Lifted SUV - Easiest Kayak Rack Option? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Denis_Ruso · 03-24-2016, 11:18 AM

Thanks everyone for answering my previous questions. I continue to learn new stuff everyday from you guys.

So here's my new dilemma to solve. I have finally purchased a non 2 door sports car so I can finally!

The car I bough is 1997 4 runner. The problem is, its lifted 3".

So what is my easiest option for loading a kayak on the roof of my tall SUV? Any rack options, no price limitations. I would really like to make it as easy as possible to load by myself. Thanks in advance.

Dave Legacy · 03-24-2016, 12:15 PM

That's not too high, since 4Runners have low rooflines. I'd think that a Thule Slipstream, the one that slides back and has a roller on it, would be the ticket. My rover is a little on the high side and I use a little folding bench just to reduce the amount of arm extension required to lift (I'm tall, but not very strong).

Dave Legacy · 03-24-2016, 12:21 PM

Almost forgot about the Thule Hullavator.

socal.beach.bum · 03-24-2016, 12:29 PM

Read somewhere that the hullavator was limited to 40#. Surprised the Revo hung in there.

jruiz · 03-24-2016, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by socal.beach.bum

Read somewhere that the hullavator was limited to 40#. Surprised the Revo hung in there.

That has to do with the gas struts and its ability to lift it from the loading position to on top of your vehicle. I use it on my outback with no problem. There is a limitation on width though. I wouldn't use it on anything wider than 33"

TCS · 03-24-2016, 01:38 PM

Throw a rug over the back bar, draped down over the back window. Lean the kayak up against the back of the truck. Lift lower end and slide it up the rug onto the pads. Strap it with rug still under the yak. Slide it down when you get there.

Ddwineguy · 03-24-2016, 03:11 PM

Woops

Ddwineguy · 03-24-2016, 12:18 PM

Just installed my hullavator today. Best solution I found.

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Denis_Ruso · 03-24-2016, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ddwineguy

Just installed my hullavator today. Best solution I found.

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OH MY GOD- That looks like a genius solution

Does this bolt on to an existing roof rack??

I am probably planning on doing some offroading, would you think that the hullavator would absorb the impact?

FARRIER · 03-24-2016, 02:56 PM

A moving pad with a hully roller/mako saddle is a good option. Most people can just muscle it up there. If not and you fish popular spots tjere is sometimes people to help.

Ddwineguy · 03-24-2016, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denis_Ruso

OH MY GOD- That looks like a genius solution

Does this bolt on to an existing roof rack??

I am probably planning on doing some offroading, would you think that the hullavator would absorb the impact?

It bolts on to Thule Square or round bars. It screws into Thule Aeroblades. You need to have 4 inches of overhang past your towers.

I think it would hold up to 4 wheeling fine. If your ever in San Diego and want to check it out, just let me know.

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sculpins4bait · 03-24-2016, 12:46 PM

I use a Thule rollercoaster on mine so much easier

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03-24-2016, 03:11 PM	#7
Ddwineguy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: san diego Posts: 210	Lifted SUV - Easiest Kayak Rack Option? Woops

03-24-2016, 12:18 PM	#8
Ddwineguy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: san diego Posts: 210	Lifted SUV - Easiest Kayak Rack Option? Just installed my hullavator today. Best solution I found. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03-24-2016, 02:56 PM	#10
FARRIER Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Cmont [] Posts: 314	A moving pad with a hully roller/mako saddle is a good option. Most people can just muscle it up there. If not and you fish popular spots tjere is sometimes people to help. __________________ "It depends on what the meaning of the words 'is' is." –Bill Clinton

03-24-2016, 12:15 PM	#2
Dave Legacy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Hacienda Heights, CA Posts: 427	That's not too high, since 4Runners have low rooflines. I'd think that a Thule Slipstream, the one that slides back and has a roller on it, would be the ticket. My rover is a little on the high side and I use a little folding bench just to reduce the amount of arm extension required to lift (I'm tall, but not very strong).

03-24-2016, 12:21 PM	#3
Dave Legacy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Hacienda Heights, CA Posts: 427	Almost forgot about the Thule Hullavator.

03-24-2016, 12:29 PM	#4
socal.beach.bum Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Palos Verde, CA Posts: 636	Read somewhere that the hullavator was limited to 40#. Surprised the Revo hung in there.

03-24-2016, 01:38 PM	#6
TCS Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 478	Throw a rug over the back bar, draped down over the back window. Lean the kayak up against the back of the truck. Lift lower end and slide it up the rug onto the pads. Strap it with rug still under the yak. Slide it down when you get there.

03-24-2016, 12:46 PM	#12
sculpins4bait Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: SD Posts: 104	I use a Thule rollercoaster on mine so much easier Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk