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Recommended Hitch Extender for a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Carrying Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack  

Updated 05/18/2020 | Published 11/21/2017

Question:

I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2Dr. I have a Poison Spyder Rock Brawler steel rear bumper with integral hitch manufacturer states that the hitch is for recovery purposes only, and is not for towing. 1. I was told that the steel hitch is at least as capable as the factory bolt on hitch, but that the process of getting a bumper certified for towing is costly and most aftermarket manufacturers include the disclaimer rather than pay - I have no idea, but since I do not tow with a Jeep when I have a truck, I really dont care. 2. I recently bought a Kuat NV2.0 Bike rack, and the rack weight empty is 53lbs. The rack is rated to carry two 2 bikes with a maximum load of 60lbs each, making the total ~173lbs. 3. None of my bikes weigh 60 lbs. 4. The reason I am writing is because I am unable to open the tailgate on my Jeep far enough to even open the rear window because the rack gets in the way. I think if I can get the rack back 5 inches or so, I will be OK. 5. I understand that any extender will cut the receiver capacity by 50, and that the total strength of the hitch will be the lesser of the two numbers factory hitch rating /extender rating. 6. That is where I got confused: - Curt item number C45791 seems to be the ticket, solid and well built, but the reviews said it rattles and to buy the Brophy 7 inch receiver instead with an anti-rattle pin - Roadmaster part number RM-071-1075 supposedly has a higher weight capacity but does that matter to me? - The Brophy hitch extender part number HE06 seems to be the best option because unless I am mistaken, the Jeep 2DR has a 2,500lb towing capacity at best, which would transfer into a 250lb tongue weight. Cutting that in half would mean that my tongue weight can be no more than 125 lbs. Maybe I am missing something, if the 4DR JK has a 3,500lb towing capacity, then I would opine that the bumpers being identical could each support 350 lbs, but the shorter wheelbase and lighter weight of the 2DR contributes to a lower towing capacity. Additionally, even at 350lb tongue weight, fully loaded, the 175lb rack should never pose a problem, or am I missing something?

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Expert Reply:

I can tell you have been doing some research and know what you are looking for.

Just as a blanket statement, any hitch extender will reduce the tongue weight of your trailer hitch receiver even if it has a higher weight capacity, like the Roadmaster Anti-Rattle Hitch Extender # RM-071-1075 that you referenced.

Both the Curt # C45791 and the Brophy # HE06 options will still cause some play by themselves because of the weight sitting further out from your trailer hitch pin hole.

What I recommend doing is using the Brophy option and then also using the Roadmaster Quiet Hitch # RM-061 to help eliminate any play in the hitch receiver.

As long as the 53 lbs of your Kuat NV 2.0, like part # NV22B, and the weight of your 2 bikes does not exceed the 125 lbs of tongue weight that you are reduced to using then you will be just fine. You will want to double check the tongue weight rating of your bumper just to make sure that it is rated properly as well. If you are getting to the max tongue weight then that can definitely play a role in bike rack movement, especially with the suspension on your Jeep.

One last note is that if your current hitch is not rated for towing then I would double check with the manufacturer to see if you can safely carry your NV 2.0 and your bikes.

expert reply by:
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Jon G
Bob F. profile picture

Bob F.

5/18/2020

I am interested in a Swagman Escapee bike carrier. I have a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. For sure I need a hitch extender to get past the spare tire, I am unsure how long it needs to be. Any suggestions ?

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