PakMule
PakMule is a Texas-based manufacturer of 100% aluminum hitch-mounted cargo carriers serving outdoor recreation consumers in the United States. It sells patented SCOUT, PRO, and MOTOMULE carriers through DTC e-commerce and a network of 60+ authorized dealers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersHouston, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What PakMule does
PakMule, LLC is a Texas-based manufacturer of heavy-duty hitch-mounted cargo carriers serving outdoor recreation and powersports consumers in the United States. Founded in 2012 by Kansas Sartin and formally launched in 2017, the company designs, hand-welds, and assembles 100% aluminum cargo carriers out of its New Braunfels, Texas headquarters at 5669 Safari Dr. Suite 101. The product line centers on three core hitch-mounted carriers — the PAKMULE PRO (heavy-duty flagship), SCOUT (best-selling, lightweight, with interchangeable Straight, 4-inch Riser, and 7-inch Riser tongues), and MOTOMULE (motorcycle hauler with integrated 64-inch sliding ramp and adjustable wheel chock) — built around a patented STABLELOK anti-wobble locking pin system that threads through the vehicle hitch into a solid 1.5-inch threaded aluminum insert to eliminate slop. A modular accessories ecosystem includes MULEstraps, BIKE BIT and FAT TIRE BIKE BIT bike mounts, the STIRRUP hitch step, MOTOMULE Gear Trays, replacement tongues, the Cinch Lock anti-theft device, traction pads, and a line of waterproof Rugged Cases ranging from 55L to 160L.
The company operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce model at pakmule.com with buy-online-pick-up-in-store at its New Braunfels HQ, complemented by a network of over 60 authorized retail dealers across the United States including powersports dealers (Ajax Motorsports), RV dealers (D&H RV & Marine), outdoor outfitters (Green Top Hunt & Fish, Mule Expedition Outfitters), and automotive accessory shops (Master Hitch). Pricing for core cargo carriers ranges from approximately $795 to $1,420 depending on configuration (aluminum vs. black finish, tongue type, hitch pin), with accessories priced between $8.50 and $275. There is no recurring or subscription revenue; all sales are one-time hardware purchases. Marketing is driven by content (the Pakmule Adventures blog and product education content), organic social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube), customer reviews (236 reviews and 98% five-star rating on the Scout; 23 reviews and 91% five-star on the MOTOMULE), and earned media in Car and Driver, Outside Online, Men's Journal, Popular Mechanics, MotorTrend, Field & Stream, and Bikerumor.
Customer segments are horizontal across outdoor recreation: overland and road-trip enthusiasts (primary), motorcycle riders, hunters and anglers, and UTV/compact vehicle owners. In April 2023, PakMule filed an SEC Regulation D Rule 506(b) exempt offering for up to $1.6 million in equity interests in a pooled investment fund, with approximately $539,460 sold as of the filing date. The company is founder-controlled, has 1-10 employees, and maintains a USA-only geographic footprint with no public ticker or institutional venture backing.
PakMule firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PakMule
- Legal name
- PAKMULE, LLC
- Website
- https://pakmule.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- PakMule is a Texas-based manufacturer of 100% aluminum hitch-mounted cargo carriers serving outdoor recreation consumers in the United States. It sells patented SCOUT, PRO, and MOTOMULE carriers through DTC e-commerce and a network of 60+ authorized dealers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where PakMule is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Houston
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
PakMule business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: One-time purchase of aluminum cargo carriers, motorcycle haulers, and accessories. Products are sold at fixed price points with various configuration options. No subscription or recurring revenue model.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | PAKMULE SCOUT - Best-selling cargo carrier |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | PAKMULE MOTOMULE - Motorcycle hauler with integrated ramp |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | PAKMULE PRO - Heavy-duty cargo carrier |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Attachments and Accessories |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels9 records
PakMule product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PakMule designs, manufactures, and sells heavy-duty hitch-mounted aluminum cargo carriers and motorcycle haulers under the PAKMULE PRO, PAKMULE SCOUT, and PAKMULE MOTOMULE product lines. All carriers feature 100% aluminum construction and the patented STABLELOK anti-wobble locking pin system, and are complemented by a range of accessories such as MULEstraps, Cinch Lock, BIKE BIT, gear trays, and rugged storage cases. Products are sold direct-to-consumer via pakmule.com and through a 60+ authorized dealer network across the United States.
