Bumper Clearance For Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier On 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question:

I have a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I want to get a trailer hitch and a hitch-mounted bike rack. Im looking at a bike rack that says it have 7 inches between the hitch hole and the back of the upright on the rack. Only the Curt hitch Code: 13051 says anything about its distance from the rear of the vehicle, and it says 6inch from back of hitch to back of bumper. These seem to be two different measurements. I am concerned I could buy a hitch and a rack and find they wont go together because the bumper gets in the way. My question is whether this bike rack will fit on my jeep with the Curt hitch, or any of the other 2inch hitches you sell.

asked by: Joseph S

Expert Reply:

The Curt Hitch, part # 13051, is a fit for your 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have attached a video that shows the hitch installed on a 2004 Grand Cherokee. The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the edge of the bumper is 6 inches.

You may want to check out the Thule Hitching Post Pro, part # TH934XTR. It measures 13-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the upright bar of the carrier. I have attached an installation video of this carrier on a 2011 Grand Cherokee you might want to take a look at.

If you are planning on carrying bikes with alternative frames like kids bikes or women's bikes, I recommend an adapter bar like part # TH982XT. This bar attaches between the handlebar stem and the seat post and allows the bike to be carried more level while providing more ground clearance. I have attached a product review video for the adapter bar as well.

You may wish to wait until you have installed a hitch on your Grand Cherokee, and take a measurement as described in the attached help article. You would then be able to choose a bike carrier that will be sure to clear the rear of your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L