Will the Thule T2 Pro XTR Work with a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with a Spare Tire?

Updated 06/22/2021 | Published 06/19/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(160)

$899.95

Trailer Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long

(240)

$48.96

Question:

I have a jeep JKU with a 2 inch hitch. However I have a 12 inch wide spare tire on the back. Will this rack still allow for two fat tire bikes?

asked by: Dan K

Helpful Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you. Unfortunately, the closest part of the Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount # TH83JV is 7 inches. This dimension will interfere with your 12-inch wide spare tire. There are no other options of bike rack that have shank lengths longer than 12 inches that can still accommodate a fat-tire bike.

However, if you are set with using the Thule T2 Pro XTR, I recommend the Trailer Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long # e88YR. With the hitch extender, you will have a total of 15 inches of shank length to clear your spare tire on your 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. I went ahead and attached a video of the extender used with a Jeep with a spare tire. It is important to note that any use of a hitch extender will reduce the total weight capacity of the hitch by 50%.

expert reply by: Bob C