Thule Hullavator vs Yakima Showdown

 It was time to retire my truck and upgrade. I decided to lose the lumber rack/J-bar combo that had I used for the last 10 years for something with a lower profile and on the shell. I will miss the ability to move 4 boats/boards or I might not.
 I was initially going to use a yakima rack with the sliding lift assist bar, but decided to check out the hullavator vs showdown for the new truck.

 Hoping that those with experience with either or both could chime in with pros and cons while I do some research and make my decision. Also willing to see a superior loader/carrier if there is one out there.
The widest boat that I plan on transporting would be a Jackson Coosa. Everything else is skinny.
Thanks in advance.


The old and the new..

I know nothing about Yakima racks.

The obvious difference between the Hullavator and Yakima racks is the ability to load the Hullavator rack at waist level, much preferable for old guys like me. I believe the cradle of the old Hullavater 891xt can comfortably hold a kayak with a max width of 36 inches. The cradle of the newer Hullavator Pro is a few inches wider. The 891xt has pins inserted to keep the cradle from accidentally releasing and swinging down; the Pro does not. The Hullavator’s official weight limit is 75 pounds, although it can hold heavier kayaks, with care. It is very important to load the kayak evenly balanced weight-wise, or you will end up with a twisted arm frame.

What I do NOT like about the Hullavator is that, while the rack is secured firmly to my gutterless truck, sidewise, It can fall off length-wise if it encounters a low-hanging tree branch or if any one tries to steal the rack..both instances have happened to me…hitting a tree branch and one of the racks partially falling off during a drive to the coast (after an attempt to steal it. Lucky for me the rack did not fall completely off the truck).

I really enjoy my setup. I can handle a Hobie PA 14 on my Tacoma single handed. The rack is Prinsu Designs and will cost you about half as much as a FrontRunner. http://www.prinsudesignstudio.com/2005---2017-toyota-tacoma

I recently added 3" PVC pipe. This is really needed if you're going to have your boats up top over night. Otherwise you risk denting them.

Well stated, Hojo. I've been using my Hullavator to transport my Hobie Outback and it barely fits. The kayak actually is too wide but I make it work. It also exceeds the rack's recommended weight capacity as well. If you don't put the yak on correctly, yes, you can warp or twist the arm. So anything lighter and more narrow than an Outback and you shouldn't encounter any issues like I have. That Jackson Coosa may be a bit too much in my opinion..

I’ve been eyeing the Yakima Showdown as well. Lower profile than the Hullivator, no pneumatic assist though. I have a hullivator bought used, but one of them is not locking for some reason.

Nice truck 👍

I’ve been eyeing the Yakima Showdown as well. Lower profile than the Hullivator, no pneumatic assist though. I have a hullivator bought used, but one of them is not locking for some reason.

Herb, contact Thule and they may send you a new part.

Nice truck Terry!!
Nothing to add other than I like the cheap adjustable 2-piece rack. They’re about $100 on amazon and can handle 500lbs. My last set is still going strong after 7+ years. Got the same ones for my new truck.
I load my yaks upside down. It’s tough to fit the Thule j-rack on there but I would only need them if I had to transport 4+ yaks (2 on top and 2 in the bed w/tailgate down).
BUT I also want to get a shell soon, so I’ll be paying attention to this thread. Thanks!

Nice 2018 DCSB TRD off road cement with pro rims!

Hey Terry! That looks like a lotto winners truck. 

I’ve been eyeing the Yakima Showdown as well. Lower profile than the Hullivator, no pneumatic assist though. I have a hullivator bought used, but one of them is not locking for some reason.

What exactly isnt locking?

Got Room?






Get a trailer...... I never look back to car topping 

I’ve been eyeing the Yakima Showdown as well. Lower profile than the Hullivator, no pneumatic assist though. I have a hullivator bought used, but one of them is not locking for some reason.

What exactly isnt locking?

When you pull them down and they’re suppose to lock in place. Fore some reason one of them wouldn’t latch.

Thanks for the helpful contributions shared here so far. I had sort of figured that there would be some Hullavator comments and fewer with Showdown experiences.

BUT I also want to get a shell soon, so I’ll be paying attention to this thread. Thanks!

 Its the shell that has really changed the game for me and why I am searching for something other than the lumber rack and J bar combo.  No more tents. Hope this thread helps us both out.

Hey Terry! That looks like a lotto winners truck. 

 Unfortunately this truck came from hard work and good decisions, but I am happy like a lotto winner.

Nice 2018 DCSB TRD off road cement with pro rims!

Thanks, but the photo is deceiving. The truck is a long bed.
Had to wait 3 months for Toyota to build it.

Its a very bizarre feeling to not be able to transport my boats. Ill make a decision soon.

Thule vs Yakima

Starting to edge towards the Yakima showdown