Details
- Waist-level loading, unloading and strapping by lowering the kayak 40 in. to the side of your vehicle
- Gas struts absorb up to 40 lbs. of your kayak's weight, allowing easy, unassisted loading and unloading
- Wide cradles accommodate hulls up to 36 in. wide
- 8 touch points of padded support for maximum protection of your kayak
- Corrosion-resistant base and cradles enhance the life of the carrier
- Includes QuickDraw bow and stern tie-downs and 2 center straps with car-protective buckle bumpers
- The Hullavator Pro fits all Thule rack systems and round bars (excluding Thule Edge)
Made in USA.
Specs
| Best Use | Kayaking |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 36 x 16 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 39 lbs. 11.2 oz. |
Rated 5 out of
5
by
airport703 from
Nothing else even comes close ...
It took a while before I decided to buy this kayak rack because of the price, however, now that I have used it 5 or 6 times, I love it. I have watched others struggle with much smaller kayaks while I am able to load and unload a 20 foot kayak by myself.
I lift the kayak onto the extended and lowered cradle and it sits pretty secure on its own while I strap it down. Once secured with the straps, I pull down on the two releases and lift the equivalent of about half the kayak's weight up and onto the roof. The lift assist brings up about 40 pounds of the kayak's full 82 pounds and I only have to lift the full weight of the kayak about 40 inches off the ground.
You may have to buy the rack cross-members separately and I have experienced a little whistling when driving without the kayak. Keep in mind the the full rack is too high to go into my garage, but the cradle pieces are easily removed to get it in the garage.
I have not found any other rack that works like this one does.
Date published: 2015-07-01
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Catywomp from
Grab and Go!
After a frustrating loading experience with snow and ice at Lake Powell this spring (2015), I walked in and said "take my money!"
I am 5'5", my adventure partner is 5'2", and getting a kayak on top of an SUV is challenging under regular circumstances. I had been looking at the Hullavator but had been put off by the price. After paddling 45 minutes through rain and snow and then trying to load a couple kayaks with frozen fingers on to the top of a slick SUV parked on a steep boat ramp, $600 seemed like a cheap price to pay for my health and well being.
I have LOVED IT ever since. I usually remove the whole rack when I'm not using it. I put small tape markers on my car rack so I know where to position it. It takes about 10 minutes to attach or detach. Loading and securing the kayak takes about one minute and almost no effort required. (I've even used it to transport a large area rug.)
If you are moderately strong and tall, this might not be worth it for you and J racks will be fine.
Date published: 2015-09-05
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Rad Riley from
Thule Hullavator and Eddy Line Kayaks
We bought the Hullavator because my wife is short and can't lift our Tandem Eddy Line kayak up on top of our car. After we assembled the Hullavator we put our tandem kayak on and found that it doesn't fit correctly. I went back to the REI's website Hullavator description and our kayak supposedly meets the requirements for the rack. I emailed Thule and they said "Unfortunately we do not have any "V" shaped foam pieces we provide to customers i would recommend checking into a local hardware store and seeing if they have any Foam padding you can attach to the Hullivator for a more firm fit". You would think a rack that costs almost $700 would come with the parts to make it work. I'm disappointed. Adding pictures so you can see the problem.
Date published: 2017-03-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
klkargari from
Couldn't do without it!
Best purchase that I've made all year! I drive a compact crossover and own a Malibu mini-x kayak. The kayak itself is one of the smallest out there, but even with its size I would be unable to lift it to my roof without assistance. I am a 5'7 female and couldn't kayak every other morning without my Hullavator! Assembly was very straightforward with detailed instructions. The arm mounts sits perfectly on my aero blades and I am able to leave the two bar mounts on at all time. When transporting my kayak, the Hullavator arm easily slides in with a u-shaped pin. When I'm at the beach I safely store the Hullavator arms in my trunk.
The hydraulic arm folds down to waist height, making it very easy to lift the kayak into the secure j hooks. From there I can easily strap the kayak through the loops. After that, the assist lift makes lifting 50 pounds as easy as standing straight up....amazing!!
It's additionally quite the conversation starter. I always get people asking me to show them how it works when I'm loading it on the beach! I would recommend this as an investment.
Date published: 2016-09-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
waterlover08 from
Couldn't live without it!
