Pakmule vs Yakima exo (1 Viewer)

[lawdawg]

Curious if anyone has experience with both. Looking to pick one up with the Labor Day sales. 21' LX. Pakmule carries more weight, just don't know how often people use the 500 pound capacity vs. the 250 on Yakama rack. Unless I shot multiple big deer, I think I could get what I needed on the Yakima, though the idea of loading up the Pakmule and still being able to sit on it like a tailgate and not worry about weight sounds nice. They both seem to work with the tailgate folded down. Obviously Exo has more options like the locking cargo box so you don't have to worry about people stealing stuff off the Pakmule when parked at a hotel/Airbnb, and the bike rack and other options. Plus you can leave the EXO swing on folded and it hardly seems to push out much. I guess the big question is how often does the extra capacity of the Pakmule help. With the Pakmule at 1k, you could get the EXO and a rack and storage case. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[RTaylor]

HBTFD

 

[LX4x4]

Maybe a 3rd option of $150 steel hitch carrier and a Plano box or similar, you can take the box into the hotel with you.

 

[jlm43]

What about the 1up USA options? Holds 380 pounds and costs $645 for the 60" wide version. I have no other info to add other than the 1up racks are top notch. I've had their bike racks for 7 years now with zero issues.

Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier

1up-usa.com

 

[Blackford Oakes]

Curious if anyone has experience with both. Looking to pick one up with the Labor Day sales. 21' LX. Pakmule carries more weight, just don't know how often people use the 500 pound capacity vs. the 250 on Yakama rack. Unless I shot multiple big deer, I think I could get what I needed on the Yakima, though the idea of loading up the Pakmule and still being able to sit on it like a tailgate and not worry about weight sounds nice. They both seem to work with the tailgate folded down. Obviously Exo has more options like the locking cargo box so you don't have to worry about people stealing stuff off the Pakmule when parked at a hotel/Airbnb, and the bike rack and other options. Plus you can leave the EXO swing on folded and it hardly seems to push out much. I guess the big question is how often does the extra capacity of the Pakmule help. With the Pakmule at 1k, you could get the EXO and a rack and storage case. Thanks for your thoughts.

First, Go DAWGS.

I’m a pretty frugal dude, but I’m not afraid to spend some money on durable goods that I consider to have a lifetime (or close) service life…. Filson luggage, Russell Moccasin Zephyrs, 200 series Land Cruisers, etc, but I think the Pakmule is extremely overpriced - there’re better options out there for that money.

I’ve been down the Exo rabbit hole for about year now and due to the diverse loads you can carry securely, I believe strongly that it wins the day. My only hang-up is freight cost at this point. To get everything I want (Exo base, cargo box, upper deck, ski and bike racks) it’s around $300 to ship.

I see you’re in SC. If you happen to find yourself on Kiawah for the holiday this weekend, you might see my silver 2013. Say hi!

 

[lawdawg]

What about the 1up USA options? Holds 380 pounds and costs $645 for the 60" wide version. I have no other info to add other than the 1up racks are top notch. I've had their bike racks for 7 years now with zero issues.

Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier

1up-usa.com

Will check them out, thanks a lot

 

[lawdawg]

First, Go DAWGS.

I’m a pretty frugal dude, but I’m not afraid to spend some money on durable goods that I consider to have a lifetime (or close) service life…. Filson luggage, Russell Moccasin Zephyrs, 200 series Land Cruisers, etc, but I think the Pakmule is extremely overpriced - there’re better options out there for that money.

I’ve been down the Exo rabbit hole for about year now and due to the diverse loads you can carry securely, I believe strongly that it wins the day. My only hang-up is freight cost at this point. To get everything I want (Exo base, cargo box, upper deck, ski and bike racks) it’s around $300 to ship.

I see you’re in SC. If you happen to find yourself on Kiawah for the holiday this weekend, you might see my silver 2013. Say hi!

Have a great time in Kiawah, I'm over on Sullivans, but will be in Texas this weekend for opening season dove shoot. Appreciate the real world experience, just what I was looking for. Some good labor day sales with free shipping I was hoping to take advantage of.

 

[steffen]

Just picked up the exo with the gearbox. Really great system.

 

[2014 LEX 570 GA]

I have the pakmule scout (could not justify price of the other models) and have found it useful. Have not had Yakima. The Pakmule is well built and will last a lifetime. Seems to be more modular than the Yakima, ie I can strap a bunch of luggage or other bulk stuff on the platform, but also can add the bike mounts and mount up to 3 maybe 4 bikes.