Recommended Hitch Extender for a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Carrying Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack
Question:
I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2Dr. I have a Poison Spyder Rock Brawler steel rear bumper with integral hitch manufacturer states that the hitch is for recovery purposes only, and is not for towing. 1. I was told that the steel hitch is at least as capable as the factory bolt on hitch, but that the process of getting a bumper certified for towing is costly and most aftermarket manufacturers include the disclaimer rather than pay - I have no idea, but since I do not tow with a Jeep when I have a truck, I really dont care. 2. I recently bought a Kuat NV2.0 Bike rack, and the rack weight empty is 53lbs. The rack is rated to carry two 2 bikes with a maximum load of 60lbs each, making the total ~173lbs. 3. None of my bikes weigh 60 lbs. 4. The reason I am writing is because I am unable to open the tailgate on my Jeep far enough to even open the rear window because the rack gets in the way. I think if I can get the rack back 5 inches or so, I will be OK. 5. I understand that any extender will cut the receiver capacity by 50, and that the total strength of the hitch will be the lesser of the two numbers factory hitch rating /extender rating. 6. That is where I got confused: - Curt item number C45791 seems to be the ticket, solid and well built, but the reviews said it rattles and to buy the Brophy 7 inch receiver instead with an anti-rattle pin - Roadmaster part number RM-071-1075 supposedly has a higher weight capacity but does that matter to me? - The Brophy hitch extender part number HE06 seems to be the best option because unless I am mistaken, the Jeep 2DR has a 2,500lb towing capacity at best, which would transfer into a 250lb tongue weight. Cutting that in half would mean that my tongue weight can be no more than 125 lbs. Maybe I am missing something, if the 4DR JK has a 3,500lb towing capacity, then I would opine that the bumpers being identical could each support 350 lbs, but the shorter wheelbase and lighter weight of the 2DR contributes to a lower towing capacity. Additionally, even at 350lb tongue weight, fully loaded, the 175lb rack should never pose a problem, or am I missing something?
asked by: Marc B
Expert Reply:
I can tell you have been doing some research and know what you are looking for.
Just as a blanket statement, any hitch extender will reduce the tongue weight of your trailer hitch receiver even if it has a higher weight capacity, like the Roadmaster Anti-Rattle Hitch Extender # RM-071-1075 that you referenced.
Both the Curt # C45791 and the Brophy # HE06 options will still cause some play by themselves because of the weight sitting further out from your trailer hitch pin hole.
What I recommend doing is using the Brophy option and then also using the Roadmaster Quiet Hitch # RM-061 to help eliminate any play in the hitch receiver.
As long as the 53 lbs of your Kuat NV 2.0, like part # NV22B, and the weight of your 2 bikes does not exceed the 125 lbs of tongue weight that you are reduced to using then you will be just fine. You will want to double check the tongue weight rating of your bumper just to make sure that it is rated properly as well. If you are getting to the max tongue weight then that can definitely play a role in bike rack movement, especially with the suspension on your Jeep.
One last note is that if your current hitch is not rated for towing then I would double check with the manufacturer to see if you can safely carry your NV 2.0 and your bikes.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 8 Inch Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs
- CURT
more information >
Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Metallic Black
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Roadmaster Quiet Hitch for 2" Trailer Hitches
- Hitch Anti-Rattle
- Standard Anti-Rattle
- Universal
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Sleeve Style
- Accessory Anti-Rattle
- Towing Anti-Rattle
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Anti-Rattle Hitch Extender for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 7-3/4" Extension
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Tow Bars
- 7-3/4 Inch Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 10000 lbs
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 7"
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 7-3/8 Inch Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs
- Brophy
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Swagman Quad 2+2 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Q&A: Hitch Extender Recommendation for a Jeep Wrangler for Bike Rack to Clear Spare
- Shop: Kuat Piston Pro X Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Shop: Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Matte Black
- Shop: Fender Straps for Kuat Piston Pro X Bike Rack - Qty 2
- Q&A: Hitch Lock For Kuat Beta For 2 Inch Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Matte Black
- Search Results: brophy hitch extension
- Video: Review of Kuat Fender Straps Piston Pro X Bike Rack - KU43VR
- Search Results: hollywood racks
- Shop: Kuat Piston Pro X Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Shop: Saris MHS DUO Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Video: Thule Spare Tire Bike Racks Review - 2016 Jeep Wrangler
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch Extender for Spare Tire Clearance on Jeep
- Q&A: Hitch extender, part #HE06 for bike rack to clear spare tire
- Search Results: c45791
- Search Results: brophy
- Search Results: hitch bike rack
- Q&A: Best Cargo Carrier for Overlanding with 2019 Jeep Wrangler JL
- Video: Review of Lets Go Aero Hitch Anti-Rattle - Standard Anti-Rattle - SHP2061
- Video: Hollywood Racks Destination E Bike Rack Review
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: bike rack
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Is It Better To Carry Bikes Behind Flat Towed Vehicle or Above Tow Bars?
- Video: Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE 2 Electric Bike Platform Rack Review
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: hitch bike racks
on Hitch Adapters
Bob F.
5/18/2020
I am interested in a Swagman Escapee bike carrier. I have a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. For sure I need a hitch extender to get past the spare tire, I am unsure how long it needs to be. Any suggestions ?