Today on our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited were going to be test fitting the Thule Apex Swing 4 Bike Carrier for 2-inch Hitches, part number TH9027. Our vehicle is equipped with a 2-inch hitch and our bike rack is already preassembled. We can go ahead and slide the bike rack shank directly into the receiver tube lining up the integrated hitch pin lock with the hitch pin holes and the receiver tube. Then well use the hand knob to secure bike rack to the hitch. This is what our bike rack will look like when its in stored position. Next well go ahead and take a few measurements.
From the closest point of the vehicle to the closest point of the bike rack is 3 inches. In the stored position, we add an additional 10 inches of overall length to the vehicle. From the lowest point of the bike rack we have 18 inches of ground clearance. Now, lets go ahead and use the flip switch at the top of the bike rack mast to extend the carrying arms. Then well remove the hold down straps so we can prepare to go ahead and load our bike.
All right, now that we have the hold down straps out of the way, we can go ahead and set our bike directly into position and then use the hold down straps to secure the bike. Next, well go ahead and use the great features of the Apex Swing Bike Carrier. With our bike loaded, we can go ahead and swing the bike carrier out of the way and access the rear cargo area. First, well remove the locking pin on the arm of our bike carrier. Next, well unscrew the T handle at the base of the rack.
Then on our upright, we can pull up on the spring loaded T handle. This will allow us to swing the bike carrier away from the vehicle. Now well use the locking pin to secure it out away from the vehicle. Now we can go ahead and access the rear cargo area. As you can see, we have plenty of access to the rear cargo area.
Now well go ahead and return the bike rack to the carrying position. There you have it for the test fit of the Thule Apex Swing 4 Bike Carrier for 2-inch Hitches, part number TH9027 on our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
Questions and Comments about this Video
I have a 2013 rubicon with stock wheels and tires and the thule and yakima racks would not go past the tire.In this example are you using a Receiver Hitch Extension for 2 inch hitch?I was at a retailer and they pointed out the fact that it would void any warranty if you use the extention.
comment by: paul - 11/10/2012
We were not using a hitch extender. Different hitch models may sit differently on the vehicle. On that exact Wrangler Unlimited, we installed a Draw-Tite model 75515 hitch. They use a longer receiver tube than other manufacturers, and perhaps even the OEM, to help with spare tire clearance. Check out the video of the hitch install that I have linked. We have videos of other hitch racks working with that setup. The Thule Apex 4, TH9025, and the Thule Vertex 4, TH9029, also worked in addition to the Swing version of the Apex.
Patrick B - 11/12/2012Thule Hitching Post Pro Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Today were working with a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and were going to be test fitting the Thule hitching post pro hitch mounted bike carrier, part number TH934XTR. To mount our carrier to the vehicle well insert the shank of the carrier into the receiver tube of the hitch. Well line up the hitch pin holes then thread in our anti-rattle bolt and tighten it down using a wrench. Next well go over a couple of clearance measurements. Weve got about 22 inches of ground clearance from the bottom of the bike rack to the ground, however keep in mind that our Jeep today does have aftermarket suspension and tires. Weve got about a of an inch of clearance between our aftermarket spare tire and the bike rack and overall weve added about nine inches of length.
Thule Apex 4 Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Today on our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited were going to be test fitting the Thule Apex four bike carrier for inch and a quarter and two inch hitches, part number TH9025. With our vehicle already equipped with a two inch hitch and our bike rack already preassembled were ready to go ahead and slide the bike rack shank directly into the receiver tube of the hitch. Well line up the holes in the hitch with the integrated locking hitch pin on the bike rack shank. Then well use the hand knob to secure the bike rack to the vehicle. As you can see once the hand knob is tightened down it really secures the bike rack to the vehicle. This is what our bike rack will look like when its in its stored position.
Trailer Hitch Installation - 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - Draw-Tite - Video
