Thule Helium Aero 3 Bike Rack on 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Question:

I would like to use this rack on a jeep wrangler. I am willing to use an extension on the hitch. Can you tell me what the measurement is from the top of the hitch receiver to the lever that tilts this rack?

asked by: Barry

Expert Reply:

What I can do is give you the distances of the Thule Helium Aero 3 TH9043 from the center of its hitch pin hole to various parts of the rack. It is 11-1/4" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the lever of the Helium Aero 3, as you can see in the accompanying photo.

You can use a hitch extender such as the 7" Brophy # HE06 but keep in mind that any extender will reduce your Jeep's tongue weight capacity by 50 percent, although with the Helium Aero 3 # TH9043 weighing just under 20 lbs and having a 35 lb per bike weight capacity it should not be an issue for you, assuming your Jeep has a hitch with a tongue weight rating of at least 300 lbs, which is likely.

The other thing you want to keep in mind is that when using any hanging rack like the Helium Aero 3 TH9043 you'll need bike frame adapter bar # TH982XT if your bike is dual-suspension, has a step-through frame or you want to carry a small children's bike. The bar will give those bikes a horizontal mounting point so they can be carried by the rack.

expert reply by: Kyle S