Will the Thule T2 Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Rack Clear the Spare Tire on a 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Question:

Will any of the Thule T2 platform racks fit a 2011 Jeep wrangler and clear the spare tire or would I need a hitch extender

asked by: Lisa B

Expert Reply:

What you will need to do to determine if a Thule T2, or any bike rack or accessory, will clear the spare tire on your 2011 Jeep Wrangler, is to take 1 measurement. Measure from the center of the hitch pin hole straight back to the distance required to clear the spare tire. I have included a link to an FAQ article to help.

The Thule T2 Classic for 2 inch hitches, # TH69TX, measures only 7 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest bike carrier rail when in the down position. When folded up it measures 5 inches. If the hitch pin hole to spare tire measurement you come up with is less than 5 inches, the rack will fit when folded. However, I doubt that this is the case. If it is more than 5 inches but less than 7, you will not be able to fold it up but it will clear the spare when in the down position. And if your measurement is greater than 7 inches, it will not fit.

I do not recommend using a hitch extender because doing so reduces the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent. My research shows the 2011 Jeep Wrangle has a tongue weight of 350 pounds. Using an extender you would only be able to use half of that which is 175 pounds. The # TH69TX weighs 96 pounds and can hold 160 pounds of bikes when set-up for 4 bikes. This would total 256 pounds. You would not be able to use this to full capacity. You could use this carrier if the actual total weight of your bikes is 79 pounds. So a 4 bike carrier with an extender like the # HE06 is not a good idea.

You might want to consider a spare tire mount bike rack like # TH963PRO. Since the rack mounts to the spare tire you will not have to worry about clearing it. I have included a link to a video review of this rack on a 2012 Wrangler for you. If you go with a rack like this and have bikes that do not have a top frame tube that goes straight across I recommend using a bike adapter bar, # TH982XT. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and provide better ground clearance. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.

You could also look at the Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting # SA4414B9. It has a much better chance of fitting your jeep. It has 13-1/2 inches of clearance between the hitch pin hole and the rack when in use and 10 inches when folded. I am confident that you could use this bike rack, and there is a chance that you would also be able to fold it but you would have to get your measurement to determine for sure.