For years, my trusty Thule Spare Me 2 bike rack served me well, attaching to the spare tire of my Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited JK. It was perfect for solo rides with my mountain bike. However, the game changed when my wife, Diane, got her own bike. Suddenly, our weekend adventures demanded a solution for carrying two bikes, and the spare tire mount simply wasn’t cutting it, especially with the added weight and concerns about the tailgate. This realization kicked off my quest for the ideal Bike Rack For A Jeep, one that could handle our growing cycling needs without compromising the functionality of our Wrangler. Surprisingly, resources were scarce when I started researching, which is why I’m sharing my experience to help fellow Jeep enthusiasts navigate this challenge. After some trial and error, I believe I’ve found a bike rack for a jeep setup that works perfectly and could be exactly what you’re looking for too.
When diving into the world of bike racks for Jeeps, I established a clear set of criteria to guide my search:
- Two-Bike Capacity: The rack needed to effortlessly transport two mountain bikes.
- Wheel Mount Preference: I wanted to avoid racks that clamp onto the bike’s top tube, as they can be less stable and potentially damage the frame, particularly on full-suspension bikes.
- Hitch Mount Reliability: Hitch-mounted racks stood out as the most robust option, distributing weight effectively on the vehicle’s frame rather than solely on the tailgate.
- Foldable Design: The ability to fold the rack up when not in use was crucial for minimizing its footprint and improving daily driving.
- Ground Clearance Consideration: While accepting some loss of ground clearance, I aimed to minimize it to maintain the Jeep’s off-road capabilities on mild trails, avoiding the need for a significant drop hitch.
- Unobstructed Tailgate Access: This was the ultimate challenge. My priority was to fully open the Jeep’s tailgate without removing the bike rack, ensuring easy access to my refrigerator and other essential gear.
Considering these factors, the Thule T2 Classic 2-Bike Hitch Rack emerged as the most promising bike rack for a jeep solution. While a detailed review of the Thule T2 Classic isn’t the focus here – as it’s already a well-regarded and proven rack – I can attest to its solid construction and suitability for our needs. It’s a reliable platform-style hitch rack known for its ease of use and secure bike transport.
Thule T2 Bike Rack Mounted on Jeep Wrangler
I initially considered the newer Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Hitch Rack, which boasts appealing upgrades. However, its higher profile posed a problem. It would likely require a substantial drop hitch to clear the spare tire for tailgate access, further reducing ground clearance – a compromise I wanted to avoid for maintaining some off-road capability. Sticking with the Classic model seemed like the better approach for my Jeep setup.
Upon receiving and assembling the Thule T2 Classic, I immediately test-fitted it to my Jeep Wrangler. My goal was to determine the necessary hitch extension or drop to achieve full tailgate clearance. I discovered that either a 12-inch hitch extension or a combination of a 6-inch extension with a 2-inch drop hitch would allow the tailgate to swing open completely. I opted for the drop hitch setup. The 6-inch extension kept the rack closer to the Jeep, minimizing protrusion, while the 2-inch drop provided the crucial clearance needed to swing the tailgate past the bike rack and spare tire. The longer 12-inch extension, while functional, made the rack stick out further than I preferred.
To complete the installation and ensure a secure and functional bike rack for jeep system, I utilized these additional accessories:
- 6″ Hitch Extension: To move the bike rack further back from the spare tire.
- 2″ Drop Hitch: To lower the rack slightly, providing tailgate clearance.
- Hitch Tightener/Anti-Rattle Stabilizer: To eliminate wobble and noise from the hitch connection, ensuring a stable and quiet ride.
- Locking Hitch Pin: For added security, preventing theft of the bike rack itself.
Here’s a look at the complete bike rack setup mounted on my Jeep.
And a closer view of the bike rack installation.
Thule T2 Bike Rack Close Up on Jeep Hitch
Since setting up this bike rack for jeep configuration, we’ve enjoyed numerous bike rides. It has truly met all my initial requirements. The Thule T2 Classic, combined with the hitch extension and drop, provides easy bike loading, secure transport, and, most importantly, full tailgate access. This setup allows me to use my Jeep as intended, whether we’re heading to a trailhead or simply running errands with our bikes. The ease of use and convenience of this bike rack for a jeep solution have definitely encouraged us to ride more often, which is a fantastic bonus. If you’re facing a similar challenge in finding the right bike rack for your Jeep Wrangler, I hope sharing my experience helps you find the perfect solution for your adventures. Feel free to ask any questions you might have below – I’m happy to share more details!
