In-stock alternatives that can ship today
This EXO system has room to carry all your luggage, gear, and other items on the back of your vehicle. Cargo carriers detach so you can carry your gear to the campsite in a single trip or two. System swings away to provide cargo area access.
Features:
Specs:
Notes:
This modular system is perfect for a long weekend of camping and hiking. It includes 2 cargo carriers that hold coolers, luggage, and 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 one of the cargo carriers 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, 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.
GearWarrior cargo carriers hold coolers, luggage, firewood, and other large, bulky gear. They're easy to detach the from the base unit so you can carry your gear to the campsite a single trip or two. You can also attach a wheel kit to each carrier (Y97VR - sold separately) to convert them into wagons.
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 cargo carriers 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.
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 rack or 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 and carriers. 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 GearWarrior cargo carriers. Because the GearWarrior doesn't utilize locks, this EXO configuration will come with 4 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.
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 cargo carrier on the top level and install this carrier in its place.
The GearLocker enclosed cargo carrier (Y44VR - sold separately) has 10 cu ft of storage space for carrying poles, clothes, 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.
Alternate Instructions
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Hey everyone, it's Evangeline here at etrailer. And today we'll be taking a look at how the Yakima EXO system with the two Gearwarrior cargo baskets fits on the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. So this is a kit where you have the two cargo baskets, but the EXO system can be mixed and matched with different EXO accessories. I already did a full review on how this kit works no matter what vehicle you have. So we'll just be taking a quick look at some of the things that are specific to the Chevrolet Tahoe, and something you might wanna think about when you have it with your car. Overall, it's a great fit, but let's take a look at those details.
First off is clearance. So see here how much space you have from the back of your vehicle to the half shelf. Plenty of clearance there. In fact, from the license plate to the shelf that's nine and a half inches, so no worries there. It even gives you a good amount of space to swing away.
Now for the overall clearance, and that's gonna be measured from our bumper to the end of our swing base, it sits at 34 inches. Baskets a little bit further out at 35 inches. So that's a measurement to remember when you're backing into your garage, trying to park into a tight spot since you can load this up and then just put it onto your EXO system. If you want to and your garage has space for it, definitely something worth taking advantage of. Another thing is gonna be ground clearance.
So underneath the swing base to ground, 23 inches. So no worries there about accidentally hitting things, especially since it doesn't fit out that far past your vehicle compared to let's say a small trailer. You should be able to get up those steep inclines very well. Now for up top with the Gearwarrior on the top shelf, you might wonder if you have visibility through your back window. That depends on how high you're gonna stack your cargo.
Where we have it right now with things like chairs and smaller bags, you can still kind of see through your rear view window, but as you get your larger totes and coolers you will lose that visibility. On the bright side though, you will still be able to carry let's say a kayak or a roof box or ladders on the roof of your Tahoe since you have plenty of clearance up there towards the roof. Now if you wanna open up the hatch, you're gonna have to swing the whole system away. So that lever I talked about earlier, see here how there's, it's a tight fit, but still a good amount of clearance in order to loosen this larger lever. Once that's loose, you can then pull this smaller knob, and push out on the entire system, bring it to a 90 degree position. It's gonna catch in the the corner. If you're leaving it out like this, please use the included jack stand to support. Now it did come a little bit close. There is about an inch or so of clearance between the basket and the door, but it definitely fit. So that's something only worth considering if you overload the basket towards the back. You may lose that hatch access. But here we now have plenty of space, we can grab things out of our hatch we can set up our campsite, we can even set up a tent. There's that closer look at that clearance. Now you are able to swing this out 180 degrees. So when you take out the pin and the bolt of the top shelf, this swings all the way out. And this can also be how you set up your campsite. So if you want access to your cargo on this side, access to your cargo on the other side while it's all loaded up, you can do so. I personally prefer just taking off the baskets since it's very quick, very easy. I do recommend checking out that full demo to see how fast that was. Putting everything back, notice how we have locks on these things. This is gonna have a lot of lock cores you're gonna have to consider. The baskets don't have any lock cores, so that's something worth thinking about for security. If you want everything keys alike, go ahead, grab a pack of same key system lock cores to match the number of accessories you're gonna get for the EXO system. Bringing this back in, we're gonna tighten this back down. Very important steps before you drive off and away. Another thing to note here is notice how there's a spot for wiring. That's because you can get the lit kit which adds taillights to the system. You can use this with the wiring on your Tahoe if you get that extra additional lit kit. Well, all in all, that was a brief summary of how well it fits with the Tahoe. I do like how if I wanna carry around some kayaks I can up on the roof, then all of my other cargo can go onto these cargo baskets. While it did come close to the hatch door when it was out in the 90 degree angle, there was still definitely clearance there. So just keep that in mind when loading this up with your cargo. How much cargo Well, the top shelf has 80 pounds capacity. The bottom swing base has 110, so that's gonna be a total of 190 pounds. Definitely more than what you would get from a roof box on your roof, but less than what you would get from a small trailer added to the back of your vehicle. But with a trailer, you have extra hassle. This keeps everything in one place and it's easy to move the baskets if needed. Hopefully this video helped you out with seeing if this is the right fit for you. Check out the other kits and add-ons if you wanna mix and match within the Yakima EXO system. But this right here was a look at the Gearwarrior cargo basket on the top shelf, and the Gearwarrior cargo basket on the EXO swing base right here on the Yakima EXO system and you saw how it fits on the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe..
