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Ever load up for a road trip or to go camping and wish you had a bigger trunk? This EXO system has you and your gear covered. On top of it's 20 cu ft of cargo space, we love that each box can be carried to your camp or hotel room to be unloaded.
Features:
Specs:
Notes:
This modular system includes 2 enclosed cargo carriers, so your camping gear stays secure, dry, and away from prying eyes. The two-tier base system swings away, while fully loaded, for rear cargo area access, and the top tier can be removed if you only need to carry 1 cargo carrier.
Because the Yakima EXO system is modular it lets you transform your hitch into the ultimate gear-carrying rig. You can outfit the system with various accessories (sold separately) to carry all your biking, camping, and skiing gear. The system is compatible with a bike rack, ski rack, cargo carrier, and an enclosed cargo carrier, and you can easily swap them out to match any outdoor activity. You can also add base camp accessories, like a camping table. Lastly, because you can carry two accessories on the back of your vehicle, it frees up space on your roof to carry even more gear.
Each enclosed cargo carrier has 10 cu ft of storage space for carrying sports equipment, clothes, and other gear. They're easy to detach the from the base unit, making them convenient for two people to tote all your gear to the campsite in a single trip or two.
The wide-mouth opening on each carrier makes it easy to load your gear and find individual items at the campsite. Integrated straps inside the carriers secure your gear so it doesn't slide around when you're on the road. Spring-based levers on each side hold the lid open, so you can use both hands while loading and unloading.
The hinged arm on the base lets you swing the unit away from your vehicle. This provides full access to your vehicle's rear cargo area and eliminates the need remove the cargo carriers when you're unloading your vehicle or your dog hop in or out of the back.
To open the hinged arm, simply rotate the release knob counterclockwise until it's unscrewed from the arm, pull out on the spring pin, and swing the rack away from the rear of your vehicle. The arm will lock in place when it's fully extended, so your hands are free to open your hatch and remove cargo.
In addition to allowing access to your vehicle's cargo area, the EXO can also provide access to your gear stored on the lower level. Once the base unit is fully extended, you can swing the top tier back 180 degrees, with your gear and cargo carrier still attached. This will provide unfettered access to the cargo carrier on the lower level.
To close the base unit, just pull the release lever at the hinge and swing the extended arm back into position. Once you hear the spring pin lock into place, rotate the knob clockwise until it's tight.
If you leave the base swung open for an extended period of time, you'll need to install the included jack stand to help stabilize the arm. Turn the rod on the jack to fine tune the height so the system stays level.
To install the EXO system, simply slide the shank on the base unit into your 2" hitch receiver, insert the threaded hitch pin, and tighten it down with the included 24-mm wrench. The threaded hitch pin also reduces noise and movement in your hitch. The second tier bolts to the base to provide the second level of storage.
Dual arms on each tier have tracks with cleats and SpeedKnobs that secure EXO accessories. To swap the a cargo carrier for a different accessory, undo the latches on the sides of the arms, rotate the SpeedKnobs to allow the cleats inside the tracks to free the carrier, and remove it. Next, put the new accessory in the tracks, rotate the SpeedKnobs so the cleats secure it, then close each latch.
This EXO system includes 10 SKS locks to secure the system, carriers, and your gear. The two tiers have locks that secure them to each other and to your vehicle's hitch receiver. Both tiers also have locks in the arms to secure the GearLocker enclosed cargo carriers. Finally, each enclosed cargo carrier has a lock to secure your gear inside. Because each GearLocker only uses 1 lock, this EXO configuration will come with 2 extra lock cores.
The SKS locks for the system come with the 2 base units - 5 with each. Because they are packaged separately, the locks for the top tier and bottom tier probably won't be keyed alike. However, they can be swapped out to match each other and even your other Yakima gear.
Because the EXO System is modular you can add accessories for whatever adventure you have planned, or swap them out for other activities.
The BackDeck camping table (Y84VR - sold separately) is perfect for use at the campsite. It lets you prep meals, lay out your gear, and even mix drinks at the end of the day. Simply remove the cargo carrier on the top level and install the table. It stores conveniently inside one of the enclosed cargo carriers, during transport.
The SnowBank (Y57VR - sold separately) is perfect for your ski trip. It carries up to 5 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards. It has an expanding hinge that accommodates thick skis and large buttons that let you access your skis even if you're wearing gloves. Simply remove the cargo carrier on the top level and install this carrier in its place.
