I tested the Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe on a summer-long road trip to find out if it’s worth the price
This hitch-mounted, swing-out camp kitchen gives car campers a full prep station, without having to unpack totes
September 24, 2026
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Our verdict
The Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe is a hitch-mounted camp kitchen setup that mounts to the Yakima EXO SwingBase. This hitch-mounted cargo box holds your entire camp kitchen in a lockable box that you can easily take on and off. It also comes with a freestanding leg system, so you can remove it from the hitch base for mobile setup or use it without the EXO system. It has two fold-out prep stations that mount to both sides of the box, and you can also use the box as a table.
I tested the EXO OpenRange Deluxe along with other EXO accessories and the EXO SwingBase for three months during the summer in Colorado. I installed the SwingBase and OpenRange myself in minutes, and have driven well over 1,000 miles with them mounted to my GMC Savana campervan. I’ve cooked countless meals with the OpenRange Deluxe, both with friends and solo. I’ve stored my Jetboil Genesis two-burner camp stove and Sea to Summit Detour collapsible cookset in it for months, along with other outdoor gear that isn’t camp kitchen related at all (it is a cargo box, after all).
The EXO OpenRange Deluxe lets you store your entire camp kitchen outside your vehicle. This is a great addition to any long-term camping or extended road trip setup, because it gives you extra space inside your vehicle for a mattress, clothes, and other outdoor gear. And since the OpenRange integrates with the EXO system, you can store it, along with your bikes or other gear, on the same swing-out hitch rack.
The OpenRange Deluxe has a wood side table with a drop-in collapsible sink and cutting board, plus another metal side table on the other side where you can cook with your camp stove. It also has a silverware drawer, a lantern hook, and an accessory pouch for hanging cooking utensils when not in use.
Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe
The OpenRange Deluxe has a couple of drawbacks, however. First, it doesn’t come with a stove. At this price, I expected it to include a two-burner stove, and there is certainly room inside the waterproof box for one. Also, the OpenRange Deluxe is expensive, and it’s a lot of stuff.
But if you’re looking for a self-contained camp kitchen on a swing-out hitch platform on the exterior of your vehicle or campervan setup, the Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe is a great option. It is quite expensive, but for a swing-out cargo box that transforms into a camp kitchen, there aren’t many other options.
If you only want the locking cargo box to store your camp kitchen and don’t need the side tables and external leg kit, you can save hundreds of dollars by buying the EXO OpenRange (non-deluxe version) instead.
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Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe specifications
Price: $1,199
Internal storage capacity: 85 L (90 qt) / 5,187 cu in
Dimensions: 31 x 18 x 18 in.
Weight: 72 lbs
Material: Rotomolded polyethylene
Hitch receiver size: 2 in. (via EXO SwingBase)
Requires EXO base: Recommended but not required for transport
Included with Deluxe bundle: Wood side table with cutting board, collapsible wash basin and drain hose, metal cook side table with flexible fuel hose and hanging fuel canister pouch, stand-alone leg kit
Door seal: Rubber, weather/dust/critter resistant
Front door: Fold-down, usable as prep surface
Internal organization: Shelf, integrated utensil drawer
Security: SKS locking latches
Accessory attachment: Tool-free EXO Cleat system with locking SpeedKnobs
Extras included: Lantern hook, backboard organizer, handheld bottle opener
Warranty: Manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty
Comparison table
| Camp Kitchen | MSRP* | Capacity | Weight | Cook Station Incl. | Hitch Mountable | Free-Standing Capable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe | $1,199 | 85 L | 72 lbs | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Yakima EXO OpenRange | $749 | 85 L | 30 lbs | ❌ | ✅ | Kit sold separately |
| Yakima EXO GearLocker | $649 | 283 L | 28 lbs | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| HitchFire Hitch Kitchen | $1,899 | 82 L | 83 lbs | Stove included | ✅ | ❌ |
Best for
Dedicated overlanders, campers, or vanlifers who can justify the high price
Those who are already invested in the Yakima EXO SwingBase rack system
Mid-to-large-sized SUV, truck, or van owners with a vehicle tongue weight limit over 200 pounds
Crossover vehicle owners with a tongue weight capacity over 200 pounds who want to carry an external camp kitchen plus more on a hitch rack
Anyone looking for a swing-away rack that holds a camp kitchen plus other outdoor gear
What we liked
Can store your entire camp kitchen outside of your vehicle for quick dinnertime setups
Waterproof cargo box locks to the EXO system and is easy to remove
Swing-away EXO SwingBase differentiates between bedroom (back of vehicle) and kitchen (side of vehicle)
Works as a do-it-all work surface that is already set up on the back of your vehicle
What could be better
Expensive
Metal cook surface table doesn’t fit inside the OpenRange box
How we tested
For this review, I spent three months testing the OpenRange Deluxe, which comes with an external leg kit, a wood side table, a cutting board, a collapsible wash basin with a drain hose, and a metal cook side table. These accessories differentiate the OpenRange Deluxe from the standard OpenRange. If you only want a cargo box that can store a camp stove, cookware, silverware, and accessories, consider the standard OpenRange, which costs $450 less.
