Recommended Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack to Clear Spare Tire and Allow Rear Door to Open on Jeep Wrangler

Question:

Can you tell me if this rack will clear the spare on a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Chief edition? Also, will the tailgate be able to swing open? My wife and I need to transport two Electra 3 speed cruisers on the back of our Jeep. Thank you,

asked by: Damon B

Expert Reply:

In order to determine if the Saris Freedom 2 Bike Platform Rack # SA4412B will clear the spare tire on your 2017 Jeep Wrangler, you will just need to take one important measurement. You will need to measure from the center of the hitch pin hole on your vehicle straight back to the distance needed to clear the spare tire.

The closest part of the Saris Freedom to the hitch pin hole 12 inches. As long as the measurement you took on your Jeep is less than 12 inches, there will be no interference between the rack and your spare tire.

The Saris Freedom is not able to tilt down and away from the vehicle to allow for rear cargo access, however.

Your best option for a bike rack that will allow you to swing open the rear door on your Wrangler is going to be a swinging rack like the RockyMounts BackStage 2 Bike Platform Rack # RKY10002. This 2-bike, platform style rack features a swing-away design that will move the rack out and away from the rear of your vehicle, allowing you to open the rear cargo door. It has a weight capacity of 60 pounds per bike. The closest part of the rack when folded up for storage is 7 inches.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this bike rack so you can get a closer look at its features and how it operates.

expert reply by: Chris R