Yakimas LockNLoad System | A wildly versatile Overland cargo rack

Just when I thought I had my Overland rig sorted out, Yakima comes out with a versatile new platform system. Designed with the Overland market in mind, the LockNLoad system provides a solid platform in which you can mount a roof top tent, lights, spare tire, recovery gear or a ton of other accessories. Well, not an actual metric ton but you know what I mean.

Although I use a bed rack system to carry my roof top tent and awning, I still had a fair amount of unused real estate on the roof of my Double cab Tundra. With six different sized LockNLoad platforms to choose from, I ended up selecting the 60″x54″ unit as it best matched the size and shape of my trucks roof. Once the platform was assembled, I installed the crossbars and towers in which the platform attaches. In my 25 years of installing Yakima products on vehicles, the interface just keeps getting better resulting in a rock solid installation.

LockNLoad Video Demo:

The LockNLoad platform, once installed, greatly expands the amount of real estate on your vehicle. Since my tent is mounted over the bed, I’ve decided to consolidate my recovery gear on the platform. Utilizing Yakimas constantly expanding menu of LockNLoad platform attachments, I was able to relocate the traction boards, a full sized shovel, Lifesaver Jerrycan and a HiLift jack (coming soon) on the roof. I accidentally ordered the wrong HiLift jack mount so I’ll cover that accessory in a follow-on article. I even used some accessory eyelets as tie-down points for my 270 degree awning.

With all of these additional items now mounted to the roof rack, I was a little concerned about the possibility of excessive wind noise. I know you’re probably laughing when you look at my truck with a roof top tent, awning, lights, tow mirrors, etc. Well it all adds up and I don’t feel the LockNLoad platform created a lot more noise to the existing symphony. The accessory fairing plays a large part in reducing the overall noise. As well as the smooth profile of the LockNLoad platform itself. At highway speeds, the Jerrycan seems to be the cause of some buffeting as it’s anything but aerodynamic.

Product Details:

• Attaches to your vehicle in one of two ways. Directly to an existing roof racks crossbars using LockNLoad™ Crossbar Clamps. Or directly to a StreamLine TimberberLine or SkyLine roof rack towers with the LockNLoad SL Adapter
• Designed and thoroughly tested in the rugged Australian Outback.​
• Yakima® Off-Road Rated to 165–330 lbs. (depending on vehicle fit and roof type).
• Side-to-side slats act like crossbars for easily mounting most bike, kayak, ski mounts and more.
• Integrated T-slots in every slat and outer frame, for simple and secure attachment of T-slot and LockNLoad™ accessories.
• Engineered aluminum construction features a textured black powder-coat finish for durability and style.
• Six platform sizes ensure a perfect fit on your vehicle for a customized look.
• Attaches to nearly any roof rack with LockNLoad™ Crossbar Clamps. This size platform requires 2 or 3 sets of LockNLoad Crossbar Clamps depending on vehicle fit and desired load capacity.
• Mounts directly to Yakima SkyLine™ and TimberLine™ towers with the LockNLoad SL Adapter. This size requires 2 or 3 sets of LockNLoad Crossbar Clamps. And 4 or 6 towers depending on vehicle fit and desired load capacity.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty.
• Full collection of new LockNLoad™ accessories available to compliment any adventure.

With the addition of the LockNLoad platform from Yakima Racks, our adventure possibilities now seem endless. In the past, my wife and I had to decide between bringing the mountain bikes or the kayaks when we head out for a long weekend in Northern Michigan. Now, I think we can have our cake and eat it too. I just need to find a way to mount my old school Yakima Mako Saddles to the platform and carry the boats on the roof. Then we’ll be able to use the hitch mounted HoldUp EVO to haul the mountain bikes. Stay tuned for that adventure in the spring…

Yakimas Herritage Story:

“Yakima has a history of making bold moves in the name of new horizons. We started as a small machine shop in our namesake city in Washington state. Then in 1979, Steve Cole and Don Banducci, hardcore kayakers and cyclists, acquired the company. By 1984, they put Yakima on the map at the Summer Olympics, decking out every race vehicle with original aerodynamic fairings. Today, we continue to lead the niche we helped establish so many decades ago. With the same enthusiasm for the widest skies and the open road.” -yakima.com