Can Hitch Extender Be Used On 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited With Rear Spare For Bike Rack Clearance

Question:

I have a 15 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with an after market 2 inch hitch receiver. the opening is about even with the back of the bumper. I want to buy a Yakima Full Swing bike rack but it does not have enough clearance for the spare tire. Can i use a hitch extender to get the extra distance? - i need about 4-5 inches. Thanks

asked by: Gene R

Helpful Expert Reply:

Any time you use an extender in a trailer hitch you reduce the tongue weight and towing weight capacity by 50 percent. For the hitches we have available for your 2015 Wrangler Unlimited, the tongue weight capacity is 350 lbs. Cutting that in half would leave you 175 lbs you can place in the hitch.

The Yakima FullSwing 4 Bike Rack, part # Y02465 weighs approximately 56 lbs and has a weight capacity of 150 lbs. Placing 4 bikes in the rack would exceed the 175 lbs you are limited to with an extender. I may have a solution for you.

I recommend the Thule Apex Swing 4 Bike Rack, part # TH9027XT. This carrier has a distance of 12 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the upright bar on the carrier. This carrier has a 150 lb weight capacity for 4 bikes and the carrier weighs 42 lbs. Without the addition of an extender you would be well within the capacity of the hitch.

You can take a quick measurement of your Jeep with the rear mounted spare and see if the 14 inches would clear the spare. I have attached a helpful article that explains how to take that measurement.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L