Transform your vehicle's hitch receiver into a mobile kitchen with this modular Yakima EXO system. It includes a propane stove, 2 side tables, a chuck box workstation, and a cargo carrier to transport a cooler and other gear.
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With the modular Yakima EXO camping kitchen system, you'll be the chef du Jour at the campsite or when tailgating at the big game. The upper-level kitchen lets you transport, prepare, and cook meals no matter where you are. The lower-level cargo carrier holds coolers, firewood, and other large, bulky items. 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 accessory. Using the cargo carrier on the lower level, without utilizing the top tier, increases the weight capacity to 250 lbs.
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, skiing, and camping gear. The system is compatible with a bike rack, ski rack, and an enclosed cargo carrier, and you can easily swap them out to match any outdoor activity. 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 OpenRange chuck box is the centerpiece of the EXO camping kitchen. Load it up with cookware, dinnerware, and spices and use it as a workstation at the campsite. The front panel can be used as a prep table, the removable shelf inside the box lets you organize your gear, and a silverware drawer underneath the shelf stores knives, forks, spoons, and smaller kitchen gadgets. A pole with a hook for a lantern (sold separately) is also included so you can cook at night.
Locking latches secure the chuck box to the base system. If you can't park where you want to cook, you can undo the latches, remove the chuck box from the base system, and carry it wherever you want to go. Handles on the sides of the chuck box make it easy for 1 person to carry.
A leg kit (Y76AR - sold separately) allows you to set up the chuck box away from your vehicle and off the ground. It has telescoping legs that let you adjust the chuck box to the optimal height. It also includes a storage bag that makes the legs easy to transport.
The backboard organizer lets you quickly access condiments, dishrags, and cooking utensils. The metal legs let you install it in the holes provided on the chuck box or either side table.
The CookOut propane stove is perfect for off-the-grid cooking. It has 2 burners with individual control knobs so you can adjust each flame from high heat to simmer, and the folding side panels protect the flames from wind. There's also a hanging storage bag for a standard 1-lb propane tank (not included) that connects to the kitchen's metal side table to keep your fuel close but out of the way. For longer trips, you can add a refillable 5-lb or 10-lb propane tank (sold separately).
To light the stove, connect your propane tank with the included regulator, open the lid, give each knob a half turn counterclockwise, and push the red piezo igniter. When you're done cooking, disconnect the propane tank, fold down the lid and side panels, and tuck the stove into the included storage bag.
2 Side tables are included to increase your cooking preparation area. The heat-resistant metal side table provides a surface for the propane stove and has a wire rack that flips over to create a towel holder. The bamboo side table has a cutout that can interchangeably hold either the included sink or cutting board, while leaving enough surface space for a mixing bowl. The sink has a rubber plug and drain tube that lets you direct the water away from camp when you're ready to drain the basin.
To set the tables up, first decide how high you want the tables to sit and connect them to one of the three connection points on either side of the chuck box. There are two sets of attachment rungs on the sides of the cargo box and another attachment point on the handles. Both tables have a telescoping leg that's easy to adjust. With the tables attached to the cargo box, extend each leg to match the height of the table, fine tune each leg so the tables are level, then tighten down the hand knobs.
The GearWarrior cargo carrier lets you carry coolers, luggage, firewood, and other large, bulky gear. Like the OpenRange, the cargo carrier detaches from the base unit for easy transport to the campsite. To make it even easier, a wheel kit (Y97VR - sold separately) is available to convert the carrier into a wagon.
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 camping kitchen and cargo carrier 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.
In addition to allowing access to your vehicle's cargo area, the EXO allows 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 the camping kitchen 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 camping kitchen or 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 12 SKS locks to secure the system, the camping kitchen and cargo carrier, and the gear inside the camping kitchen. 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 camping kitchen and the cargo carrier. Finally, the camping kitchen has 2 locks to secure the gear inside. Because the camping kitchen only uses 2 locks and the cargo carrier doesn't use any, this EXO configuration will come with 4 extra lock cores.
Because the locks are packaged with the various components of the system, they 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 gives you even more room to prep meals, lay out your gear, and even mix drinks at the end of the day. Simply remove the chuck box on the top tier and install the table. With the chuck box installed on the leg kit, you can have a standalone camping kitchen set up next to the table.
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 top-tier camping kitchen and install this carrier in its place, or you can remove the cargo carrier and store the SnowBank under the camping kitchen.
The DoubleUp 2-bike rack (Y24VR - sold separately) 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 top-tier camping kitchen and install this carrier in its place.
The GearLocker enclosed cargo carrier (Y44VR - sold separately) has 10 cu ft of storage space for carrying the camp kitchen tables and stove, clothes, sleeping bags, and other gear. It keeps your gear secure, dry, and away from prying eyes. The GearLocker can be installed on either the top or bottom tier and can be paired with the GearWarrior cargo carrier to maximize cargo space, or with the SnowBank or DoubleUp.
