Yakima Exo Versatility

The Yakima Exo is a versatile and innovative cargo system that is perfect for anyone who loves to hit the road with all their gear in tow. After testing out this product on several of our RV trips, we’re excited to share our review of the Yakima Exo.

One of the biggest advantages of the Yakima Exo is its modular design. The system consists of a base rack that can be configured to fit your specific cargo needs with the addition of various attachments. We found this feature to be incredibly useful, as it allowed us to customize the system to fit our changing needs on each trip.

 

 

 

Installating and Mounting the Swing Away Main Frame

Another standout feature of the Yakima Exo is its ease of installation. The system can be quickly and easily mounted to most standard hitch receivers without the need for any additional tools. Yakima includes the wrench needed for the installation. This made setup a breeze, and we were able to hit the road in no time.

Assembling the Yakima Exo cargo system is a fairly straightforward process, and can typically be completed with just a few basic tools. Here is a general overview of the steps involved:

 

1. 1. Start by laying out all of the components and hardware included in the kit. Make sure you have all of the necessary parts before beginning assembly.

1. 1. Install the main frame of the Exo onto your vehicle’s hitch receiver. This will typically involve using a wrench or socket to tighten the bolts that secure the frame to the receiver. It is heavy and bulky so you may want someone’s assistance in helping you mount it to the hitch.

1. 1. Attach any additional frames or modules that you plan to use. This may include the Gear Warrior or GearLocker modules, which offer additional storage space for gear.

1. 1. Install any necessary accessories, such as bike racks or cargo baskets. These will typically attach to the Exo system using brackets and hardware provided in the kit.

1. 1. Once all of the components have been installed, double-check all bolts and connections to ensure that they are tight and secure.

1. 1. Finally, load up your gear onto the Exo system, making sure to distribute the weight evenly and secure everything using the various attachment points and straps provided.

Overall, the Yakima Exo cargo system is designed to be fairly user-friendly and easy to assemble, even for those with limited mechanical experience. However, if you have any questions or concerns during the assembly process, be sure to consult the included instructions or contact Yakima customer service for assistance.

 

Accessing the Gear Locker

The Yakima Exo Gear Locker is designed to swing away from the vehicle, allowing for easy access to the rear of your vehicle without having to remove the entire cargo system. Here’s how to swing away and access the Gear Locker:

 

 

 

1. 1. Start by releasing the locking pin on the hinge assembly that connects the Gear Locker to the main Exo frame.

1. 1. Swing the Gear Locker away from the vehicle until it locks into place on the hinge assembly.

1. 1. With the Gear Locker swung away, you should now have unobstructed access to the rear of your vehicle.

1. 1. To close the Gear Locker, simply swing it back towards the main Exo frame until it clicks into place.

Note that the exact process for swinging away the Gear Locker may vary slightly depending on the specific model of Exo cargo system you have, so be sure to consult the included instructions for detailed guidance. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the Gear Locker is properly secured and latched in place before driving, in order to avoid any damage or accidents.

The Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons of the Yakima Exo, along with some additional bullet points to consider:

Pros:

 

• • Modular design allows for customization to fit specific cargo needs

• • Easy installation and quick setup

• • Sturdy and secure, even on rough roads and at high speeds

• • Ample space for gear, with multiple attachment options

• • Compatible with most standard hitch receivers

Cons:

 

• • Higher price point compared to other cargo systems

• • Some attachments may require additional purchases for full functionality

• • System adds significant weight to vehicle, affecting gas mileage

Additional considerations:

 

• • The Yakima Exo can be used to carry a wide range of gear, from bikes and kayaks to camping gear and luggage

• • The system is compatible with most standard hitch receivers, making it a versatile option for a variety of vehicles

• • The modular design allows for easy customization and the addition of attachments to fit changing needs on each trip

• • The system is well-built and durable, withstanding the rigors of long-term use on the road

The Performance of the Yakima Exo Cargo System

In terms of performance, the Yakima Exo exceeded our expectations. The system is incredibly sturdy and secure, even on rough roads and at high speeds. We were also impressed with the ample space the system provided for our gear, with plenty of room for everything from bikes and kayaks to camping gear and luggage.

Overall, we highly recommend the Yakima Exo to anyone in the market for a reliable and versatile cargo system. Its modular design, easy installation, and exceptional performance make it an ideal choice for RVers and adventurers alike.

The Final Verdict

Overall, the Yakima Exo is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a reliable and versatile cargo system for their RV or vehicle. While it may be pricier than some other options on the market, its exceptional performance and customizable design make it a worthwhile investment for serious adventurers.

 

Configuring the Yakima Exo Gear System

We’ve made it easy to configure and order your Yakima Exo Gear System with our simple 4-Step Process:

First, select the Exo Base Mount to attach the system to your vehicle’s hitch receiver.

Next, choose either the Exo GearLocker or Exo GearWarrior to add enclosed or open storage space, respectively.

Third, if you want to add a second level for more storage capacity, select the Exo TopShelf Second Level Base Rack.

Lastly, enhance with accessories: Customize your setup even further by adding on accessories like the EXO GearTotes collapsible totes designed to fit right inside the EXO GearLocker, or the EXO DoubleUp bike rack that lets you carry up to four bikes.

Each component can be added or removed as needed, giving you the ability to customize the system to fit your specific needs. Simply follow our step-by-step process, and you’ll be on your way to a more organized and efficient adventure.