[KevinB]

I have the silver Thule Wingbar Evo 127 cm (50 in.) cross bars with the fit kit for the Santa Fe. I have two sets of Hullavators and transport a pair of Pungo 120's which are just under 50Lbs each. I beleive the bars limited to 160 - 170 lbs. With my setup I am under that weight. The only issue as mentioned is the high wind noise mainly from the gap between the Hullavator mounting bracket and the wingbar.

My Hullavators are older models, but are quite serviceable and I have the adapters to fit them to the Wingbars. Consequently I didn't want to spend another $900 each on the latest and greatest models. Maybe the older ones fold down further than newer ones? I did loosely fit the 53" Wingbars to my car and I'm pretty sure the Hullavator cradles would have come too close to the car's doors. Anyway, I'm glad that your system works for you.

Personally, I think you'll be absolutely fine. I have carried two fiberglass CD Vision kayaks (and 2 thermoformed Pungo 120s before that) on my older Hullavators hundreds of times, including a return trip from South Carolina to Nova Scotia (3400 miles r/t) last September, with no problems. But, here are some quotes from my discussions with Thule in November of last year...

From Thule...

"I noticed in prior emails you also mentioned that you carried two Hullavators on your older vehicle. Based on the 40lb weight of the boats you stated, I can't recommend this outfit with your Santa Fe. This vehicle's crossbar maximum crossbar load is 165 pounds. With each Hullavator weighing about 50 pounds, this only leaves about 32.5 for each boat. Overloading the system could lead to unsafe conditions for fast stops and abrupt disconnection from the flush rails. I hope this clarifies Thule's fit system and assessment of the Santa Fe roof rack compatibility"

My response was...

"The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe owner’s manual states that the maximum weight that can be loaded on to the roof side rails is 220lbs (and not 165lbs) “distributed as evenly as possible and secured firmly”. Each Hullavator arm assembly weighs just over 15lbs, the bar mounts maybe 3lbs each so the total for the two systems is approximately 75lbs and not 100 lbs. With 80lbs of kayaks loaded I should be well within the 220lbs spec of the roof rails. My previous 2012 Santa Fe also had the same 220lbs specification and I have carried these kayaks on it for over 10 years and from Canada to Florida at highway speeds – of course with cam straps and bow and stern lines - with no issues.

And theirs was...

"Thule independently tests all vehicles' weight capacities with a Thule rack system. This represents the "dynamic load" capacity of the vehicle - so the amount of weight that can be attached to the roof so that Thule engineers can be certain it will not disconnect in the event of a rapid stop, such as hard braking or front end impact. The rails themselves might have a higher capacity, and the racks can certainly hold more than 165 pounds when not moving (such as when using a Thule rooftop tent), but 165 pounds is the recommended maximum for this vehicle while in motion and the most I can recommend. This is not to say that overloading them will immediately cause failure, such as with your own experience, but Thule would no longer be able to guarantee the safety of the system. You are using an older model of Thule Hullavator, which for which I do not have exhaustive technical specifications available, but the current model weighs about 50 pounds, which is the basis of my recommendation. You are, of course, able to use the carriers and rack systems however you see fit, but using them against manufacturer recommendations will void warranty coverage on the rack system."


I continue to think that they are wrong in their estimation of two Hullavator systems weighing 100lbs, and that both your setup and my setup will be well inside their 165lbs recommended maximum but I didn't think my conversation with them was worth pursuing any further,

 

[KevinB]

I'm glad that I shifted from a roof mounted to hitch mounted setup for my bikes. It was a pain to load and then the constant worry about it hitting something low on the way.

My new fat tire e bike is very heavy and no roof rack is going to carry it's weight, that is if I'm actually able to lift it up there.

Just wish the hitch came as a standard fitting with the vehicle, or a factory add on. I didn't had to worry about tools and installation.

At least in the US market, I saw lots of SFs with a hitch from the factory. I would have been happy to have paid the extra $450 (I think) that the option cost but just about the only white hybrid limited with a beige interior (my wife's choice) that I could find on the entire east coast didn't have one. Still our mountain bikes are fairly light and with the front wheels removed are fairly easy to stash with the rear seats folded down. Maybe I'll talk to my local dealer about a hitch when the car goes in for its first service. Or I could probably install one myself. I have all the tools but at 73 I'm getting a bit too old to be lying on a concrete floor under a car for an hour or so.

 

[D2s]

Accessory : Windshield Sunshade
Cost : 15$
Inherited from ST, who inherited it from CRV.

