How To Carry Two Kayaks On a 2018 Toyota Highlander with Factory Roof Rack and Have Load Assist
Question:
I am interested in the possibility of installing two Thule Hullavators or Yakima load assist units on my 2018 Highlander. The factory installed rack system has a weight capacity of 165 lbs. My two kayaks are Old Town Vapor 10, 48 lbs each, with a width of 28.5. Please provide info as to what systems if any and parts would be needed to install the units. If neither system is an option, I could probably go to a trailer as Plan B. Thanks
asked by: Bob K
Expert Reply:
I do have an option for you but there are two issues you are going to run into trying to use the Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier part # TH898 or the Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Carrier part # Y04081. The first issues is that these are each over 40" long therefore you would not be able to fit two side by side and they both require there to be an overhang on the crossbars which the factory roof rack for a Toyota Highlander does not have.
If you want to go with a trailer like the Malone MicroSport Trailer for 2 Kayaks part # MPG461GU then that is the best option but also rather expensive. Therefore, I recommend taking a loot at the Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier and TelosXL Load Assist part # MPG114MD-351XL with the Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier part # MPG114MD as this will allow you to haul both of your kayaks on the factory roof rack and you get an easy to use load assist.
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 >
Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Lift Assist and Tie-Downs - J-Style - 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
- Load Assist
- Malone
more information >
Malone MicroSport Trailer with Saddle Style Carriers for 2 Kayaks - 800 lbs
- Kayak Trailer
- Saddle Style
- 2 Kayaks
- 20 Feet Long
- 800 lbs
- Spare Tire Included
- 6-1/2W x 13L Foot
- Galvanized Steel
- Malone
more information >
Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Paddle Board
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Saddle-Style
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp On
- Load Assist
- 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 >
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