Kayak Carrier and Load Assist for 48 Pound Kayaks on 2010 Honda CR-V

Question:

I have 2 pungo 120 kayaks weight 48 lbs. I also have 2 897xt hullavators will the Thule square bar support this weight? I have a 2010 Honda CRV

asked by: Jan

Expert Reply:

The Thule SquareBar Roof Rack for your 2010 Honda CR-V, which consists of # TH712200 for the two 47" SquareBar Crossbars, # TH460R for the Podium Feet, and # THKIT3042 for the Fit Kit has a weight capacity of 165 pounds. I went ahead and pulled up the online version of the owner's manual for your CR-V and it also lists a matching 165 pound capacity for the roof itself.

This just means that even if you were to go with a higher-rated roof rack option, 165 pounds is still going to be the limit on your CR-V.

Your older version of the Thule Hullavator # TH898 weighs about 39 pounds. So two of these systems plus the combined weight of both your kayaks gives you a total weight of 174 pounds, exceeding the rack and roof's capacity.

With this in mind your only option will be to use lighter carriers for your kayaks. I recommend taking a look at the Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier # MPG114MD-351XL along with an additional set of cradles with # MPG114MD for your second kayak.

These J-style cradles can be placed on each side of the CR-V's roof to help with access during loading/unloading and the portable load assist will help you lift them up. Because the load assist isn't actually attached to the carriers themselves like on the Hullavator (it's just stored away when not in use) it won't add to their weight.

I have attached a short video demonstration that you can check out as well.