Cargo Carrier Options for Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to Keep Rear of Vehicle Accessible
Question:
Hello, I just purchased a 2018 JL Wrangler. With the soft top and a large dog, Im looking for a hitch cargo carrier that will allow me to open the tailgate enough to let my dog jump in. The reviews Ive seen mostly show that youre unable to open the gate because the spare tire hits the carrier. Any ideas? Thanks so much!
asked by: Tyler S
Expert Reply:
I understand your cargo carrying requirements and I can relate to the dog-friendliness requirement too. I have a suggestion that will let you approach this need from a literally different angle: a front-mount hitch.
Draw-Tite front-mount hitch # 65079 will fit your 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler Unlimited if it has the standard factory front bumper. This 2-inch hitch installs without drilling using included hardware and just a bit of fascia trimming will be needed.
The advantages of a front hitch are numerous: you retain full rear-of-vehicle access for the pooch and cargo items; the rear hitch remains available for towing; the front hitch enables you to use a 2-inch cargo carrier like # 63153, a bike rack like # TH934XTR or even a snowplow like # K2AVAL8219. And if you happen to own a trailer the front hitch makes it much easier to maneuver the trailer in and out of its storage position and into just the right spot at the campsite.
We do offer a swing-away cargo carrier from Yakima, part # Y62VR that swings over to the passenger side when you need rear-of-vehicle access. However, the total cost for the front hitch # 65079 and cargo carrier # 63153 is a fraction of the cost of this swinging carrier; plus the hitch/metal basket combination will let you carry a lot more weight, over 400-lbs, while the Yakima EXO is limited to 100-lbs.
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Front Receiver Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Front Mount Hitch
- 500 lbs Vert Load
- 9000 lbs Line Pull
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Square Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Detail K2 Snowplow for 2" Hitches - 82" Wide x 19" Tall
- Snow Plow
- Vehicle Snowplow
- Adjustable Blade - 3 Angles
- 82 Inch Wide
- 19 Inch Tall
- Steel Blade
- Wireless Remote and In-Cab Switch
- Steel Cutting Edge
- Fits 2 Inch Receiver
- Detail K2
more information >
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Yakima EXO Swing Away Enclosed Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches - 10 cu ft - 100 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Enclosed Carrier
- Swing Away Carrier
- 23 inch Wide
- Light Duty
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 60 Inch Long
- Class III
- Class IV
- Steel
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
24x60 Reese Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - 500 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Fixed Carrier
- 24 Inch Wide
- Heavy Duty
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 60 Inch Long
- Class III
- Class IV
- Steel
- Reese
more information >
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