Load Assisted Kayak Carriers for 2019 Honda Pilot for 2 Kayaks

Question:

I am trying to find a way to get two kayaks on a new 2019 Honda Pilot. With our old vehicle we struggled to get the kayaks up on Yakima J-shaped folding brackets with much straining and cursing and scratched paint. Is it possible to fit two sets of Hullavators on the 2019 Honda Pilot one set on each side of the vehicle? It appears that I would just be within the weight limit with my two kayaks, two pairs of Hullavators and the cross bars and mounts. If Hullavators dont fit would Yakima Showdowns work one set on each side? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Graham L

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Thule Hullavator Kayak Carriers # TH898 weigh 40-lbs each by themselves so the two empty carriers alone will consume half of the Pilot's rated 165-lb roof capacity. While there are some lightweight kayaks out there most weigh 40-lbs or more apiece.

Apart from the weight concern there is the matter of space; each Hullavator requires 28.5-inches of space on the crossbars so the Pilot would have to be fitted with at least 57 inch long bars. The Hullavator also requires 4-8 inches of crossbar overhang on each side.

There is an assisted side-load carrier from Malone, their DownLoader Kayak Carrier and TelosXL Load Assist # MPG114MD-351XL which is not quite as slick as the Hullavator but it may work for you. You can use one set of the Telos lift for both carriers, by adding a second DownLoader # MPG114MD.

If you're open to a read-loading carrier you might have a look at the Yakima # Y04083-04082 which consists of a combination of rollers and saddles. This takes up very little of the roof's weight capacity. I recommend also using a pad to protect the Pilot's roof during loading/unloading processes; something like the Swagman Tailwhip # S64761 will do the trick.

If you do not yet have any roof rack on the Pilot please tell me the type of roof configuration it has (bare roof, flush rails or raised rails) and I will be glad to suggest a roof rack.