Recommended Trailer Hitch And Platform Bike Rack For 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Question:

Hello, Was inquiring about the Kuat 4 bike rack N105-107. I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. In the jeep photos displayed for this rack it shows an extended hitch installed on the jeep itself. Is it part # 75515 that you also show listed on the website? Im looking for a platform rack like Kuat without using a hitch extension. My current hitch only extends flush to rear bumper. Thanks,

asked by: Randy T

Expert Reply:

The trailer hitch on the 2015 Wrangler Unlimited in the video is the Draw-Tite trailer hitch, part # 75515.

There is a pretty big difference in trailer hitches for the Jeep. The # 36424 has a distance of 7-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the rear-mounted spare tire. Another hitch we offer is the Curt, part # 13432 that has a distance of 12-1/2 inches from the hitch pin hole to the back of the spare. That does mean a lot when considering a hitch mounted accessory. You can use a hitch extender like part # e88YR but when using any extension in a trailer hitch it reduces the capacity of the hitch by 50 percent.

The best way to find an accessory that will work with the spare tire is to take a quick measurement. 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. The size of the spare tire can make a big difference when measuring for clearance.

Since you said the end of your receiver is flush with the back bumper, it makes it tough to find any carrier that has the length you need to clear the spare tire. I recommend changing out the trailer hitch and going with the # 36424 .

The Kuat NV 4 Bike Platform Rack, part # NV22G-NA22G is loaded with great features and is versatile so you can use it as a 2-bike rack or with the included add-on you can carry 4 bikes. The distance form the center of the hitch pin hole is 10-1/2 inches when it is folded down and 7 inches when it is folded up. The capacity of this bike carrier is 60-lbs per bike and the rack itself with the add-on is 79-lbs. This bike rack has locks that secure the rack to the vehicle and also retractable cable locks that secure the bikes to the rack. You can even tilt the rack away form the back of the vehicle with the bikes loaded for rear cargo access.