Easiest Kayak Rack For An Older Woman Loading a 45lb Kayak On The Roof
Question:
I’m interested in the Hullavator but am concerned about the weight of each piece. My kayak only weighs 45 pounds. I understand the Hullavator also weighs around 40 pounds. I will need to remove it from a rack on an HRV - rear mirror does not fold after each use to keep my car in the garage. Am I to assume each piece is then about 20 pounds? Just wondering how difficult this would be for an active older woman to do alone, which is the point of getting an assist system. I replaced a car that had a lower roof. I am sure I cannot manage this high a lift for a long kayak but could probably manage a 20 pound more compact device, assuming installation and removal are not a major production.
asked by: Susan
Expert Reply:
I was hoping we had an installation video but it appears we currently only have use videos at this time for the Thule Hullavator # TH898. To begin you are correct the entire system weighs 39.7lbs so each individual piece would weight around 20lbs. They can be installed one of 2 ways depending on if your cross bars has a t-slot. There is a strap style arm that will hook on one side of the carrier and uses a bolt on the other side. Or there is a slot nut that will slide into a T-track on the top of the crossbars. Then you will be able to fasten into the slots on the track. Both of which will probably require you to use a small ladder to reach the fastener on the back side of the rack. I have linked the instructions for this at the bottom of the page which will likely help you better visualize what it required since Thule uses mostly images on their instructions.
Personally I feel like this is going to be your best option as it is the only carrier we carry that allows you to strap the kayak to the mounts before raising it into position on your roof.
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
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Recommended Roof Rack for Mounting a Thule Hullavator Pro on a 2021 Toyota RAV4
- Q&A: Can Two Thule Hullavators Be Used on Roof Rack
- Q&A: Recommended Roof Rack Compatible With Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier on 2018 Honda HR-V
- Q&A: Will The Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Roof Rack Allow For Use Of Thule Hullavator 2018 Tundra Double Cab?
- Q&A: Which Crossbars Will Work With The Thule TH898 Hullavator?
- Q&A: Thule Hullavator Pro TH898 - What Are The 35mm and 37mm Bolts For?
- Q&A: Will the Thule Hullavator Work with Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars
- Article: How to Strap a Kayak to a Roof Rack in 4 Steps (With Pictures)
- Article: Roof Rack Information
- Article: Roof-Mounted Watersport Carriers
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Article: How to Tie Down Luggage on a Roof Rack