Will Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack Work With Jeep Wrangler With Hitch Extension

Updated 10/23/2024 | Published 10/20/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gray

(588)

$759.00

Kuat Hi-Lo Hitch Extender - 2" Hitches - 7" or 10" Extension - 2-1/8" Rise/Drop

(56)

$119.00

Question:

I have a 2021 Jeep wrangler JL. I am looking at the Kuat 2-bike rack. Will this rack work for me? I do have a drop hitch which would extend the rack a little further from the spare tire. Would this be a feasible option? My tire is not 8.5 inches from my pin location. The RV drop hitch extends the pin hole about 10.5 inches, which would clear the tire. The insert is rated at 10,000 lbs. Would either scenario work with the Kuat? Thank you.

asked by: Michael P

Expert Reply:

Hi Michael,

So technically yes, the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack # SH22G will work with your hitch adapter to clear the spare tire, though I do have to mention that Kuat says the Sherpa is not to be used with hitch extenders except for the Kuat Hi-Lo Hitch Extender - 2" Hitches - 7" or 10" Extension # HL20B.

Which means using your extender would void the warranty, so take that into consideration. That said, the # SH22G is a full 11 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest wheel tray, which I mention because you said the tire wasn't 8-1/2 inches from the pin hole, so just wanted to clarify the distance.

The Sherpa is one of the racks that is furthest from the pin hole so it really is one of the better options, with the only rack having a further distance from the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack being the Saris SuperClamp HD Bike Rack # SAR44VR. The measurement from the pin hole to the closest part of the SuperClamp is 12 inches. If I was misunderstanding what you were asking, or you have any more questions, please feel free to drop me a line below.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Mike P.

10/23/2024

Kyle, thank you for your response. It looks like the Sherpa will clear my tire to the nearest wheel tray. Will this also allow the Sherpa to fold up with the spare tire in place?

Kyle S.

10/23/2024

@MikeP The Sherpa 2.0 measures 7-1/2" from the hitch pin hole to the nearest part of the rack when folded up, so I don't think it would allow it to fold up with the spare tire in place. So it really just depends on how much clearance you have.

Mike P.

10/23/2024

Thanks for your swift reply. I honestly feel it will work with my RV drop hitch, which I think is more substantial than the one you showed. Not sure why that would void all warranties, but understand it’s the policy. Your answers have been very helpful. Thank you.