Can Spare Tire on 2017 Jeep Wrangler Handle Weight of Spare Tire Mounted Bike Rack

Question:

Hi, I have a JK 2017 and I heard a JK Wangler spare wheel tailgate carrier can support max 38.5 kg 85 lb. The spare tire include rim is already 30 kg 66 lb. Now the Yakima SpareRide 2 is 9.7 kg 21.5 lb plus another 2 two bikes it can carry approximately 16kg 35lb. Total weight is 55.7 kg 122.8 lb. This is well over the capacity the carrier can hold exceeding by 17.2 kg or 37.8 lb. All these are hold by 3 bolts, what is your advise. Thanks

asked by: Ronnie

Expert Reply:

I was unable to confirm the 85 lb figure you mentioned, but if that's the case I'd recommend using a hitch mounted bike carrier rather than one that attaches to the spare tire.

To determine which bike rack would fit and properly clear your spare tire, you'll need to take a measurement outlined in the help article I've linked for you. Measure rearward from the hitch pin hole to the point where the spare tire is cleared. You'll want to choose a bike rack that has a shank with a hitch pin hole to upright portion of the bike rack distance that's greater than the measurement you took. We list that measurement in all our product descriptions.

The Thule Camber for instance, part # TH9058 has a shank with a hitch pin hole to rear of upright distance of 5-3/4 inches, so in this case if the measurement you take is less than 5-5/4 inches, the Camber bike rack would work great for you.

Of the two bike capacity racks for 1-1/4" hitches that we offer, the Lets Go Aero NEO2 2-Bike Rack would offer the most clearance. It sits 12-1/4 inches from the hitch pin hole. You can see a product demonstration video of the Camber and the NEO2 by using the provided links.

If you don't already have a hitch, I'd recommend the Draw-Tite Class III, part # DT78MR which offers about 6 inches of clearance between the hitch pin hole and the rear face of the stock sized spare tire. This would offer plenty of clearance for the Roadway bike rack I mentioned above.