Choosing the right bike rack for your Jeep Wrangler can be tricky. If you’re like me, you love hitting the trails, both on foot and on two wheels. When I first got my Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited JK nearly a decade ago, I thought my trusty Thule Spare Me 2 tire-mounted bike rack would be enough. It worked fine for solo rides, but things changed when my wife got her own mountain bike. Suddenly, hauling two bikes became a challenge, and the spare tire mount felt overloaded and unstable. Plus, accessing the rear cargo area with bikes loaded was a real pain. That’s when I started my quest for a better solution, specifically one that allowed me to easily open the Jeep’s tailgate without fully unloading everything. I quickly discovered that finding clear, helpful information about bike racks for Jeep Wranglers was harder than it should be. So, after some research and real-world testing, I’m sharing what I learned to help you find the best bike rack for your Jeep Wrangler.
When I started looking for a new bike rack, I had a few key requirements in mind:
- Two-Bike Capacity: It had to easily and safely carry two adult mountain bikes.
- Wheel Mount Trays: I wanted to avoid racks that clamp onto the bike’s top tube, as these can be less stable and potentially damage bike frames, especially for full-suspension bikes. Wheel mount or platform racks are much better in this regard.
- Hitch Mounted: Hitch racks seemed like the most robust and secure option, and I wanted to avoid putting extra stress and weight on the Wrangler’s tailgate.
- Folding Capability: A rack that could fold up compactly when not in use was essential for daily driving and parking.
- Ground Clearance: Jeep Wranglers are built for off-road adventures, and I didn’t want a bike rack setup that drastically reduced ground clearance or departure angle. Avoiding a large drop hitch was important.
- Tailgate Access: This was the most crucial and challenging requirement. I absolutely needed to be able to fully open the Jeep’s tailgate to access my gear and refrigerator without removing the bike rack.
Considering these factors, the Thule T2 Classic 2-Bike Hitch Rack emerged as a strong contender. While this isn’t a full in-depth review of the Thule T2, it’s worth noting that it’s a popular, well-established rack known for its durability and ease of use. For my needs, it ticked most of the boxes.
I did consider the newer Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Hitch Rack, which boasts some appealing upgrades. However, the Pro XT model sits even higher than the Classic. This extra height would likely require a significant drop hitch to clear the Jeep’s spare tire and allow the tailgate to open fully. Since I wanted to maintain reasonable ground clearance for light off-roading, a large drop hitch wasn’t ideal. The Classic model seemed like a better fit for my requirements in this regard.
After getting the Thule T2 Classic, I test-fitted it on my Jeep Wrangler to determine what kind of hitch extension or drop, if any, would be necessary for tailgate clearance. I found that using either a 12-inch hitch extension or a 6-inch extension combined with a 2-inch drop hitch allowed the tailgate to open completely. I opted for the 6-inch extension with a 2-inch drop. The 12-inch extension made the rack stick out quite far, and I preferred a more compact setup closer to the spare tire.
Here are the specific components I used to mount the Thule T2 bike rack to my Jeep Wrangler and ensure tailgate access:
- Thule T2 Classic 2-Bike Hitch Rack: The foundation of the system.
- 6-inch Hitch Extension: Provides the necessary clearance from the spare tire.
- 2-inch Drop Hitch: Lowers the rack slightly to further aid tailgate clearance while minimizing overall drop.
- Hitch Pin Lock: Secures the rack and extension to the Jeep’s hitch receiver and provides added security.
Below is an image showing the complete bike rack system mounted on my Jeep Wrangler.
Here’s a closer view of the bike rack and hitch setup.
Bike Rack 2
I’ve been using this bike rack setup for a while now, and it’s been fantastic. It meets all my initial criteria, especially the crucial tailgate access requirement. I can easily load and unload our bikes, and the rack is stable and secure. Plus, because it’s so convenient to use, we’ve definitely been riding our bikes more often, which is a great bonus! If you’re searching for a bike rack for your Jeep Wrangler, particularly if tailgate access is a priority, I hope sharing my experience with the Thule T2 Classic and hitch extension/drop combination is helpful. Feel free to leave any questions you have in the comments below!
