Thule Hullavator kayak racks

Is anyone using the Thule Hullavator kayak rack system?  I have an expidetion and putting two yaks on the top is starting to kill my back.  The hullavator looks cool, but pricey.  Just a few questions for anyone how uses one.  Can you raise one yak to the roof and slide it off the lift on to the cross bars and then load the second yak, or do you need two hullavators? Has anyone had any problems with the system?  Do you feel its worth the money?


Thanks,

Jody

Pretty sure Alshobieoutback runs a hullivator on his land cruiser.

pm him

stoggie

Like Stoggie said, I have a Hullavator setup on my 4Runner    Its pretty nice, especially for a lifted vehicle like mine that's just too hard to car top.  I dont think you could use one for two kayaks, since the idea is to load it on the side of the car, strap it down, then lift and lock in place.  

It would be difficult to get it off the load bars and onto the other side of the car.  But why would you need to in the first place?  If your going out with another person, have them help!

Now, if you want two, check out Hojomans setup!  

Thanks guys.  I appreciate your input.  I need to figure a way to get the wife's yak and mine on he car without breaking the bank!

Jody

Jody, I swapped out the crossbars for the longer 65 inch bars and added a second Hullavator. Best decision this 60+ year old kayaker ever made. Waiting for a 20 or 25 percent sale makes it less painful for the wallet. I bought both of mine from Aquan in San Carlos...best part of that purchase is that they installed them for free. No fuss, no muss for me.

I only experienced two issues: one minor, one major. When loading my wider Marauder, it was difficult for me to reach underneath for the handles to depress the grips rior to lifting the kayak up. With the Trident 13, it was no problem. That was the minor issue.

The major issue is to always remember to depress the grips on the handle before lifting, or you will forever screw up the working parts. That happened to me once, not by myself but by someone else who didn't listen to me when I was giving instructions while letting him try it out.

I also bought installable locks for the racks.

Hope this helps. If you want pictures, I'll take some (when it stops raining).

Howard

P.S. With the Hullavator in the Down position, you only need to lift the kayak about 36 inches off the ground.

Thanks for the info.  I guess I'll end up biting the bullet and get them.  The wife also wants a Hobie Mirage, so I'm gonna be shelling out some dough.  Guess its worth it since I ain't as young as I used to be!  It will give me more time on the water.

Jody

yes, polepole and I did that with McKim's racks in Ketchikan.  use the vator for lifting, transfer to the other side of the racks, then lift the 2d yak and leave in the vator cradle.

They are a pretty good help for sure.

Allen