Crossbar Length for Using Thule Hullavator on 2019 Toyota Rav4

Question:

Hi. I want to lease a 2019 RAV4 but they only come with factory-installed side rails flush to the roof so I cannot attach my haulavator. My 2016 RAV4 has raised rails and the haulavator fits and works perfectly. Over the past several weeks Thule reps keep telling me that an adaptor is/has-been/will-be made so the haulavator CAN be installed on the new RAVs, but I cant find anyone who seems to know if and when that will actually happen and the part will be available. Do you know?? Thanks

asked by: Jim N

Expert Reply:

So what Thule was waiting on was the release of the proper fit kit for the 2019 Toyota Rav4, which is now available as part # TH78RE. You would also need the # TH460R roof rack feet.

In order for this rack to work with your Hullavator, the crossbars need to extend past the edge of the roof by 4-8 inches so the Hullavator doesn't' contact the side of the vehicle when it's lowered. You'd think it's no big deal, right? Just pick a longer crossbar and then you'd be good to go...right? Unfortunately, it's not that cut and dried. The grooves on the underside of the crossbars that receive the roof rack feet don't extend the full length of the underside of the bar, so you can only go so big.

The easiest way to determine the maximum bar length you could use would be to find the fixed points on the roof where the roof rack feet would attach. There's usually a cover over it that you'll need to gently pry up to remove. Measure the center to center distance between the points across the roof. If this measurement is between 39-1/2 and 52-3/4 inches, you can upgrade to the 53 inch long bar, part # TH711400 for silver or # TH711420 for black. If the distance is 46-1/2 to 59-3/4 inches, you can go up to a 60 inch wide bar, # TH711500 for silver or # TH711520 for black..

Once you figure out the maximum bar length you can use, have a helper assist holding a tape measure across the roof at both 53 and 60 inches, being sure to even up the overhang on each side. If you have at least 4 inches of overhang, the Hullavator will work.