Do I Need a Hitch Extender to Use on the Kuat Beta on My 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited?

Published 01/19/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Kuat Beta Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Tilting

(302)

$349.00

Trailer Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long

(320)

$50.93

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(637)

$160.28

Kuat Ubar Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(133)

$49.00

Question:

Do you need a hitch extender to install the Kuat Beta on a Jeep Wrangler unlimited?

asked by: Emily

Expert Reply:

When considering the rear bumper and spare tire clearance when using the Kuat Beta - Aluminum Folding 2 Bike Rack for 2" Trailer Hitches # B202-2, it truly depends on two different factors: where your hitch installs on your Wrangler and the width of your spare tire. On the Beta, since the distance from the center pinhole of the upright of the rack measures 7-1/2 inches long, that is the length that determines if you need a hitch extender.

If, for example, you have a hitch installed like the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - 2" # e98856 (excluding EcoDiesel models) or the Draw-Tite - 2" # DT78MR (for both EcoDiesel and non-EcoDiesel models), you do not need a hitch adapter for using the Beta on your vehicle. We happen to have those hitches installed on a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and can confirm the clearance with those hitches. I went ahead and attached videos of both of those hitches to provide you with the bumper clearance/spare tire clearance measurements.

However, if you have a hitch currently installed on your Wrangler, I recommend measuring from the hitch's pinhole to the outside face of the spare tire. If that measurement does not exceed 7-1/2 inches, you do not need to have an adapter. I went ahead and attached a photo of this measurement to help you out. If you discover that you do not have the clearance required, the a great adapter to use is theTrailer Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long # e88YR.

It is important to note that any time you use hitch adapter of any kind, it decreases the weight capacity of the hitch by 50%.

Also, if you are planning to use the Beta with women's bikes, children's bikes, or step-thru bikes, I recommend the bike adapter bar # UB01 to allow you to mount those bike styles to the arms of the Beta.