The Yakima EXO GearLocker: Your Golf Gear Savior

50 Words or Less

If you’re tired of trying to cram your golf clubs into your car, the Yakima EXO GearLocker is your answer. It’s an easy-to-install accessory for your 2″ trailer hitch that holds up to four golf bags, giving you all the extra space you need for a fun day on the green.

Introduction: The (Not So) Great Car Conundrum

Let’s be real, folks. My car’s got a lot going for it, but it’s got a major flaw—fitting my golf clubs is like trying to stuff a watermelon into a blender. Seriously, if you’ve got anything smaller than a Tahoe, you know the struggle. You either have to drop the back seat, pull out your driver, or stuff your clubs in the passenger seat. First-world problems? Totally. But it’s infuriating when you just want to hit the links with your buddies! Enter the Yakima EXO GearLocker, which I’m hoping will finally solve my club-conundrum chaos. Let’s dig in!

Installation: It’s Easier Than You Think

First off, you’ll need a trailer hitch receiver to get started with the Yakima EXO GearLocker. Don’t panic—if I can throw one on in a couple of hours, so can you. The trickiest part? Not freaking out while you’re removing your car’s trim pieces (seriously, be bold).

Once you’ve got that hitch installed, putting the GearLocker together is a breeze. The EXO SwingBase slides into your receiver just like that well-loved coffee mug in your hand. Yakima provides a locking mechanism, or you can bolt it in place—whatever floats your boat. Setting it up takes less than five minutes, and while the SwingBase is hefty (nearly 70 pounds!), it’s not a muscle-bound workout.

Ease of Use & Security: Simple & Safe

Let’s face it: if something’s a hassle, it’s going to join your pile of “never use” items. So, I had two burning questions about the Yakima EXO GearLocker: Can I leave it in place? And if so, how quickly can I break it down?

The answer? It depends. The GearLocker does add a few feet to your car’s length, which is unfortunately too much for my garage. But the good news is I can leave the SwingBase attached, folded up, and ready to go whenever I am! Plus, I can set up the GearLocker in a few minutes. While it’s not as quick as tossing everything into your trunk, let’s be real—if your trunk was spacious enough, we wouldn’t be in this predicament!

The “Swing” in SwingBase is where the magic happens, letting it pivot up to 90 degrees and keeping your trunk easily accessible. And for those worried about security (yeah, that was me, too), Yakima has you covered with built-in locks for all parts of the EXO System, making sure your gear stays put.

Storage Capacity: Don’t Just Take One Bag

Here’s where the Yakima EXO GearLocker shines. It effortlessly gobbles up my golf bag, driver and all, and can easily hold up to three bags. That’s right—if you’ve got your buddies in tow, you could fit an entire foursome’s clubs in there without a hitch!

Officially, the GearLocker boasts ten cubic feet of storage space. With interior dimensions of 14” high, 53” wide, and 18.5” deep, you’re looking at a generous haul. Plus, it can support up to 100 pounds on the SwingBase or 80 pounds on the TopShelf, so you can even stack two GearLockers if you’ve got the right gear. Oh, and the straps at the bottom? They keep your lone golf bag from bouncing around like it’s auditioning for a role in "Fast and Furious."

Value: Pricier, But Worth It

Let’s talk turkey—this extra storage doesn’t come cheap. The Yakima EXO SwingBase goes for around $699, while the GearLocker is an added $619. That’s a pretty penny, but think of it as giving your compact SUV a mid-sized makeover. Spending $1,300 on this setup is way less daunting than shelling out $15,000 more for a bigger vehicle that drinks gas like it’s water and costs a fortune to maintain.

Conclusion: A Game Changer

So, what’s the verdict on the Yakima EXO GearLocker? It’s exactly what I needed to make my love-hate relationship with my car lean more towards the love side. Thanks to its massive storage capacity, I can now drive a full foursome around without making everyone sit with their clubs in their laps like sardines.

Whether you need the extra storage for golf, camping gear, or just everyday items, the Yakima EXO GearLocker truly delivers. If you’re looking to enhance your road trips and golf outings, this is a worthy investment.

Visit Yakima

Check out Yakima for more details and gear that can change your travel game!

If you’re finding yourself in a similar pickle with your gear situation, consider adding the Yakima EXO GearLocker to your ensemble. It might just turn your car from a cramped cabin into the ultimate golf-mobile. Happy driving and even happier golfing!