Will a Hitch Extender Clear My Rear Spare Tire and Allow Me to Open My Tailgate On a 2017 Wrangler?

Question:

I purchased this bike rack last year for my Honda Pilot. Loved it! However in Jan I purchased a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. I just had a trailer hitch mounted to accommodate the bike rack. I put the bike rack into the trailer hitch and it does clear the back tire, however, due to the bottom post sticking up, I cant open my tailgate OR close my back window on my hard top. Would an extender fix this issue, or do I need to sell this rack and purchase another? Thank you!

asked by: Lisa R

Helpful Expert Reply:

An extender will give you extra length in order to help the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR tilt out of the way of the rear tailgate as well as give you extra room to clear your rear spare tire. There are a couple different length (from pinhole to pinhole) options for your hitch extender. Here are some compatible adapters with different lengths (shortest to longest) that will fit your 2-inch hitch receiver:

- Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 7" # HE06
- Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long # C45791
- Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 14" Long # HE12
- Draw-Tite Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 18" Long # HE18

These different hitch adapters will add additional length to the shank of the Hitching Post Pro. The shank without an adapter measures 13-1/2 inches from the pinhole to the upright part of the Hitching Post Pro. In order to ensure the clearance of your spare tire and the tailgate, I would measure from your hitch receiver pin hole with the added distance from the hitch extenders. It is important to note that the hitch receiver maximum weight capacity will be decreased by 50% using the adapter.