How to Get Thule TH963PRO Spare Me Bike Rack to Fit Tight Against Spare Tire of Jeep Wrangler

Updated 05/11/2015 | Published 05/09/2015

Question:

The spacers do not have contact with the Spare tire. I have a Jeep Wrangler. Is that a problem. Also, are thicker spacers available.

asked by: Rajat

Expert Reply:

Per the installation instructions for the Thule Spare Me, part # TH963PRO, the rubber spacers should be tight against the spare tire. The contact between the spacer and tire provides necessary support for the rack, so the rack shouldn't be used if the spacers aren't touching the tire.

The Spare Me rack comes with mounting brackets and standoffs in two different lengths that should allow you to tailor the fit so the rack is tight up against the tire. This is addressed in part # 4 of the instructions.

For tire sizes from P195 to P235, use the short bracket. For P235 to P275 or 31 and 32 inch tires, use the long mount and the short standoff. For P285 and larger, 12.5 or 33 inch plus tires, use the long bracket and the long standoff. Thule has found on some Jeep Wrangler models, using the long bracket only will space things properly. You'll just need to play around with it until the rubber spacers are tight up against the tire.

expert reply by: Mike L