21 replies to this topic

[Yukon]

I just finished adding a newer way to lift my big & heavy ocean kayak onto the roof of my Eagle.  I had this on my car and decided it would be great for the camper too.  Here are some key points for anyone interested: 

• It is a Thule "Hullivator" 
• I have mounted the Hullavator on Yakama cross bars and factory Yakama rails.  
• The kayak weighs 55 lbs. and is 17.5 feet long
• All strapping, etc. is done on the side of the truck BEFORE lifting it up. 
• I will use a forward and aft rope to secure the ends. 
• The lift has pistons that make the boat only weigh 10 lbs for me to lift!  
• What's really cool is that the Hullavator main mounting bracket can be on two vehicles and I can put the expensive part on either of my vehicles. 
• It is sooooo easy to lift up to the roof. 
• I do NOT plan to lift the roof when camping with the kayak on top.  It is easy to remove, so I will take if off the roof, and then lift the roof. 
• If you want to see how this device works...go to Youtube and search on Thule Hullavator and there are videos. 

 

I am wondering if anyone else has tried this?  Any comments if so?  

 

Happy camping and paddling.  Chris

Here's some pictures

 

 

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 
• 

[Josh41]

Nice, and on a Frontier too.

[Taku]

Thanks for the post and great pics. I have been wondering how well one of those works - so nice to have a good endorsement from an actual user.

[Wallowa]

Thanks...do you have a picture with boat fully on roof and secured? 

 

Appreciate the info...

 

Phil

[Yukon]

Here is a photo with the boat in final position.  I did not yet have the two ropes for front and rear of boat attached. 

Chris

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[Squatch]

I like it.

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Just checked out the you tube video and specs.

Don't think it would work for my canoe as it's 40" wide.

Great idea though,

Is the $600 price for 2 or just one?

FRank

[Wallowa]

Nice photos..thanks..life seems to be a series of compromises...for me the hassle of removing my two 17 foot sea kayaks each night would take the joy out of having the boats with us and the overhang with minimal boat support would not work off road where we explore...boats or roof could be damaged...vertical clearance would be an issue for me with the Tundra/Hawk; off road I have had to squeeze around and under obstacles [rock overhangs and trees] and I only have 1.5" clearance getting into my shop..

 

Alas, if I really want to sea kayak, then a trailer must be in my future...your set-up looks very well thought out and functional.  Have fun! 

 

Phil

Edited by Wallowa, 06 August 2017 - 02:21 AM.

[Andy Douglass]

Hey Yukon, I was wondering how you feel about this system after using it for a year.

[Ronanmd1]

Great idea. I had considered this option but was concerned about 2 issues:

 

1. The stress on the roof rails applied by the hinging motion of the hullivator

2. Interference with my solar panels

 

- Have you noticed any apparent problems/issues with the roof rails over a year of use?

Jason