Will Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier 6502 Clear the Spare Tire on a 2002 Jeep Wrangler

Updated 11/28/2011 | Published 11/24/2011

Question:

I have a 2002 jeep wrangler with a spare tire on the back. How would I know if this carrier fits my jeep and clears the spare tire? Also, I bought this jeep used. How can I tell what size hitch I have?

asked by: Sharon

Expert Reply:

First, to determine what size hitch you have, measure the inside width of the receiver. If it is 1-1/4 inches, you have a Class I or II hitch. If it is 2 inches, you have a Class III or IV. I have included a link to an FAQ on hitch classes for you.

To determine how much clearance an accessory will need to clear the spare tire on the 2002 Jeep Wrangler, measure from the center of the hitch pin hole back to the distance required to clear the spare tire. We have done this measurement on a 2006 model (which takes the same hitches) and it measured 8 inches from hitch pin hole center to clear the spare tire. I have included a link to a video for you.

The 20x48 Folding Cargo Carrier, # 6502, for 2 inch receivers measures 13 inches from the hitch pin hole center to the nearest edge of the carrier, so in the example above, it would clear the spare tire when the carrier is in the folded down position. But, when folded up, it measures 7-1/2 inches so it would not clear the spare tire.

expert reply by: Michael H