Best 5-Bike Rack for a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited that Allows Rear Door Clearance

Updated 03/18/2021 | Published 03/15/2021

Question:

I’m looking for a 5 bike tow hitch rack for a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. I’ve rad about the Yakima, the Thule and the Saris. Is there a rack you recommend. I’d like the rack to allow me to gain access to the back of the Jeep. As you know, the Wranglers back door swings open side to side. It’s doesn’t lift up as most SUV or crossover back doors. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks

asked by: Michael G

Expert Reply:

To mount 5 bikes to the hitch of a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, I recommend the Yakima RidgeBack, part # Y02459. It fits 1-1/4" and 2" hitches and can support 5 bikes up to 40 pounds each (up to 150 pounds total). It has an anti-rattle SpeedKnob.

Like the other bike racks in this category, it has a tilt-away feature. However, none of these are likely to tilt away far enough to clear your swing-out hatch door. Unfortunately, we do not have a way around this as an extender would halve your hitch's capacity and would not work well with a 5-bike rack. The only way to have access to your back door is to remove the rack entirely when you need access.

I've linked to a video review of the RidgeBack for you to look at.

expert reply by: Kef G