Spare Tire Clearance of Thule Vertex 4 for a 2012 Jeep Wrangler with Oversized Spare

Question:

Trying to determine if rack will fit on my 2012 Jeep Wrangler with oversize spare. Distance from center of pin to outside of spare is 11 1/2 inches. Im aware I may not be able to fully access the rear of my Jeep, but Im just not sure I want a swing rack. I tried the Yakima Ridgeback 2 and it cleared the spare. Im not sure, however, if the Ridgeback line is as good as the Vertex line based on my reading of user reviews.

asked by: Harold S

Expert Reply:

I was able to go out to the demonstration bay and measure the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the head of the Thule Apex 4 # TH9025XT for you. I got a distance of 9-1/4 inches which is not going to fit your 11-1/2 inch clearance needed for your oversized tire.

The Apex Swing # TH9027XT will most certainly clear your spare and then you will have access to the rear because it has a distance of 14 inches, but I understand the decision dilemma. The deciding factor for me between the Yakima and Thule racks which are very comparable is quality is the bike cradles. The zip strips are neat but will easily be lost because they are not more securely connected to one side of the rack, the Thule cradles have room for the brake wires to prevent any damage and the anti-sway cradle is more robust for better bike frame securing. If it were me, I would go with the Vertex Swing # TH9031XT.

If you plan on transporting any alternative framed bikes like many women's bikes are you will also need the use of an adapter bar like the # Y02531 to mount them properly in the bike rack.

I have linked all the above mentioned products to this page for your convenience.

expert reply by: Jackie C