Hitch-Mounted Wheelchair Carrier Recommendation For 2013 Jeep Wrangler

Question:

Im needing a wheelchair carrier for my Jeep Wrangler. Any suggestions as to which carrier would work? I have the spare tire on back.

asked by: Allyson L

Expert Reply:

There are a couple of things you will need to consider to be able to carry a cargo carrier on the back of your 2013 Jeep Wrangler.

From my research it looks like the tongue weight capacity for your Wrangler is 200 lbs. That would be the weight of the carrier added to the weight of any cargo placed in the carrier.

Next you will want to know the clearance from the back of the vehicle or spare tire for any hitch mounted accessory. You will need a tape measure and a straight edge like a yardstick or a dowel. Place the straight edge vertically against the back of the spare tire, letting it extend below the trailer hitch receiver opening. Then measure from the center of the hitch pin to the straight edge. This will give you the distance you need to clear the spare tire. I have attached a helpful article that explains how to measure for clearance for a rear mounted cargo carrier.

If you do not have a hitch on the back of your Wrangler I recommend part # 13432. This is a Class lll hitch and has a 2-inch receiver opening.

The wheelchair carrier I recommend is the Flint Hill Goods Carrier, part # FHG77ZR. This carrier has and interior measure of 48" long x 28" wide x 5" deep and includes a ramp that is 48 X 28 inches. The distance from the center of the hitch pin to the closest edge of the carrier is 14 inches. This carrier weighs approximately 80 lbs, so if your wheelchair weighs less than 120 lbs you should be good to go. I chose this carrier because of the 14 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of the carrier and the 48" ramp. However, if you carrier is over 120 pounds, I have one more option for you.

You could see if the Flint Hill Goods Carrier # FHG67ZR would work. It weighs only 54.5 pounds. This would allow you to carry a wheelchair up to 200-54.5 = 145.5 pounds. The downside of this carrier is that the ramp is only 40 inches long, which makes it a little steeper than a 48" ramp or a 60" ramp of the heavier carriers. You will need to determine if these aspects will work for you. I have attached a video to help you decide.

If you have a powered wheelchair and it is heavier than the 145.5 pounds, just let me know and I can make some recommendations that may work for you.