Recommended Bike Rack and Hitch Receiver for 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler with E-Bikes

Published 10/17/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Swagman XTC4 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1634)

$398.24

Light Kit for Draw-Tite, Tow Ready, and Rola Railed Cargo Carriers

(240)

$42.65

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(331)

$123.19

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(174)

$110.94

etrailer Tail Light Mounting Brackets for Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier - Qty 2

(33)

$39.14

Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1166)

$529.99

Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(211)

$379.99

Question:

I have a 2018 Jeep wrangler JL with a rear tire and no Reese hitch i want to get 2 RAD bikes and carry them. I have a few issues, need Reese receiver, need to make sure the bike rack will extend past the tire, I think I need the Hollywood sport rider rack for the weight of the bikes and last I have a concern about the bikes blocking the taillights. Thought and suggestions much appreciated

asked by: Jeff D

Expert Reply:

For your 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL, the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # DT78MR is a great option made by the same manufacturer as Reese components. The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C13392 is also a great fit for your Jeep with the rear spare and has a thicker powder coat but a lesser tongue weight rating. Either option will work well for your bike rack. Both the Curt and Draw-Tite hitch receiver options will require 8 inches from the hitch pin hole to clear your spare.

The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # HLY84FR will not work well based on the dimensions needed for clearance with your spare tire. Instead, I recommend the Saris Freedom 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # SA4412B which is 12 inches from the hitch pin to the closest part of the rack. It will fit bikes up to 60 lbs each, so if your RAD Bike is slightly over that weight you may need to remove the battery for transport.

expert reply by: Jason S

Jeff

10/17/2020

Jason S.

10/17/2020

Most bikes still leave visibility for the legal aspects without additional lighting, however as you stated it is not a bad idea to be more easily seen. You can add the Light Kit for Draw-Tite, Tow Ready, and Rola Railed Cargo Carriers # 20174 along with mounting brackets like the etrailer.com Tail Light Mounting Brackets for Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier - Qty 2 # e98943.