I used to be a day away from a ski journey, brainstorming how I’d match all of the ski boots, skins, skis, poles, helmets, goggles, packs, towels, camp lights, duffels, coolers, and groceries in my automobile. And as I packed up — not simply my gear, however three of my mates as effectively, into my automobile — I believed, there must be a greater means. No means will all these things match.
I’ve made numerous journeys in my Subaru Crosstrek. I’ve pushed throughout the nation alone from Florida to Colorado, and from Colorado as much as northern British Columbia. There have been lonesome highway journeys on my own and ones with a herd of mates within the again.
Final 12 months, nearly each journey my companion and I took meant two folks and two canine, plus gear. And let’s not overlook a few years in the past after I had water harm to my home — I used to be actually living out of my car.
All that’s to say, I’ve gotten good at packing. I’ve additionally cursed myself, wishing for more room. I’ve by no means had a chosen system for organizing gear in my trunk. Each journey, it’s a brand new packing method from scratch.
In brief: Testing the Yakima HomeBase for two.5 weeks was a (almost) flawless expertise. The set up was quick and straightforward, even on my own. The medium measurement matches into my Subaru Crosstrek’s restricted oddly angular trunk area. The entire system is superior, however particularly the drawers that mean you can retailer and set up gear and lock all of it away out of sight.
With the observe system, you’ll be able to swap out totes and drawers, or pre-pack gear crates beforehand. Then, solely load up what you want. Yakima built-in all the things; the tie-down parts, the observe system, even non-obligatory add-ons just like the slide-out for a Dometic cooler and WorkSpace. Value-wise in comparison with different modular drawer techniques, it’s additionally an excellent value.
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Modular choices
MOD HomeBase, MOD Topper Drawers, GearCrate, GearTote, MicroTotes -
HomeBase sizes
M, L, XL (i.e., Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Wagoneer) -
HomeBase weight
50-55 lbs. -
Drawer load ranking
100 lbs. -
High load ranking
250 lbs. -
Wanted for set up (relying on automobile)
Match Equipment, Riser Equipment -
MOD equipment
WorkSpace, Fridge Sliding Mounting Equipment, Stretch Web
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Drawer system matches in smaller automobiles, not simply vans! -
Tremendous straightforward set up -
Unbelievable use of area -
Tons of storage -
Safe for metropolis residing -
Lock out drawers do not slide shut on an incline -
Beneath $1,100 for fundamental drawer system is a aggressive value
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Combo of MOD Base with Drawers will not slot in some automobiles -
Not suitable with all automobile fashions -
A number of tote organizers (non-obligatory) can add up quick
Yakima MOD HomeBase System Evaluate
Dimension & Match
I had a craving to check this technique exactly as a result of I do not need a truck. I’ve a small crossover. And of all of the crossovers, one of the standard fashions you’ll see: the Subaru Crosstrek. As you may think, my trunk just isn’t the most important.
Whenever you go to the Yakima web site to have a look at the MOD system, it’ll ask for the automobile model and mannequin to suggest the appropriate measurement. This is step one.
The Yakima HomeBase is available in three sizes: medium, massive, and further massive. The distinction between medium and enormous is barely within the depth of the trunk space, with no change in width. The additional massive will give customers with the most important automobiles available on the market each additional size and width.
The medium matches automobiles like Crosstrek, Outback, Toyota Rav4, and ever-popular 4Runner.
The L measurement additionally matches within the 4Runner; which would be the case for some automobiles — permitting you to decide on based mostly on match preferences. The L measurement additionally matches automobiles just like the Nissan Pathfinder.
The XL measurement is reserved for the most important SUVs available on the market. This consists of automobiles just like the Honda Passport, Nissan Armada, and Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
Journeys in my automobile usually require the addition of a roof rack, or very cautious planning, due to my small cargo area and plethora of journey gear. I’m minimalist the place I will be, however even then, packing up the automobile will be like a merciless sport of Tetris.
