Does Thule Vero Fit With Spare Tire Mounted?

Updated 07/25/2026 | Published 07/18/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Vero Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Tilting - Wheel or Frame Mount

$1038.95

Yakima StraightShot Hitch Extension - 2" Hitches - 7-1/4" Long

(94)

$66.36

Question:

does Thule Vero fit on 2016 Jeep Wrangler with spare tire mounted? or is an adapter required and available and safe?

asked by: Steve R

Expert Reply:

Hi Steve!

The Thule Vero Bike Rack for 2 Bikes # TH34FR24PX will fit on your 2016 Jeep Wrangler's 2" hitch, but to clear the spare tire, you'll need 18.7" of clearance from the mounting hole to the tire as shown in the photo below to avoid using an adapter. The widest factory tire size that I found for the 2016 Wrangler was 255/70-18, which is 10" wide, and the measurement from your bumper to your hitch mounting hole would need to be less than 8.7" to ensure this hitch fits, so I can confirm that you'll have no problem fitting this rack if you have factory tire sizes. If you have aftermarket tires, you will need to take those measurements to confirm you have the clearance. If your measurements show that you need an extension, you can use Yakima StraightShot Hitch Extension # Y69VR, but that, and any adapters, will reduce your hitch's weight capacity by 50%.

What kind of bikes do you plan on carrying with this rack? It's rated for up to 80 lbs per bike and tires up to 5" wide so it's a great option for e-bikes and acoustic bikes alike!

expert reply by: Jerry B

how to measure spare tire clearance
(click to enlarge)

Denise

7/25/2026

Steve, overall I think this is an excellent bike rack, especially if you need to carry two bikes. I bought this rack because I wanted a rack with a ramp for a new Trek Verve 3 that weighs 57 pounds with the removable battery installed. I take road trips to travel rail trails, canal trails etc. both paved and unpaved and wanted a secure rack. I always look for a tilt down feature for the ability to remove luggage, coolers, etc. without removing bikes. This rack was only available for two bikes. The ramp is sold separately, not needed if you can lift your bike. A lot of good features - ability to install and remove from 2" hitch without tools. Locks on hitch and on bike support. Ability to handle any width tires - hybrid, e-bike or road bike. The adjustable telescopic arms. I used it for about two months including overnight trips and day trips and found it isn't ideal for me. I'm a 5'1" 69 year old female - the 60 pound weight of the rack - I think it was user error but I could not manage to move it easily on the included wheel fixture from car to garage and back - and reaching over the front bike support to secure the bike on the back was doable but awkward. I compromised and replaced it with a one bike Young Electric rack that doesn't tilt for regular use. If you need to carry two heavy e-bikes, or even an e-bike and a regular bike and can easily handle the weight of rack and bike and the reach to the back support I think you'll be happy with it. I'm keeping it anticipating a couple of longer road trips when I want the additional support.

Jerry B.

7/25/2026

@Denise Thanks for your feedback, that's incredibly helpful! I hate that it wasn't a perfect fit for you, but I think you highlighted a lot of the features really well. The weight of the rack is definitely a limiting factor, but unfortunately that's about the standard right now for the heavy bike & e-bike racks. I do hope that you're able to continue using it in the future for those longer trips. I don't think many brands compare to how well built Thule racks are, and that becomes pretty evident on long hauls for sure! Are you planning any trips with your bike? I really like the Trek Verve 3! I have an e-bike as well that I'm planning on upgrading soon and Trek is one of the options that I've been looking into.