Introducing Yakima EXO System

by Brian Mullin on October 23, 2020

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Decades of product design, on-the-road testing, and pure adventure have led Yakima to revolutionize the humble trailer hitch with a system they’re calling EXO. It’s much more than a singular product. It’s an entire system that pushes your hitch to its full potential as a do-anything, go-anywhere multi-tool.

Whether you’re hitting the singletrack, the slopes, or your favorite unnamed spot on the map, EXO can answer every need with a full range of accessories, allowing your hitch to store anything you need for virtually any adventure. Check out the newly released EXO System.

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Born To Revolutionize The Art Of Adventure.

Your gear list changes from trip to trip – the EXO System is made to switch things up as fast as you do. Multiple attachments give you endless opportunities to take what you need while keeping essentials at-hand and organized. It all rides on the back of your vehicle, meaning easy access and efficiency on the road, saving you time and money on fuel.

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As your adventures evolve, so does the EXO. Take more, takes less, take exactly what you need in one simple package. Start with the EXO SwingBase, then add and adapt to your changing journey. The adventure will throw the unexpected your way, so master the art of adaptability with the EXO System from Yakima.

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One System. Countless Ways To Explore.

At Yakima, they’re adventurers themselves. So they knew the hitch had potential beyond just hauling trailers. After all, they’d seen the creative, makeshift rigs of rogues and vagabonds out for adventure across the country.

But they knew there had to be a better, more reliable way. So they got to work on a system that not only leveraged the simplicity and convenience of the hitch but also allowed more access to the trunk and came at a price point similar to their legendary roof storage systems.

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With the EXO system, there’s nothing makeshift about your gear storage. It’s simply the best way to load up and get out with limitless versatility, accessibility, and capacity. It’s primed and ready for adventure — drop the pin on the map, and start the engine.

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SwingBase and TopShelf

How does it Work?

The main starting and foundation piece is the EXO SwingBase ($499), which will only fit into a 2-inch receiver due to the system’s weight constraints. The SwingBase has two articulating arms that fold out for mounting for any of the accessories, including the GearWarrior, GearLocker, SnowBank, and DoubleUp. The SwingBase swings away from the vehicle, providing access to the rear without things getting in the way. You can also add the EXO TopShelf ($379) to the back of the SwingBase, which will then provide you with the second level of gear storage for the system.

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EXO Cleat System and Swing Away Capabilities

The bottom of the accessories have grooves that lay down onto the tongues of the SwingBase and TopShelf arms (called the EXO Cleat system), and the arms have locking SpeedKnobs that wedge everything tightly and securely together. The entire system has the ability to swing away from the vehicle for trunk access when loaded, and an included kickstand can be deployed for a level work surface.
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GearWarrior (top) and GearLocker (bottom)

The EXO GearLocker ($399) is a 10 cu ft rectangular cargo box that can be placed on the SwingBase shelf, the top shelf, or both. Easy on-and-off makes it perfect for hauling gear from your car to the campsite, the beach, or anywhere else you need your gear on-hand. There are some optional EXO GearTotes ($49) that fit into the GearLocker, which provide additional organization of items, and they fold down flat when not in use. The EXO GearWarrior is a cargo basket, which is ideal for coolers, firewood, or bulky gear from your home to your vehicle to your destination, and you can add some optional functional wheels with the EXO WarriorWheels kit, offering mobility from your vehicle to the campsite or lodge.

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The EXO DoubleUp ($479) is a bike rack that fits almost any wheel size that can hold up to two bikes. It would be placed on the SwingBase when used by itself or on the TopShelf when used with the other accessories. The SnowBank can hold five pairs of skis or four snowboards. The EXO BackDeck ($129) is a Bamboo tabletop that can be used for cooking, bar top, and bike repair, and easily stows away in the cargo box or vehicles when not in use. Lastly, they offer the EXO LitKit, which provides tail lights and a lighted license plate holder since the accessories might cover up your vehicle’s current system.

The EXO is a unique and innovative carrying and storage system and offers a great way to travel on an adventure and bring all your toys and gear.

 

NOTE: Please direct all questions and comments directly to Yakima.

David Ransom October 25, 2020 at 8:27 am

Would the exo system work for a 2014 land cruiser? Also, is the exo system waterproof ? Lastly can you lock the system cargo compartment?