Again nothing fancy. Just does it's job.
But very rarely used. My car always remain in the covered garage or when parked outside, I would drive a little more to find a better parking with shade. Also in SoCal, I want more sunlight to come in.

My 5 year old (passionate owner of hundreds of hot wheels, monster trucks and Hasbro transformer toys) was behind me for a transformers sticker on the car. I am not very happy about putting something like that outside, so I decided to 'transform' the Sunshade.

Work in progress.

 

[D2s]

Accessory : Radial Snow Cable
Cost : 50$ (I bought it with deals)

This is a back-up and remains at home. Only time its is used is when I test fitted on my CRV.
I throw it into the trunk, if a snow mountain trip is on.

Inherited from a 235-60 R18. So practically, no difference compared to 235-55-R19 on my Limited Hybrid.

 

[D2s]

so I decided to 'transform' the Sunshade.

Very happy so far, for what I could do with a sharpie. Will explorer adding a bit more color and details later.

Need to ask the insurance guys to reduce my premium, if the transformers can act as a theft deterrent.

 

[KevinB]

Nice!

Snow is pretty rare here on the South Carolina coast. And mountains are even more scarce.

I could have used them though when I lived in Canada many years ago.

 

[D2s]

Accessory : Seat belt Pad
Cost : 12$

I don't really like anything on my seat belt.
But both wife and my 10 year old complain about seat belt rubbing.
So I had to get one of these based on online reviews.
Not heard any complaints after using these.
I have seen, they stops the belts from retracting in a normal way.

 

[avionik99]

When you buy a Hyundai Hybrid Limited, it means your are limited as to what more you can do,lol. This SUV comes packed with so much luxury they dont leave much left over to do.

 

[Thormaxx1234]

My Hullavators are older models, but are quite serviceable and I have the adapters to fit them to the Wingbars. Consequently I didn't want to spend another $900 each on the latest and greatest models. Maybe the older ones fold down further than newer ones? I did loosely fit the 53" Wingbars to my car and I'm pretty sure the Hullavator cradles would have come too close to the car's doors. Anyway, I'm glad that your system works for you.

Personally, I think you'll be absolutely fine. I have carried two fiberglass CD Vision kayaks (and 2 thermoformed Pungo 120s before that) on my older Hullavators hundreds of times, including a return trip from South Carolina to Nova Scotia (3400 miles r/t) last September, with no problems. But, here are some quotes from my discussions with Thule in November of last year...

From Thule...

"I noticed in prior emails you also mentioned that you carried two Hullavators on your older vehicle. Based on the 40lb weight of the boats you stated, I can't recommend this outfit with your Santa Fe. This vehicle's crossbar maximum crossbar load is 165 pounds. With each Hullavator weighing about 50 pounds, this only leaves about 32.5 for each boat. Overloading the system could lead to unsafe conditions for fast stops and abrupt disconnection from the flush rails. I hope this clarifies Thule's fit system and assessment of the Santa Fe roof rack compatibility"

My response was...

"The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe owner’s manual states that the maximum weight that can be loaded on to the roof side rails is 220lbs (and not 165lbs) “distributed as evenly as possible and secured firmly”. Each Hullavator arm assembly weighs just over 15lbs, the bar mounts maybe 3lbs each so the total for the two systems is approximately 75lbs and not 100 lbs. With 80lbs of kayaks loaded I should be well within the 220lbs spec of the roof rails. My previous 2012 Santa Fe also had the same 220lbs specification and I have carried these kayaks on it for over 10 years and from Canada to Florida at highway speeds – of course with cam straps and bow and stern lines - with no issues.

And theirs was...

"Thule independently tests all vehicles' weight capacities with a Thule rack system. This represents the "dynamic load" capacity of the vehicle - so the amount of weight that can be attached to the roof so that Thule engineers can be certain it will not disconnect in the event of a rapid stop, such as hard braking or front end impact. The rails themselves might have a higher capacity, and the racks can certainly hold more than 165 pounds when not moving (such as when using a Thule rooftop tent), but 165 pounds is the recommended maximum for this vehicle while in motion and the most I can recommend. This is not to say that overloading them will immediately cause failure, such as with your own experience, but Thule would no longer be able to guarantee the safety of the system. You are using an older model of Thule Hullavator, which for which I do not have exhaustive technical specifications available, but the current model weighs about 50 pounds, which is the basis of my recommendation. You are, of course, able to use the carriers and rack systems however you see fit, but using them against manufacturer recommendations will void warranty coverage on the rack system."


I continue to think that they are wrong in their estimation of two Hullavator systems weighing 100lbs, and that both your setup and my setup will be well inside their 165lbs recommended maximum but I didn't think my conversation with them was worth pursuing any further,

I highly doubt the current hullavator is 50 lbs... unless they are referring to 25LBS for each unit... which would seem more logical...

