Bike Rack and Trailer Hitch Receiver to Clear Spare Tire on 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Question:

Im looking to get the TH83JV Thule bike rack. I have a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 75th Anniversary Edition. I currently do not have a hitch installed. Is there a hitch I could get to go along with this particular bike rack that would eliminate the need for a hitch extender to be able to fold the rack? I was looking at #76104 but seems the distance from the hitch pin hole to the end of the tire per one of your videos would be 5.5inch and the clearance on the rack when folded is 5

asked by: Heather

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite # DT78MR measures 6-1/2" from the front mounting plate to the edge of the receiver (see accompanying photo), and that is the longest hitch available for your 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. As you mentioned, the Thule T2 Classic 2 Bike Platform Rack # TH83JV measures 5" to the closest part of the rack when folded so there isn't going to be a hitch that lets you fold the rack up on a '16 Wrangler Unlimited.

That leaves you with a couple options - 1) Get the Thule T2 Pro XTR # TH83JVand not fold it up or 2) get a different rack similar to the T2 which has more clearance.

If you did not need a rack that will fit fat tires up to 5" like the T2, a great option to check out is the Yakima HoldUp 2 Bike Rack # Y02443 which is 7" to the closest part of the rack when folded. Just like the T2 Classic, the HoldUp is a wheel-mounted platform rack that has a weight capacity of 60 lbs per bike. It can be folded or tilted down and comes with integrated hitch and cable locks to secure the rack to your hitch and secure your bikes to the rack.

I have added links to video reviews of these racks for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Kyle S