Trailer Hitch and Spare Tire Mounted Bike Carrying Options for 2000 Wrangler TJ

Question:

I want a hitch bike rack that will carry 2 beach cruisers behind my jeep. The hitch is a 2

asked by: John U

Expert Reply:

The Yakima SpareRide you referred to, part # Y02599 would be a good choice for carrying your bikes as long as they weigh no more than 35 lbs apiece. The rack is lockable to the spare tire mount, and the rack features a cable lock to help deter theft.

If you wanted to use a hitch mount rack, you'll first need to determine the distance between the hitch pin hole in your receiver and the furthest rearward point of your spare tire. I've linked you to an article that shows exactly how this measurement is taken. You'd then choose a bike rack whose hitch pin hole to closest point of the bike rack upright distance is longer than the measurement you took.

The Swagman Trailhead # S63360 measures 11 inches between the rack upright and the hitch pin hole in the shank, if the measurement you took is less than 11 inches, the Trailhead would be an excellent choice.

The rack provides an anti-rattle hitch pin, but a locking hitch pin/cable lock # S64031 is sold separately.

If you'll be carrying women's bikes or bikes with sharply angled top tubes, using a frame adapter bar like part # 64005 is recommended. The frame adapter provides a level attachment point for the bike rack, allowing the bike to be carried level, thus increasing the ground clearance.