Recommended Kayak Carrier With Load Assist That is Easiest to Use

Question:

HI there, Im driving a 2009 Silverado 1500 LT, extended cab, with a canopy. Im fitted with a Rhino 2500 series roof rack 54 inch vortex aero w/the Roof Rack Leg Kit RLKVA. This is installed on the truck roof. I would like to carry my 12.5 foot kayak that weighs 55 lbs. I have the Malone FoldAway Watersport Carrier MAL38FR and now realize that it is next to impossible to load a 2nd boat in the center of the truck roof as loading even the boat closest to the truck side requires two short ladders. I would like to find a solution where I can load my kayak by myself with little to minimal effort. What would you recommend for a kayak rack that enables one to load and unload by one person?

asked by: Jon C

Helpful Expert Reply:

For the easiest to use kayak carrier with load assist that requires little effort, there is really just one choice, which is the Hullavator from Thule:

- Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs # TH898

The Hullavator provides more assistance with lifting a kayak than any other rack because of its gas struts that do so much of the work for you. The arms also hang down to what should be about waist height so you don't have to lift your kayak up much initially. And it has a weight capacity of 75 lbs, which is more than enough to handle your 55 lb kayak.

The only other thing I recommend is considering locks to keep the Hullavator locked to your roof rack, which you can add with the Thule Lock Cores # TH450200.

expert reply by: Kyle S