Measuring The Clearance At Back Of 2003 Jeep Wrangler TJ With Spare For Hitch Mount Bike Carrier  

Question:

Expert Reply:

I am attaching a helpful article that explains how to measure to see what clearance you need at the back of your Jeep with the rear mounted spare tire.

After you have measured for clearance you can take a look at the attached link I have provided for hitch mounted bike carriers.

If you want to let me know the year of your Jeep Wrangler, and the clearance measurement you have, I can make some recommendations that will work for you. Also, let me know what size hitch you have on your Jeep. Typically, It will be either a 1-1/4 or a 2 inch receiver opening.

If you are planning on carrying bikes with alternative frames like kids bikes or women's bikes I recommend using an adapter bar like part # 64005. This attaches between the seat post and the handlebar stem and allows the bike to be carried more level in the carrier while providing additional ground clearance. I have attached a product review video for this adapter bar.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

0

Deann

4/15/2015

Thanks. The clearance does measure 6". It's a 2003 Jeep Wrangler TJ. 2" hitch Suggestions would be great. As many as you have. Thanks so much.

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Jeffrey L.

4/15/2015

The 6 inches sounds a little close but I will make some recommendations that will accommodate that measurement. For hitch mounted racks the platform style racks are normally a little easier to load and unload. Hanging bike racks tend to weigh a little less but if bikes with alternative frames like kids or women's bikes are going to be carried, you would need an adapter like part # 64005. This adapter will attach between the seat post and the handlebar stem and provide a level way to carry your bike in a hanging rack. Check out the Swagman XTC-2 Platform Bike Rack, part # S64670. This rack can carry 2 bikes up to 35 lbs each and holds the bike secure at 3 different points. This will work with bikes that have wheels up to 2-1/2 inches wide. This rack measures 8 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of the first wheel hoop. For a folding and tilting platform rack I recommend the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider 2, part # HR1450Z. This carrier folds up when not in use and the tilting design when empty makes it easier to access the rear cargo area of your vehicle. The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack is 8-1/2 inches. This rack also comes with keyed-alike locks that secure the rack to the Jeep and the ratcheting arms also include lock cores to secure the bikes to the carrier. I have attached a link to our product page for platform-style bike racks you can take a look at. You may find a bike carrier that has features you like more than others. For a hitch mounted hanging bike carrier you can take a look at the Swagman Trailhead, part # S63360. This tilting bike rack fold down for easy storage and also tilts when empty for rear cargo access. This will work with either 1-1/4 or 2 inch hitch receiver openings. This rack measures 11 inches from the center of the hitch pin to the upright bar. One of the nicest carriers we offer is the Thule Helium Aero, part # TH9042PRO. This carrier is very light at 18-1/4 lbs and the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the upright mast is 14-3/8 inches. This carrier comes with the One-Key System that secures the carrier to the vehicle and the included cable lock secures the bikes to the carrier. I have attached a link to the hanging bike carriers we offer. If you have any questions about a specific carrier just let me know and I will be glad to make some recommendations that will work for you.

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