Bike Rack Mod?
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Pleasant View, TN
Bike Rack Mod?
Hey all,
Has anyone seen an offset adapter for a thule spare me rack (or any spare mounted bike rack) that will allow a 35" spare? I heard of a guy who has made them, even supposedly lives in my area (middle tn), but I never got his contact info, and managed to lose the info I had for a go-between. Any advice would help!
Thanks!
Has anyone seen an offset adapter for a thule spare me rack (or any spare mounted bike rack) that will allow a 35" spare? I heard of a guy who has made them, even supposedly lives in my area (middle tn), but I never got his contact info, and managed to lose the info I had for a go-between. Any advice would help!
Thanks!
JK Junkie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,191
Likes: 6
From: Boston, MA
not really an answer your question but
Do you have the Thule 963 Spare Me or the 963XT?
The XT (a newer version) handles my spare with plenty of room. I think it has a longer bolt. I only have the stock BFG 32s (Rubi) so I can't say if it fits up to a 35. But if you have the older rack maybe Thule or your bike shop can get you the longer bolt. Thule probably has a spare parts catalog online.
Do you use the stock spare tire carrier? You may be pushing the weight capacity with your spare and bikes.
Do you have the Thule 963 Spare Me or the 963XT?
The XT (a newer version) handles my spare with plenty of room. I think it has a longer bolt. I only have the stock BFG 32s (Rubi) so I can't say if it fits up to a 35. But if you have the older rack maybe Thule or your bike shop can get you the longer bolt. Thule probably has a spare parts catalog online.
Do you use the stock spare tire carrier? You may be pushing the weight capacity with your spare and bikes.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 0
From: Denver, Colorado
let me know if you find one.. I'm thinking about cutting the bar on top and bending it up to make it fit. the problem that I am having now though, is that my 35s on stock carrier doesn't touch the bumpstops with the bracket on..
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Sterling, VA
I'd be weary of adding the extra weight of bikes to a tailgate that is already straining under a 35. If you have an aftermarket tire carrier, you may be good but bikes hanging out on teh rack will add a significant amount of weight on your tailgate.
The more secure and more stable option for bike racks are hitch racks and I highly reccomend those. I have worked in bikeshops for 16 years now and the best racks are the hitch racks and the roof racks, hands down. They offer the best security for the bikes and the best protection as well.
Currently I am rocking the Thule 916XT T2. It's not cheap but its a rack for life, it can go from vehicle to vehicle. The rack makes no contact with the frame and the bikes don't hang so they can't swing into each other.
The down side to this rack is depending on the setup, it may not be able to fold up because the spare might be in the way, it is rather bulky so if you dont have the storage for it, it will take up a lot of room off the jeep and it is a little pricey at $420.
That's just my 2 cents.
The more secure and more stable option for bike racks are hitch racks and I highly reccomend those. I have worked in bikeshops for 16 years now and the best racks are the hitch racks and the roof racks, hands down. They offer the best security for the bikes and the best protection as well.
Currently I am rocking the Thule 916XT T2. It's not cheap but its a rack for life, it can go from vehicle to vehicle. The rack makes no contact with the frame and the bikes don't hang so they can't swing into each other.
The down side to this rack is depending on the setup, it may not be able to fold up because the spare might be in the way, it is rather bulky so if you dont have the storage for it, it will take up a lot of room off the jeep and it is a little pricey at $420.
That's just my 2 cents.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 0
From: Denver, Colorado
I'd be weary of adding the extra weight of bikes to a tailgate that is already straining under a 35. If you have an aftermarket tire carrier, you may be good but bikes hanging out on teh rack will add a significant amount of weight on your tailgate.
The more secure and more stable option for bike racks are hitch racks and I highly reccomend those. I have worked in bikeshops for 16 years now and the best racks are the hitch racks and the roof racks, hands down. They offer the best security for the bikes and the best protection as well.
Currently I am rocking the Thule 916XT T2. It's not cheap but its a rack for life, it can go from vehicle to vehicle. The rack makes no contact with the frame and the bikes don't hang so they can't swing into each other.
The down side to this rack is depending on the setup, it may not be able to fold up because the spare might be in the way, it is rather bulky so if you dont have the storage for it, it will take up a lot of room off the jeep and it is a little pricey at $420.
That's just my 2 cents.
The more secure and more stable option for bike racks are hitch racks and I highly reccomend those. I have worked in bikeshops for 16 years now and the best racks are the hitch racks and the roof racks, hands down. They offer the best security for the bikes and the best protection as well.
Currently I am rocking the Thule 916XT T2. It's not cheap but its a rack for life, it can go from vehicle to vehicle. The rack makes no contact with the frame and the bikes don't hang so they can't swing into each other.
The down side to this rack is depending on the setup, it may not be able to fold up because the spare might be in the way, it is rather bulky so if you dont have the storage for it, it will take up a lot of room off the jeep and it is a little pricey at $420.
That's just my 2 cents.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 0
From: The Badlands (near Lafayette, IN)
My receiver Yakima rack was snug against the gate-mounted spare and is similarly tight against the spare on the LōD swingout carrier.
I'd love to drop and extend the mount a few inches. It's a relatively simple welded assembly, but the market is small.
There is this one on Amazon that was intended for the bike rack to go in the top hole, but it could easily be installed upside down. It's only $37, but the $16 shipping is ridiculous.
I'd love to drop and extend the mount a few inches. It's a relatively simple welded assembly, but the market is small.
There is this one on Amazon that was intended for the bike rack to go in the top hole, but it could easily be installed upside down. It's only $37, but the $16 shipping is ridiculous.
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JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: raleigh, nc
gave up, bought another rack
i battled this for over a year - even cut the end off the thule mounting plate and was planning to weld it back on with an extension - then found this rack that works on oversized tires, not as nice as the thule, but at least i have a bike transport...