Brian Mullin October 25, 2020 at 5:29 pm

It will fit anything that has a 2-inch hitch. The attachments lock onto the cleat system and the cargo box has a separate lock. Like any rack system, all the parts are meant for the outdoors and the elements, so they are waterproof.

The MTB Lab

Michael November 15, 2020 at 9:58 am

Will the bike rack, Double Up, fit a 60 lbs. fat tire e-bike?

Brian Mullin December 10, 2020 at 6:08 pm

The two bike rack has a max capacity of 100 lbs.
The MTB Lab

Brian Mullin December 11, 2020 at 3:59 pm

Per Yakima:

Q: Will the bike rack, Double Up, fit a 60 lbs. fat tire e-bike?
A: The DoubleUp can accommodate 2 – 50 lbs when mounted on SwingBase (though I’d call that 60 and a 40 in your case) and 2 – 40 lbs when mounted on TopShelf.

Frank Chang November 17, 2020 at 10:46 am

When will the EXO system be available?

Brian Mullin November 19, 2020 at 11:35 pm

Spring 2021.

The MTB Lab

Christian C November 26, 2020 at 8:06 am

If mounted on the SwingBase, can the attachments (DoubleUp, GearWarrior) fold up when not in use? How about when mounted on the TopShelf? It’s a dealbreaker if it can’t fold and always stick out.

What’s the widest tire that can fit on the DoubleUp?

Thanks!

Brian Mullin December 10, 2020 at 6:05 pm

I am checking with Yakima on your tire width question.
The MTB Lab

Brian Mullin December 11, 2020 at 3:57 pm

Per Yakima:
Q: Can the DoubleUp bike rack fold up (like Thule T2 or Yakima HoldUp) when there are no bikes mounted?
A: No, the EXO DoubleUp does not fold up vertically when not in use.
Q: If mounted on the SwingBase, can the attachments (DoubleUp, GearWarrior) fold up when not in use? How about when mounted on the TopShelf?
A: No, the EXO SwingBase and EXO TopShelf arms do not fold up. The SwingBase arms do fold flat when there is not a mount attached.
Q: What’s the widest tire that can fit on the DoubleUp?
A: The EXO DoubleUp can accommodate up to 4.8” tire.

Christian C December 9, 2020 at 1:24 pm

Can the DoubleUp bike rack fold up (like Thule T2 or Yakima HoldUp) when there are no bikes mounted? I see the system’s potential when loaded, but for non-adventure days, I hope it stows away neatly.

Can the GearWarrior and GearLocker be mounted on roof crossbars?

Brian Mullin December 10, 2020 at 6:00 pm

I am checking with Yakima on your fold up questions. The GearWarrior and GearLocker are only meant to fit the EXO system and are not compatible with normal roof racks.
The MTB Lab

Ashley S December 23, 2020 at 7:40 pm

Do you know the interior and exterior dimensions of the GearLocker?

Brian Mullin February 8, 2021 at 6:53 pm

The EXO Gear Locker is 4.75ft x 1.5ft x 1.25ft.
The MTB Lab

Tom L June 24, 2021 at 8:02 pm

i don’t think those dimensions can be right (?) the depth is clearly / proportionately larger than the height by quite a bit (probably closer to 2.5ft than 1.5ft).

Brian Mullin June 24, 2021 at 8:23 pm

Please direct all questions and comments directly to Yakima.
The MTB Lab

Matt December 26, 2020 at 11:44 pm

Is there a more precise release date? Is there somewhere we can preorder?

Brian Mullin December 29, 2020 at 3:02 am

Nothing precise as yet, just Spring 2021. It’s complex due to COVID and supply chain issues. No preorders as of yet.
The MTB Lab

KIm January 30, 2021 at 4:36 pm

Does this (or another) product allow the bikes to ride on top and the bottom hitch to be used to pull a trailer?

Brian Mullin January 31, 2021 at 5:14 pm

No, it’s just a modular system meant to be used with the base and then any of the other EXO pieces. I am not aware of any system that allows a trailer and something on top of that, but I haven’t explored things in detail.
The MTB Lab

Laura January 31, 2021 at 4:06 pm

Can you buy two of the bike mounts to carry 3-4 bikes?

