I’m looking for help for what I need to attach a Thule Hullavator to my Mazda CX-5. I have the Hullavator and the Aeroblade Edge crossbars. This is used to carry a kayak. I previously had it attached to my last car which had raised side rails.
Here’s the dilemma: my car came with Recessed side rails. When looking at the car you don’t even see them, and they have fixed points along them for which something can be attached. They are different than flush rails. I’ve been working with someone at a local shop who is a large Thule dealer, and someone at LL Bean. The info I have is that in order to attach the Thule Hullavator to these side rails it requires a Thule Fit Kit 83160/3160. This kit has been discontinued and Thule does not yet have the replacement for it available. Has anyone run into this?
Rather than wait for the kit to be available I’m thinking of replacing the side rails with something that can be used with the Hullavator. Can I get Flush Rails for this car and have them swapped out? Or raised rails? I’m unable to use a diffuser type of kayak carrier because I need to be able to load the kayak on the car by myself and am unable to lift it. Thanks in advance!

 

That adaptor kit as you stated is not available anywhere, not even on eBay.
If you want to keep your Hullavator your best bet, and least expensive, is to go to a metal fabricating shop and have them make what you need.
Alternative is to sell your Hullavator and buy kayak mount that will work with your Mazada rails.
Like the Thule Hull-A-Port pro 00008LZ05.

 

Thanks for your reply. I had also looked at eBay for the kit. I cannot use the Hull A Port, because as I mentioned I cannot lift the kayak onto the roof. Do you know if I can switch the side rails?

 

Currently there are no raised rails available for the 2024.
There are companies that make roof rack crossbars that will fit (see below) the recessed side rails.
Though I'm not certain if your Hullavator will fit them. There are also other companies that make lift assist kayak roof storage.
Yakima SightLine FX Roof Rack for Flush Side Rails - JetStream Aero Crossbars - Black - Qty 2 Yakima Roof Rack Y63UV (etrailer.com)

 

OK thank you. I just talked to the Mazda dealer, Service Dept. They said they can order "Roof Rails" which sit up higher and to which Thule cross bars can be attached. I asked them if they were "Raised" or "Flush" rails and they said they are just referred to as "Roof Rails". So now I'm confused! I'll look into those other racks also. Trying not to make another big purchase, but these rails they mentioned are 499.95 including installation.

 

Also - the Yakima Rack you mentioned - it says for "Flush Rails". My car has "Recessed Rails". My understanding is that Flush Rails do sit higher up, and the Recessed ones that I have are recessed into the roof - you don't even see them.

 

Flush and recessed rails amount to the same thing when compared to raised rails.
I checked again and Mazda does have raised side rails and the list price is $349.95, plus installation cost.
The Thule Aeroblade crossbars are supposed to fit these rails and you already know the Thule Hullavotor fits the crossbars.
It is not inexpensive but most other options (Yakima) are in the same ballpark.
The dealer will need to confirm that the Thule system is compatible with the clearance needed on your 2024. Make sure doesn't hit the vehicle or side mirrors.
Buying and installing through your dealer, they might install the cross bars and the Hullavator for no additional labor fee.
Here's what the rails look like.
2024 Mazda CX-5 Roof Rack Side Rails - 00008LR09A - Genuine Mazda Accessory (mazdausa.com)

 

Lobstah - thank you so much! That matches with what Mazda told me, including the price. I was thinking I would have them order it, with the understanding that once they get it my bars would work with it. I mention that because I don't know if they would require payment before ordering it. I think I remember the guy I was working with from the local shop confirmed that there was enough clearance because of the way the Aeroblade is designed.

 

Lobstah,
So I've confirmed these side rails will work. But in order to fit my existing crossbars that work with the Hullavator, it needs a kit and something else (I can't remember) that will come to around $300, plus the $499 to install the rails. They said that in order to use the bars I have without a new kit, I would need raised rails and the ones from Mazda are flush so there's not enough space to simply attach what I have. Do you know if there are other "generic" raised rails that would fit the CX5? I'll also look again at the Yakima you suggested as it might be cheaper. Thank you.

 

There are others that will work but unfortunately, they are all about the same price.
Your only other option would be to sell your current Thule setup and by another brand lift assist unit.
But they are all rather expensive, so I doubt you'd save any money plus you'd have the hassle of selling you current system.
Lift-Assist Kayak Racks - Buying Guide 2024 - Kayak Help
The Yakima raised rails that will attach to your current OEM recessed are $578.00
2024 Mazda CX-5 Yakima SightLine Roof Rack for Flush Rails - RoundBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - Qty 2 (etrailer.com)