Taking the Hassle Out of Kayak Transport: Our Thule Hullavator Pro Review
When it comes to transporting kayaks, we’ve struggled with the awkward lifting, straining reaches, and precarious balancing acts that come with conventional roof racks. That’s why we where excited to get our hands on the Thule Hullavator Pro Rooftop Kayak carrier, a game-changing solution that promises to make kayak loading a breeze. After several months of testing this innovative carrier on various adventures, we’re ready to share our extensive findings.
The Hullavator Pro isn’t just another kayak rack-it’s a complete loading system that uses gas-assist struts to take up to 40 pounds of your kayak’s weight, allowing the craft to be lowered a full 3 feet to waist level for easy loading and unloading. We’ve found this feature absolutely revolutionary, especially after long paddling sessions when our arms are tired and the thought of hoisting a kayak overhead seems unachievable.ChatGPT:
taking the Hassle Out of Kayak Transport: Our Thule hullavator Pro Review
When it comes to transporting kayaks, we’ve struggled with the awkward lifting, straining reaches, and precarious balancing acts that come with traditional roof racks. That’s why we were excited to get our hands on the Thule Hullavator Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier, a game-changing solution that promises to make kayak loading a breeze. After several months of testing this innovative carrier on various adventures, we’re ready to share our comprehensive findings.
The Hullavator Pro isn’t just another kayak rack-it’s a complete loading system that uses gas-assist struts to take up to 40 pounds of your kayak’s weight, allowing the craft to be lowered a full 3 feet to waist level for easy loading and unloading. We’ve found this feature absolutely revolutionary, especially after long paddling sessions when our arms are tired and the thought of hoisting a kayak overhead seems impossible.
revolutionizing kayak Transport with the Thule Hullavator pro
We’ve spent years struggling with loading kayaks onto vehicle rooftops, frequently enough resulting in scraped hulls and strained backs. The gas-assist struts are an absolute game-changer, effectively lifting and lowering 40 pounds of your kayak’s weight. This innovative system allows you to load and unload at a comfortable waist height thanks to double extending arms that lower your watercraft by up to 3 feet. gone are the days of awkwardly hoisting heavy kayaks overhead or recruiting friends just to get on the water!
The engineering behind this carrier demonstrates thoughtful attention to both kayak protection and longevity. Your vessel receives remarkable care with 8 touch points of padded support, while the expandable cradles accommodate various hull widths. We particularly appreciate the durability factors built into the design:
- Aluminum construction for lightweight strength
- Double-coated steel components for weather resistance
- Corrosion-resistant materials throughout
- Adjustable cradles for customized fit
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Gas-assist struts | Reduces lifting effort by 40 lbs |
| 3-foot lowering range | Enables waist-height loading |
| 8 padded support points | Prevents hull damage |
| Corrosion-resistant materials | Extends product lifespan |
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Our Experience Installing and Using the Gas-Assisted Lift System
When we first unboxed the carrier, we were promptly impressed by the solid aluminum and double-coated steel construction. The installation process was straightforward-it took us about 45 minutes to secure it to our crossbars. The instructions were clear, and all necessary hardware was included. what really stood out was the ingenious gas-assist system. As promised, the struts effectively absorbed about 40 lbs of our kayak’s weight, making the loading process remarkably easier than our previous rack. We could literally lift our 70-pound kayak with just one hand while using the other to guide it into position.
Using the system on our weekend trips has been a game-changer. The double extending arms lower the kayak by a full 3 feet,allowing us to load and secure it at comfortable waist height instead of awkwardly reaching above our heads.The eight padded support points distribute pressure evenly, eliminating worries about hull damage. We’ve tested it with both our narrow touring kayak and wider recreational model, and the corrosion-resistant cradles adjusted perfectly to accommodate both. Here’s a breakdown of what we found most valuable:
- Loading time: Reduced from 15 minutes to under 5 minutes
- Physical effort: Minimal strain on back and shoulders
- Stability during transport: Rock-solid even at highway speeds
- Protection for kayak: Exceptional with no hull marks after multiple trips
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Why We Think the 40-Pound Load Reduction Makes All the Difference
Let’s face it, kayaking is amazing but loading and unloading a heavy kayak onto your vehicle’s roof can be a real struggle.This is where the gas-assist struts truly shine, taking a whopping 40 pounds off the kayak’s weight during loading and unloading. We’ve tested numerous carriers, but none offer this level of assistance. For solo paddlers, seniors, or anyone with back issues, this feature transforms what used to be a dreaded task into a simple operation. The ability to handle your kayak at waist height thanks to those double extending arms (which lower the kayak by up to 3 feet) means no more awkward overhead lifting or potential vehicle damage.
The load reduction system works seamlessly with the overall design, creating what we believe is the most user-amiable kayak carrier available. Here’s a breakdown of how the weight reduction impacts different aspects of the kayaking experience:
| Benefit | Without Load Reduction | With 40lb Load Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Loading | Challenging to impossible | Easy and manageable |
| Risk of Injury | High (back strain) | Minimal |
| Loading Time | 5-10 minutes | 1-2 minutes |
| Accessibility | Requires height/strength | Accessible to most users |
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Key Considerations Before Adding This Premium Carrier to Your Vehicle
Before investing in this high-end kayak carrier, there are several critically important factors to consider. First, weight capacity is crucial – while the gas-assist struts help by lifting 40 lbs of your kayak’s weight, you’ll need to ensure your vehicle’s roof rack system can support the combined weight of both the carrier (which is ample due to its aluminum and double-coated steel construction) and your kayak. Additionally, roof clearance is essential to check, as the extending arms need adequate space to operate properly. we also recommend verifying your vehicle’s crossbar compatibility before purchase.
