Can the Thule Hull-A-Port Aero Kayak Carrier Be Left On My Crossbars

Question:

Can you leave it on when youre not using it or should you take it off between uses? Basically, how weather resistant is it, especially the screws that hold it on the cross bars?

asked by: Erin

Expert Reply:

The Thule Hull-A-Port Aero Kayak Carrier for SquareBars - J-Style - Folding - 1 Kayak # TH849000 is designed to fit in the T-slot channels on your crossbars, so in this mounting configuration the hardware should be well protected from the elements. As with all roof rack mounted accessories, you'll need them removed when going through car washes and such, but they do fold down fairly compact to allow you to get in and out of garages, etc.. The weather stripping on the channels on your bars would do a good job of protecting the hardware from the elements and most crossbars can be locked.

If you're wanting to use these on square bars with part # TH849000-97 I can't say that I'd recommend just putting them up and leaving them for years at a time. In addition to the exposed hardware taking a beating, I'd want to take them down whenever they aren't in use- both to ensure that they aren't walking away when the car is unattended and to keep the mounting hardware in good working shape. The hardware can handle some weather, but if you live in an area with harsh winters or lots of rain, it's not something I'd want them exposed to over long periods of time. With that said, leaving them up during the kayaking season wouldn't be a huge deal since these are powder coated and there aren't any screws that are used. The powder coating will provide sufficient protection from the elements for moderate amounts of time.

expert reply by: Erik B