Bike Rack for 65 lb Bike to Clear Spare Tire on 2017 Jeep Wrangler

Updated 08/29/2018 | Published 08/28/2018

Products Featured in This Question

RockyMounts MonoRail Solo Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(141)

$419.99

Curt 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting

(378)

$309.95

Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1164)

$529.99

Question:

Hi, Curious to see if this will fit on my 2017 JKU with no issue or modification I have a rear tire on the back stock. Also, will the rack fold up with no issue of running into the rear tire? And lastly, this can accommodate a bike up to 60-65 lbs I dont recall, but when it comes to racks, how much is 5#? Instant damage? I have a bike thats 70lbs and looking at the weight ratings, wondering how detrimental 5-10#s would be? Thanks ahead of time! Cheers, E

asked by: Eric R

Expert Reply:

In regards to the issue about clearance you will need to take a quick measurement to determine what rack will work to clear the spare tire on your 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Just take something with a straight edge and hold it against your spare tire and measure from the center of your Jeep's hitch pin hole to that straight edge; you will need a rack where the closest part of it is no more than that distance.

For example, if you took that measurement and found it was 11 inches then the RockyMounts MonoRail # RKY10007 would fit, but not folded up, because the closest part of the MonoRail is 12 inches when folded down and 6-3/4 inches when folded up.

As for the capacity, five pounds does make a difference even if it isn't instant damage. Capacities are what the manufacturers have tested and rated them for so you can safely carry a bike. Going over a rack's capacity could possibly cause the rack to fail (not to mention void the warranty) and that is not something you want to happen when you are driving so it is vital you get a rack that has the capacity to carry a 70 lb bike, which the MonoRail does not.

Your best option may be the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE 2 Electric Bike Rack # HLY84FR, which has an 80 lb per bike capacity and measures 7-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack when in loaded position or 5 inches when folded.

If you will only be carrying one 65 lb bike, then the Curt # C18085 is another option with an 90 lb capacity but with 12 inches from the hitch pin to the closest part of the rack.