Bike Rack that Will Let Tailgate Swing Open on 2017 Jeep Wrangler

Updated 06/22/2020 | Published 03/04/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(164)

$1499.90

Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(164)

$899.95

Question:

I think I found a solution with a bike rack that will allow me to open my 2017 Jeep Wrangler Tailgate but am concerned about clearing the spare tire esp with locking handle, but again, would really not want to use an extension, or push the rack our further than necessary. Thanks.

asked by: Eric

Expert Reply:

Using the Thule T2 Pro XTR for 4 bikes, # TH69TX or # TH83JV for 2 bikes are a great way to allow you to open the rear tailgate on your 2017 Jeep Wrangler while still being able to keep the bike rack in place and either one of those racks is going to look fantastic on the back of the Jeep. You can't go wrong with either one!

expert reply by: Michael H

Mark

6/14/2020

Michael, great suggestion. Are you aware of any other platform racks that will allow you to open the rear tailgate? I am OK with having to lower an arm or the entire rack, just don't want to have to completely remove it.

Chris R.

6/18/2020

We actually have quite a few platform racks that would allow a rear tailgate to swing open (as long as the bikes are unloaded). The issue on your Wrangler is the spare tire, which requires more clearance between the shank and rack. The T2 provides a uniquely large 19" distance from the hitch pin hole to the closest wheel cradle. If you can take a measurement from the center of the hitch pin hole on your Jeep to the outermost edge of the spare tire, I will be happy to see if there are other racks that will work.

Mark

6/18/2020

@ChrisR Thank you. I will verify. It's a sport with a factory tire, so I would assume it is OK.