Kayak Car Rack#2 of 8 in Racks & Rigging

Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Car Rack

by Thule

4.6
PaddleProw scoreEditorial rating out of 5, based on specs, build and fit for purpose

The Thule Hullavator Pro is a premium solution for kayakers who struggle with lifting heavy boats onto a roof rack.

  • Effortless kayak loading
  • Reduces lifting strain
  • Secure highway-stable transport
Capacity
75 lbs
Material
Steel frame
Weight
32 lbs

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01The review

The Thule Hullavator Pro is a gas-assisted kayak rooftop carrier engineered to take the strain out of loading and unloading a kayak by yourself. Rather than hoisting a heavy boat overhead onto bare roof rails, the Hullavator Pro lowers to the side of your vehicle at waist height, letting you set your kayak on the padded cradles while standing on the ground. A simple pull of a handle releases hydraulic struts that lift the loaded cradle smoothly upward and swing it into position atop the car, cutting the lift height by more than half compared to a standard J-cradle or saddle system.

Built for paddlers who own larger touring kayaks, fishing kayaks, or simply want to protect their back, the Hullavator Pro supports boats up to 75 pounds and features wide, adjustable padded arms that cradle the hull securely without pinching or deforming it. Integrated bow and stern tie-down straps, along with a ratcheting mechanism for the main cradle, keep the kayak locked firmly in place during highway travel, while a locking core ties into Thule's broader One-Key system so the rack can be secured against theft and matched with other Thule accessories using a single key.

Constructed from rust-resistant steel and reinforced with heavy-duty springs calibrated to the kayak's weight, the Hullavator Pro is built to handle repeated loading cycles season after season without losing its lift assistance. It mounts to most factory and aftermarket crossbar systems, making it a flexible upgrade for anyone outfitting a roof rack specifically for kayak transport. For solo paddlers, anglers, or anyone managing a bulky touring kayak without a second set of hands, the Hullavator Pro remains one of the most trusted solutions in the kayaking and paddle sports world for safe, strain-free rooftop loading.

02Spec sheet

Weight Capacity75 lbs (34 kg)
Product Weight32 lbs (14.5 kg)
CompatibilityMost factory/aftermarket crossbars
Lift MechanismGas-assisted spring lift
MaterialSteel frame with foam cradle pads

Manufacturer specifications. Dimensions and weights can vary slightly between production years and outfitting packages.

03Pros & cons

What we like

  • Dramatically reduces strain when lifting kayak overhead
  • Sturdy and stable even on highway speeds
  • Easy to install on most crossbar systems
  • Swing-away arm simplifies loading from the side
  • Great for solo kayakers lacking lifting help

Watch out for

  • Expensive compared to basic J-style racks
  • Adds significant weight to roof rack system
  • Can be bulky when folded, reducing space for second rack
  • Installation instructions can be confusing initially

04Key features

  • Gas-assisted lift system reduces load height by half
  • Folds down to car roof level for easy kayak loading
  • Fits most factory and aftermarket roof crossbars
  • Universal cradle design holds kayaks up to 75 lbs
  • Integrated tie-down straps and bow/stern lines included
  • Locks included for cradle and kayak security

05Verdict

4.6

The Thule Hullavator Pro is a premium solution for kayakers who struggle with lifting heavy boats onto a roof rack. Its gas-assisted lowering and lifting mechanism makes loading dramatically easier, especially for solo paddlers or those with larger, heavier kayaks. While pricey and a bit heavy itself, the convenience and reduced physical strain make it a worthwhile investment for frequent kayak transporters.

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Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Car RackScore 4.6 / 5Check price