Will Trailer Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Clear Spare Tire on 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Question:

I have from center of hitch pin to outside of the spare tire 11 1/2inch will either #C18151 or #e98874 work without hitting the spare tide and fold up and lock in place.

asked by: Craig P

Expert Reply:

Since your 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has 11-1/2 inches from the hitch pin hole to the furthest rearward part of the spare tire, you will need a cargo carrier with a shank that is longer than 11-1/2 inches.

Our carrier that extends the furthest is the etrailer cargo carrier, # e98874, which you referenced. When the carrier is down it measures 19-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole. When this carrier folds up the clearance is 9-1/2 inches, so the cargo carrier will not clear the spare tire in the folded up position.

The Curt cargo carrier, # C18151, which you also referenced, has a distance from center of hitch pin hole to closest edge of carrier of 9 inches when folded up, so it will not clear the spare tire either.

You would be able to use both of these carrier folded down, but not folded up, unless you removed the spare tire.

With any cargo carrier or accessory, I do not recommend using an extension because it will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent.

I have included a FAQ article on determining clearance on a vehicle with a spare tire that you can check out as well as video reviews of these carriers.