Assisted Kayak Carrier Recommendation for 2020 Subaru Ascent with Thule Roof Rack
Question:
I have 2 tandem 13.5ft kayaks 72lbs each to fit on a Subaru Ascent 2020. Looking for best option on load assist. Have Thule 53inch crossbars. Have purchased but not yet installed Thule Hulaport XT 2 for each Kayak so theres time to return and repurchase if needed. First thought, Yakima Showboat 66. Would this work with this set up? Second thought, return Hullaports to get Malone J and Malone sideloader. Seems nice but the J racks dont seem to be as nice or secure. Thought? The Yakima setup seems the most seamless but can you use it with loading tandems into j racks?
asked by: Troy M
Expert Reply:
The best assisted kayak carrier that would fit the Thule crossbars on your 2020 Subaru Ascent would be the Thule Hullavator part # TH898 which allows you to load the kayaks at about waist level and then push it up onto the roof using the assisted gas shocks of it. It also has a 75 lb capacity so your 72 lb boats would easily work well.
The other options you mentioned aren't terrible but since you asked for the best option the Hullavator is what you'd want.
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 >
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
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on Watersport Carriers
Troy M.
12/23/2020
I have 2 tandem 13.5ft kayaks 72lbs each to fit on a Subaru Ascent 2020. Looking for best option on load assist. Have Thule 53inch crossbars. Have purchased but not yet installed Thule Hulaport XT 2 for each Kayak so theres time to return and repurchase if needed. First thought, Yakima Showboat 66. Would this work with this set up? Second thought, return Hullaports to get Malone J and Malone sideloader. Seems nice but the J racks dont seem to be as nice or secure. Thought? The Yakima setup seems the most seamless but can you use it with loading tandems into j racks?