Recommended Bike Rack to Clear a Spare Tire on a 2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Question:

Does the Thule Helium Pro 3 work on the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the Extreme Recon factory package? That has the 35inch wheel package. Will this clear the larger spare tire and back up camera? Thanks! Need a trailer hitch solution for 2-3 mountain bikes that will clear the spare tires with the Extreme Recon package. Hitch is 2x2. Thanks!!

asked by: Chad

Expert Reply:

We haven't had a 2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the Extreme Recon package in our shop to test it but the Thule Helium Pro item # TH9043PRO should fit. It is our go to for clearing spare tires both stock and larger aftermarket. It will be really easy for you to confirm if this will work though. The closest part of the rack is 8" from the hitch pin hole. You will just need to measure from the hitch pin hole on your Jeep's receiver out to the edge of your spare. If it's less than 8" you will be good.

As far as the spare tire blocking the back up camera goes, given its placement I would go ahead and assume any bike rack you put on your Jeep will block or partial obscure that thing. Once bikes are loaded you won't be able to see through them.

I have linked a video below that one of our installers did with the Helium Pro on a Jeep with larger tires. I recommend watching it so you can get an idea of how this bike rack will look once it is installed.

If you end up being close on clearance, etrailer makes a hitch for the 2023 Wrangler Unlimited that has an extended receiver designed specifically for this type of need. It is the etrailer Hitch item # e98856.

I have linked an installation video below along with a diagram so you can see the extended length added to this hitch.