Does The Thule Hullavator Kayak Carrier Or The Yakima ShowDown Make It Easier To Load Kayaks
Question:
I want to transport a 12 ft F and S Kayak on top of my 2019 Rav4 Limited SUV. I am considering the Hullavator or Showdown. I realize that I cant use the factory crossbars because they dont stick out on the side of the suv. What cross bars would I need to include with each? I want to cost it, ease of removal not of cross bars, and ease of loading kayak.
asked by: Jim
Expert Reply:
It is correct you will need at least 4" of bar overhang to use the Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier # TH898 or Yakima ShowDown Kayak # Y04081 so that the lift assist does not touch the vehicle during the loading process.
For the roof rack on the 2019 Toyota RAV4 I recommend the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack # MPG216 which are aerodynamic bars that attach to the raised side rails of the Toyota and measure 58" long so will provide plenty enough overhang for the lift assist features. The Malone is the best aero bar rack that allows for enough overhang.
I recommend the Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier and Lift Assist with Tie-Downs part # TH898 over the Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Carrier and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs part # Y04081 since your major concern is ease of loading the kayaks. While both options allow for easy side loading of the kayaks the Hullavator has gas struts that eliminates most of the weight of lifting the kayaks up onto the roof. The ShowDown does not have the gas struts so most the upward force to get the kayaks on the roof is up to you which can be hard on your back after a while. I have attached a video of the Hullavtor in action. Although the Hullavator may be a bit more expensive the ease of loading and quality of the product makes it worth it. For example the Hullavator has padded cradle arms to avoid scratching the kayak.
I recommend to add locks to protect your investment with part # TH450200.
![Heather A](https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/catg/people/1131_tn.jpg)
Products Referenced in This Question
Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 2
- 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
more information >
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: RV Covers
- Article: How to Troubleshoot Your RV Air Conditioner
- Shop: Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount
- Video: Thule AeroCrossbars SUP and Surfboard Pads Review
- Video: Yakima Aero Crossbar Pads Review
- Video: Yakima Tie Down Straps - Truck Bed - Y05006 Review
- Shop: RV Jack Pads
- Video: Adco RV Covers - Propane Tank Covers - 290-2714 Review
- Video: etrailer Campers and Utility Trailers Tongue Weight Scale Review
- Shop: SideBar Rails for Yakima OverHaul HD and Outpost HD Truck Bed Racks - Short Bed - 100 lbs - Qty 2
- Shop: Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 50" Long - Silver
- Shop: Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 2
- Shop: Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer - 78"
- Search Results: yakima top grip
- Search Results: yakima tie down straps
- Search Results: yakima showdown
- Q&A: Can I Use the Thule Toque Tool With Rapid Traverse Feet?
- Q&A: What Are The Replacement Tensioning Bolt Plug for Thule Traverse Foot Pack Used For?
- Q&A: Can a Trailer Ride With the Tongue at an Upward or Downward Angle
- Search Results: thule wrench
- Shop: Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
- Q&A: Recommended Kayak Carrier for Yakima OverHaul Ladder Rack
- Search Results: tongue weight scale
- Search Results: dual propane tank cover
- Search Results: propane tank covers
- Q&A: Jack Pad Recommendation for Anderson Trailer Jack Block Bucket
- Shop: Yakima Cinch Straps w/ Padded Cam Buckles - 16' Long - Qty 2
- Q&A: Best Lift Assist Carrier for Stand-Up Paddle Board
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Lippert Ground Control TT Jack that Won't Work 2021 Outdoors RV 280KVS Titanium
- Video: Yakima OverHaul HD Adjustable Truck Bed Ladder Rack Installation - 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Lee S.
5/18/2020
From the photos, it appears that the Yakima j-bar portion of the rack folds down and requires less overhead clearance (for garaging) than the Thule Hullavator. Is this correct? Do you know the actual height of the two units above the rail to which they're attached?