Recommended Rack For 2016 Toyota Highlander For A Thule Hullavator And Rear Loading Kayak Carrier

Question:

Hi. I have a 2016 Toyota Highlander. Currently I have rounded typical crossbars. I have a rear load rhino kayak system which I love but with these crossbars I can only fit one kayak. I need crossbars that will fit 2 kayaks side by side on rear loading racks. Eventually I want a Thule kayak assist on one side and the other rear load on the other. Can you help? Thanks

asked by: Marisa U

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order for you to carry two kayaks, one on a Thule Hullavator, part # TH898, and the other a rear loading kayak carrier, you will need longer crossbars. Your crossbars will also need to extend between 4" - 8" beyond the tower, foot, leg of your roof rack. You will not be able to use a factory roof rack with a Thule Hullavator.

If your 2016 Toyota Highlander has flush rails, your recommended roof rack will consist of the following:

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black -53" Long - Qty 2, part # TH711420
Rapid Podium Feet for Thule Crossbars - Fixed Point - Qty 4, part # TH460R
Fit Kit for Thule Podium-Style Roof Rack Feet - 3134, part # THKIT3134
Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 4, part # TH450400.

You also have the option of going with a 60" crossbar, part # TH711520. Doing so will give you more room for your rear loading kayak carrier to be next to your Thule Hullavator, both of which carry kayaks on their hull.

If your Highlander has a naked roof your rack will consist of the following:

Yakima CoreBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2, part # Y00422
BaseLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Naked Roofs - Qty , part # Y28TR
BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers - Qty 4, part # Y06130
Yakima Same Key System (SKS) Lock Cores (QTY 4), part # Y07204.

Each of these roof racks have a 165 lbs weight limit. I always go with the Yakima option, if available, on a naked roof application. This is because the Yakima towers have two extra adjustments the other rack companies do not have, toe and pitch, and this is beneficial on a naked roof application.

I have included product description links, a video installation of the Thule option being installed on a 2016 Toyota Highlander, and a video review link below.