Thule Hullavator Pro 898010 Rooftop Kayak Carrier

1 / 7

Product guide

Thule Hullavator Pro 898010 Rooftop Kayak Carrier

The Thule Hullavator Pro rooftop kayak carrier is designed to make solo loading easier by lowering a kayak toward waist height and assisting with part of its weight. Its 40-pound listed load capacity and 43-pound carrier weight are important figures to consider alongside your kayak and vehicle setup.

At a glance

Gas-assist struts lift and lower 40 pounds of the kayak’s weight, according to the listing.
Double-extending arms lower the kayak by up to 3 feet for loading and strapping at waist height.
Eight padded support points are specified for kayak contact.
The listing describes corrosion-resistant cradles that expand to fit wide kayaks.
Construction is described as aluminum and double-coated steel.

Price

$718.95Save 20%

Reference price: ~~$899.95~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

View offer

Often bought together

Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders

Thule WingBar Evo, 135 cm roof bar 2-Pack Black | Premium aerodynamic load bars for an exceptionally quiet ride and easy installation of accessories. 2-pack.

Pros and cons

Pros

The lift assistance and lowering arms are designed to reduce the effort and reach involved in rooftop loading.
Eight padded contact points provide distributed support for the kayak.
Expanding cradles are intended to accommodate wider kayaks.

Cons

The carrier itself is listed at 43 pounds, a substantial weight to account for when handling or fitting rooftop equipment.
The stated 40-pound assistance capacity is a limit to consider for heavier kayaks.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Identity and capacity
Brand	Thule
Model	898010
Load capacity	40 pounds

Dimensions and installation
Mounting type listed	Strap
Dimensions listed	34 x 17 x 7 inches
Weight listed	43 pounds
Compatible vehicle type	Car

Materials and appearance
Material listed	Aluminum
Color	Black New

What to know before buying

The stated 40-pound figure describes how much kayak weight the gas-assist system lifts and lowers, not an unconditional capacity for every kayak. Confirm the kayak’s weight and the carrier’s fit for your vehicle before purchase.

What’s in the box

Included

Kayak rack

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Drivers who want assistance lifting a kayak onto a car roof, especially when loading alone.
Kayak owners who value lower, waist-height loading and padded support points.
Buyers with kayaks that may benefit from expanding cradles for wider hulls.

Less suited to

Those seeking a lightweight carrier, given the listed 43-pound weight.
Those whose kayak exceeds the listed 40-pound lift-assistance figure or who need an expressly stated higher capacity.

Thule Hullavator Pro 898010 Rooftop Kayak Carrier · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.3 / 5 · 300 ratings

5 stars70%70%
4 stars11%11%
3 stars7%7%
2 stars3%3%
1 star9%9%

Customer feedback highlights easier loading and unloading of heavier kayaks, effective lift assistance, and reduced shoulder strain. This is relevant to the listed gas-assist mechanism and lowering arms, though the listing's 40-pound assistance figure should be considered against the kayak's weight. Experiences with installation are mixed, the instructions are criticized as unclear, and opinions on whether the cost is worthwhile differ. Aggregate ratings lean positive but also include a noticeable lower-star share, so they do not erase those practical concerns.

Positive themes

Customers describe lift assistance as helpful for loading and unloading heavier kayaks.
Feedback reports reduced shoulder strain and easier handling.

Negative themes

Some customers report that the instructions are unclear.

Mixed feedback

Installation experiences vary, with some finding it fairly easy and others finding it difficult.
Value opinions differ, with some considering it worth the cost and others describing it as expensive.

Frequently asked questions

How does the Hullavator Pro help with loading?

The listing describes gas-assist struts that lift and lower 40 pounds of kayak weight, plus double-extending arms that lower the kayak by up to 3 feet for waist-height loading and strapping.

What weight should I check before buying?

The listing gives 40 pounds as the weight the lift-assist system lifts and lowers. Compare that figure with your kayak’s weight and confirm the carrier setup is suitable for your vehicle.

What materials and kayak support are specified?

The listed material is aluminum. Feature claims describe aluminum and double-coated steel construction, eight padded support points, and expanding corrosion-resistant cradles.

What do customers report about installation?

Feedback describes installation as mixed, with some finding it fairly easy and others finding it difficult. The instructions also receive criticism for being unclear.