Shank Extension for Thule Doubletrack Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Rack to Clear Spare on Jeep Wrangler

Updated 09/20/2012 | Published 09/19/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Replacement Aluminum Shank Adapter - 1-1/4" to 2"

(67)

$52.71

Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 7"

(355)

$82.62

CR Brophy Hitch Extender for 1-1/4" Hitch Receivers - 5-3/4" Long

(111)

$83.18

Question:

WILL THIS ADAPTER EXTEND MY THULE DOUBLE TRACK 990XT PAST MY SPARE TIRE ON MY 2012 JEEP WRANGLER 2 DOOR?

asked by: JOE C

Expert Reply:

The replacement shank # 853-7292 is designed to fit certain Thule bike racks as a replacement. It does not fit as a replacement or as an extension on the Doubletrack, # TH990XT.

You would have to use a hitch extender like # HE06 for a 2 inch hitch or # hes6 for a 1-1/4 inch hitch. Please note that the use of an extension reduces the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50 percent. So if the hitch on your Jeep is rated for 350 pounds tongue weight, using the extension will reduce that to 175 pounds. So the combined weight of the bike rack and bikes cannot exceed 175 pounds.

expert reply by: Michael H