Will the Hollywood Rack SE4 or Yakima FourTimer Fit on an 05 Jeep Wrangler With Spare Tire

Question:

I have 8 inches from center of pin hole to outside spare tire. Will either rack fit upright when not in use, or will I need an extension? I will mostly use it to transport 1 or 2 bikes, but will occasionally transport 4. What is the best rack for my needs?

asked by: Scott

Helpful Expert Reply:

I recommend the Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 4 Bikes # SA4414B. This rack measures 10 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the rack body when it is folded up. this will give you 2 inch clearance between your spare tire and the rack.

The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider 4 Bike Rack, # HR1400Z, may fit on your 2005 Jeep Wrangler, but you will need to take one more measurement to be sure. Once installed and folded upright, the Sport Rider 4 will measure 6 inches from the face of the trailer hitch to the closest point of the bike rack. If the center of the hitch pin hole on your trailer hitch is at least 2 inches away from the face of your hitch, then this bike rack will fit.

I would not recommend using a hitch extender with a 4 bike rack. Using a hitch extender will reduce the tongue weight capacity of your trailer hitch by 50 percent. This is because you will be moving the weight of the bike rack and the bikes further away from the vehicle and that will cause more stress on the trailer hitch and vehicle frame. It is similar to using a pipe extension on a wrench to break a rusty bolt.

I would recommend checking the tongue weight capacity of your Jeep, this should be located in the owners manual, and divide that in half. Next, take the weight of the bike rack and add the weight of each bike you plan on carrying. If the weight of the bike rack plus the bikes exceeds the reduced tongue weight capacity of your hitch, then you should not use a hitch extender.

expert reply by: John H