 

[KevinB]

I highly doubt the current hullavator is 50 lbs... unless they are referring to 25LBS for each unit... which would seem more logical...

I doubt that too, but that was the figure they gave me. I believe their estimate is based on the weight of two cradles and one crossbar and its fit kits/feet. So, they are saying 100lbs total for the Thule hardware only leaves 65lbs for the kayaks.

I weighed one of my cradles and it was just over 15lbs. I can't believe each bar assembly is much more than 3lbs - let's say 5lbs. So my estimate for all the Thule hardware is more like 70lbs leaving 95lbs for the kayaks. My fiberglass/aramid boats weigh 44lbs and 46lbs.

 

[D2s]

When you buy a Hyundai Hybrid Limited

Meanwhile Hyundai product planners thinking "Lets limit the hybrid to a lower trim, with Limited features, so that my 2.5Ts + DCTs can have more sales with the Calligraphy trim.

True story, when we did Hybrid Limited vs 2.5T Calligraphy decision

1. Quilted Nappa Leather seats - I wanted it but the Limited is pretty good as well.
2. Rear Windows Auto Up/Down - Don't miss them at all
3. Head-up Display - I liked it, and wanted it from Factory and don't like to add it as a third party an accessory
4. 20 inch Wheels - Makes no difference to me. 19s have better ride and I don't really love the looks of both. 20s can accommodate wider tires for later upgrades compared to 19s.
5. Premium Door Trim - Don't care - Limited is equally good.
6. Premium Grill Finish - I wanted it and I hate the chrome front grill of Limited. Calligraphy would have saved my plasti-dipping time. In-fact I prefer the lower trims black grill compared to my Limited and would have traded with anyone here, if the facia removal was easy.
7. Microfiber Headliner - Don't care - Limited is good and better for people with kids.
8. Ambient Lighting - Wanted it, but mine is getting a functional one very soon. Its not going to be as well integrated as OEM
9. There might be subtle differences - cabin insulation/acoustic glass/ wiper assembly/internal parts/etc . This is what I miss the most and I know I cant do anything about it.

Finally the refinement and integration of hybrid powertrain won the battle, against 2.5T+DCT+auto start/stop, and was the tradeoff we were willing to make to get our Limited trim.
If the hybrid was available in Calligraphy trim, 100% I would be driving that one (mainly for reasons #9 and #6)

 

[KevinB]

We - well mostly my dear wife - were less than enthralled by the caramel colour of the Calligraphy interior trim.

We also didn’t care for the mouse fur black headliner and I really had no interest in the auto start/stop.

The HUD looked like it is version 1.0.0. I’ll wait until it gets to be a bit more sophisticated.

The rest I really don’t care about.

The thought of a hybrid did appeal to us, and we are very pleased with the 32mpg economy and almost 600 mile range on a full tank.

Of course whatever floats anyone else’s boat is just fine.

 

[avionik99]

Meanwhile Hyundai product planners thinking "Lets limit the hybrid to a lower trim, with Limited features, so that my 2.5Ts + DCTs can have more sales with the Calligraphy trim.

True story, when we did Hybrid Limited vs 2.5T Calligraphy decision

1. Quilted Nappa Leather seats - I wanted it but the Limited is pretty good as well.
2. Rear Windows Auto Up/Down - Don't miss them at all
3. Head-up Display - I liked it, and wanted it from Factory and don't like to add it as a third party an accessory
4. 20 inch Wheels - Makes no difference to me. 19s have better ride and I don't really love the looks of both. 20s can accommodate wider tires for later upgrades compared to 19s.
5. Premium Door Trim - Don't care - Limited is equally good.
6. Premium Grill Finish - I wanted it and I hate the chrome front grill of Limited. Calligraphy would have saved my plasti-dipping time. In-fact I prefer the lower trims black grill compared to my Limited and would have traded with anyone here, if the facia removal was easy.
7. Microfiber Headliner - Don't care - Limited is good and better for people with kids.
8. Ambient Lighting - Wanted it, but mine is getting a functional one very soon. Its not going to be as well integrated as OEM
9. There might be subtle differences - cabin insulation/acoustic glass/ wiper assembly/internal parts/etc . This is what I miss the most and I know I cant do anything about it.

