How to Transport 333-lb Wheelchair on 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with Rear Spare Tire  

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The spare tire on your 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited poses a clearance challenge for transporting a wheelchair on a hitch-mounted carrier. The use of a hitch extension like # C45791 will get you an extra 8-inches of clearance at the spare tire, but the use of any adapter like this also costs you 50-percent of your hitch capacity. This is due to the extra leverage applied to the hitch from the load being further away from it.

The 2-inch hitches for your Wrangler Unlimited (shown on the linked page) have a 350-lb tongue weight rating. This becomes 175-lbs as soon as you install the hitch extension. Since the carrier you referenced, Flint Hill Goods 30x50 Cargo Carrier # FHG77ZR, has a weight of approximately 80-lbs, this means that your Permobil chair could weigh only up to 95-lbs (175 - 80 = 195) without the combined weight exceeding the hitch's reduced capacity.

According to my research the Permobil C400 weighs 333-lbs with batteries installed. Due to its weight relative to the hitch capacity you will need to use a small utility trailer to transport this chair. The hitch, even if used without an adapter, lacks the required capacity for a 333-lb chair plus an 80-lb carrier.

Local outdoor stores usually offer small utility trailers that will be suitable for the weight of the chair.

To tow the trailer, you'll need a hitch like # 13432, a ball mount like # C45030, a hitch ball like 2-inch # 63845 and a wiring harness # C55124.

expert reply by: Adam R

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