Hitch Extender for a Jeep Wrangler and Cargo Carrier to Clear Spare Tire

Question:

Im looking at getting a hitch extender in order to put a cargo basket on the rear of my jeep wrangler and not have the spare tire in the way. Is there one that you recommend?

asked by: Nick S

Expert Reply:

We have a lot of hitch extenders, see link, but keep in mind that when you use a hitch extender it will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent. So for example if the tongue weight capacity of your hitch is 350 pounds and you use an extender that capacity drops to 175 pounds. That means the combined weight of the cargo carrier and cargo cannot exceed 175 pounds in this scenario.

Another option is to multipurpose ball mount # D210. Since this is a ball mount with a receiver welded on top it does not reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch. The receiver part is 5 inches back from the center of the hitch pin hole. The overall amount of extension is 7-1/2 inches. I have included a picture so you can see various measurements to determine if the receiver part will clear your spare tire.

If you do not already have a cargo carrier then another option is a carrier that extends out far enough itself to clear the spare tire. Cargo carrier # 63153 measures 12-3/4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the nearest edge of the carrier. The etrailer carrier # e98874 extends 19-1/2" when in use and 9-1/2" when folded up. I have linked videos for these carriers for you.

expert reply by: Michael H