I tested the Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe on the EXO SwingBase, along with several other EXO accessories, on my 1999 GMC Savana 2500 with a 500-pound tongue-weight Class 3 trailer hitch. I mounted the EXO OpenRange Deluxe, DoubleUp, and RoadShower 7G to the SwingBase, along with the EXO TopShelf, which allowed me to carry any two of those accessories. I tested the system all summer, driving over 1,000 miles in Colorado and New Mexico. I drove most of that distance on highways, but I also drove rough, dirt washboard roads daily to get to campsites.
I used the OpenRange Deluxe on the external leg kit to create a mobile camp kitchen when it wasn’t convenient to camp-cook on the back of my van. I also regularly used the OpenRange while it was attached to the EXO SwingBase. I used the OpenRange box to store my Jetboil Genesis two-burner camp stove, multiple pots and pans, and a handful of Sea to Summit Detour plates and collapsible bowls.
I primarily tested the OpenRange Deluxe on the EXO SwingBase with the EXO DoubleUp mounted above it on the EXO TopShelf. The heaviest load I carried on this setup was just under 270 lb—the breakdown was EXO SwingBase: 68 lb, OpenRange Deluxe: 79 lb, TopShelf: 34 lb, DoubleUp: 37 lb, and two bikes at 50 lb each, for a total of 268 lb. This was well under my vehicle’s 500-pound tongue weight capacity, but smaller-vehicle owners should check their tongue weight capacity (see vehicle compatibility below for more).
We also tested the Yakima EXO SwingBase alongside other bike racks in our Best Bike Racks for Cars, Trucks, and SUVs guide, directly comparing installation processes, ease of use, carry capacity, stability, security, durability, and more.
Vehicle compatibility
A Class 2 hitch receiver won’t work with the SwingBase at all.
If you have a Class 3 or 4 hitch with a 2" receiver, you should be able to use the SwingBase and other accessories such as the OpenRange. But note your vehicle’s tongue weight capacity and ensure you don’t exceed it.
For example, the standard 2021 Subaru Outback has a tongue weight limit of 270 pounds. The EXO SwingBase itself weighs 68 pounds, and the OpenRange Deluxe (with all side tables and the leg kit) weighs 72 pounds. The standard OpenRange (just the box) weighs 30 pounds. With the Yakima SwingBase, OpenRange, DoubleUp, TopShelf, and two bikes weighing 261 pounds, you’re just under that 270-pound tongue-weight capacity. Your bikes might weigh less than 25 pounds each, or you may only want to carry the OpenRange on the SwingBase (without the TopShelf or another EXO accessory).
However, you should still check your vehicle’s tongue-weight capacity and crunch the numbers before buying these expensive accessories, especially if you want to invest in the full system or plan to build out the EXO system on your vehicle down the road.
Performance in the field
Set up as a workstation
The OpenRange Deluxe goes from a cargo box to a fully functional workstation in less than a minute. The side tables hook onto either side of the box, and the single support leg attaches with a threaded knob. I’ve used this for countless meals, as well as a computer workstation when I want to work at a standing desk outside.
In practice, the prep and cook stations are stable enough for chopping, cooking, and washing dishes afterward. The metal cook table is just as stable, too. I’ve had a large cast iron and a larger pot boiling pasta at the same time on it, and never felt like it was going to topple over.
The door to the OpenRange box also serves as an additional surface, much like a truck tailgate. This surface isn’t very stable on the external leg kit, though, because the OpenRange box doesn’t hook securely onto the leg kit as it does onto the EXO SwingBase. However, even with the standalone leg kit, you can use the top of the OpenRange box along with the two side tables, and the entire setup feels very secure.
Weather and dust protection
The OpenRange box has a rubber door seal to keep out water, dust, rain, and critters. After three months of use, I’ve never had any water or dust get in the box thanks to this seal. I recently opened the box right after a heavy rainstorm, and it was completely dry inside.
Storage and organization
The OpenRange has an internal shelf with a utensil drawer to keep your camp kitchen setup organized. The shelf and drawer allow you to maximize organization and use all 85 liters of internal space without too much precarious stacking.