I'm 5'4", though I have a short car, it's still not quite tall enough to lift a kayak on top of my car after a long afternoon of yakking. The Hullavator was the answer to all of my prayers. It is easy as pie to load, unload, and reload my boat. Nevermore am I fearful that I'll be too tired to reload my boat!
Date published: 2016-06-21
Rated 5 out of
5
by
yakysup from
best investment
I bought this at the beginning of 2015 and have been using it since then. It is very easy to use and since then so much easy for me every time I go kaying or paddle boarding. I am only 5 2 and my kayak weights 45 lbs, and with my high SUV this is the best solution and great investment for me. I would highly recommend this system.
Date published: 2016-03-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Shellebelle from
Buy it.
I've now used the hullavator 4 times and it's a live saver. I'm 5'4" and couldn't get my kayak on a Toyota hylander by myself and I can easily do it now! I have Yakima round bars and it does work with them. I paid $20 to have a local company install and happy I did. Directions were not very clear. Absolutely recommend. It's worth every penny.
Date published: 2016-09-05
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Red Kayaker from
Life Changing piece of Equipment
My new hullavator is life changing. For the first time in the 12 years I have owned a kayak, I can handle it myself with out help.
I am independent. I can go anywhere I want any time with anyone. I am empowered.
Date published: 2016-06-28
Will this fit on the xsporter truck rack?
​Yes, this will work with the Thule Xsporter.
Date published: 2017-03-07
what's the difference between this and the less expensive models? what cross bars are recommended? and what do I do with the factory installed bars that are on my Honda CRV already?
Without knowing which kayak carrier you are comparing this to, we are unable to make an accurate comparison. This carrier is compatible with all Thule bars (except the Edge) and round bars, so whichever bars you use may be a matter of personal preference. We recommend using the Thule fit guide to determine which bars are compatible with your vehicle.
Date published: 2017-04-06
I have a 2017 Subaru Outback. They changed the roof rack and I can't use my Thule roller/slide rack. Can the Hullavator attach directly to the Subaru crossbars?
The Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier is not compatible with the factory installed crossbars on your 2017 Subaru Outback. The Hullavator is only compatible with Thule or Yakima load bars.
Date published: 2017-06-03
I am very interesting in purchasing this kayak rack. I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee (2012), what are my options for cross bars. Would there be anything I would need to purchase other than the cross bars to be able to mount the kayak rack?
This kayak carrier is compatible with both Thule square bars and Thule AeroBlade bars. Additional components will depend on what you currently have on your vehicle. We recommend using Thule's online fit guide to ensure you get the right components.
https://www.rei.com/ThuleFitGuide
Date published: 2017-06-05
I have a 2015 Forester. Would I be able to have a Hullavator on each side of the vehicle to be able to fit two kayaks on the roof?
It is possible to fit 2 Hullavator Pro Kayak Carriers on a vehicle. Compatibility depends on the size and weight of your kayaks.
Each Hullavator can hold a kayak up to 36" wide. You won't be able to fit two 36" wide boats side by side on the recommended Thule bars (47" AeroBlade or 50" SquareBar). Additionally, the max weight capacity of your rack is 165 lbs. Each carrier weighs 43 lbs., so your boats must weigh 79 lbs. or less combined.
Date published: 2017-01-27
2005 Chevy Tahoe I have the roof rack that came with the car will that work for the Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier? If not what bars do I need to buy?
The Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier will not fit the factory rack on your 2005 Chevy Tahoe. You would need to attach Thule bars to your vehicle.
Compatibility for your specific vehicle can be looked up using the Thule Fit Guide: https://www.rei.com/ThuleFitGuide
Date published: 2016-06-06
I have a 2014 BMW 3-series wagon with flush rails. The Hullavator doesn't fit the OEM bars, what bars are recommended to use and at what length? Hullavator manual appears to require some overhang from the podium feet so I want to ensure proper bar length
A 47 inch minimum AeroBlade bar length is recommend to mount the Hullavator Pro to your 2014 BMW 3-series Wagon. For the square bars, a 50 inch minimum length is required. The Aeroblade Edge is system is not compatible.
Date published: 2017-04-03
Will this work with the Wilderness Pungo 120 UL Kayak?
​This kayak carrier will accommodate the Wilderness Pungo 120 UL Kayak.
Date published: 2017-04-22
