This two-tier hitch extender is the backbone of the Yakima EXO modular gear-hauling system. It lets you mix-and-match accessories for cycling, camping, and skiing. System swings away to provide cargo area access.
Features:
Specs:
Notes:
This modular system 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. It swings away, while fully loaded, for rear cargo area access, and the top tier can be removed if you only need to carry 1 accessory. 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.
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 to remove the accessories or your gear when you're unloading your vehicle or letting 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.
Once the base unit is fully extended, you can swing the top tier back 180 degrees, with your accessory and gear still attached. This will provide unfettered access to your gear on the lower level.
To close the base, 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 unit 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 top tier bolts to the base to provide the second level of storage.
Dual arms on the base have tracks with cleats and SpeedKnobs that secure EXO accessories. To swap an accessory 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 accessory, 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 base system to your vehicle, and your accessories and gear to the base. The two tiers have locks that secure them to each other and to your vehicle's hitch receiver. Both tiers have locks in the arms to secure the accessories to the system. There are also locks for 2 accessories, so your bikes, skis, and gear are secure.
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 various configurations are outlined below.
For your biking adventure you can pair a bike rack with an enclosed cargo carrier or a cargo carrier. This setup will require you to place the bike rack on the top level so you have room to mount your bikes. On a 2-tier system its weight capacity is 40 lbs per bike.
For your skiing adventure you can pair a ski carrier with an enclosed cargo carrier or a cargo carrier to transport all your gear to the slopes.
If you just want to carry gear, you can pair a cargo carrier with a second cargo carrier. You can outfit the system with an enclosed cargo carrier and a cargo carrier, 2 enclosed cargo carriers, or 2 cargo carriers.
Note: The cargo carrier has a weight capacity of 250 lbs when it's installed on the single-tier system. If you install it on a 2-tier system, it can carry 110 lbs on the bottom tier or 80 lbs on the top tier. Similarly, the enclosed cargo carrier's weight capacity changes based on where it's installed. When utilized on the bottom tier, either alone or in a two-tier system, its weight capacity is 100 lbs. Installed on the top tier, it's weight capacity is 80 lbs.
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 top accessory and replace it with the table once you get to the campsite.
Alternate Instructions
Average Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (357 Customer Reviews)
This two-tier hitch extender is the backbone of the Yakima EXO modular gear-hauling system. It lets you mix-and-match accessories for cycling, camping, and skiing. System swings away to provide cargo area access.Loved it !!!!!
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.
It is a great system! It gives me a place to put my electric cords, potable hose, grill pans, etc. I have even used it for extra clothing and blankets and gone thru snow and rain and everything stayed dry.
We use this for extra storage in our class B campervan. I'm able to store all the bulky items that don't fit inside the van like chairs, mats, and our grill. I like that it doesn't block the license plate or taillights and still allows access to the Thule bike rack. The SwingBase allows both doors to open for full access into the rear of the van.
The EXO system is a very nice universal system. It mounts up easily and is very sturdy. The down fall is the multiple keys you need to interchange all the various attachments. I wound up purchasing and installing all new locks so they could be keyed alike. Would be nice if you could get the same locking system when you purchase multiple pieces at once or specify what lock you need when you purchase individual attachments in the future.
Great product. The whole Yakima exo system is one the best purchases ever. Extremely sturdy construction with many options available for multiple configurations.
Really loved this product. Easy installation, quality tools provided as with the entire Yakimo package. Great product support from the entire Etrailer team especially Kelsey S. Thank you!!
I used a patio table cover ( under $20) to keep out dirt, bird droppings etc.while storing outside.
Love my bike accessory. been using the storage box for a couple of years and just added the bike carrier. Heading out on our first ride to the Biltmore.
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!
The exotic cargo system has worked great on our promaster based class b motor home. We bought the 2 box setup,and it carries plenty, 2 golf bags in one and camping/beach gear in the other. We bought a small utility trailer for longer trips,and swapping the yakimas for the trailer only takes about 15 minutes.
First trip this thing has proven its worth. Put it on the lower level of a two level EXO setup. Bought the wheel kit and it is truly a multipurpose addition. Thanks for the quick delivery!
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.
