Best Hitch Mounted Bike Rack for Jeep Wrangler With Spare Tire

Question:

Good afternoon, Could you please tell me this system would work on my 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL with factory 2” hitch..... and rear mounted spare tire? Face of hitch opening to face of hard shell tire cover 9 inches .

asked by: Michael D

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you. The Thule T2 Pro XTR 2 Bike Platform Rack # TH83JV clears your spare tire if you use the Curt Hitch Extender # C45791. I attached a video we made with a similar setup to yours. The only difference is we didn't have a spare tire cover and our hitch was an after-market hitch that stuck out an inch or two further than yours.

We used the Curt Extender and the Thule XTB and had plenty of clearance. The extender doesn't come with a pin and clip to secure it to your hitch. You can use # PC3 to secure it but since it will have your bike rack attached I would use # E98880 to keep it locked up. The Malone Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock # MPG908 will take the movement out of the extender in your hitch. The Thule XTB's anti-rattle and lock will all work with the extender too.

When this bike rack is folded up the closest point to the center of the pin hole is 5" which would not work with your Jeep without the extender. With the extender adding 8" you would be able to fold up the rack when not in use.

The Thule XTB 2 Bike is a premium rack. I like it a lot because it is sturdy and very easy to use. With that being said that is a lot to make this rack work needing the extender, pin/lock and anti-rattle device.

Your 2018 Jeep Wrangler has the same problem that most Jeep owners run into when it comes to getting a bike rack to clear the spare tire.