Troubleshooting Spare Tire Bike Rack Not Fitting Over Jeep Wrangler Spare Tire
Question:
Hello The bike rack appears to mount onto the tire fine, the problem begins when I attempt to open up the actual bike rack arm to its horizontal position. It opens up about 95 of the way but then it hits the top of the tire and needs about another 1/4 inch to fully open and lock into place. Do I need some accessories for the bike rack arm to open fully or am I installing the rack wrong? Thank you in advance for any help and assistance you can provide me.
asked by: Jay B
Expert Reply:
The Thule Spare Me 2 Bike Rack # TH963PRO that you have can be adjusted further out from behind the spare tire using different size brackets that are included, and it can be adjusted horizontally to account for off-center spare tires, but unfortunately there's not much you can do to adjust it vertically so the arms of the carrier fit over the tire on your Jeep. It sounds like the spare on your Jeep Wrangler is just a tad too large for this particular bike rack. The Spare Me 2 is compatible with spare tires that are up to 33 inches in diameter.
Your best option to transport your bikes will likely be a hitch-mounted rack that features a long enough shank to clear the spare tire. If you have a trailer hitch installed already you will want to measure from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outermost edge of the spare tire. The Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR may be a good option for your Jeep. This hanging-style rack can handle up to 4 bikes and there is a distance of 13-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the carrier. As long as the measurement you took on the Jeep is less than 13-1/2 inches this rack will work great and won't interfere at all with the spare.
I have attached a short video demonstration on this bike rack that you can check out as well. If you don't yet have a hitch installed please let me know the model year of your Jeep Wrangler and I will be happy to make a recommendation.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Spare Me 2 Bike Rack - Spare Tire Mount - Folding Dual Arms
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Dual Arm
- Folding
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
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