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Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier - Carries 1 Kayak - Roof-Mounted - Lift-Assistance for Easy Loading and unloading - 75lb Load Capacity - Includes Straps and tie Downs

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 257 ratings
Amazon's Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately.
Amazon's Choice in Kayak & Canoe Car Racks by Thule

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Purchase options and add-ons

Color Black/Silver
Brand Thule
Load Capacity 75 Pounds
Mounting Type Rack
Vehicle Service Type
Car
Material
Aluminum
Item Weight
39.7 Pounds
Is Foldable
No

About this item

  • Lift-assist kayak rack designed to easily load and unload on your own
  • Gas-assist struts lift and lower 40 lbs of the kayak's weight
  • Load and unload your kayak at waist height thanks to double extending arms
  • 8 touch points of padded support for maximum protection
  • Corrosion-resistant kayak cradles expand to fit wide kayaks
  • Built to last with aluminum, double coated steel construction
  • Includes bow and stern tie-downs for transporting 1 kayak

Thule Fit Guide


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From the manufacturer

Accommodates Variety of Kayaks

Wide cradles can accommodate hulls up to 36" wide.

Load at Waist-Level

Waist-level loading, unloading and strapping by lowering the kayak 40" to the side of the vehicle.

40 lbs Assist Gas Struts

Gas struts make it easy to load and unload the kayak unassisted as the carrier takes 40 lbs of the kayak's weight.

Protective Padding

8 touchpoints of padded support for maximum protection of your kayak.

Corrosion-Resistant

Corrosion-resistant base and cradles enhance life of the product.

Secure

Thule's One-key lock cylinders (sold separately) allow you to lock the carrier to the vehicle.

Thule Hullavator Pro Thule Slipstream Thule DockGrip Thule DockGlide Thule Hull-a-Port XT Thule Stacker
Customer Reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars
257
3.6 out of 5 stars
38
4.5 out of 5 stars
77
4.3 out of 5 stars
107
4.6 out of 5 stars
374
4.3 out of 5 stars
256
Number of Kayaks Carried 1 1 1 1 1-2 1-4
Carrying Style Horizontal Horizontal Horizontal Horizontal Vertical Vertical
Load Capacity 75 lbs 75 lbs 85 lbs 75 lbs 130 lbs 75 lbs
Assist Feature Lift & Load Load No assist Load No assist No assist
Includes Straps and Tie Downs Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Roof Rack Compatibility AeroBlade, SquareBar AeroBlade, SquareBar, Factory Racks AeroBlade, SquareBar, Factory Racks AeroBlade, SquareBar, Factory Racks AeroBlade, SquareBar, Factory Racks AeroBlade, SquareBar, Factory Racks
Watercrafts Carried Kayak Kayak Kayaks, SUPs Kayak Kayak Kayak

Product Description

Spend more time out on the water with the Thule Hullavator Pro rooftop kayak carrier. This lift-assist kayak rack is incredibly easy for one person to load and unload on their own. Gas-assist struts lift and lower up to 40 lbs of the kayak's weight, while double extend arms lower the kayak to waist height. 8 touch points of padded support offer maximum kayak protection. The rooftop kayak rack is built to last with corrosion-resistant cradles and aluminum, double coated steel construction. Confidently transport your favorite water sport gear with a kayak carrier from Thule.

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Thule

Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier - Carries 1 Kayak - Roof-Mounted - Lift-Assistance for Easy Loading and unloading - 75lb Load Capacity - Includes Straps and tie Downs


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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
257 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the quality and ease of loading and unloading of the transport rack. They mention it's a solid product and makes loading and removing heavier kayaks easier. Customers are also happy with the parts. However, some customers dislike the adjustability. Opinions are mixed on ease of installation, performance, value, and lift-assist.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

22 customers mention16 positive6 negative

Customers like the quality of the transport rack. They say it's an excellent product that makes loading and unloading heavier kayaks easier. They also say it has a solid design that works well. Customers also mention that it saves wear and tear on the body and makes going kayaking solo much more feasible.

