The Yakima EXO System

A Storage Solution for Your Ford F-150
2009-2014

If you’re looking to haul the maximum amount of gear and aren’t pulling a trailer, then the Yakima EXO Hitch System might be the right fit for your 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, or 2014Ford F-150. This modular system maximizes your vehicle’s gear hauling and storage capability, while freeing up space on your rooftop or truck bed for other gear.

But, the EXO Hitch System isn’t for everyone and there are some things to consider to determine if it’s right for you. Here are the details.

The Yakima EXO System with GearWarrior and GearLocker attachments.

What is the Yakima EXO System?

The EXO System’s foundation is the EXO SwingBase that connects directly to your hitch. As the name implies, this SwingBase swings away from your vehicle, allowing you to open your tailgate, rear hatch or cargo door.

Yakima has created a line of gear storage and convenience accessories that are added to the base in levels.

Level one items include:

- Yakima GearWarrior: A basket mount for transporting bulky gear like coolers or firewood.
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- Yakima SnowBank: Carrier for 4 snowboards or 5 pairs of skis.

- Yakima OpenRange/Deluxe: An all-in-one system for organizing kitchen gear.

- Yakima TopShelf: A second tier to add to the SwingBase for another level of storage capacity.

- Yakima LitKit: Creates visibility for your license plate and taillights to keep you are street-legal.

- Yakima DoubleUp: A mount for 2 bikes that attaches directly to the SwingBase or TopShelf.

- Yakima RoadShower Kit: A portable, pressurized water storage device with an attached hose.

- Yakima GearLocker: A cargo box with an 80 - 100 lb. weight limit.

Add a table for cooking or a work station with the BackDeck accessory for the TopShelf attachment.

From here, you can add ANOTHER level of gear storage and convenience options.

Level two items include:
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- Yakima OpenRange
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- Yakima GearWarrior
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- Yakima BackDeck
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- Yakima GearLocker
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- Yakima OpenRange/Deluxe
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- Yakima SnowBank
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- Yakima DoubleUp

Is the Yakima EXO System Right for You?

The EXO System allows for a wide range of storage solutions.

The Yakima EXO System is a great option for freeing up valuable roof space, allowing for other gear storage equipment such as the Yakima SkyBox, CBX, JayLow, OffGrid Rack, and many other options to be used.
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Now, what about your lighting and license plate? Wouldn’t they be covered up? Yes, Yakima thought of that and offers the EXO LitKit, allowing you to move your plate and lighting so they’re visible at all times.

If you’re looking to maximize the amount of gear you can haul and have a hitch that you’re not using to pull a trailer with, the EXO System could be a good fit for you.

However, the Yakima Exo Hitch System isn’t for everyone, and it’s definitely not the least expensive gear storage option, but it is well thought through and offers you options you don’t see in other systems.

Who isn’t the Yakima EXO System for?

In order to use the EXO System, your vehicle needs to have a 2" hitch receiver, so this is not for vehicles with a 1 1/4" hitch receiver. Typically, these smaller receivers are found on crossover SUVs.

One thing to note about the Yakima EXO Hitch System is that your vehicle needs to be able to handle the additional weight that comes with the 2 level system on the hitch.

You've probably seen minivans with a hitch carrying a motorized scooter, and you've probably seen some of those dragging pretty close to the ground. That's because the van suspension wasn't built to deal with all that added weight.

You could conceivably have 2 cargo boxes full of hundreds of pounds of gear. If your rig tends to ride low in the back or you're unsure whether it'll handle the extra weight, you'll want to have someone like Titan Truck take a look at it first. There may be things that a qualified shop can do to get your vehicle ready.

You can find the EXO System and all other Yakima products on our site at www.titantruck.com/yakima.
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How much does the Yakima EXO System cost?
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At the time this article was written, the SwingBase retails for right around $600.00. The price for each of the individual options are as follows:

- Yakima OpenRange Cost: $750.00
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- Yakima GearWarrior Cost: $500.00
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- Yakima BackDeck Cost: $150.00
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- Yakima GearLocker Cost: About $550.00
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- Yakima OpenRange Deluxe Cost: $1,200.00
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- Yakima SnowBank Cost: $350.00
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- Yakima DoubleUp Cost: About $600.00

The Yakima EXO Hitch System can be configured in a number of ways to fit your exact needs. If you need more dry, enclosed storage, attach the GearLocker. If you need an open rack or basket you can easily access without opening a lid, you can add the GearWarrior. Or maybe you want to haul your bikes. Simply add the DoubleUp. Need a quick, easily accessible camp kitchen? Add the OpenRange. Just need to add more work benches or table top area? Then add the Yakima TopShelf with the BackDeck to the Exo Hitch System.
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