# 1
Thule Spare Me 2 Bike Rack - Spare Tire Mount - Folding Dual Arms
I have aftermarket ExpeditionOne bumpers for my 2020 Ford Ranger. My spare tire is on a rear bumper swing arm (see photos). In my install what worked best was the short arm only, no spacer. If you read the instructions, that will make more sense. I think the instructions are for a Jeep, but my spare tire mount is different, considering I have 265/60 tires. Negatives The thule cable lock for the bike doesn't engage enough to lock, but looking at the design, not sure how robust it is anyway, so I'll just use a bike lock I already have through the swing arm frame and spare tire. Also, for offroading, I think it may be safest to take off both bike wheels and strap the frame separately. I drive on very narrow jeep trails, so I don't want a bike wheel catching on brush/branches that I'm driving by. Those two things are why I only gave 4 out of five stars. Positives The light weight of the rack (15lbs) and the thule bolt lock to the spare tire (different lock vs the bike, see photos), are why I got this rack. Really like that I could offset the rack some, so it's more centered. Really like the spacers that add more contact between the tire and the bike rack, see photos. Summary/Observations I'm lazy, so will try the orange tape, instead of always lowering the arms (see photos) I'm tall, so that should keep me from walking into them. My truck tires aren't huge, so I'm still in the weight range of the swing arm, keep that in mind too, but I'm happy to avoid a hitch bike rack, I didn't want to lose departure angle for off roading. I'll update the review if it doesn't perform like I expect, but I think it'll work well enough. I've had lots of different racks (roof, hitch, rear trunk, etc), so I'm not expecting any surprises.
This bike rack works great. Took my bike on a cross country road trip from Tampa, Florida to Whistler, British Columbia and back with no issues. There was no slipping or excessive shaking with highway speeds up to 80ish mph. Encountered 105 degree heat, rain squalls and snow storms with no issues. No problems with the set up and the fact that the rear spare tire on my 2011 Toyota Rav4 is off center was not an issue as the rack can accommodate for this. It's a well made product from a reputable company. Make sure to read the directions as they advise against opening the rear hatch with the bike on the rack due to weight concerns. Shipping was quick as were replies to questions to customer service. Follow up correspondence from etrailer was also appreciated. Overall great experience, would highly recommend the product as well as etrailer. Thanks!
# 2
Hollywood Racks SR1 2-Bike Carrier - Spare Tire Mount
JeepIt's sturdy even off-road, and it's simple to take on and off. I've had to use my spare tire twice since owning this rack, and although I have to remove my bike and loosen the bike rack bolts a bit, it comes off and goes back on with minimal effort, which is nice when you're on the Alaska Highway and it's snowing. I've carried my full-suspension bike on this rack for 35k miles all over the U.S. and Canada. I like how my bike fits close to the tire, where I lock it. My tailgate opens without the bike touching the side of my Jeep. Great bang for the buck.
This HRSR1 bike carrier will not fit a 2023 Jeep Wrangler JL UNLESS you remove the stock Liddy Light and associated bracket. Upon discovering this, I was able to locate an aftermarket kit which allows for the relocation of the light to just above the rear camera. The kit was easily installed and the bike mount was installed just as easily as the directions explain. The new location of the light is partially obscured with the bikes mounted and, although not ideal, it is adequate and certainly better than total removal. I was unable to find any mention of this situation in the install instructions or reviews prior to purchase of the rack. I just wish I had been aware of this before purchase. I would have rated 5 stars for this product were it not for the slight hiccup. Kudos to etrailer. It is always a pleasure to do business with them. They are very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.
What our customers are saying:
"Sent out an e-mail to you earlier this week asking which hitch woudld be the best choice for installing on a 2000 Venture van for hauling a bike rack with two bikes. You suggested the one that would be easiest to install..received in a matter of days..installation went great ..very well thought out instructions. Everything went smooothly and the hitch is up nice and snug..doesn't stick out..looks great."