Hey All,

I just wanted to share my recent purchase after some long research. These summer trips are going to be a lot more comfortable! Here is the Yakima EXO System. I have attached a list of parts that made this all work (all yakima factory parts too) Let me know if you want more details or pictures. This thing is outstanding. @yakima

Yakima StraightShot - hitch extension
Exo SwingBase
Exo GearLocker
Exo LitKit - 4pin to hitch
Yakima locks all match for one key use!

 

That thing looks ridiculous. Never understood how people get away with their license plate like that. I kinda want to remove my plate and tell the cops to fark off if I get pulled over.

 

The Litkit has a spot for the plate (lower left side) - I just never took it off to install it on the carrier - in pa I have to request a duplicate if I wanted one on the car and one on the rack. so ill just move it when I load up for a trip.

 

Looks like a great setup. A rear cargo rack is a great addition. Solves all the cargo space issues. Cooler firewood, water and trash (on the return leg) all store with ease



I too added some lights. Don't want someone inadvertently giving me a shunt.



I had a spare plate I wasn't using on the front. Most new cars in WA come with a mount for it but the dealers don't drill holes. Seems to be unenforced based on the percentage of cars without a front plate.

 

Do your blindspot monitors work with the cargo carrier on the rear? When I use my 1up RakAttach swing out they don't work.

 

When it’s hooked up to the Flat 4 light connection they do not work as the vehicle senses that something is being towed. ( I wish they made a feature in the trailer settings that you can set for something without an axel aka this set up) but one thing I like is that I can ride with the camera on now over 25mph and when changing lanes the trailer light blinks on the dash to remind me that things on the back lol!

now if it was not plugged in to the flat 4 I would assume blind spot would still work but obviously not the back up sensors and rear traffic sensors because the box is blocking them.

 

Ha that’s good to know - I moved here to WA from AZ where we didn’t have front plates… and have yet to drill holes I to either my Disco or partner’s Tacoma for the front plates. The front plate just hangs out somewhere rattling away in the cabin lol.

 

No worries

AFAIK it's a non-finable "get it fixed" citation.

I figured if I've only got one plate and I'm covering it up with bunch of stuff I should probably put the second plate on the rear rack.

Just take a straw poll next time you're out and about. Any new fancy car is rocking a rear plate only.

A buddy of mine has some rare kind of Volvo that goes like a bat out of hell. I'm not much of a car-guy. He was stopped for not having one and ended up putting one on the front via the off center recovery point.


Me. That day

 

Thanks for sharing. I was looking at this exact product and wondered how it would fit on my Defender that I'm taking delivery for this Saturday.

So the only way to clear the spare tire is to add the hitch extension? Does that reduce the overall weight capacity?

 

Yes. You need to use the Yakima straight shot extension. I am not sure about a reduction in the weight capacity but I know I run my box with up to 100 pounds in it for trips and not a single problem. If you go to there website and click on the EXO you can find installation instructions and load specs.

It really is a great unit.