Kayaks, Hullavators, and Crossbars, Oh My!

[Roots]

I am hoping someone on here is loading up kayaks on their Cruiser! I have a kayak currently that is about 15 and a half feet long, but at some point I could end up in a tandem, because my Rhodesian ridgeback is totally stoked to try kayaking! Ok fine. I am totally stoked about taking the ridgeback kayaking but he is going to be like, "Ummm water? SCREW THAT. African...lion...dog, DAD!" Anyway, I digress:

Is anyone mounting kayaks on the stock rack? Rails vs basket setup? For bonus points are you running Hullavators? I have concerns that a longer kayak is going to be too far off the back. I have concerns that the spread may not be enough. I have read that a 17 foot kayak needs 30-36 inch spread for proper support.

I really appreciate any insight you folks might have. I have some Thule crossbars from my Tundra I used and kept I can put into service if they fit, but I do like the idea of using a factory setup that might be a little less prone to noise when the Hullavators are removed.

Thanks again!

 

[treadmark]

I am hoping someone on here is loading up kayaks on their Cruiser! I have a kayak currently that is about 15 and a half feet long, but at some point I could end up in a tandem, because my Rhodesian ridgeback is totally stoked to try kayaking! Ok fine. I am totally stoked about taking the ridgeback kayaking but he is going to be like, "Ummm water? SCREW THAT. African...lion...dog, DAD!" Anyway, I digress:

Is anyone mounting kayaks on the stock rack? Rails vs basket setup? For bonus points are you running Hullavators? I have concerns that a longer kayak is going to be too far off the back. I have concerns that the spread may not be enough. I have read that a 17 foot kayak needs 30-36 inch spread for proper support.

I really appreciate any insight you folks might have. I have some Thule crossbars from my Tundra I used and kept I can put into service if they fit, but I do like the idea of using a factory setup that might be a little less prone to noise when the Hullavators are removed.

Thanks again!

I have not set up my LC to transport my kayak, but I do have a Hullavator set up on my Jeep Gladiator (and I had it on my previous Wrangler). It’s great for getting my boat on top without risking damage to my vehicle or back. It holds it securely. I always use a rear tiedown to the hitch, and have a high viz strip that hangs from the end to warn others since it extends off a few feet.

 

[Colorado]

I used a Hullavator on my Highlander, even though the cross bar spacing was not tdeal (too close together). It worked like a charm and I loaded and unloaded my 70+ pound Yak single handed no problem. IMO, as tall as the LC is, I would definately use a Hullavator, even for a much lighter Yak.

 

[highsmith]

I have a 12.5 foot Hobie Outback setup for inshore fishing that I typically move around in a Tacoma with a bed extender. I am considering how to move it with the LC, but I may end up just finding a trailer for it.

 

[Roots]

Yep the Hullavators are awesome. Now that I actually have the LC I have taken a look and I think they may work but I have not tried it yet. Some of those lightweight boat trailers look awesome.

 

[surf fishing offroader]

I used a Hullavator on my Highlander, even though the cross bar spacing was not tdeal (too close together). It worked like a charm and I loaded and unloaded my 70+ pound Yak single handed no problem. IMO, as tall as the LC is, I would definately use a Hullavator, even for a much lighter Yak.

Wow, that's badass, I had no idea those existed... I don't take my hobie out much because it's a royal PITA to load on the roof, and I would love to use it more

After a full day of fishing and knowing you've got to load this 11 ft slab back onto the roof, annoying way to end a good day of fishing...

 

[Roots]

Wow, that's badass, I had no idea those existed... I don't take my hobie out much because it's a royal PITA to load on the roof, and I would love to use it more

After a full day of fishing and knowing you've got to load this 11 ft slab back onto the roof, annoying way to end a good day of fishing...

Hullavators are awesome. Many a day when I came back with goo for arms because I was in workout mode and would have had a hell of a time getting my kayak on the tundra...these saved my back haha!