Can the Surco Spare Tire 3-Bike Carrier be Installed Without the Spare Tire on a 2013 Jeep Wrangler

Updated 06/04/2019 | Published 06/01/2019

Question:

Greeting! Ive been reviewing all the QandA, I removed the spare tire off my JK but still have the holder attached to the tailgate. Can I use the holder without re-attaching the spare? Im trying to go without a spare, especially in summer, when I also a hammock holder from my hitch on the beach obviously bikes would not on the back at the same time. I want to be certain before I buy, I dont want to break the carrier or damage my road bike. Thanks!

asked by: Jennifer Z

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Surco Spare Tire 3-Bike Carrier # BT300, and all of the other spare tire racks for that matter, actually use the spare tire to help stabilize the bike rack so you will need your spare tire installed to utilize any of these bike racks. It would be best to have the spare tire for your 2013 Jeep Wrangler anyways in case you ever do have a flat.

We do have other bike rack options that mount on the roof (via a roof rack) or in a trailer hitch. If you'd rather go one of these routes instead just let me know and I can help you pick one out.

expert reply by: Jon G