Average Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (315 Customer Reviews)
This EXO system has room to carry all your luggage, gear, and other items on the back of your vehicle. Cargo carriers detach so you can carry your gear to the campsite in a single trip or two. System swings away to provide cargo area access.Heavy duty! Wife and I are planning a road trip and the locking mechanisms that secure this thing in place means I can worry less and keep my mind focused on other aspects of the trip. The metal racks are a great size and feel real sturdy! The swinging arm works perfectly with the hatchback door, I’m excited to get on the road!
Got this to use in conjunction with our truck slide in camper. The additional cargo storage space the EXO system offers with the upper deck is enough for our generator, coolers, pop up canopy, bbq grill, chairs and firewood. Being able to swing the entire rack off to the side for access to the camper door is the best part is the system, by doing this also creates a great work station right next to the camper door that I can cook from.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Holy Crap. This this thing is absolutely amazing. 1 year in, i have beat it to death, and overloaded both areas. I LOVE almost everything about it. The attachement of the upper rack is durable, and because of that is a pain sometimes to install/ twist. but for the utter brutality of the build, and the abuse it takes, and all the clever features, i get it, and it is worth it. A ton of money, but if you need a rig of this nature, this is THE ONE to last you. seriously.
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.
Good design with minor flaws. After 12 months of using main frame and one level container I have found rusting pin in the swing hinge and box perforation,probably caused by a small rock picked by the rear tire. This year I purchased the frame for the upper tier and a 2nd container. The upper rotaing frame is loosely fitted and requires some gymnastics to fit in the stabilizing screw. It is especially difficult with the upper container loaded. The securing screw should have a butterfly handle and a pilot point, like the one in the lower level.
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.
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.
This is the perfect setup for family road trips when you need a little extra dry storage. I mounted this on my Rivian R1S and saw no change in range, as opposed to a roof mount system. I only wish Yakima would incorporate a full-size spare mount for the EXO. Also had a favorable experience with etrailer customer service, as one of the locking pins arrived damaged. They were quick to get a replacement part to me at no cost. I couldn't be happier with the EXO or etrailer. I know that sounds corny, but it's true.
The lights work very well with the hitch box assembly.It is mounted on a Ford Transit camper. High visibility and easy to attach. The wire hold plastic clips have not held up after a few uses so I use some zip ties. The Transit blis system deactivates when a trailer is attached. You can use the Yakima box with lights and have blis active by setting trailer length to shortest setting in the controls. I believe it us longer than box and rack.
Second order from etrailer, they don’t miss! Fast shipping, decent pricing, and very helpful. Definitely will be utilizing them again in the future.
Perfect for my needs, 2 bikes load easy and are secure. Gear tray is perfect dimensions for cooler and gear bags.
Very heavy duty (which means quite heavy in weight too). Manipulates well to get into one or the other storage bin. Lots of room! Overall love it!
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.
I think this is a great product except for the locking pin in the full swing out position doesn’t allow the right rear door to open fully. (Check photo included). If Yakima made a 1/2” shorter pin then it would allow the door to open correctly.
I'm always impressed with the speed of getting shipments from etrailer. Of course the Yakima product quality is great, I think the service at etailer is what keeps me coming back.
Great bike rack and cargo carrier. I use it on my camper van and it is very functional and creates a ton of extra storage. Swing away rack works extremely well!
I LOVE my EXO system
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.
Do you have a question about this Hitch Cargo Carrier?
Info for this part was:
At etrailer.com 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.
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.