Bike Rack for a 2003 Jeep Liberty

Expert Reply:

You don't mention which trailer hitch that you have. I'd recommend you do the following. Have a helper take a plumb bob (or a string with a weight tied onto the end) and hold it against the portion of that spare tire that sticks out farthest from the bumper, so that the weight is an inch or two above the ground. Then measure back from the hitch pin hole to the string, adding a couple of inches to that measurement, to allow for movement. That measurement is the minimum clearance you would need. The Sportrack offers 12 1/4" of clearance between the pin hole and the upright. The Rola TX-102 Measures 7-1/2" or 4-1/2" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest support bar on the carrier, depending on which of the two hitch pin holes you use. Keep in mind that if you decide to use an extender, you will lower the tongue weight capacity of your hitch by 50%.

expert reply by: Mike