18' sea kayak transport on the roof!

[Stewthebassman]

I have been a Ranger owner since 2022, but I have always relied on another vehicle for rooftop transport. That vehicle was finally sold in June, and I had to decide how to get my boat to the water and the campsites.

My 2024 Ranger with the Bison rollup tonneau is the current truck, and I had to decide how I was going to transport our two very long and heavy sea kayaks using this truck. I had considered a trailer, but ultimately "we" decided that "I" didn't want that. So it was either bed rack or rooftop. I went to a Rack store and they said the Xsporter by Thule would work, and after I got two hours into the assembling I realized that the C Clamps aren't long enough to go under the rail!! So I had to repack the whole thing and return it.

Next I went on Amazon and bought the roof rail setup, using square bars that would accommodate my existing saddles. I went with the 53" bars, to have as much overhang as possible. But when I tried to lift my boat up there it was NOT going to happen without scratching the truck or taking extreme risks with my back and shoulders!

So next I cracked and found a Thule Hullavator on Marketplace. I got it home and installed it - amazing how easy it is to install! After a bit of time figuring out the saddle width for my boat I tested it, and I must say I am as impressed as I thought I would be!

Thule makes nice gear and this Hullavator is beautifully designed. Easy on for my kayak, easy off! No drama at the launch, just efficiency and pleasure!

**I always travel with the kayak(s) strapped for safety in front and in back**

I hadn't seen anything in this forum on the topic so here is my two bits!!

PS. I know there are other bed racks out there but as far as getting what I needed without ordering from the US or going way over budget is concerned, this solution is perfect.

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[mpcraven]

Great job, thanks for posting! I looked up the Hullavator, BUT can you please clarify what the roof rail system is? Tia.
(Oh... and you're near Montreal... I had thought polar bears...)

 

[Stewthebassman]

Here are the parts that fit our Trucks:

Thule Evo Clamp Foot Pack
Thule Fit kit 145324 (that's the little thing that grips inside your door frame)
and the 150cm Evo Square Bar (so I could reuse my older saddles)

I bought and applied some XPEL R4003-P Clear Paint Protection Film Roll on the roof and inside the door jamb to protect the pain. Easy and cheap insurance against scratches!

 

[Stewthebassman]

The Xpel is supposedly the best protective film out there. It was relatively inexpensive and very easy to apply.

 

[mpcraven]

Much thanks! I'm trying to avoid dropping the headliner and think I have Xpel laying around (headlight protective cover). Have a great time in the water!

 

[$Bill]

That is a really cool set up! Nice!!

 

[Stewthebassman]

Thank you! It's been a game changer!

That is a really cool set up! Nice!!

 

[SLJ]

You need a bow line as the cross bars are very close to each other. A truck passing can put up to 100mph side pressure on it.

 

[Stewthebassman]

Thank you for mentioning this, I always travel (even the ten minutes down to the launch) with a front line attached to hooks under each side of my hood, and a stern line clipped to the tow box or a hook in the bed.

You need a bow line as the cross bars are very close to each other. A truck passing can put up to 100mph side pressure on it.

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