I initially bought a full set up of the swing away base with the cargo box and the second level with a cargo rack. I also was a little concerned about bounce. I love the swing away system. But I found that set up was too much space and invited overpacking. The second level arms are really heavy too so I thought I could get creative within the weight limits of the swing away base. I returned the box and second level frame ( so far have kept cargo rack but not used much).
inspired by post 42 above, I got “replacement” cleats and made a sort of gear / chuck box. It’s an aluminum truck box on 3/4 ply - wide enough to hold jerry cans on either side - that is drilled to allow bolts to the cleats. Made some shelves and storage boxes on the inside - kaizen foam on the bottom cut to hold stove and other gear. It is still a work in progress and may eventually get some legs. So far I’ve just lifted it off and set it on the picnic table at public campsites. It’s so nice to flip in the swing base arms to make the base smaller. Side tables are also in the design phase (but i just got a canoe trailer and may modify the set up) I have over 10k miles on the exo system and am a happy customer so far.
like pounce, I want to like the new open range more than I do. Like the innovation, but not sure dimensions, capacity, weight, and cost make sense for me. I’m on the fence if I would consider purchasing down the road or continue with a diy approach.
bottom line - I think the base is really solid and the cleats open a world of opportunity for diy.