Are Spare Tire Bike Racks Okay to use with Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Carrier

Updated 05/02/2019 | Published 05/01/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Front Mounted Trailer Hitch Universal Spare Tire Mount

(64)

$172.46

Roadmaster Hitch Spare Tire Mount with 2" Receiver Opening - 2" Hitches

(226)

$820.00

Question:

Comparability with spare tire bike carrier and ability to adjust hole. Two questions : 1. Any idea if the slight angle to this would cause issues with using either the Yakima or thule spare tire mounted bike carriers? I would assume that the angle is small enough on this to not make it a problem, but wanted to check. 2. Any idea if it would be possible to drill out a secondary hole in the shaft to adjust where the pin connects the carrier to the hitch receiver? I know this would void any warranty, etc, but Ive done it with previous things like this and had no issues.

asked by: Chris K

Expert Reply:

To answer your first question, spare-tire bike racks, including the Thule Spare Me 2 Bike Rack # TH963PRO, is designed specifically for use on vehicles with a spare tire mounting plate that attaches to a vehicle door, and as such they are likely not going to be compatible with the Front Mounted Trailer Hitch Universal Spare Tire Carrier # 6715 and I do not recommend using them on a hitch-mounted carrier.

Truly the best option for a spare tire carrier and bike rack mount is the Roadmaster Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Carrier w/ 2" Receiver Opening # RM-195225. This would allow you to easily carry a spare tire and use its receiver to add a hitch-mounted bike rack like the Swagman Trailhead # S63360. I have added a link to a video review of the carrier for you to take a look at.

As for your second question, the shank of Spare Tire Carrier # 6715 is able to have a hole drilled, but it would weaken the carrier to do so, and as you mentioned, would also void the warranty.

expert reply by: Kyle S