Can I Cut the Upper Shank of the RV Rider # HLY64FR to Accommodate Spare Tire?
Question:
I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler unlimited JL, I bought this rack and Im a 1/2 inch from being perfect. I can push the high rack bar to line the holes up in the main shank bracket but it would be pushing into the spare tire. I have 2 heavy ebikes so cannot use an extension as that puts me over the 50 tongue weight of 175. I do not ever plan on leaving this rack in place and folding it up, I,ll either have it on to use or ill take it off when not needing it. I can for now take the spare tire off and put it in the back to get by, but I was thinking if I never am going to be folding what of I grind the end of the rack shank by 1/2 inch.....then it will clear the tire. Before I did that wanted to see what you folks thought and if that would hurt the integrity of the rack.
asked by: Todd P
Expert Reply:
This is a great question!
Ideally, we generally recommend not modifying any aspect of a bike rack like your RV Rider # HLY64FR. This is because manufacturers put the rack through strenuous testing under controlled conditions that test the integrity of the rack. For this reason, removing your tire is the safest route.
With that being said, since taking off 1/2" of the forward end of the upper shank does not interfere with any connection point, bolts, or hinges on the rack, you should be fine with removing that length from the shank to accommodate the spare tire on your Wrangler. However, we cannot confirm with certainty whether this small modification affects the integrity of the rack. It also may void any warranty that you have on the rack.
If a hitch extender is out of the question due to weight limitations, you can also consider upgrading your hitch. With the Draw-Tite - 2" # DT78MR, you won't have any interference with your spare tire. This is because the hitch pinhole only measures 6 inches from the face of your spare tire while installed on your 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler. I went ahead and attached a video of the hitch installed on a 2018 Jeep JK Wrangler to provide you with perspective.
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
- 4500 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 675 lbs WD TW
- No Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- RV and Camper Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- RV Hitch Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Fat Bikes
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Motorhome
- Fifth Wheel
- Flat-Towed Vehicle
- Hollywood Racks
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 1-1/4"
- Video: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Installation - 2017 Mini Cooper
- Shop: Replacement Hitch Tite Anti-Rattle Hitch Pin for Saris Bike Racks with 1-1/4" Shanks
- Shop: Replacement 2" Shank for Thule T2 and T2 Classic Bike Carriers
- Video: Review of Saris Saris Anti-Rattle Hitch Pin - SA3015
- Video: Review of Thule Replacement T2 and T2 Classic 2 Inch Shank - 753-3581
- Shop: Replacement Hitch Tite Anti-Rattle Hitch Pin for Saris Bike Racks with 2" Shanks
- Shop: Universal Change Key for Thule One Key Locks
- Shop: Replacement Lock Cylinder for Thule Racks and Carriers - N193
- Shop: Replacement Lock Cylinder for Thule Racks and Carriers - N027
- Video: Thule Roof Rack 853-1251 Review
- Q&A: Can Trailer Mounted Bike Rack # CC-275 Be Cut Shorter?
- Search Results: 44649
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 68149
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Search Results: 25580
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement for Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Search Results: dust cap
on RV and Camper Bike Racks