The DoubleUp 2-bike rack has ratcheting hooks that grab your bikes firmly by the front wheel - not the frame. It's perfect for carrying nearly any bike, including bikes with carbon frames, disc brakes, thru axles, or full suspensions. Simply remove the enclosed cargo carrier on the top level and install this carrier in its place.
If you want to carry coolers, luggage, and other larger, bulky gear, you can swap out one of the enclosed cargo carriers for the GearWarrior cargo carrier (Y37VR - sold separately). There is also a wheel kit (Y97VR - sold separately) that converts the cargo carrier into a wagon, so you can wheel your gear to the campsite. The GearWarrior can be installed on either the top or bottom tier so you can maximize cargo space.
Alternate Instructions
Ratings & Reviews
Great product! We use this system for supplemental storage on camping trips with our class C motorhome. Additionally, we have used it for travel baseball tournaments to keep dusty and dirty catchers equipment and bat bags out of the vehicle. Extremely sturdy and easy to use.
The Swing Away and cargo carrier bundle was delivered quickly and took 15-20 minutes to install. The kit comes with all the tools you'll need and the instructions are well written.
This is an awesome set for adding extra space to your vehicle. The product shipped super fast and was in great condition. There was some issues with the boxes from UPS being torn up but the product inside was perfect. The team at etrailer has been responsive and helpful the entire way. Definitely will purchase products from this team again.
Specifically for 2022 and newer Wagoneer owners there is a trick to opening your back hatch with this installed. In the pics below you have to fully swing loosen the top pivot screw about 1/8” to allow the clearance for the hatch to swing by. If all is tight and you only swing the arm to the 90 deg position it will hit when you open the hatch.
Extremely well made abs easy to assembl e.
Very easy to install. Total installation time (not counting taking photos and opening boxes) was approximately 15 minutes. The only issue I encountered was the left handle on the lower rack had a broken piece inside the locking pin assembly. Other than that, everything was quick and smooth for a single person job. This will greatly assist my business by allowing more room for passenger comfort on long trips to and from airports with a large party. Looking forward to putting this to use.
Joe
4/15/2023
I haven’t used it yet been afraid to because of the issue stated in the review. Nobody ever reached out to me regarding the broken piece. Jenny N above stated someone would, but i’ve not been contacted.
Very fast shipping and easy purchase!
I was concerned about the sagging so I added support wheel and post. This is a flaw and should be addressed upon the sale of these units. Otherwise the unit is good
John L.
6/27/2025
Ok. I added a trailer wheel to the swing arm because of the sagging
Very interesting! I am pleased with this purchase. All of this equipment is well built and was designed with ease of use and security in mind. The hitch part is surprisingly pretty heavy, but once it is connected this weight gives the hitch a sturdy feel. The lockers are pretty big and the material though light weight feels like it will hold up to some rough miles and a few bruises. It is so nice to have this much dry secure and easy to access storage outside of our vehicle. Customer service was excellent and delivery times were surprisingly short.
Russell
4/17/2024
We used this for a 5,321 mile loop out west. MS, AR, MO, NB, SD, MT, WY, ID, UT, NV, AZ, NM, TX, AR, MS. Everything held up perfectly and we had far more space in our SUV for this many hours driving. Many people asked about our equipment and I was happy to show it off. We kept the bottom tub on full time and popped the top one on and off at our lodging stops. I did get a little dust sneaking in the lid on some mountain trails so I think I’ll add a thin strip of foam to the top lids. Otherwise, perfect product.
Super easy to install. Took about 30 minutes to get it all done. Swapped out with 8 cores so keys are the same. Easy replacement. Well built. E-trailer also shipped ahead of the light kit which was not in stock after I called. Fast and free shipping. Excellent communication from E-trailer and Lauren A took care of my phone call and got the in stock items shipped right away. Will definitely be coming back for more equipment for my vehicles.
Very happy with this purchase.
Brooke M.
6/12/2025
Sweet! Man, that van looks more and more decked out the closer I look! I think I see a cargo carrier on top? Do you haul lots of people and gear or has the inside been converted to a camper?
Brooke M.
6/17/2025
I couldn't be more pleased and impressed with this system. I hesitated buying it due to the cost but once I received it, I realized why it cost what it does. It's built extremely well and is very sturdy. They thought of everything with this thing down to how it locks into place, pivots and it even has a kick stand for loading and unloading so you don't put too much stress on the hinge. It's really a great product!