Product overview
PakMule is a Texas-based manufacturer of heavy-duty hitch-mounted cargo carriers and outdoor adventure gear. The product portfolio centers on three core cargo carrier models (PRO, SCOUT, and MOTOMULE) that share a common 100% aluminum construction, patented STABLELOK anti-wobble technology, and USA manufacturing. The PRO serves as the heavy-duty flagship, the SCOUT is the lightweight best-seller with interchangeable tongue heights, and the MOTOMULE specializes in motorcycle transport with an integrated loading ramp. These core carriers are complemented by a broad ecosystem of accessories including mounting hardware (MULEstraps, Cinch Lock), vehicle-specific attachments (BIKE BIT variants, STIRRUP step), specialized trays (MOTOMULE Gear Tray in Regular/XL sizes), replacement tongues, and a line of waterproof Rugged Cases ranging from 55L to 160L capacity. The modular design philosophy allows customers to customize carriers for specific vehicles and use cases.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- PAKMULE PRO: Heavy-duty aluminum hitch cargo carrier with high load capacity, featuring patented anti-wobble STABLELOK technology.
- PAKMULE SCOUT
- PAKMULE MOTOMULE
- STABLELOK
- MULEstraps
Products and services
- PAKMULE PRO Heavy-duty aluminum hitch cargo carrier designed for SUVs, trucks, and Jeeps, featuring patented STABLELOK anti-wobble technology, high load capacity, and 100% aluminum construction. Priced $1,045-$1,220 depending on configuration.
- PAKMULE SCOUT Best-selling aluminum hitch cargo carrier with 500lb load capacity, built-in anti-wobble STABLELOK technology, and interchangeable tongue options (Straight, 4-inch Riser, 7-inch Riser) for vehicle compatibility. Priced $795-$1,120 depending on finish and configuration.
- PAKMULE MOTOMULE Motorcycle hauler with integrated 64-inch sliding ramp, adjustable wheel chock, and 1.5-inch cam buckle strapping system. Carries bikes up to 500lbs with 100% aluminum construction. Priced $1,395-$1,420 depending on tongue length, pin type, and strap color.
- PAKMULE STABLELOK Anti-Wobble Hitch Pin Patented anti-wobble hitch pin system with stainless steel threaded locking pin that threads through the hitch receiver into a solid 1.5-inch threaded aluminum insert in the carrier tongue, eliminating slop and wobble. Sold as a standalone upgrade for cargo carriers and trailer hitches.
- MULEstraps Cargo Tie-Down Straps Heavy-duty tie-down straps for securing cargo on PAKMULE carriers and similar hitch-mounted platforms. Priced $45-$65.
- STIRRUP Cargo Hitch Step Cargo hitch step providing additional step functionality for accessing vehicle roof racks and cargo areas when hitch-mounted carriers are installed. Priced $125.
- BIKE BIT and FAT TIRE BIKE BIT Bike Rack Attachments Bike rack attachment add-ons for carrying standard and fat tire bicycles on PAKMULE hitch-mounted carriers. BIKE BIT priced $85-$125 and FAT TIRE BIKE BIT priced $95-$145.
- Cinch Lock Anti-Theft Locking Mechanism Anti-theft locking mechanism for securing PAKMULE carriers in vehicle hitch receivers, preventing unauthorized removal of the carrier.
- MOTOMULE Gear Tray Bolt-on aluminum storage tray for MOTOMULE, available in Regular (21.75 x 13.5 inches) and XL (45.75 x 13.5 inches) sizes for carrying gas cans, coolers, and gear alongside motorcycles.
- MOTOMULE Tongue Replacement or upgrade tongue for MOTOMULE, available in Standard (23-inch pin hole to center of moto tray) and Short (17-inch) lengths. Priced $295.
- SCOUT Tongue and Risers Interchangeable hitch tongues for SCOUT carrier: Straight Hitch Tongue (500lb capacity), 4-inch Riser Hitch Tongue (300lb capacity), and 7-inch Riser Hitch Tongue (300lb capacity) for compatibility with different vehicle heights and clearances.
