Can Swagman XTC-4 4-Bike Carrier # S64665 be Used on 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport Edition  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

There are two things to considers in terms of the fit of the Swagman XTC-4 4-Bike Carrier # S64665 on your 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport Edition. One is the overall tongue weight capacity for the hitch and the other is the amount of clearance needed to fit around the rear-mounted spare tire.

We offer both 1-1/4-inch Class II and 2-inch Class III hitch receivers for your 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Sport Edition. (Please note the XTC-4 fits only 2-inch hitches.) These hitches are rated for 300-lbs and 350-lbs tongue weight, respectively. Please refer to the link provided. There will be a safety/warning sticker on your hitch that indicates its tongue weight rating; the weight of all of your loaded bikes plus the weight of the carrier you choose must remain within the hitch capacity. The XTC-4 weighs 59-lbs so you can add this to the weight of your bikes to determine if their combined total is within the hitch tongue weight rating. You will want to select a bike carrier that is the same class as your hitch.

The other consideration is the clearance required for the rear-mounted spare tire. Bike racks offer varying amounts of clearance from the hitch pin hole to the upright portions of the rack. For example, the XTC-4 when in the down position (as when loaded with bikes) offers 12-3/4-inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the nearest edge of the wheel hoop. When folded up in the storage position it provides 3-1/2 inches clearance from the hitch pin hole.

You can determine how much clearance you require for your Wrangler by taking one simple measurement. Measure from the center of the hitch pin hole to the rear-most part of the spare tire. This is the amount of clearance you need from a bike carrier. I have linked an article that illustrates how to take this measurement; it also includes a table that lists all of the 2-inch hitch-mount carriers we offer and the clearance distance each one provides.

You can use the link provided to select a rack. You can use the filters at the left-hand side of the page to choose your hitch class and other preferences, such as the style of rack (hanging or platform) and whether you want one that includes locks.

expert reply by: Adam R

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