Hullivator 898

[Blackhawk]

Has anyone had success with a crossbar on a Buick SUV for the Hullivator? I know the factory crossbar won't work. I see conflicting information online. Loading my 17' Arctic Tern solo after a long paddle can be challenging. I've found some used Hullivators locally, but don't want to pull the trigger if it won't work.
The next SUV/car will be smaller. This was the "drive kids to practice" SUV.

 

[JohnAbercrombie]

To mount a Hullivator, you need crossbars that project 'out' sideways past the factory fore-aft rails, to get the Hullivator out far enough to clear the side of the car.

I'd be surprised if Thule doesn't make adapters to put crossbars on your Buick.
It does add up- even assuming your Buick has fore-aft rails.
Adapters from factory rails to Thule crossbar
Locks for the adapters
Crossbars
Hullivator
Locks for Hullivator

The good news is that most of the parts can move to your new vehicle.

I've just started using the Hullivator in the past month or so. It really helps with loading the boat; I don't worry about banging the boat on the pavement/launch ramp any more.

 

[Blackhawk]

To mount a Hullivator, you need crossbars that project 'out' sideways past the factory fore-aft rails, to get the Hullivator out far enough to clear the side of the car.

I'd be surprised if Thule doesn't make adapters to put crossbars on your Buick.
It does add up- even assuming your Buick has fore-aft rails.
Adapters from factory rails to Thule crossbar
Locks for the adapters
Crossbars
Hullivator
Locks for Hullivator

The good news is that most of the parts can move to your new vehicle.

I've just started using the Hullivator in the past month or so. It really helps with loading the boat; I don't worry about banging the boat on the pavement/launch ramp any more.

Yes, I saw that is what is needed. Thule website isn't a help. It says there are no Thule crossbars that fit my vehicle.

 

[JohnAbercrombie]

Yes, I saw that is what is needed. Thule website isn't a help. It says there are no Thule crossbars that fit my vehicle.

That must be frustrating- it would irritate me.
What model & year is your Buick SUV? Are there other GM SUVs that are similar?

If you have a decent rack dealer nearby, it might be worth contacting them for a solution.
Thule didn't list the adapters to go from my 2012' VW wagon factory rails to the old Thule rectangular crossbars (which I already owned), but my local dealer found a set for me.

 

[Kayak Jim]

I see Yakima make a similar "assisted" rack. I wonder if it and the required load bars could be a better fit for your vehicle?

Yakima ShowDown Kayak & SUP Rack

The first load-assist mount to handle both SUPs and kayaks, the ShowDown makes loading and unloading heavy boats and boards a breeze.

www.rackattack.com

 

[JohnAbercrombie]

I see Yakima make a similar "assisted" rack. I wonder if it and the required load bars could be a better fit for your vehicle?

Yakima ShowDown Kayak & SUP Rack

The first load-assist mount to handle both SUPs and kayaks, the ShowDown makes loading and unloading heavy boats and boards a breeze.

www.rackattack.com

That's certainly a possibility.
Here's a video showing how it works:

A few thoughts:
The Hullivator has gas cylinders which support a lot of the weight of the kayak, in both unloading and loading. The Yakima system is basically a lever which relies completely on the user's muscle power. I don't see how the 'Assist' gets into the name!

The Hullivator lowers the boat closer to the ground so it's easier to get the kayak out of and into the rack.
With a higher vehicle like a SUV this might be a problem?


Here's the same guy, same kayak and car, with Hullivator.

 

[Oldpro]

I've been using my Hullavator since 2004 and found it entirely satisfactory. Thule made bars that fit the Subaru Forester. Five years ago when I bought the Subaru Baja there was no clamp combination that fit, so I had to go to round Yakima bars. It works, but clamping to a round bar isn't as secure as the "rectangular" Thule bar. I've found that in addition to different Pygmy boats the Hullavator is equally capable of hauling ladders, lumber, PVC pipe and other assorted stuff. No matter what the load, it sure has saved me a lot of pain and strain.