Yakima EXO SwingBase
Quick Verdict
Adventurous families and multi-sport travelers who need a high-capacity, modular hitch-mounted cargo system for car camping, overland trips and frequent gear hauling
Budget shoppers, occasional users, small cars or anyone with low hitch/tongue capacity; not suitable for backpacking or ultralight travel
Key Specifications
About This Gear
The Yakima EXO SwingBase is a game-changer for family camping trips. It provides easy access to your gear by swinging out your cargo box, bike racks, or other EXO attachments, even with fully
Pros & Cons
Synthesized from expert reviews and user feedback
What People Love
5 positive findingsBombproof construction with heavy-gauge steel and a durable powdercoat; built to last and backed by Yakima's limited lifetime warranty
Everyone agreesHighly modular system — tool-free EXO Cleat and SpeedKnob let you swap shelves, boxes and racks quickly
Most reviewersHitch-mounted design provides easier ground-level access compared with roof boxes and reduces wind noise/strain
Most reviewersHigh capacity: base rated ~100 lb and the full EXO system rated up to 300 lb when properly installed
Most reviewers
Things to Consider
7 considerationsHeavy and cumbersome (base ~64–68.5 lb) — typically a two-person lift and harder to store
Most reviewersHigh cost for base and accessories; complete setups can exceed $1,000
Most reviewersMore complex installation than pin-and-clip racks (threaded hitch shaft, large nut, support leg required for swing-out)
Some reviewersCan obstruct rear visibility or backup cameras when fully loaded or with two decks fitted
Some reviewers
Weather & Conditions
How this gear performs across different environments and seasons
Temperature Range
Designed for year-round use; metal components tolerate cold and heat though standard maintenance is recommended after corrosive exposure
Weather Performance
Climate Suitability
Excels In
- mild rain
- moderate temperatures
- coastal and highway travel
- car-camping and overland conditions
Limitations
- requires a 2" Class III/IV hitch and sufficient tongue-weight capacity
- not recommended for extreme rock-crawling or uses that could overstress welds
- overloading can negatively affect vehicle handling
What People Are Saying
Aggregated insights from expert reviews and user feedback
Users praise the EXO SwingBase for its durability, modularity and convenience for car-based adventures; common negatives are weight, cost and installation/compatibility constraints.
What Users Love
- durable/bombproof construction
- modular flexibility
- easy ground-level access
- high capacity
Common Concerns
- heavy to lift
- expensive once accessories added
- can obstruct rear visibility
- requires 2" hitch and careful tongue-weight planning
- Many testers report long-term rugged use with no failures
- Isolated shipping/manufacturing damage reports (bent welds or parts) appear rare
not applicable
Limited lifetime warranty from Yakima; no widespread complaints about claims noted
Expert Reviews
An investment in a comprehensive gear transport solution that can adapt to virtually any outdoor activity and last for decadesRead full review →
Highly useful for gear-heavy travelers but be mindful of vehicle tongue weight and hitch capacityRead full review →
The EXO is a vital part of how I explore the outdoors — super modular and adaptableRead full review →
Care & Maintenance
Keep your gear performing at its best with these tips
Maintenance Tips
Keep it in top condition- rinse off road salt and dirt after use
- store dry or remove over winter to prolong life
- apply light lithium grease to hinge threads and lubricate pivots
- perform routine shake test and re-tighten hardware
Watch Out For
Known issues to monitor- occasionally bent parts or minor shipping damage (rare)
- minor side-to-side sway reported in specific bike configurations (isolated)
Alternatives to Consider
Compare with similar products that might better fit your needs
OverHaul HD
- cheaper (~$380–$450)
- fixed/tilting rather than swinging
- similar heavy-duty capacity
When you want a simpler, fixed heavy-duty hitch platform at lower cost and don't need swing-out access
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this gear