Thule Hullavator

I purchased two Thule Hullavator's (897XT) from Aldercreek.com and have installed them on my 2003 Toyota Tacoma on an existing Yakima cross bar set. So far they have worked extremely well for my Adventure Island and Outback. I can store them upright or top side down. Raising the kayak up once loaded on the rack requires a little coordination but is much more simple and safer than the process I used to go through to load two previous 16.5 foot ocean kayaks. All in all, it is a very nice way to car top any kayak including the heavy AI.

I scoured the internet for the best price and I found an excellent deal at Alder Creek on sale for $299.99 free shipping and no sales tax. I bought two (and a lock set) when I found them at this price. Just thought I would mention this to save you folks a few bucks.

Jerry
www.adventurehighway.net

I know what wholesale is on those puppies... Run, do not walk, to get in on that deal. Cause that's either going to get them in BIG trouble with Thule or put them out of business.

Great deal. No sales tax and free shipping.

http://shop.aldercreek.com/Watersports- ... 05175.html

$469 They got wise to that deal//

_________________
2010 Hibiscus Adventure Island

They sure did.

Well, I wonder what prompted them to raise the price up from their sale price? I figured they were clearance items. I hope some of you got in on the deal before they did that. I know I have two and am enjoying them. Even at $469 free shipping and no sales tax, I would buy them.

Here is another buying tip I have been using. When I order online, I find the best prices. Then I google to see if they have coupon codes to get additional savings. Have had luck getting 20% to 30% additional discount at some retailers making for a most excellent deal. Of course, I love to support local businesses if they have semi-reasonable prices or pricing policies.

Glad to hear they're working well for you. I was thinkin' of Hullivators for my Dodge Grand Caravan minivan, but decided against them when I realized they would not clear my average height garage doors even when the yaks were removed. Ended up with a Rack N Roll trailer instead. The trailer is great but if you can keep your yak on a roof, that's a better solution overall. No parking probs and cheaper!

Thomas

_________________
Absolute kayaking corrupts absolutely.

Well, I have to admit that I did buy a Hobie trailer along with my AI. The dealer just had way too good of a deal ($499) to pass it up. My assembled AI sits on the trailer right now and is locked to it. The lakes (Lake Casitas) in this part of the country require the boat to be secured so that it can not be used anywhere else. I used the AI on the ocean a few times but my main interest is lake sailing. The Hullavators are primarily intended for when me and my girlfriend hit the road again in our motorhome next spring.

About the Hullavator, it can be easily removed from the cross bars in about 1 minute leaving only the profile of your original crossbars. Those that have garages can put it on and take it off quickly and easily. That Rack 'n Roll is a great looking trailer but, hoo boy, is it expensive. But so is the Hullavator unless you can locate a deal like I pointed out originally. I think some Thule dealers who frequent this message board took away everyone's opportunity to get in on this deal. Too bad.

Jerry
www.adventurehighway.net

It's great to hear that the Hullavator removes so quickly from the racks! I didn't know that. I was concerned that with the Hullavators I'd one day forget that they were up there and drive into the garage with an empty hullavator and drive back out hauling my garage door! Easy removal would have helped.

The Rack N Roll is an expensive trailer, but I liked that the wheels could be unlocked and quickly removed and the trailer stored flat against the back of the garage in the winter. I also like the idea of simply leaving the yaks stored on the trailer in the garage during the summer. When I go to the lake, I just stick the equipment in the car, hitch the pre-loaded trailer, and off I go. Gas mileage is also better that when I roof-topped my yaks.

Being my first ever trailer, the RnR seemed like my best choice. I was worried (in retrospect maybe overly) about rust and 80mph freeway trips. Having had the trailer for over a year, I'm happy with my choice. But given the fact that you have to be careful how you park and drive when towing a trailer, if you can get your yak on the roof, you are better off.

What's the deal about not using your boat anywhere else?

Thomas

_________________
Absolute kayaking corrupts absolutely.

The water control Boards are terrified of the quagga(?) mussel or whatever kind of mussel that is spreading. You have to take the boat to Lake Casitas and have it thoroughly inspected ($50 fee). It has to be bone dry and very clean. Then they lock it to your trailer with a tamper proof indicator. You have to wait a minimum of 10 days before using the boat at that particular lake. The tamper proof indicator is removed and replaced by the rangers as the boat goes in and out of the water. You are restricted to using the boat on only that lake as mussel free lakes in the area do not have an agreement between them (yet). Mention using the boat on a lake that is mussel infected and the boat is banned for 30 days or more. If you break the tamper proof indicator to use somewhere else (ocean, etc.), then you have to start the whole inspection process over again. All in all, it is a royal pain for everyone involved. Needless to say, the boating traffic on the lake is drastically reduced which is kind of nice if one were looking for a silver lining. As I said, there is a hysteria going on against this mussel which they claim will cause devastating damage to the water delivery system. I can't wait to start traveling again so that I am not limited to only one lake in my area. My first destination is Jackson, WY and I have picked up the fact that there is an enthusiastic AI sailer in the Jackson area who is on these boards. We will be meeting I am sure.
____________

If I was to absolutely need a trailer, I would certainly bite the bullet and get the Rack n Roll due to the versatility and compactness.

Jerry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebra_mussels

PF

_________________
hobie Quest

I have a Thule Hullavator. It's great. You need to wiggle it to get the yak on the top of the car. Besides my hobie, this was a great purchase too.

_________________
John

That is correct Popeye. Thanks for bringing that up. I wonder why is it that I have to do a little side to side shuffle to get the lifting mechanism to start properly? Although I have the technique down, I do wonder what is happening mechanically that requires this little maneuver. So that is one minor negative point about the Hullavator. Anyone else have to do this? Maybe it is because the kayak is not loaded straight down on both supporting arms and they are torqued a little bit side to side.

Jerry

I don't know about you folks but I don't think I have ever found a level piece of ground to park on. I always thought the little wiggle trick was due to off balance loading associated with any angles of slope.

_________________
Roger
http://www.aldenofsunapee.com/
http://www.NEKF.com/

I was told it's a kayak assistant loader. Thule made it that way. The wiggle does add excitement at the luanch when people are watching. I almost had a group of people doing the "Thule wiggle".

_________________
John