How to Choose a Bike Carrier for a Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series with Two Rear Spare Tires

Question:

Hi there, I have a Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series with an ARB dual wheel carrier holding 2 large 285/75/16 wheels and tyres. The ARB unit also has a class III hitch point it actually has 3, one centre botton as usual, and one for each wheel - currently each has an adapter fitted to hold a spare wheel I am trying to find a cycle carrier that will fit on any of the hitch points, ideally leaving one or all of the spare wheels on the truck.. And advice most welcome. Rgds

asked by: Tom M

Expert Reply:

You should be able to use a bike rack in your center trailer hitch receiver and keep both spare tires in place. The key is to choose a bike rack that will clear the spare tires. The first thing that we will want to do is measure from the center of the hitch pin hole on the receiver to the rear-most edge of the spare tires (see photo).

With that measurement, we can choose a bike rack with enough clearance from the hitch pin hole. For example, the Thule Hitching Post Pro 4 Bike Rack, # TH934XTR, measures 13-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the upright mast. If you can tell me how much clearance you will need, I would be happy to provide you with options that will work for you.

expert reply by: John H