Built to Last. Some people have commented on the cost of this, but if you see one you'll know why. Incredible construction and engineering in this system. You can add on so many other things, like cargo boxes, cargo carriers, a second level, camping stove and table, ski rack, nothing else compares. Different attachments can be swapped out in seconds.
I'm super surprised at just how much fits in these carriers!! Also so sturdy! They hold up fantastic over all terrain.
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.
no key for cargo carrier. Cargo crrier was locked when taken out of shipping container. Keys that came with the swing away hitch fit but did not unlock box and did not turn. No key was in shipping container or taped or otherwise affixed to the cargo carrier.
Shipping was well packaged and arrived in a timely manner. Instructions could use more detail, especially in terms of aligning screws when re-inserting to join carrier together. Otherwise, easy to put together & use.
Easy to install very strong and high quality. Kate at etrailer said I would find it fantastic. And she was right.
I like the way these go on and off so easily (2 minutes max). I hope others can't see this as well. I've read about others that have had their license plate fall off and can see how this could happen. The holders are plastic screws and nuts attached to a rubber holder. I made a hand-written copy of my plate on sheet metal; bought a metal bracket; and attached with hex cap bolts and locking nuts. I don't really want to hang my plate on this. Would rather the plate be on the car and somewhat blocked by exo carrier as to on the highway 500 miles back. Maybe I'll change my mind after a long trip.
I can't say enough on how much I use the Exo platform on my FJ Cruiser. Best investment I have made for camping and hauling bins to storage.
I highly recommend Yakima Exo system. I'm actually about to buy addotional goodoes for it.
Thanks again, E-Trailer!
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.
Installed on 2017 Transit 350HD.
First order on etrailer and the experience was great; really fast shipping and great communication. I was surprised to see it picked and shipped so quick so late in the day, especially for how big this is. It comes in 4 boxes; one giant one and 3 moderately huge ones.
The Yakima EXO system is top notch, great construction. Excellent fit and finish, and pretty easy to assemble. Read the instructions and follow each step and you'll have no issues. I have a bad back and was able to assemble myself, the heaviest part is the swing away hitch - if you can lift about 40-50 pounds it is going to be easy to assemble without any help. I went slow and it only took me about 30-45 minutes.
Tips - the bike rack portion it's not super clear that the rails should not be tight when you put the upper bike rack on. Just set everything in place and it will make getting the bolts through easier.
Pros - it's as advertised. Super sturdy, no shaking/rocking, easy to use. The people who designed this system should be high fiving themselves, it's great.
Cons - none really other than one minor customer experience gripe - you're given enough lock centers to re-key multiple Yakima EXO accessories, I think 4 are included...but it does not come with a master key for removing the lock center. You'll need to buy this separately or do like I did and make your own. Considering they put the effort into including replacement lock centers and give you every tool you'd need, it's a weird oversight.
That being said once you replace the lock center on the cargo carrier you only need 1 key for all of the locks on the system which is awesome.
Ford Transit specific issue I ran into:
When the swing away is open there is a safety latch that holds it open so it will not fall closed on you. This gets in the way of the passenger door opening. But if you remove this (at your risk) you can open the passenger door fully and if you rotate the upper shelf you can even open the door entirely against the side of the van. Also it will 100% block your camera and license plate if it's door mounted.
Absolutely stoked on this system. The cargo box is awesome with internal tie downs and taking it apart to store it in the garage only takes a minute or two. I love how easy the cargo box indexes in place. Every aspect of it has been super satisfying to play with.
I like this box. Once installed (Subaru Outback) works as advertised. The swing arm is heavy. I might put some reflective tape on to make it more visible at night. The plastic "screw in" clamps against an improperly seated carrier groove might cause problems in the future. I've had it on and off several times and you really have to make sure the channels on the bottom of the carrier lineup with the receiver on the Exo arm. My install is batting 50/50 on install on first try.
We have owned our Yakima swing away cargo carrier for a year and it has been a wonderful addition to our Rubicon. It gives us all the room for our 2 large dogs while carrying our luggage to visit our family. It has been so helpful; it stays on the Rubicon all the time! The way the carrier swings out of the way was critical for the dogs to get access to the rear of the Rubicon. Can't live without our Yakima carrier!
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