We're taking the kids camping next weekend. We figure one week of ownership means we're ready to use our new toy. Looking to take 4 bicycles. We're looking at getting a hitch mounted bike rack. Given that the spare tire projects out, I assume I'll need some sort of hitch extender. Can anyone offer any suggestions. Thanks.

 

I'm in a similar boat. Basically, I found a cheap used hitch bike rack (Yakima fairly basic) and it works well enough, no problem extending beyond the tire despite it not appearing to be made in anyway to accommodate vehicles with rear mounted spares.

The only hitch is that even when the rack is lowered the spare tire hits the top of the rack when trying to open the tailgate.

So all I can say is that I'd guess that most hitch bike racks will allow enough space away from the vehicle for the spare tire. Whether or not you'll be able to open the trunk without taking the whole thing off however is another story.

I'm looking into getting an extension but apart from ordering one online from the US (costly shipping) I haven't found any.

 

I'm OK with not being able to open the tailgate, as the rack I need is to get bikes to camping area. I'll be pulling bikes and the rack off once at destination.


I was at a Princess Auto outlet today and found what I think is a hitch extender for $30.

 

Wow, Princess Auto eh? Thanks for that, I'll be picking up an extension tomorrow to see if that fixes my issue.

I'll let you know if the extension does the trick but unfortunately there was really no way to tell whether or not my bike carrier would interfere with the tailgate until it was installed and lowered down revealing the height of the remaining post.

The Yakima website for example just recommends you 'try it out' when searching compatibility based on vehicle. I guess we'll see tomorrow if anyone else has had any more luck.

 

I built an extension for my bike rack (same as the one in princess auto) , it worked great just a little more bounce for the bikes but all good. good luck have a nice trip

 

Picked up the extension the other night. It ended up being the exact right length for the bike rack to clear the tail gate. Definitely a lot bumpier for the bikes though, I'll have to tighten it up before I go to far with it loaded up.

 

I picked up the Thule 4 bike carrier (Cdn Tire) and an extension with foot step from Princess Auto. Will be doing a camping trip with my kids soon. Dad's coolness quotient has risen.

 

Haha! Nice job sir.

 

Just got back from a weekend of camping. The bike rack worked out very well. Kids loved the Jeep experience while camping. We're loving this vehicle:)

 

I bought the Yakima 5 bike holder . trailer mount and it works great . I did not need an extension and was the only one that worked without it.
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