Recommended 4 Bike Rack to Clear Spare Tire of 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Question:

Im looking for a bike rack to carry 4 bikes that will fit my 2011 Jeep Wrangler and accommodate my mountain bikes that have a thicker frame and smaller opening for the support arms without adapter bars. I have a 2inch aftermarket hitch and it looks to me like I need at least 10-1/2inch from center of hitch pin hole to upright bar to clear the spare tire. The distance between the outside of the support arms would seem to need to be less than 9inch to fit in the frame opening of the mountain bikes. I cant seem to find a rack that works for both items. At least some access to the tailgate cargo area would be nice too. Can you help?

asked by: Curtis T

Expert Reply:

I'd be happy to help. It sounds as if your bikes have a very short top tube.

I looked through all of our 4 bike racks, and whenever I found a rack that would provide enough clearance to clear the spare tire, I'd find that the bars where the cradles mount wouldn't be close enough together.

Therefore, I believe your best option would be to find a rack that clears the spare tire, and can tilt back, giving you cargo door access when the bikes are removed. A frame adapter bar like part # 64005 that spans the distance between the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post tube would provide a level attachment point to the bike rack, and would allow the rack to attach to your bikes with the short top tubes.

The Thule Hitching Post Pro that you looked at, part # TH934XTR would be an excellent choice for you. The rack offers 13-1/2 inches of clearance between the hitch pin hole and the bike rack upright tube, so it should clear the spare with no problem. The rack can also fold away from the vehicle when the bikes are removed.

To view a product demonstration video featuring the rack I recommended, click the provided link.

expert reply by: Mike L