For Jeep owners who are also cycling enthusiasts, combining these two passions can be incredibly rewarding. However, finding the right bike rack for your Jeep, especially if you own a Wrangler with its iconic rear-mounted spare tire, can present a unique challenge. Many Jeep owners struggle to maintain easy access to the tailgate while carrying their bikes. If you’re in the same boat, looking for a solution that allows you to transport your bikes without sacrificing the functionality of your Jeep, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the perfect Jeep Bike Rack involves considering several factors, from the type of rack to its compatibility with your vehicle and your specific needs. Initially, like many Jeep owners, I considered spare tire-mounted racks. While they seem like a natural fit, I soon realized their limitations, especially when carrying multiple bikes or heavier mountain bikes. The desire for a more robust and versatile solution led me to explore hitch-mounted bike racks.
When searching for a new bike rack for my Jeep Wrangler, I established a few key criteria to ensure it met my needs:
- Capacity for Two Bikes: The rack needed to comfortably and securely carry two adult mountain bikes, accommodating various frame styles, including full-suspension bikes.
- Wheel Mount Design Preference: 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 carbon frames. Wheel mount racks offer a more secure and frame-friendly carrying method.
- Hitch-Mounted Stability: Hitch-mounted racks are known for their durability and stability, distributing the weight effectively on the vehicle’s frame rather than the tailgate or spare tire. This was a priority for safe and secure bike transport, especially on longer drives.
- Folding or Tilting Functionality: A rack that could fold up when not in use was essential to minimize its footprint and improve vehicle maneuverability. Tilting functionality to allow for some degree of tailgate access was also a desirable feature.
- Ground Clearance Considerations: Off-roading is part of the Jeep experience, so minimizing the reduction in ground clearance and departure angle caused by the bike rack was crucial. Avoiding excessively low-hanging racks or drop hitches was important to maintain off-road capability.
- Unobstructed Tailgate Access – The Holy Grail: The most critical requirement was the ability to fully open the Jeep’s tailgate without completely removing the bike rack. This is essential for accessing cargo, refrigerators, and gear stored in the rear of the Jeep.
Considering these points, particularly the need for full tailgate access, steered me towards hitch-mounted racks combined with specific accessories. While some newer racks boast impressive features, many still struggle to clear the spare tire on a Jeep Wrangler for full tailgate opening. This often leads to the necessity of using hitch extenders or drop hitches.
After thorough research and some experimentation, I found that the Thule T2 Classic 2-Bike Hitch Rack, when paired with a suitable hitch extension or drop hitch, provided an excellent solution for my Jeep Wrangler. While this article isn’t intended as a comprehensive review of the Thule T2 Classic, it’s worth noting its reputation for robust construction and reliable performance, making it a popular choice for cyclists.
Thule T2 Bike Rack mounted on Jeep Wrangler, showing spare tire clearance
To achieve full tailgate access with a hitch-mounted rack on a Jeep, you’ll likely need to use either a hitch extender or a drop hitch. My testing revealed 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, even with the Thule T2 Classic installed.
I opted for the drop hitch extension as it kept the bike rack closer to the Jeep’s rear, minimizing how far it protruded and maintaining a tighter profile. A longer extension, while providing clearance, can increase the overall length and potentially affect maneuverability in tight spaces or on trails.
Below is a list of the additional accessories I utilized to mount and secure the bike rack to my Jeep Wrangler, achieving the desired tailgate access:
- Hitch Extension (6-inch or 12-inch, depending on preference and clearance needs)
- Drop Hitch (2-inch, if using a shorter extension and needing additional clearance)
- Hitch Pin and Lock (for secure attachment of the rack and extension to the Jeep’s hitch receiver)
- Anti-Rattle Hitch Stabilizer (optional, but recommended to minimize wobble and movement of the rack)
Here is a photo illustrating the complete bike rack setup as installed on my Jeep Wrangler.
And here’s a closer view of the bike rack itself, highlighting the mounting and clearance.
Close-up of Thule T2 bike rack and hitch setup on Jeep Wrangler
Since implementing this jeep bike rack solution, I’ve used it extensively throughout the year for countless cycling trips. It has consistently met all of my initial criteria, allowing me to enjoy my Jeep to its fullest while easily transporting our bikes. The convenience and ease of use of this setup have undoubtedly encouraged us to ride our bikes more frequently, which is a fantastic bonus.
If you’re a Jeep owner facing the challenge of finding a bike rack that provides both secure bike transport and uncompromised tailgate access, I hope this guide based on my personal experience provides valuable insights. Remember to carefully consider your specific Jeep model, bike types, and desired level of tailgate access when choosing your Jeep bike rack and any necessary extension or drop hitch components. Feel free to share your experiences or questions in the comments below!
