Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2013 Jeep Wrangler to Use with Electric Bikes and Bike Rack

Question:

On my 2013 Jeep Wrangler I have a hitch that has a tongue weight of 200 pounds. I also installed a 4inch adapter to carry my bike rack with two bikes. Worlds great but now Im wanting to carry heavier electric bikes and I am concerned that I may need another hitch with higher tongue weight rating or another receiver with a higher TW. I know if I use an adapter the tongue weight is cut in half. My question is should I get another adapter or another hitch rated class 2 or 3. My rack and bikes weigh a total of 150 pounds. Thank you

asked by: Leah

Helpful Expert Reply:

Going with a higher rated trailer hitch for your 2013 Jeep Wrangler will be your best option for transporting your heavier electric bikes. If you are needing to use your existing hitch adapter, this is going to reduce the tongue weight capacity of your current hitch to 100 pounds, which cannot safely support the combined weight of your rack and bikes.

Another factor I recommend verifying is the tongue weight capacity of your Jeep itself. Based on my research, the tongue weight capacity of your Jeep Wrangler is between 200-350 pounds, depending on the type of engine it has. This information can be found in your copy of the owner's manual. You will always be limited by a system's weakest component, which means even if you find a higher rated trailer hitch, you will still need to stay under the vehicle's limit if it is lower than the hitch.

For a higher rated, Class III trailer hitch, I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # DT78MR. This will provide a 2 inch receiver opening and a tongue weight capacity of 675 pounds (remembering to still adhere to your vehicle's capacity). This hitch is confirmed to fit your Jeep Wrangler and I have attached the installation details that you can check out.

Lastly, since you are moving to heavier bikes, I recommend verifying that your existing rack (if you did not obtain a new one) is capable of safely supporting their weight. Most bike racks are not designed to transport heavier e-bikes and typically a specialized bike rack like the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider # HLY84FR is needed. This rack is specifically designed for electric bikes and can handle 2 bikes at 80 pounds each.

expert reply by: Chris R