- Rugged Cases (Waterproof Storage Cases) Line of waterproof rugged storage cases available in 55L, 66L, 86L, 95L, 105L, 128L (rolling), and 160L capacities for protecting gear during outdoor and adventure use.
Quantifiable outcome
- 98% 5-star rating on Scout carrier with 236 reviews
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use PakMule
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
PakMule technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
PakMule partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor.
- Ajax MotorsportsminorAuthorized dealer in Oklahoma City, OK specializing in powersports vehicles and accessories. Provides local sales and support for PakMule products.
- American Van WorksminorAuthorized dealer in Stanton, CA specializing in camper vans and vehicle modifications. Provides local sales and installation support.
- Green Top Hunt & FishminorAuthorized dealer in Ashland, VA specializing in hunting and fishing gear. Natural fit for PakMule cargo carriers.
- Master Hitch (Houston & Spring)minorAuthorized dealer with two Texas locations (Houston Galleria area and Spring, TX) specializing in hitch accessories and vehicle equipment.
- D&H RV & MarineminorAuthorized dealer in Apex, NC specializing in RV and marine accessories. Provides local sales for PakMule products in North Carolina.
- Mule Expedition OutfittersminorAuthorized dealer with locations in Tualatin, OR and Issaquah, WA specializing in overland and expedition equipment. Natural brand alignment with PakMule's adventure positioning.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
PakMule competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Yakima: Category-leading US rack and cargo-carrier brand with broad hitch-mounted cargo solutions. Direct overlap with PakMule's PRO and SCOUT products and explicit evidence of customers defecting from Yakima to PakMule.
- Rhino-Rack: Australian manufacturer of roof racks, hitch carriers, and overland accessories. Closely comparable in outdoor/adventure positioning and aluminum construction approach.
- Kuat: Premium US bike and cargo rack brand selling through specialty dealers. Comparable premium pricing, dealer-channel GTM, and adventure/outdoor consumer positioning.
- 1UP USA: Premium aluminum bike rack manufacturer known for rugged construction and Made-in-USA positioning. Highly comparable brand narrative and dealer-channel distribution.
- MaxxHaul: Value-oriented cargo carrier and hitch accessory brand serving the same end use case as PakMule, but at lower price points and broader retail distribution.
- Hollywood Racks: Established US bike and cargo rack brand distributed through sporting goods and outdoor retail. Overlaps with PakMule's dealer footprint and target outdoor recreation consumer.
- Rola: Cargo management brand offering hitch-mounted carriers and roof cargo boxes. Direct product overlap with PakMule's core hitch cargo carriers.
Broad incumbents
- Thule: Global Swedish brand with a wide portfolio of vehicle racks, hitch cargo carriers, and outdoor transport solutions. Competes with PakMule across multiple price tiers and geographies.
- CURT Manufacturing: Large US manufacturer of hitches, towing accessories, and cargo management products. Overlaps with PakMule's hitch-mount category and broader towing ecosystem.
- Reese: Major towing, hitch, and cargo management brand (WesCom Signal Group). Competes in adjacent hitch accessory categories and shares the dealer/wholesale channel.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
PakMule social profiles
Digital presencePakMule financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PakMule leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
PakMule funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PakMule M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PakMule
What does PakMule do?
PakMule designs, manufactures, and sells heavy-duty hitch-mounted aluminum cargo carriers and motorcycle haulers under the PAKMULE PRO, PAKMULE SCOUT, and PAKMULE MOTOMULE product lines. All carriers feature 100% aluminum construction and the patented STABLELOK anti-wobble locking pin system, and are complemented by a range of accessories such as MULEstraps, Cinch Lock, BIKE BIT, gear trays, and rugged storage cases. Products are sold direct-to-consumer via pakmule.com and through a 60+ authorized dealer network across the United States.
Is PakMule a public or private company?
PakMule is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was PakMule founded?
PakMule was founded in 2012. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is PakMule based?
PakMule is headquartered in Houston, United States, in the North America region.
How does PakMule make money?
One revenue line is on record: hardware Sales.
Who are PakMule's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Yakima, Rhino-Rack, Kuat, 1UP USA, MaxxHaul, Hollywood Racks and Rola. Broad incumbents are Thule, CURT Manufacturing and Reese.
Does PakMule have an API?
No public API is recorded for PakMule.