Options for Transporting e-Bikes and Skis on 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee  

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Expert Reply:

I do have a solution for you, however there isn't a ski carrier similar to the Thule Tram # TH9033 that would be compatible with an e-bike hitch-mounted bike rack. Any e-bike hitch rack is going to be a platform-style carrier, such as with the excellent Saris Freedom # SA4412B, because of the heavier weights they need to support. Unfortunately there isn't an adapter component available that's designed to attach to a carrier like this for ski transport.

With this in mind your only option will be to go with a hitch bike rack for your e-bikes and then a roof rack setup on top of your Jeep Grand Cherokee for the skis.

For the bike rack I do recommend checking out the Saris Freedom # SA4412B mentioned above, which can handle two bikes of up to 60 pounds each, features soft rubber cradles that grip the bikes by their downtubes or top tubes (avoiding any fender interference if equipped), and a front mounted push level that lets you easily tilt the rack back for rear cargo access. Its extremely lightweight for a platform rack at just 27 pounds and is made right here in the USA.

I have attached a short video review below that you can check out as well.

Then for a roof rack on the Jeep, the right system will depend on the specific roof configuration currently on your Grand Cherokee. If the roof is equipped with black and chrome track/rails that run front to back, the Inno square bar roof rack part # INB127, # INTR and # INTR132 is a good economically priced option. If you just have black flush mounted rails (front to back) or a completely bare roof, your best option is the Rhino-Rack Vortex Roof Rack that consists of # RRVA137B-2 for the 54" Vortex Crossbars, # RRRLKVA for the 2500 Series Legs, and # DK234 for the Custom Fit Kit.

Then with the rack installed you have a couple options with regards to actually securing and transporting your skis. You can go with a ski-specific rack like the Rhino-Rack # RR576 that can secure up to 6 pairs of skis, or a more versatile option in a cargo box like the Yakima SkyBox NX 16 # Y95SB that can hold up to 68.89' long skis or any other cargo items that you can't fit or would rather not have stored inside the Jeep.

I have attached a couple video reviews on these products below, along with a couple links that will take you to our complete selection of ski carriers and cargo boxes that you can look through.

expert reply by: Chris R

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