Installation complexity and permanent mounting requirements should also factor into your decision. This premium carrier requires proper mounting to function safely, and you’ll need to consider whether you wont a permanent roof addition. The carrier’s significant height impact when folded on your roof will affect garage clearance and fuel economy during travel. Despite these considerations, the benefits of loading/unloading at waist height and the enhanced protection for your kayak make it worth evaluating these factors carefully.
| Consideration | impact |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Roof Strength | Must support carrier (approx. 40 lbs) plus kayak weight |
| Garage Clearance | Adds significant height when folded |
| Fuel Economy | May reduce efficiency due to wind resistance |
| Installation time | 30-60 minutes initial setup |
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Customer Reviews Analysis
Customer Reviews Analysis
We’ve scoured through numerous customer reviews of the Thule Hullavator Pro to provide you with a comprehensive analysis of what real users think about this kayak carrier. Here’s what we found:
What Customers Love
The overwhelming majority of reviews highlight the ease of use as the Hullavator pro’s standout feature. Many users specifically mention how it enables them to load and unload kayaks independently, nonetheless of age, height, or physical limitations:
- A 72-year-old reviewer calls loading their kayak ”a piece of cake”
- A 5’2″ woman can now load her kayak without assistance
- users with shoulder injuries find it manageable to load kayaks
- Several reviewers mention no longer needing stepstools
the time-saving aspect is another frequently mentioned benefit, with one user noting it takes just 12 minutes to attach the cradles and load the boat. Many reviewers also appreciate the independence the Hullavator provides, particularly women and older paddlers who no longer need to rely on friends or family for help.
Installation experience
Customer opinions on installation are mixed:
| Installation Experience | Customer Comments |
|---|---|
| Easy | “Super easy to install. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.” |
| Challenging | “There was some difficulty putting them on,my splendid brother did for me.” |
| Needed Guidance | “Instructions are useless. Watch install vids on youtube. Easy after that.” |
| compatibility | “You can attach to most roof racks easy. Don’t believe you need certain types of roof racks.” |
Long-Term Durability
We found several reviews from long-term users, including a business owner who has been using Hullavators on service trucks since 2012. These reviews consistently praise the product’s durability and Thule’s warranty service. One customer notes: ”the Thule warranty is a true lifetime warranty… when we did [have issues], Thule replaced the part or the whole unit.”
Value Assessment
Almost every review acknowledges the Hullavator Pro’s high price point. Though, most conclude it’s “worth every penny” due to the convenience and independence it provides. As one eager user put it: “I would spend it again in a heartbeat!!”
Critical Feedback
Among the predominantly positive reviews, we did find a few criticisms:
- One customer reported issues with the lift assist capability, noting it provided less lift than advertised
- Another mentioned that after extended use, they eventually switched to a trailer
- A few customers experienced challenges with customer service when reporting issues
- One review mentioned outdated gas struts (manufactured in 2008) in a 2022 purchase
Our Review Analysis Conclusion
based on customer feedback, the Thule Hullavator Pro appears to be a game-changing product for many kayakers, particularly those who struggle with loading and unloading kayaks due to height, age, or physical limitations.While the price point is high, most users feel the investment is justified by the independence and convenience gained. The few negative reviews primarily center around specific quality control issues rather than design flaws, suggesting these may be isolated incidents rather than systemic problems.
Pros & Cons
Pros & cons
What We Liked
- Excellent loading mechanism – The gas-assist struts do the heavy lifting, handling about 40 lbs of the kayak’s weight
- Ergonomic design - Extending arms lower the kayak by up to 3 feet, allowing waist-height loading
- Superior protection - 8 padded touch points keep your kayak secure and scratch-free
- Versatile fit – Expandable cradles accommodate wider kayaks
- Durable construction – Aluminum and double-coated steel resist corrosion for extended lifespan
- Solo-friendly – We were able to load and unload without assistance
What Could Be Better
- Price point – Significantly more expensive than standard roof racks
- Weight – Heavier than basic carriers, making initial installation more challenging
- Installation time – Takes longer to set up compared to simpler systems
- Vehicle compatibility – Requires appropriate crossbars; not universal for all vehicles
- storage space – Occupies considerable roof space even when not in use
- Wind noise – we noticed some additional noise at highway speeds
| Feature | Benefit | Our Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Gas-assist struts | Reduces loading effort by 40 lbs | Remarkably easy, even after a tiring paddle |
| Lowering mechanism | 3-foot extension for waist-height access | Game-changer for shorter users and SUVs |
| 8-point padding | Even weight distribution, kayak protection | No scratches or pressure marks after multiple trips |
| Corrosion-resistant materials | Longevity in wet conditions | Held up perfectly during coastal testing |
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## In Conclusion: Is the Thule Hullavator Pro worth it?
After weeks of testing the Thule Hullavator Pro, we can confidently say this rooftop kayak carrier is a game-changer for kayak enthusiasts of all experience levels. The gas-assist struts that handle 40 lbs of the kayak’s weight truly make loading and unloading a one-person job, eliminating the back strain we’ve experienced with traditional carriers.
What impressed us most was the thoughtful engineering behind the carrier. The double extending arms lower your kayak by up to 3 feet, bringing it to waist height for easy handling. Simultaneously occurring, the eight points of padded support ensure your kayak remains protected during transport, even on bumpy roads.
For those concerned about durability, the aluminum and double-coated steel construction offers excellent corrosion resistance, meaning this is an investment that should serve you well for many kayaking seasons to come.
While the price point is higher than basic carriers, the convenience, safety, and longevity the Hullavator Pro offers make it well worth considering if you’re serious about your kayaking adventures and want to make them as hassle-free as possible.Ready to transform your kayaking experience? Click here to get your Thule Hullavator Pro today!