"...This rack is amazing! I have a 50 lb Wilderness Pungo 120 12-foot kayak and it fits perfectly on the Hullavator 898 Pro!..." Read more

"...But overall it’s a well made, sturdy, and helpful product...." Read more

"...Great design that works well... once you get it installed!..." Read more

"...when it is most important, seems to suggest either that the gas struts are defective or that Thule's advertising is misleading...." Read more

9 customers mention9 positive0 negative

Customers find the transport rack easy to use. They mention it makes loading and unloading heavier kayaks easier. Some say the design is amazing and it helps them load kayak alone. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.

"...Our truck is high off the ground, and the Hullavator made loading the kayaks much easier!" Read more

"I nolonger have to ask for help in loading kayak. It lifts with ease." Read more

"Helps me to load kayak alone. Not super easy though.Problem is that rack makes lot of sound when driving." Read more

"...Easy to install. Easy to remove and stow lift mech portion when not headed to the lake." Read more

6 customers mention6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the versatile parts of the transport rack. They mention that it comes with mounting hardware for square and T-trac crossbars, as well as mounting straps and brackets to mount on Thule Air-blades and rectangle bars.

"...Comes with all the straps too!" Read more

"...They came with mounting straps and all that was needed to secure my kayak to the Hullavator...." Read more

"The kit comes with the brackets to mount on the Thule Air-blades and the rectangle bars...." Read more

"...I like that it’s versatile and comes with mounting hardware for square and T- trac crossbars...." Read more

25 customers mention16 positive9 negative

Customers are mixed about the ease of installation of the kayak rack. Some mention it's surprisingly easy to assemble and install, while others say the directions were intimidating as hell. Some say the cross bars have to hang over the side rails by 4 inches, making installation a little tricky.

"...Take your time --- it's actually a very simple install" Read more

"...Here’s what I learned along the way:• You cannot install the Hullavator without rails or rack that gets bolted to your car...." Read more

"...Installation was not much of an issue...." Read more

"I have friends who have, use, and love this device for very easy loading of their kayak...." Read more

22 customers mention15 positive7 negative

Customers are mixed about the performance of the transport rack. Some mention that it works well, while others say that it doesn't work for them and is pricey. Some say that the arms are discolored and that it only works with Thule crossbars.

"...I installed it on my Ford Fusion and it works like a charm! Comes with all the straps too!" Read more

"...Thule customer support was through the website was prompt. The hullavator works great and makes putting the kayak on the roof easy." Read more

"...kayaking the slow charming rivers of Florida This rack definitely does not work as shown in video on Amazon of an attractive young woman almost..." Read more

"...The Hullavator makes loading it waist high, and works flawlessly. Yes it’s worth the price." Read more

22 customers mention15 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the value of the transport rack. Some mention it's worth the price, while others say it'll never be worth the money.

"...This requires an additional adapter which is still much cheaper than buying new bars. Here’s what I learned along the way:•..." Read more

"...the price...until the first time I used it and found that it is worth every penny!..." Read more

"...downfall, if you want to call it that, is the fact that it is on the expensive side! HOWEVER ..... for me, it has been worth every single penny!..." Read more

"...Great quality & investment! I have weak shoulders and heard about this lift from another camper friend...." Read more

7 customers mention4 positive3 negative

Customers are mixed about the lift-assist feature of the transport rack. Some mention that it's phenomenal, saves their shoulders, and lifts surfboards, kayaks, SUPs, sailboards and custom boats with ease. However, others say that it was unable to lift their wife's 36 pound kayak and that pulling the kayak down was difficult.

"...The lift-assist feature is phenomenal! Having this rack has afforded me the freedom and ability to just get up and go anytime I want!..." Read more

"...I am ready to try out loading my kayak. Huge problem. I cannot lift the kayak up to the height to place in the Hullavator arms...." Read more

"...Once those are in place, attaching the kayak and lifting it into top position is easy...." Read more

"...This is advertised as 40 pounds. After installing, it was unable to lift my wife's 36 pound kayak...." Read more

5 customers mention0 positive5 negative

Customers are dissatisfied with the adjustability of the transport rack. They mention that the fit kits were a real challenge, and the rocks are not removable or adjustable.

