Can I Carry 70 Lb Ebikes On My 2013 Jeep Wrangler And Still Have Access To The Rear Of My Vehicle  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

You have to address two separate issues in order to get you a rack that fits your vehicle. The 2013 Jeep Wrangler will have a spare tire on the rear that protrudes further than the hitch receiver. Due to this, there is a chance that you will need a hitch extender to provide the necessary clearance for that spare tire. Unfortunately, adding a hitch extender reduces the maximum tongue weight of your hitch receiver by 50%. You will also need to take this measurement, the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the edge of your spare tire. That distance needs to be less than the hitch bike rack's distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of the hitch rack. You can find that distance in all of our hitch bike rack descriptions. I will provide you all of the parts you MAY need, bike racks and a hitch extender.

We only have one ebike hitch bike rack rated to carry 70 lb ebikes. That bike rack is the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount, part # HLY84FR. The Sport Rider SE can carry ebikes that weigh up to 80 lbs. It comes with an anti-rattle hitch lock that eliminates movement between the hitch receiver and the hitch rack and secure the rack to your vehicle. It can carry fat tire ebikes with or without fenders with no issues. The hook clamps to the frame to keep the bike secure and you can also lock the clamps to secure the bikes to your rack. The rack has a tilt-down mast that you can use with or without bikes and gain access to the rear of your vehicle.

At etrailer, and most ebike manufacturers, we recommend the removal of the bike's battery during transport as a safety precaution. On of the unintended consequences of this practice is your bike is not as heavy during transport. The RockyMounts MonoRail Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount, part # RKY10004, you linked in your question can only carry bikes up to 60 lbs in weight. It comes with an anti-rattle hitch pin to reduce the movement between the hitch receiver and the hitch rack, while locking the rack to your vehicle. It secures the bike without touching the frame, but a bike with fenders might cause an issue. It also has a tilt-down mast that works with or without bikes loaded on the rack that allow you access to the rear of your vehicle.

One last bike rack you might consider is the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount, part # TH903202. This hitch bike rack has the same anti-rattle hitch setup. This rack comes with a ramp to help you load the bikes on the rack. It has a maximum bike weight limit of 65 lbs per bike. This rack comes with an anti-rattle hitch bolt that locks the rack to your vehicle. It secures the racks by the wheels, so it is fender friendly, and a padded clamp for the frame. The clamp does lock, so you can secure your bikes to the rack.

If your hitch receiver provides enough clearance, each of these racks should work. You will be able to access the rear of your vehicle with these racks installed with the tilt-down feature of these hitch bike racks. If you remove the batteries during bike transport each of these will transport your bikes with no problems. If the clearance is not enough you can add the Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long, part # C45791. This extender will add 8" of additional length to your hitch receiver. Please remember if you have to use this extender you will reduce the maximum tongue weight of your hitch receiver by 50%. This extender does not have an anti-rattle device. I recommend the Malone Anti-Rattle HitchLock System, part # MPG908.

I have included product description links and video review links, including a video with a hitch extender installed on a Jeep Wrangler.

expert reply by: Mark Smith

1