I normally put my Jetboil Genesis two-burner stove, cast iron skillet, two plates, two bowls, and a pair of cups on the top shelf. I have been storing the OpenRange leg kit on the bottom shelf, but if I didn’t carry that, I would have even more space for food and more gear.
Mounted vs. freestanding use
The OpenRange works much better when mounted to the EXO SwingBase than when using the external legs for a freestanding setup. The cargo box locks onto the SwingBase tracks, so when you flip the lid open, it won’t tip if you put weight on it. Also, when it’s on the SwingBase, you don’t need to set up the legs to start using it; it’s just ready to go.
If you have the OpenRange set up in freestanding mode on the external legs, you can’t use the lid as a workstation when open. Also, the legs take up a lot of space inside the box, so you can’t store as much camp cookware and other supplies inside. However, the legs do let you set up the OpenRange anywhere, and you don’t need to purchase the SwingBase to use it with the legs (though you’d have to transport it inside your vehicle, then).
Cook station functionality
The metal side table works well as a cook station. I use it with a larger 5-lb refillable propane tank, which I have mounted on the rear door of my van. This tank, with its longer hose, easily reaches the metal cook station. If you use your camp stove with a small green propane tank, there is plenty of space on the table for the stove and the tank.
I would prefer if the additional metal side included with the OpenRange Deluxe table weren’t quite so long, however. This is because it doesn’t fit inside the OpenRange box. So, you have to store the metal cook table inside your vehicle during transport.
Durability
After a three-month test period at high elevation, and therefore high UV index, the OpenRange is still in great shape. The rotomolded shell, rubber door seal, hinges, and latches all look as they did when new, other than some extra dirt.
The OpenRange and all other Yakima hardgoods—racks, cargo boxes, etc.—also have a limited lifetime warranty.
Sustainability
Yakima has committed to cutting its direct operational (scope 1 and 2) emissions by 50% and its supply-chain (scope 3) emissions by 55% per unit of value added by 2030.
Their plan to reduce emissions is to reduce waste, corporate travel, commuting, and reliance on air freight; increase use of renewable energy (their headquarters in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is now 100% powered by wind), use of sustainable materials, and recycling in headquarters and manufacturing facilities; and develop products that last a lifetime.
You can read more about Yakima’s sustainability efforts on their website.
Features
Wooden side table
The OpenRange Deluxe comes with a wooden side table that hooks onto the side of the OpenRange box and is supported on the other side by a single adjustable leg. This wood side table has a cutout for a collapsible wash basin, which you can also cover with an included cutting board that fits the cutout.
Wash basin
The Deluxe includes a collapsible wash basin/sink. The wash basin has a plug and a removable drain hose so you can empty your dishwater into a greywater container.
Cook side table
The Deluxe has a metal side table that you can set your stove on to cook. This table hooks onto either side of the OpenRange box, just like the wood side table. The metal cook side table has a single leg to support the end. However, the cook side table does not fit inside the OpenRange box.
Locking latch
The Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe has SKS locking latches to secure your gear.
Leg kit
The OpenRange Deluxe includes a leg kit that lets you set up the OpenRange anywhere, independent of the EXO SwingBase. This leg kit includes four collapsible, adjustable legs that attach to a square base. The OpenRange sits on top of the square base.
Utensil drawer
The OpenRange has a utensil drawer, where you can store your eating and cooking utensils.
Lantern hook
The OpenRange box also has a lantern hook for hanging a light when cooking in the dark.
FAQ
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The Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe does not require the EXO SwingBase. You can use the OpenRange Deluxe with the external leg kit that it comes with, but then you’ll have to transport the OpenRange cargo box inside your vehicle. Using the OpenRange Deluxe with the EXO SwingBase allows you to store and transport the box on a swing-away rack mounted to your vehicle’s tow hitch, saving space, hassle, and set-up time.
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Yes, you can use the Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe away from the vehicle using the external leg kit that it comes with. You can easily remove the OpenRange cargo box by loosening the SpeedKnobs and picking up the box. It also has two handles to carry it away from your vehicle.
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The Yakima OpenRange uses the same storage box as the OpenRange Deluxe. The main difference is that the standard OpenRange doesn’t include the side tables or external leg kit. The standard OpenRange costs a few hundred dollars less than the OpenRange Deluxe because it has fewer accessories.
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The OpenRange Deluxe weighs 72 pounds on its own. The EXO SwingBase weighs another 68 pounds. A two-burner propane camp stove weighs about 10 pounds. A pan, cutlery, plates, and bowls might weigh about 10 pounds. In total, that means a fully loaded OpenRange Deluxe on the SwingBase will add 160 pounds to your hitch.