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Hi everyone, it's Evangeline here at etrailer and today we're gonna be taking a look at our Yakima EXO system kit, which is designed for opening up a kitchen out in the campground. So you're gonna have your open range kitchen as well as the gear warrior. We'll see how it all fits on a 2015 Toyota 4Runner. So the Yakima EXO system is a modular system which means you can mix and match different accessories. You can move this up and down as well. And with that, your 4Runner has a hitch that's a bit higher up off the ground compared to some other vehicles.
Awesome because you have a great weight capacity as well as you don't have to worry about ground clearance issues. The downside though is let's say you have the kitchen on the top shelf, like what we have here you are gonna have to pick up maybe some blocks or something to add some height because the tables will be off balance unless you do so. So something to consider, but other things like weight capacity as well as how close it gets to the vehicle is awesome. Let's take a look. There's plenty of clearance here in the back meaning you don't have to worry about this accidentally hitting your hatch.
Now with where it sits though you are gonna have to be conscious that your rear window will have some of its visibility reduced. So see where the box is. That covers up most of your rear window. With the box off though, that will be completely visible. So something to remember.
Now another thing here is that with it fitting into your 2" shank, you do have a lot of tongue weight capacity on your 4Runner. You're good to go. The length this will add to the back of your vehicle. We're gonna measure from the bumper to the swing based knobs. That's gonna be 35".
Now hitch pin hole to the end is 35 1/2" so you're pretty close there. As for your roof height, if you have let's say ladders or a kayak on your roof you can see that from the top of the roof to the top of the carrier, there's a lot of clearance. So we have about 10 inches of clearance there not including the height added by our roof rack. Here's what it looks like all set up. We have our wooden table with the wash basin which you can switch out for a cutting board. You have our dishware as well as this is where we can put your ingredients and your food. More food prep station there. And then with the metal table, you can put your included stove on top. This is a two burner stove. The gas is not included so you're gonna have to attach that right over here. And then we have our other fun accessories like our lantern pole, which you can move around the entire system as well as the baseboard organizer up top for your utensils. There's a lot of security features with this whole system and there's a lot of lock cores. So for your open range, that's one, two, and then three, four for your top shelf, five, six for your swing base arms, seven, eight are going to be the locks on the ends of your pin for your top shelf as well as your anti-rattle bolt. Chances are low of them being all keyed alike. So in that case, I do recommend picking up an extra bag of lock cores if you want to have everything match. Also, that's something worth considering if you want to use this with other accessories and have those keyed alike as well. Something you have to plan ahead for. Switching out the accessories is very simple with the EXO system. You just move your pins over to the rotate position and that means you can turn your knobs. These are locking knobs, so make sure they're unlocked. Once they tighten down again you then grab your accessory with the basket. I do recommend having someone help you out especially when it's fully loaded. We just take them off the cleats and take it away. Cool fun fact about the basket is if it's on its own on its swing base, you have a lot more weight capacity of about 250 pounds plus it's very versatile. You can even put it in backwards or whichever way makes it easier for you to access the cargo. Behind the EXO system, you have your wiring and this is a four-way connector. Now this is to be used if you have the not included lit kit which adds taillights to the end as well as moves your license plate further out so it's more visible. And then over here you can see how the 2" shank fits into your 2" hitch receiver. You have your anti-rattle bolt and a lock on the end. Be careful as you're tightening down the system since it's off balance, you're gonna have to support one side so you don't strip the threads as you tighten it down. Now if you wanna utilize the swing base for its swing away feature, you start with this knob. So you got this large knob here to loosen, once that's fully loose you then pull the smaller one and then use the support triangle to push this out 90 degrees and it catches in the corner. With the EXO system swung out like this, some things to know is that yes, it's awesome that you now have all this extra space for open up your hatch, opening up your doors. You can now hang out here, set up your campsite, things like that. If you have it out like this for an extended period of time though, please use the jack stand because it is a very heavy system. And while you can access your gear warrior in this position since it is an open carrier, if you want to, you can actually swing this entire top shelf out to give you more space, you are gonna have to close your doors or close your hatch before you do so. Loosen this knob and then take out this pin and then you can swing this top shelf full 180 degrees. So notice that this will block some of your backup camera. It's not as much of a blocking as the gear locker would. You can still kind of see behind you if there's a person or a vehicle, but definitely something to keep in mind. So my personal thoughts about how the kitchen kit with the Yakima EXO system and how it fits on the 4Runner is I really like the weight capacity of the 4Runner. It is more than enough and very capable of carrying how heavy this whole thing gets. On a downside though, it is on the taller side. So if you want to use the open range while it's on the top shelf, you are gonna have to level it out and it might be sitting a little bit higher up. So if you're cooking or cleaning or doing food prep and you're my height, not as good of an experience compared to if you we're taller or fine with that. So the solution for that would just to be to get the optional leg kit and you can take the open range off and put at the height that you want it to be. Now with this all kitted together though I like how accessible the gear warrior is. You can grab your things, food prep up here, put things back down, things like that. So hopefully this video helped you out with those measurements as well as seeing what you might need to add onto your system to make it the right fit for you. As for the 4Runner, I think it's a great fit..
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