Recommended Carrier for 3 Bikes on 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

We do offer spare-tire-mount bike carriers that can transport 3 bikes but all of these will place that significant weight load on your spare tire mount, which was really designed to handle the weight of the tire, not the tire plus 100-lbs+ of bikes and rack. The best option is to install a 2-inch Class III hitch # 13432 and use a 2-inch Class III hitch rack. This way the weight load of the bikes and rack is on the Jeep's frame, its strongest part, rather than on the tire mount.

The linked page will show you all 3-bike hitch racks that fit this hitch. For an economical hanging style rack you can use the Swagman Original # S64152-2. I own this rack and while it does not have some of the fancier features of others, it is nicely made and sturdy enough for me to transport 3 adult mountain bikes. If you like you can add an anti-rattle hitch lock # S64027 and a cable lock # e98891 or simple padlock to secure the bikes to the carrier.

There is one clearance measurement you'll want to keep in mind as you consider rack options. You can measure from the center of the hitch pin hole to the rearmost part of the Jeep's spare tire to see how much clearance you need from a bike rack. The linked article explains how to take this measurement. In the case of the Swagman Original, the rack provides 14-inches of clearance from its hitch pin hole to the upright bar, enough to clear even wide spare tires.

expert reply by: Adam R

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