Brian Mullin January 31, 2021 at 5:16 pm

No, it’s currently a 2 bike system, though they might release a larger one in the future. It’s mostly constrained by the weight limits of each piece since it’s an integrated modular system.
The MTB Lab

Stuart Christian February 6, 2021 at 12:21 pm

What are the dimensions of the EXO system cargo box? I need to know how long an item the box will hold. Thanks Stuart

Brian Mullin February 8, 2021 at 6:54 pm

The EXO GearLocker is 4.75ft x 1.5ft x 1.25ft.
The MTB Lab

Michael February 12, 2021 at 8:10 pm

Can you use it on 2019 Toyota Corrolla Hatchback?

Brian Mullin February 13, 2021 at 1:03 am

Yes. It’s a 2-inch hitch system, so you’d have to have the appropriate hitch or an adapter for a 1.25″ to 2″.
The MTB Lab

Alec Tandara-Kuhns February 22, 2021 at 12:41 pm

So to confirm, you’d have to buy each modular piece separately? So for example, the photo of the cargo box below the 2 bike rack would be: swing arm ($499) + top shelf ($379) + cargo box ($399) + bike rack ($479) + lights ($129)= $1885??? Thats…… steep. Alsp, confirming you can’t put an older double up on the top rack, you’d have to use the proprietary EXO double up?

Brian Mullin February 24, 2021 at 4:02 pm

Yes, the EXO is a bit pricey.
EXO only works with EXO, you can’t mix and match with other Yakima products.
The MTB Lab

Brian Mullin March 1, 2021 at 12:47 am

The EXO DoubleUp would be placed on the SwingBase when used by itself or on the TopShelf when used with the other accessories. Meaning you couldn’t add anything on top of the bike rack.
The MTB Lab

RB February 24, 2021 at 10:02 am

Will this system work for vehicles with swinging door, i.e. 2003-2009 Lexus GX470?

Brian Mullin June 24, 2021 at 8:22 pm

Please direct all questions and comments directly to Yakima.
The MTB Lab

Harry Sacks February 27, 2021 at 1:44 pm

Hi,
I have 2 e-bikes (~50 lb each) and a grill and camping chairs to carry, so I would have to use the double up on the base. Besides being a rather heavy and awkward lift, it exceeds the weight of mounting the double up on the top. Can either the box or the warrior (or any other Yakima carrying solution) be mounted up top with the bikes on the bottom? Thanks.

Martin March 8, 2021 at 9:10 am

Would that fit on a 2019+ sprinter van? The electrical plug on those vans is sticking out inches from the hitch receiver. It might interfere with the rotating release handle.
Can the box be opened enough to access items in it while the bike rack is on top or does one have to swing the rack away, rotate the top portion then open the box?
I think it’s a great system but I see 3 minor irritants:
1. the release mechanism for the swing should be a simple latch like any other swing away rack instead of an awkwardly placed handle.
2. the bike rack position is not adjustable. Bikes with wide handlebars might have to have those handlebars turned sideways to avoid hitting/touching the rear glass.
3. the swing arm is barely long enough to clear wider vehicles. Adding a 120 degree position or forward tilt would help in opening van doors.

Finally, it would be nice if the system could connect to a different swing away system so one could only get the rack portion instead of replacing an existing swing away hitch.

Brian Mullin June 24, 2021 at 8:23 pm

Please direct all questions and comments directly to Yakima.
The MTB Lab

Klas Sander March 9, 2021 at 9:54 am

Question: When loaded with bikes, can I still access the box below or do I have to unmount the bike to access the box?

Brian Mullin June 24, 2021 at 8:23 pm

Please direct all questions and comments directly to Yakima.
The MTB Lab

Dan Peters March 9, 2021 at 2:19 pm

Can the Swingbase swing to driver side as well. For van application this would be much more appealing.

Brian Mullin March 9, 2021 at 2:40 pm

It only swings to the non-drivers side.
The MTB Lab

David B March 22, 2021 at 2:37 pm

When/where can I buy the exo swing base? Not seeing it anywhere for sale online and local REI had no answers for me.

Brian Mullin June 24, 2021 at 8:23 pm

Please direct all questions and comments directly to Yakima.
The MTB Lab

Klas Sander April 26, 2021 at 2:44 pm

Does the bike rack swivel aside and can you open the gear-locker underneath open with the bikes mounted on the rack at the same time? Or do you have to take the bikes off first?

Brian Mullin June 24, 2021 at 8:23 pm

Please direct all questions and comments directly to Yakima.
The MTB Lab

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