Yakima EXO TopShelf
For whatever outdoor recreation you enjoy, you can double your load with the Yakima EXO TopShelf, adding a second tier of storage capacity to your EXO SwingBase (not included).
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- EXO TopShelf rotates 180° relative to EXO SwingBase for easy access to your vehicle's cargohold and the gear stowed on the lower level
- Also works as an excellent basecamp on the back of your vehicle with the support of included jack stand
- EXO TopShelf installs quickly and flawlessly configures with additional EXO components to maximize your cargo-carrying potential
- EXO component accessories (not included) install in seconds using the tool-free EXO Cleat system and locking SpeedKnobs
- HitchLock lock secures EXO TopShelf to EXO SwingBase
- Includes 2 extra SKS locks for securing EXO accessories when stepping away from the vehicle
- Includes a jack stand for basecamp mode
- Backed by the manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty
Imported.
| Best Use | Travel |
|---|---|
| Weight | 37 lbs. 4.8 oz. |
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Works well, but could be improved.
I love having a second tier for storage, although the product comes off a little like an after-thought when compared with the EXO Base. First, the arms don't fold in as on the base. If you leave this on your car, the top will stick out. Second, the screw, and bolt to unlock and pivot the TopShelf so you can access a box on the bottom is a bit labor-intensive and awkward and seems like it could have been improved. Lastly, for such a simple mechanism it's very similar in cost to the EXO Base, so it left me a little disappointed. Overall I'm very happy with the EXO system's versatile functionality, but I feel like Yakima could better match the quality of the BASE with the rest of the accessories.
EXO System
So far I love the EXO system. Super easy to switch between attachments. Fits my Fat tire bike, road bike, and my sons bike, very versatile. A little wobble on rough roads but handles highway speed as expected. When loaded with a lot of weight, can be a bit tough to set the locking screw on the swing base. Looking forward to many new adventures.
Great idea, Not Secure
Great idea for a system but with major flaws. Tongue to the system locks to car but the swing arm assembly that attaches to the tongue is easily removed by two bolts. Upper shelf locks to the mast but the mast is also easily removed by removing three allen screws. Essentially two wrenches and a allen wrench will remove your $1500 rack and all your belongings in less than a minute is someone is inclined to steal your stuff.
I’m happy, but there are comprises
I’ve owned the EXO & box for a year now. I’m very pleased with that combination. I just added the Top Shelf & Bike Rack. There are compromises and oddities for the user. 1) weight: between the EXO swing arm, box, and Top Shelf and bike rack, you’ve added 150+ pounds to the back of your truck or car, not including the stuff in the box and bikes. 2) When the bikes are mounted on-top, there is more wobble than I expected, which seems odd. Will the bikes fall? I’d highly doubt it, but it does wobble some. 3) To access the box on the bottom, you must pivot the entire assembly out, unlock the pivot device for the Top Shelf & unscrew the big screw knob, pivot Top Shelf 90 degrees, THEN you can unlock the box and access it on the bottom. 4) A person (2 person job) with two hex wrenches & crescent wrench could unbolt the Top Shelf assembly. This seems a design oversight. I intent to add my own chain lock to attach the top & bottom units together so slow down such a situation. I’m still happy I bought the EXO system because it is a safe and (pretty) well thought out solution, but the reality of using it is more complicated than the color ads might suggest.
good addition easy to use after installed
It installs easy enough but takes a few minutes. Easy to add the box or base and lock in place. Swings 180 from the bottom base when the bottom base is swung out to its 90 degrees to allow hatch/tailgate access. Just remember items attached here will block the rear view. They sell a lit kit to plug into your trailer brake lit plug which also can reposition you State's TAG so the police can read it. It was easy to install and use.
Great SwingBase, not so great TopShelf
In Yakima's videos and photos, they use a 2020+ Q7 with a GearLocker on the TopShelf, which gives people that impression that this will fit the Q7 well. Well, it's NOT. When the system is in base camp mode, the corner of the GearLocker on the TopShelf blocks the opening of the trunk door! Same for a GearWarrior when it is on the TopShelf - we tried! You will have to set the to a half-rotated position, which is not secured by any latch. What's worse is that unlike the SwingBase, the TopShelf will block the opening of the trunk door when the system is not in base camp mode. And unlike the SwingBase, you won't be able to retract the arms. Therefore, you most likely need to remove the TopShelf after each trip. To do that, a special driver provided by the package is required. This just make the TopShelf a much less applicable add-on to the SwingBase.
Topshelf cost almost the same with EXO Swing base
The TopShelf is only 1/5 the component of Yakima EXO Swing base, but cost almost the same. All together, it is about $1000 and still you need to buy accessories to carry any bikes or any gears. So additional cargo box another $450, 2 bike carrier $450, etc.