Spare tire clearance for 2012 Jeep Wrangler with rear mounted spare tire.

Question:

Does this bike rack extend far enough out from the 2inch hitch receiver on a 2012 Jeep Wrangler to clear the rear, outside mounted spare tire? I do not want to use a bike rack that mounts to the spare tire if possible.

asked by: Jack G

Expert Reply:

The best way to determine if a bike rack will clear the spare on a Jeep Wrangler is to measure from the center of the hitch pin hole on the trailer hitch to the back edge of the spare tire (see photo). We list this dimension on all of our bike rack product pages. We recommend measuring because this dimension can be different depending on the brand of the trailer hitch and the width of the spare tire.

For example, we installed a Curt Class III trailer hitch, # 13432, and this dimension was 10 inches with a factory size spare tire. We also installed the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver, # DT78MR, and this same dimension was 6 inches with the spare tire.

The Swagman XC 2-Bike Platform Bike Rack, # S64650, that you are interested in measures 10-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest wheel hoop. This bike rack will probably clear your spare tire, but you will want to keep in mind that the pedal of the inside bike may hit the spare tire.

Another platform bike rack to consider is the Hollywood racks Trail Rider, # HR200Z. This bike rack measures 12-1/8 inches to the closest wheel hoop. If these bike racks will not work, you may want to consider a hanging style bike rack like the Swagman Trailhead 2 Bike Rack, # S63360. It measures 11 inches from the hitch pin hole to the upright bar, but you do not have to worry about clearance for the bike pedals.

I have attached review videos for each of the bike racks I mentioned for you to check out.