Probably the most I’ve slot in my automobile — proudly — was two folks, two canine, two journey canine beds, three paddleboards, three PFDs, a four-person tent, a camp range, a propane tank, two duffels, a backpack, a cooler, a cribbage board, and … Lord is aware of what else. We had been stuffed to the brim. Each single inch of area — behind the seats, below them, and on our laps — obtained used.
Weight Issues
I may raise the HomeBase simply on my own. I’m guessing the identical can’t be stated for lots of DECKED or ARB drawer techniques. The HomeBase weighs about 40 kilos, the MOD drawers 35, and the Gear totes and crates are very gentle.
The Yakima HomeBase M was the most important attainable drawer my trunk may match — undoubtedly maximizing the area. This HomeBase has a 100-pound drawer load ranking and a 250-pound prime floor ranking — loads of load capability for the gear I haul.
Yakima MOD: Simple Set up
It additionally took lower than quarter-hour to put in — offered you’ve obtained your trunk cleaned out first. Including on the observe sliders and my selection of storage toppers required solely a single hex key.
The load and ease of set up are two big perks for many individuals, particularly youthful adults, busy vacationers, and households, who could also be on the fence and weighing the professionals and cons of a automobile storage system.
If you happen to continuously have numerous gear out and in of your automobile, this HomeBase system is supposed to be the do-all answer.
The largest element of the Yakima Residence Base system working and becoming into any automobile is guaranteeing the correct tie-downs. For automobiles that don’t have 4 tie-downs within the manufacturing unit/inventory construct, Yakima considered an answer: a Mod equipment. All it took was my Leatherman multitool and switching out two plugs for anchor rings, a few screws, and I used to be good to go.
Yakima MOD System Testing
Testing this technique in spring was good timing — as I slowly transitioned from hauling skis, boots, and winter necessities to climbing harnesses, trail runners, and warm-weather requirements.
For weeks, I drove round with the MOD system in my trunk. However I didn’t simply open and shut the drawers a couple of occasions and name it a day. If I used to be going to surrender all my valuable trunk area for one system, darn proper I used to be gonna use it. I made a rule to solely hold gear I believed I’d want within the MOD HomeBase or totes, and attempt to chorus from tapping different storage or gear in my storage. The HomeBase obtained used, and quick.
Mod Testing Journeys
First up was a ski journey. Helmets, boots, skins, and numerous goggles may all slot in a tote. I may stash my camp slippers in there as effectively for turning into when the ski boots come off on the finish of the day.
After set up, I chucked a multitool and hex key into one of many small micro tote baskets that got here with the system (for testing functions). These divider and organizer totes match seamlessly between the crate, totes, drawers, and HomeBase.
My subsequent deliberate outing was a full day on the workplace, then the park, after which a canine meetup with mates. I loaded up my path runners, an assorted selection of layers, and three to 4 camp chairs — impressively, all match within the drawer. Utilizing the drawer divider, I organized the opposite half with my fitness center climbing gear.
Different day journeys I took whereas testing the system included a pair climbing and path working afternoons, a working distant day up within the mountains, and one backcountry ski day up Berthoud Pass.
Some Organizational Takeaways
I rapidly realized that the drawer was the place to retailer dearer gear (climbing gear, ice axes, ropes, beacon, shovel, and probe) since this may very well be locked out of sight. The hardsided gear crate I used much more typically than the tote for the same cause.
The tote was nonetheless nice for odds and ends like sneakers, mail from the workplace, and reusable luggage for the grocery retailer. Snacks, a spare canine leash, and pickleball paddles for the park additionally had a spot within the tote.
In the course of testing, I additionally left a MOD tote stashed in my automobile with essential necessities: hand heaters, duct tape, a spare headlamp, and a Leatherman, simply in case.
