Recommended Spare Tire Bike Rack to Fit a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Question:

I have a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with a trailer hitch. My tire size is a BF Goodrich LT255 75R17. The diameter of the tire from the outside surface is 32 inches. Do you know of a spare tire mounted bike carrier? Also, my Wrangler is a 2008 2 door version. Does Yakima have any roof products would allow me to put dome bars on top of the hard top roof? I think I saw you guys have a rail system for the 4 door hard top...what about the two door? Thanks!

asked by: John E

Expert Reply:

Your best bet would be the Thule Spare Me 2 Bike Rack, part # TH963PRO. This rack will fit tires with a maximum diameter of 32 inches, and up to 10 inches wide. The maximum distance from the rear of the wheel (the portion that would rest against the hub when installed) to the farthest wall of the tire can be no more than 4 inches.

If your spare meets those criteria, the Thule rack should work for you. Another option would be to utilize your hitch for a hitch mounted bike rack.

As far as your roof rack goes, if your hard top has the rain gutters, you could use the Yakima 1A Raingutter Towers, part # Y00101. This includes 4 of the towers. You would also need two of the Yakima 58 inch bars, part # Y00409.

I am including links to the installation instructions for the Spare Me bike rack, and also to some additional information on roof racks, if needed.

expert reply by: Mike L