Can the SportRack 3 Bike Carrier Spare Tire Mount Bike Rack Work on a Soft Roof Jeep Wrangler

Question:

I have a 2009 jeep wrangler with a soft top. Will the rack hold 3 bikes without the strap support? Mens bike is a cannondale 800 with a light frame, womens is a giant with semi-light frame, and a kids bike with a steel frame. I`m hoping this works because i don`t want to spend a lot on a hitch and bike rack.

asked by: Pete G

Expert Reply:

The SportRack 3 Bike Carrier Spare Tire Mount Bike Rack with Rotating Cradles, # A30813STL, is recommended to be used with the strap. If you can find a place to attach the strap other than on the soft roof of your 2009 Jeep Wrangler that still offers support for the rack, it could still be used.

Also, you will need to make sure the rack will work with the spare tire. In order for the rack to fit, your Wrangler must have the stock spare tire with a wheel diameter of 15 inches or less. The spare tire must have a center opening that is at least 2 inches in diameter.

You will also need to measure to determine if the bracket that bolts behind the wheel will extend far enough out from the rear of the vehicle to clear the front face of the tire. This bracket mounts in between the spare tire and the vehicle, so you will need to measure from that point out to the point where the thickest part of the tire is cleared. If this measurement is less than 4-1/4 inches, the rack will work with your Jeep.

I would not dismiss a trailer hitch too soon. We have the Curt Trailer Hitch, # 13432. This is a very economical Class III trailer hitch that will accommodate a 3 bike rack. I have included a link to the installation details below. With a trailer hitch installed, you could carry other accessories including a trailer if you ever needed to. To tow a trailer, you would then just need to add a drawbar, hitch ball, and wiring.

With a hitch installed, you could then add the 3 Bike Hitch Mount Folding Rack with Rotating Shank, # 63123. I have included a link to the instructions and a video review of this rack below. This is an economical rack that will hold 3 bikes and extends out 10-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole. This measurement is important as you need something that will extend past the spare tire. The 3 bike hitch mounted rack with the most clearance is the SportRack Escape 3, # A30403, that has 12-1/4 inches of clearance.

expert reply by: Michael H