A Safe System
This previous weekend, my neck of the woods had extreme wind (as much as 100+ mph gusts). The very best gusts close to my home had been round 71 mph. I already had plans to climb that day, so I ended up placing 50 or so miles on my automobile driving, watching the wind blow different automobiles over the strains and throughout roads.
I do assume having some additional weight in my automobile helped hold me grounded. And whereas I observed the wind pushing my automobile from time to time, I by no means heard any noises or motion from the drawer system within the again. It additionally helped that I didn’t have to put any gear on my roof.
For good measure, I additionally drove round on some personal grime roads the place I dwell to verify the secureness of the HomeBase, and I did a couple of laps by means of our faculty district over hills and pace bumps. It didn’t clank round or budge in any respect. If you happen to do go away gentle, unfastened objects within the drawers by themselves, they are going to rattle round within the drawer. However as soon as the HomeBase is strapped down tight, the system isn’t going wherever.
One Setback
The HomeBase got here with very straightforward, easy set up directions. However for me, there was one hiccup. I (and the Yakima staff) didn’t notice that for clearance in my Subaru Crosstrek, I’d want the additional Risers equipment — this not solely makes the toes on the HomeBase taller for sure automobiles to clear the trunk latch, nevertheless it additionally gives additional cupboard space below the drawer if you’re stacking a number of drawer techniques, in any automobile.
After a couple of days of testing the system I had simply put in, I had to return and swap out the risers. One of many bolts was tough to get to from beneath the system; I like to recommend standing it on its facet or flipping it. It was a couple of minutes of trouble, however I didn’t even want the directions. The set up on these was as straightforward as the remainder.
Who It’s For
Lastly, it’s price noting who this technique is and isn’t for. Going by means of the set up course of, I noticed this drawer system is probably going for drivers who don’t have already got their automobiles constructed out. Folks with overlanding rigs or built-out 4Runners could have already got storage options. For hybrid SUV homeowners like me, I’ve a couple of mates who’ve sleeping platforms constructed out of their automobiles or vans.
Something that you simply usually hold put in in your trunk must go. So, your present setup is certainly one thing to think about if you’re within the Yakima MOD.
Yakima HomeBase System Conclusion
The Yakima MOD is an superior addition to any trunk, particularly if different conventional drawer techniques don’t match. ( all my fellow Subi homeowners!)
There are a couple of drawbacks to think about earlier than shopping for. If you happen to do plan on hauling different gear — one thing very massive like a paddleboard, mattress platform, dog crate, and so on. — you’ll need to take away the MOD system. Relying on how tall your trunk is, after all.
This implies you’ll additionally want a spot to retailer it when not in use — so take into account the place you’d put it. The great thing about the system is that it’s a simple set up, however I wouldn’t notably need to take this out and in of my trunk typically.
Lastly, it really works for a heck of loads of automobiles, however not all. Be sure that you comply with the directions from Yakima to seek out the appropriate measurement in your automobile and if it’s beneficial. One thing I realized on the finish of testing: I couldn’t have swapped the HomeBase into my companion’s automobile (a Hyundai Tuscon) even when I needed to.
Whereas it will match, and has the suitable tie-downs, it’s not beneficial as a result of weight the trunk flooring can help. You’ll see this “beneficial match” disclaimer on the Yakima web site for some Hyundais and Chevys.
Except for this, having Yakima’s HomeBase is like putting gold. Sizing for my trunk width, depth, and peak — no drawback. Clearing the lip on my trunk latch? Simple with the risers. Higher options for packing? Sure. This method actually does flex from on a regular basis storage to gear group to prolonged “my automobile is my basecamp” adventures.
My verdict: Whether or not to spend money on the Yakima MOD system is dependent upon how typically you’d use it. I’m severely contemplating shopping for one.
If you happen to’re within the MOD system, it’s accessible on-line and retail; although at RackAttack, it’s already backordered. So in the event you’ve selected a Yakima MOD HomeBase, now’s the time to get in line.
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