Availability of Adapter to Move Hitch Bike Rack Away From Rear Gate on 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Question:

I own a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with a 2in trailer hitch receiver 3,500 lbs max capacity. Im looking to for a adapter for a bike rack 42lbs and possibly 2 bikes 70lbs with enogh clearance to partially open the rear gate. Can you please advice if this product is acceptable. Thanks!

asked by: Ivan

Expert Reply:

The Blue Ox Towbar Drop Receiver, part # BX88130, is an adapter that is designed to be used with tow bars only. The high-low adapters are only for use with a tow vehicle that will be flat towing another vehicle with a tow bar. Because the tongue weight capacities are very low on these adapters they are not designed or intended for use when towing a trailer, cargo carrier, or bike rack. I can not recommend using this part for your application.

If you use a hitch extender like the etrailer Hitch Extender, part # e88YR, that extends the hitch back 8 inches, it will reduce the tongue weight capacity of your trailer hitch by 50 percent. This is because the hitch extender moves the load out farther from your vehicle, applying more leverage to your hitch. If you have a 350-lb tongue weight capacity on your 3,500-lb hitch it will reduce it to 175-lbs. I am including a link to a product page on hitch extenders with different lengths.

If using a hitch extender you will need to make sure to add the weight of the two bikes (70 lbs) and the bike rack (42 lbs) when determining the load you will be installing on the extender.

Some bike rack manufacturers offer extenders for their own brand. If you can let me know the brand and model of the bike rack you have I can check to see if anything is available for your particular bike rack.

expert reply by: Jeff D