"...The cradles have to be mounted first as they are too big and bulky to leave on permanently and also are too high to get under our garage door...." Read more

"...Unfortunately it doesn't fit the Chrysler Town and Country but could be made to fit with additional fabrication." Read more

"...to adjust this racks because factory rocks doesn't removable and no adjustable. It was physically impossible to add this rock...." Read more

"...I thought I was quite handy. The Fit kits were a real challenge, first because they were not the ones for our Audi, so our fault I suppose though..." Read more

Not as easy as it seems for longer, heavier kayaks
4 Stars
Not as easy as it seems for longer, heavier kayaks
I bought the Hullavator so I could get my kayak on the roof of my small SUV. The Hullavator provides 40lbs. of lift assistance so with a 60lb., 16’ plastic composite kayak I’m only lifting 20lbs. Sounds good, right?My plan was to install the rack myself using my existing Yakima round bars. This requires an additional adapter which is still much cheaper than buying new bars. Here’s what I learned along the way:• You cannot install the Hullavator without rails or rack that gets bolted to your car. I first learned this when I called Yakima customer service, which is great. Both Yakima and Thule have roof racks that clip into the door frame. There is nothing on either website that indicated these wouldn’t work with the Hullavator. My calls to two different rack store installers did not provide this information and I would have ordered the wrong rack system. Both were using the Yakima and Thule websites. Luckily, I called one of the nation-wide sellers/installers back the next day talking with someone else and mentioning my concerns about the Thule clip on the rack system with the Hullavator. Then I learned that the Thule system also needed roof mounted rails or racks for the Hullavator.• I ordered and had installed Honda roof rails, $600. The Hullavator is $799. Thule rack system, $720. This was still cheaper than a dealer installed kayak rack system that had no lift assistance.• When I drove home and into the garage there was a thump, thump on the roof. The rack arms are too tall for the garage opening, just lightly skimming the arms. Luckily, no damage. The arms can be swung down to the load position or unclipped from the rack and Hullavator base to get in the garage.• I am ready to try out loading my kayak. Huge problem. I cannot lift the kayak up to the height to place in the Hullavator arms. I can straight arm carry the kayak short distances but cannot lift it up. I tried sliding the bow in the back thinking I could slide it. That begins to torque the arm. Also, because my kayak is 16’ I can’t angle it enough without my kayak getting the car. Yes, I can get help lifting it in and out but my goal is to be self-sufficient as I mostly kayak by myself.• I ordered 2 collapsible saw horses from Amazon. I can lift one end onto a sawhorse and then the other and roll the kayak into the arms of the Hullavator.While this now works, this is not the easy solution that I thought it would be. I imagine a 12’ or under kayak would work best with this system.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2017
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5.0 out of 5 stars Works well with 60" Aeroblades WITHOUT 4" overhang from foot packs on 2016 Ford F150.
Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2017
The instructions said that my crossbars needed at least 4" overhang from the footpacks, but I was already using the longest Aeroblades available (60") for my vehicle (2016 Ford F150). On my setup, the Aerobar extended maybe 1" from the foot pack, and I was afraid that this would not work for me, but I wanted to give it a shot anyway. Good thing that I took the chance...

On my install, I discovered that with the Hullavator mounted at the end of the Aerobar (with endcap removed), I had about 8" clearance between the Hullavator arms and my vehicle. The instructions recommended at least 4". This meant that I could install on my setup with no issues!

Because of the extra 4" clearance, I figured I'd try to set the Hullavator 4" further away from the end of the bar. This didn't work because the arms couldn't clear the end of the bar + end caps. The best that I could do is set the Hullavator 1" from the end of the bar. Now when I lower the arms, it clears the end caps, and I still about 7" clearance between the arms and my truck (see photos).

A few things that I noticed but aren't deal-breakers are:

* When loaded, my Kayak looks like it's too far towards the edge of my truck as opposed to being centered on the rooftop. I know that I can move the J hooks closer to the other end of the bar to remedy this, but this limits how wide of a kayak I can carry. I have 2 kayaks that are thin, buy my girlfriend's kayak is pretty wide.
* When unloaded, I can hear the Hulavator jingle around up there while driving.

