Recommended Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack to Clear Spare Tire on 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

Question

Question:

Looking for hitch mount bike rack recommendations - 2 bikes - Jeep 2017 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Hitch: OEM Class 2 Receiver Center of hitchpin, approximately 8.5 inches Current tire size: 255 75 17 – may go to a bigger tire down the road What do you suggest - Thank You - please provide more than 1 suggestion

asked by: Steve H

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Expert Reply:

There are many hitch-mounted bike rack options for the Class II Trailer Hitch on your 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon.

For a hanging rack, I recommend the Swagman Trailhead 2 Bike Rack # S63360. This rack can hold up to 2 bikes of 35 pounds each. Anti-sway cradles will secure your bikes to the rack using durable rubber straps. The rack can tilt away from the vehicle after the bikes are unloaded for easy rear cargo access. The distance between the center of the hitch pin hole to the upright bar on this bike rack is 11 inches. This is more than enough to completely clear the spare tire on your Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. I recommend adding the Locking Anti-Rattle, Threaded Hitch Pin # S64029 and a Cable Lock like the etrailer.com # e98891 to secure both the rack to the hitch and the bikes to the rack.

If you plan on carrying any women's children's or alternative frame bikes with this hanging rack, you may need to use an adapter bar like the Swagman # 64005. This will provide a horizontal mounting point for level transport of your bikes.

For a platform style bike-rack that will clear your Jeep's spare tire, I recommend looking at the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider # HR200Z. This rack will support your bikes by their wheels and can carry 2 bikes of up to 45 pounds each. The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of the wheel loop is 12-1/8 inches. This is plenty to clear your spare tire, however keep in mind that with platform bike racks, there is a small chance that once mounted, the bike pedals may come in contact with the tire. For this rack, I recommend using the Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock and Cable Lock # HRLHPTC to deter theft of the rack and bikes.

I have attached video demonstrations for both of these racks for you to check out.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Answer 1

We have the Hollywood Racks RV Rider part #HLY64FR which has the best clearance for fitting past the rear spare of a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. If you check out the picture I attached you can see that it has plenty of clearance without using a hitch…

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Answer 2

For your 2016 Jeep Wrangler with big tires, any bike rack will need a little help. I recommend the Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Trailer Hitches - 14" Long #C45795 which will decrease your hitch's tongue weight rating by 50% but will still…

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Answer 3

For most Jeep Wrangler applications the Brophy Hitch Extender part #HE06 which provides 7-5/8 inches of additional length to the hitch would work well. I attached a review video that shows it being used in a similar Wrangler as yours. You should note…

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Answer 4

The Thule T2 Pro XTR part #TH69TX has 7 inches between the pin and the nearest rail when folded down but only 5 inches when folded up so it would easily clear when folded down. You can use these measures on your vehicle and the video to see what you…

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Answer 5

The use of a hitch extender like the Curt Hitch Extender part #C45791 on a bike rack like the Yakima HoldUp 2 Bike Rack part #Y02443 is not a good idea because it moves the weight away for the vehicle further which then in turn reduces the weight…

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Answer 6

I suggest the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver, #e98856 for your 2022 Jeep Wrangler. This is a fully welded Class III trailer hitch that bolts onto your Jeep Wrangler's frame with no welding required. It has a 9" long receiver tube that helps…

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 10

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 11

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 12

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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