Kayak Loading Guide 2025 – Load safer and paddle longer.
Say goodbye to the struggle of lifting heavy gear and hello to effortless adventures with a system designed to keep you on the water and safe on the road.
Overview – Why This Matters
For many caravanners, the joy of paddling is often overshadowed by the physical strain of loading a kayak onto a high 4WD. As we age or travel with heavier “beasts” like double kayaks, this task can become dangerous or simply impossible for one person.
This guide reviews the Thule Hullavator Pro, a lift-assist carrier designed to solve this exact problem. Whether you are a solo adventurer or a couple looking to save your backs, we test if this system truly handles the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.
Words and photos Fireman Ron and Di Sinclair
Installing the Thule Hullavator Pro
We purchased our Hullavator Pro at ARB and found the installation process surprisingly straightforward. Following the included instructions, I was able to fit the unit to our existing roof racks myself without needing professional help.
The design is practical for touring; once the kayak was loaded and sitting back in the cradles, it didn’t interfere with our towing setup or the ability to hook up the caravan. A major bonus was that the racks still had enough room to accommodate other gear, making it a versatile addition to our travel setup.
How the Hullavator Pro Works
The real test came when we drove to a creek at Red Rock, NSW. The system uses a clever combination of levers and gas struts to assist with the lifting process. To unload, you simply squeeze the handles, lift the kayak to a vertical position, and drop it down beside the car door. This brings the kayak to a manageable height where you can undo the two securing straps and lift it off the cradle.
For a single kayak, this is easily a one-person job. For our heavy double kayak – our “beast”—it still requires both Di and I to lift it off the cradle, but the effort is significantly less than our old method of wrestling it directly onto the roof.
Loading Heavy Kayaks for Travel
The Hullavator Pro shines when it’s time to pack up. The gas struts take the weight during the lifting process, effectively reducing the load you need to push. Once the kayak is up, it locks down with built-in clips and is further secured at the front and back with ratcheted ropes.
Keyed locks on the operating handles add a layer of security, preventing theft while you are out on the water or parked at camp. We found the kayak stayed rock-solid on the car for the rest of our trip. It handled good roads and the journey to the lagoon beautifully. For anyone struggling to get watercraft off the roof, this piece of kit is a game-changer.
Highlights
✅ Reduces Lifting Strain: Gas struts take up to 18kg of the weight
✅ Secure Locking: Keyed locks on handles prevent theft at camp
✅ Towing Friendly: Does not interfere with caravan hitching or turning
Is Your Car Ready?
FAQ
Q: How much weight can the Thule Hullavator Pro lift? A: The Hullavator Pro is designed to assist with kayaks up to 35kg, with the gas struts taking up to 18kg of that weight during the lift.
Q: Can I install the Hullavator Pro myself? A: Yes, many users find it easy to fit to standard roof racks using the provided instructions, though having a second person to help lift the unit onto the racks initially is recommended.
Q: Does the Hullavator Pro lock? A: Yes, it features keyed locks on the operating handles to secure the unit to your vehicle, and the kayak can be locked to the carrier.