A few recommendations for the install:

* Don't cut the rubber strips on your Aeroblade until you've found the best placement your vehicle.
* The square nuts are a little bowed on one side. I placed mine in the Aeroblade tracks bow-side up so that there is more surface contact with the inside tracks on the Aeroblade when I tightened the Hullavator down. The instructions didn't mention this, so I don't think it matters, but why not have more surface to hold it down tight.
* Use blue locktight on everything screwed down so that bolts don't come loose from all the road vibrations.
* Take your time --- it's actually a very simple install
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45 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2018
48 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2018
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5.0 out of 5 stars This item really works, but it does take practice and also some installation expertise.
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2018
Getting our Hullavator installed on a 2017 Outback was not a quick task but we found a place in town that had experience. At first, it took us maybe 30 minutes from start to finish to get the kayak mounted on top. The cradles have to be mounted first as they are too big and bulky to leave on permanently and also are too high to get under our garage door.

Mounting the cradles and setting the locking pins takes practice and now we can do in just a couple minutes. Once those are in place, attaching the kayak and lifting it into top position is easy. I recommend getting the Thule Quick Loop Straps [[ASIN:B001EOZD26 Thule 530 Quick Loop Strap,Black (Pack of 2)]] to secure the front and back of the kayak rather than fussing with placing tow bolts in front and back.

We wound up getting a 12 foot kayak, which would be a challenge to carry in a van or pickup, but which fits perfectly into the Hullavator.

Notice I said "we" instead of "I". Unless you are well over 6' tall and have strong arms and shoulders, attaching the cradle units is really a two-person task: one to hold the cradles in position and one to insert the locking pins (and even then practice makes perfect.)

The gas struts allow a tiny person to lift and drop the kayak without help. Just installing the cradles requires 4 hands.

Don't forget to follow the instructions to check the straps and ropes after the first 5 miles to be sure nothing has loosened up.
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36 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Rick Slater
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent service
Reviewed in Canada on August 11, 2022
Jorg R.
5.0 out of 5 stars It make it so........ easy to load your Kayaks.
Reviewed in Canada on August 25, 2022
Customer image
Jorg R.
5.0 out of 5 stars It make it so........ easy to load your Kayaks.
Reviewed in Canada on August 25, 2022
The only thing is, will it fit , i my mind you just make them work. For me i did a straight bolt no to my Rhino rack stuff. Works fantastic.
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Brian Howell
5.0 out of 5 stars It looks solid but I haven’t unpacked it yet.
Reviewed in Canada on December 13, 2022
Dana C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Works
Reviewed in Canada on October 9, 2023
Ghostlore
4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Lift
Reviewed in Canada on October 8, 2016
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Ghostlore
4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Lift
Reviewed in Canada on October 8, 2016
I really like this lift system. It allows me to load my 59 lb / 18' kayak by myself, quickly, and with very little effort. And less time spent loading equals more time paddling :)
It was easy enough to assemble onto my Thule square crossbars. Your mileage may differ depending on what kind of roof rack you have. Note that the crossbar you are mounting this to needs at least 4 inches of overhang (Thule says 4"-8"), so that when you lower the unit it does not hit the side of your car. Most crossbars provide this much overhang already but it is something to be sure of before buying.
Putting it together took me about an hour and a half start to finish (I timed it), but it should be noted I took the time to count and organize all of the parts to make sure everything was there first. I also watched a couple of online videos (YouTube) while assembling to get a feel for how it was supposed to go together.
My only complaint (and the only reason for 4 stars instead of 5) is that it does not come with locks. You have to purchase them separately but I feel that for the money that you are spending on this product they should be included. Not a deal breaker by any means, just...irksome.
That said, if you are looking for the ability to load/unload a kayak onto your vehicle easily, and by yourself, I don't think there is a better way to do it than the Hullavator Pro. For me, it has been a terrific investment, and I would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a carrier/lift system.

*I should note here that I've only had the chance to use this a handful of times, so I can't speak to the durability of the product. It appears to be very solid and well-made, but you never know. I will update my review if anything changes down the road.

Happy Paddling.
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