How to Carry 2 e-Bikes When Towing Camper with 2018 Jeep Rubicon JL Unlimited
Question:
Hello, I would appreciate your help. I have a 2018 Jeep Rubicon JL Unlimited. The vehicle is stock, so tires are 33inch tires. I tow a travel trailer, Intech Rover approx. 2000 lbs and would like to travel with 2 e bikes weighing approx. 60 lbs each. My travel trailer does have a hitch in the back but according to the manufacturer max weight capacity is 100 lbs. Tow hitch indicates 150 kg. Also, I would like to use the e bike carrier on the Jeep when I am not pulling my trailer. Any help is appreciated. I have been researching but the more I look the more confusing it becomes. Thank you
asked by: Doria L
Helpful Expert Reply:
I do have a potential solution for you, however if the trailer manufacturer lists a 100 pound tongue weight capacity for the rear hitch on the Intech Rover, you won't be able to transport both your e-bikes on the trailer. You are always going to be limited by the weakest component, so even if the hitch itself is rated for more (or you replace it with an even stronger trailer hitch), you still need to adhere to the 100 pound capacity listed in the trailer specs.
Your best option for transporting the bikes while towing the trailer is by way of a multi-purpose ball mount like the MaxxTow # MT70066. This adapter provides you with a ball mount platform on the bottom for hookup with the camper and a 2" receiver on top so you can also connect a hitch-mounted accessory like a bike rack.
Just keep in mind that if you were to ever use this just to mount the bike rack (without also hooking up the trailer) it will reduce the tongue weight capacity of your Jeep's hitch by 50 percent.
Then it's just a matter of choosing the right bike rack for your two e-bikes. Since the bikes have a combined weight of around 120 pounds, when just need to make sure the rack is light enough to keep the total weight below the trailer hitch capacity. I really like the Saris Freedom # SA4412B-R, which features a 60 pound per bike capacity but only weighs 22-1/2 pounds by itself.
You could then just as easily install this directly into the 2" receiver on your Jeep Rubicon when you aren't towing. If you don't yet have a hitch installed on the Jeep the Draw-Tite Class III # DT78MR will work perfectly for a simple bolt-on installation and a tongue weight capacity of 675 pounds. Please also check your copy of the vehicle's owners manual for its listed tongue weight capacity, as you will still need to follow that number if it's lower.
I have attached a couple short video demonstrations on these products that you can check out as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
- 4500 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 675 lbs WD TW
- No Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
MaxxTow Ball Mount w/ 2" Accessory Receiver - 2" Hitches - 2-1/4" Drop - 5,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 0 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 5000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Built-In Dual Hitch
- Long Shank
- MaxxTow
more information >
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