and Snowboard Racks
- Keys
- Lock Parts
- Lock Cores and Cylinders
- Thule
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Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Box - 16 cu ft - Black Glossy
- Roof Box
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Medium Length
- High Profile
- Large Capacity
- Dual Side Access
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Silver - 53" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 53 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Silver
- Thule
more information >
Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 53" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 53 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Thule
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 >
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