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No, the OpenRange Deluxe does not come with a stove.
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For the Yakima EXO SwingBase, you need a 2-inch Class 3 or 4 receiver.
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No, the OpenRange requires a Class 3 or 4 hitch with a 2-inch receiver.
Should you buy the Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe?
Buy if:
You’re already invested in the Yakima EXO swing-out rack system and want to add an external cargo box that turns into a camp kitchen
You have your own propane camp stove and want a place to store and transport it for extended travel or car camping trips
You have a tongue weight capacity of over 200 pounds and a 2-inch Class 3 or 4 hitch receiver
You want a swing-away rack system that holds a camp kitchen and other gear-hauling accessories
Skip if:
You want a fully contained camp kitchen that comes with a stove and aren’t willing to buy the stove separately
You don’t have the Yakima EXO SwingBase and aren’t willing to buy it along with the OpenRange
You don’t have a 2-inch Class 3 or 4 tow hitch receiver on your vehicle
Where to buy the Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe
The Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe is sold through a couple of retailers. Here are some of the pros of each.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Yakima
You can sometimes find more options when purchasing directly from the manufacturer. It may be easier if you need to make a warranty return due to a defect.
Advice on where to buy
In general for gear, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns, like REI.
Similar hitch-mounted camp kitchen and storage solutions
Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe vs. Yakima EXO OpenRange
Price: $749
Weight: 30 lbs
Hitch-mountable: Yes
Cook station included: No
Free-standing capable: Kit sold separately
The Yakima OpenRange uses the same EXO SwingBase- or TopShelf-compatible storage box. The main difference between the EXO OpenRange and the OpenRange Deluxe is that the standard OpenRange doesn’t include the side tables or the external leg kit.
If you want a full camp kitchen with a side table for cooking and another for prep, and you want the flexibility to set up the OpenRange away from your vehicle and EXO rack, get the OpenRange Deluxe. If you simply want a cargo box to store your camp kitchen and don’t care about the side tables or external leg kit, you can save a few hundred dollars by purchasing the standard OpenRange.
Yakima EXO OpenRange
Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe vs. Yakima EXO GearLocker
Price: $649
Weight: 28 lbs
Hitch-mountable: Yes
Cook station included: No
Free-standing capable: No
The Yakima EXO GearLocker is another EXO accessory that mounts to the same EXO SwingBase or TopShelf as the EXO OpenRange Deluxe. The GearLocker opens to the top, whereas the OpenRange’s lid is on the front of the box. This allows you to use the OpenRange’s lid as a prep surface.
While you could technically store your camp kitchen equipment in the EXO GearLocker, it isn’t designed for that specifically and doesn’t have the internal organizational features that the OpenRange does. The GearLocker is $100 less than the standard OpenRange and costs much less than the OpenRange Deluxe.
Yakima EXO GearLocker
Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe vs. HitchFire Hitch Kitchen
Price: $1,899
Weight: 83 lbs
Hitch-mountable: Yes
Cook station included: Stove included
Free-standing capable: No
The HitchFire Hitch Kitchen is comparable to the EXO OpenRange Deluxe, though it has a few extra features. The Hitch Kitchen has a sink and two-burner stove built into a removable metal storage box that mounts to a swing-out hitch rack. The sink needs an external water tank, but it’s designed to work with any water jug using the integrated pump. The stove uses propane and has a flexible hose that you can connect to your propane tank. The Hitch Kitchen also has optional side tables (sold separately). You can also remove the sink and stovetop to use the external box for storage.
The Hitch Kitchen costs more than the OpenRange Deluxe on its own, but is comparably priced to the OpenRange Deluxe plus the EXO SwingBase (since the Hitch Kitchen includes the swing arm). Plus, it comes with a stove.
HitchFire Hitch Kitchen
Why you should trust us / About the author
Sam Schild lives full-time in a DIY converted 1999 GMC Savana campervan, which he uses as a mobile basecamp across the American West. He has reviewed car camping accessories such as mattresses, portable showers, backpacking bidets, and portable toilets for Treeline Review, along with loads of running, biking, and backpacking gear.
Over three years of full-time van life and three more years living in a Honda Element, he has experimented with many ways to haul gear on the outside of vehicles, from rooftop cargo boxes to swing-away racks. For this review, he used the Yakima EXO SwingBase and OpenRange Deluxe, along with other EXO accessories to carry bikes, camp kitchen gear, and more for an entire summer in Colorado and New Mexico. He never had a single mishap while hauling his precious outdoor cargo.
You can find more of Sam’s work on his Treeline Review author page, website, or Instagram.