Finally the refinement and integration of hybrid powertrain won the battle, against 2.5T+DCT+auto start/stop, and was the tradeoff we were willing to make to get our Limited trim.
If the hybrid was available in Calligraphy trim, 100% I would be driving that one (mainly for reasons #9 and #6)

Very nice rundown on the subtle differences and likes/dislikes.
I like the chrome grill, I would have liked the Heads Up display on the limited hybrid. I think if the Calligraphy came as a hybrid I may have stepped up to one. I just wanted a high end luxury hybrid SUV.
Overall I am very well pleased, I drove my daughter's 2023 Porsche cayenne suv and found it was lacking in some things my Hyundai had. Dont get me wrong she has a very nice car but for almost $40,000 more for the Porsche?? I am a very content Hyundai Santa Fe owner!!

 

[D2s]

Accessory: Screen Protector
Cost: 16$

No more smudges and fingerprints on the screen.
Much easier to clean and don't need to worry about scratches. It has the same gloss effect as the original screen, but hardly noticeable when the screen is on. Fix it, forget it, kind of item.

 

[KevinB]

I like it! I’ll order one too.

Thanks.

 

[avionik99]

Accessory: Screen Protector
Cost: 16$

View attachment 3060

No more smudges and fingerprints on the screen.
Much easier to clean and don't need to worry about scratches. It has the same gloss effect as the original screen, but hardly noticeable when the screen is on. Fix it, forget it, kind of item.

That was one of the very first things I did after quality floor mats. Worked out very nicely.

 

[Garyr]

Hullavators are awesome... BUT get used to wind noise coming from the roof rack. Hullavators have mounting plates for the roof rack and leave a small air gap between the plate and the cross bar. I was able to remove the wind noise by cutting and placing grey pipe insulation into those gaps. It did help a bit. This year I will be playing around with the spacing on the roof as I think I might have had them spaced wrong making the wind noise much more prominent.

I have a Hullavator that I have used for years on 3 different vehicles and I did have an issue with wind noise. I installed pipe insulation to fill the gap between kayak and the Hullavator and it eliminated the wind noise.

 

[KevinB]

The Wingbars are said to be quieter than the older square bars but I had two Hullavator systems for over 10 years on square bars on my 2012 Santa Fe and the noise never bothered me.

 

[Thormaxx1234]

Meanwhile Hyundai product planners thinking "Lets limit the hybrid to a lower trim, with Limited features, so that my 2.5Ts + DCTs can have more sales with the Calligraphy trim.

True story, when we did Hybrid Limited vs 2.5T Calligraphy decision

1. Quilted Nappa Leather seats - I wanted it but the Limited is pretty good as well.
2. Rear Windows Auto Up/Down - Don't miss them at all
3. Head-up Display - I liked it, and wanted it from Factory and don't like to add it as a third party an accessory
4. 20 inch Wheels - Makes no difference to me. 19s have better ride and I don't really love the looks of both. 20s can accommodate wider tires for later upgrades compared to 19s.
5. Premium Door Trim - Don't care - Limited is equally good.
6. Premium Grill Finish - I wanted it and I hate the chrome front grill of Limited. Calligraphy would have saved my plasti-dipping time. In-fact I prefer the lower trims black grill compared to my Limited and would have traded with anyone here, if the facia removal was easy.
7. Microfiber Headliner - Don't care - Limited is good and better for people with kids.
8. Ambient Lighting - Wanted it, but mine is getting a functional one very soon. Its not going to be as well integrated as OEM
9. There might be subtle differences - cabin insulation/acoustic glass/ wiper assembly/internal parts/etc . This is what I miss the most and I know I cant do anything about it.

Finally the refinement and integration of hybrid powertrain won the battle, against 2.5T+DCT+auto start/stop, and was the tradeoff we were willing to make to get our Limited trim.
If the hybrid was available in Calligraphy trim, 100% I would be driving that one (mainly for reasons #9 and #6)

The funny thing is.. in the US there are three hybrid trims for the Santa Fe. In Canada, there is only ONE trim and it is just one step down from the Calligraphy and they call it the LUXURY model. The HEV and the PHEV share 99% of the same features... the PHEV though gets real leather but the HEV does not. Otherwise the same comparison you made applies.

 

[D2s]

The funny thing is.. in the US there are three hybrid trims for the Santa Fe. In Canada, there is only ONE trim and it is just one step down from the Calligraphy and they call it the LUXURY model. The HEV and the PHEV share 99% of the same features... the PHEV though gets real leather but the HEV does not. Otherwise the same comparison you made applies.

In general, I have seen more features as stranded in Canada for the same trim/model, compared to US. Especially Japanese does it all the time.

Apart from legal regulations and environmental conditions, there is definitely people's preference at play here. What one is willing to pay for some features, before one starts thinking it's over priced.