Everything works out as planned great extra storage and good quality
Just finished installing and am extremely happy- it's exactly what I'm hoping for. This takes my van from sad storage to amazing storage where I can still open the door. I'll update if it doesn't stand the test of time, but first impressions are strong.
They are great in nearly all ways. The only complaint I have is that they should standardize the locks so I don't need 4 keys to operate all of the locks. I purchased the standard locks myself and will be installing in the near future.
Customer Service is top notch!
We are just getting started with our modifications and I guarantee you that all of our products will be purchased from etrailer.
Neil went over and above to take care of us, Thank you!
Outstanding, exceeded expectations
It's flimsy and can only carry 100 pounds on the bottom and 80 on top. The swing arm is weak. Which you have to use to access the bottom bin. It also wiggles too much, even with a hitch adjuster. The weight restriction sucks.
Product meets all expectations. etrailer quickly replaced a broken Knob Assembly which was damaged during shipping. Vehicle is an Airstream Interstate 24GT. The swing assembly does restrict the Sprinter's right barn door from opening completely, but not a significant issue. We did add our own rear turn signal lights and license plate holder since the factory rear lights restricted ground clearance.
Couldn’t love this more, adds all of the extra space needed. Locks integrated throughout make very easy to secure. Love that the cargo boxes can be removed individually, packed and returned to brackets. Two improvements which we would improve, locks are all keyed differently and would be a bit easier for us if they were keyed alike. Also, has a significant wobble once affixed to the hitch. We were able to fix temporarily with shims, and will be ordering a hitch tightener for future use. Not sure if this is a universal issue or specific to our vehicle type.
We do love it. We've used it 10 or 12 times already. The only issue is some of the heads of the smaller bolts are starting to strip, the ones that connect the framing for the bottom unit to the framing for the top unit. We'll probably need to order replacement bolts in about 4-6 months.
But we've still recommended the units to lots of our extended family/friends that travel as much as we do.
Matthew
10/30/2025
Weve now had the Yakima cargo system for well over a year. I couldnt be happier with this system. The flexibility it provides in being able to access each unit by retracting the arm and spinning the top unit. All of our stuff stays completely dry even in heavy rain all day. I do wish that the jack stand had a wider base for greater stability, with a compression spring to absorb some of the load as you pack the unit, but thats a minor complaint. I love that this system allows for maximum storage without needing to go on top of the vehicle, and it provides better access during trips, and access for my wife too. I dont have to worry about overhead clearance issues. I can assembly the whole system is less than 10 minutes without needing a helper. I love that!
Easy assembly. Great design! Swing out feature is awesome to allow easy access to SUV liftgate. Extra storage space allows 5 or 6 people with luggage, golf clubs, tailgating equipment, etc. to travel together in one vehicle. License plate holder and light kit is a great accessory.
Gwendolyn Y.
4/24/2025
Looks like you're geared for almost any kind of trip, Randy! Where are you headed to this season?
Gwendolyn Y.
5/6/2025
Unfortunately we can’t open rear of 2018 expedition with the top box in place. One of the knob locking pins is/was broken in shipping. I also wish all of the items were keyed the same. This whole setup is 5 keys. I’ll probably call a locksmith and have them all re-keyed if possible.
Cody
6/23/2024
Great once the pin was replaced! 5 star now
The connection into the hitch is not snug. We installed shims to help, but it still wobbles and we must check it often to make sure it stays tight. The containers themselves are a much thinner plastic than we expected.
This setup is amazing, and completely freed up my trunk space. You can fit 4 standard airplane carry-on bags in each one, with room for more stuff. The swivel of the top shelf helps with unloading. This is a great product, well engineered and designed.
Gwendolyn Y.
3/26/2026
Pretty awesome set up you have now, Ebrahim. Where are you headed off to first?
Great box set for storage. I installed this on a sprinter 2024 3500XD AWD. I also add the tail light kit and this van needs it. To add the bottom of the license plate to the ground is 18 inches. The bumper to the ground is 17.5 inches. I hope this helps others with the sprinter and the license plate to the ground.
Lazer S.
4/21/2026
Glad you like it, David! And thanks for the measurements as well! It will definitely help others. ^___^ What are you storing in the boxes?
Do you have a question about this Hitch Cargo Carrier?
Info for this part was:
At etrailer we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Jenny N.
4/21/2022
I will have our Customer Service team reach out to you.