So...

I have an '08 Unlimited and I ride around 2-3 times a week. Originally I had a 2-bike mount that attached to my extra tire carrier on the back. However, after lifting my ride and putting 35" tires all the way around, the weight is definitely beyond the recommended load weight for the rear swinging door. I plan on getting a new bumper/tire carrier in the future but that is a few financial light years away. I am wanting to get a a hitch carrier but am lost as to what I should be looking for. If anyone else has larger tires on their ride and has dealt with the "extension" issue of putting a hitch mounted bike rack on their jeep I would love to hear some feedback. Furthermore, a mount that would allow me to still be able to access my jeep from the rear would be great. Brand names and model info on the bike carrier is much appreciated. Thanks a ton guys and I'll see you on the trails!!


Andy

 

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...hule+bike+rack

 

Can't help on the hitch receiver, the few I've tried were useless as I could not open the back gate with them. I know in the link from kntr they have a couple that work, but they are pricey, plus you ca';t really hit tough trails with them as you lose most of you departure angle.

With that said and understanding funds are not there for major changes, but as you plan long term, think about a roof rack and placing the bikes up there. On my rack I can fit as many as 7 bikes. It's a little work to get them on and off, but I have a thin 4' step ladder that fits in the Jeep that helps a ton.

Here's a pic with 3 bikes and a canoe. I don't have a pic accessible with 7 bikes, but it's 4 front facing and 3 rear facing, with the blocks offset of one another.


Also, another option would be to build/find an off road trailer, put a hard top on it and attach blocks or rails to the top. I'm in the markey for a trailer and will add blocks just to have another option.

 

what kind of rack is that and how is it getting the top off with it?

 

I have a two bike hitch carrier for free, if you want to come and pick it up. Its a sportrack 2ez.

h ttp://www.sportrack.com/a30901

Viper

 

It's the Warrior Product's rack and lowering the top is the only downside to it. You have to completely remove the top to lower it. In that I mean unding it like you would to lower it, then adding the step of disconnecting the arms from the rear sport bars and sliding it out. Then either find a nice out of the way spot for it or fold it and reinstall in the folded position.

Fortunately I don't lower it often as it's too hot during the summer to not keep the interior shaded, though I have the doors and windows off. I'll usually remove it for a week or two in the spring and fall when it's really nice out and when I remove the rack for it's yearly maintenance of sanding any rust and repainting it.

Overall it's a great rack and I've had no problems with it. One day I might try to come up with a way to hinge it, but for now it works just fine.

 

Thule T2 with a drop/extension

 

I went the cheap route and purchased a hitch mounted cargo basket from Walmart for $60 bucks, I then purchased a bike adapter for it. Without an extension I can fit 2 bikes, I purchased an extension recently and can haul 3 bikes now on it. Sorry I dont have any pics of it all together but all the parts were under $100 and it fits my needs. There are several trails near me so I usually don't drive more than 20 miles. I secure the bikes down with some ratchet straps. As a plus I can remove the bike adapter and use it to haul camping supplies, etc..

 

Where did you get the bike adapter from? While I like the fork blocks, I'd love to just slip the bikes up and strap them down versus dealing with getting the forks secured, especially when I'm parked at an angle.

 

If you still have your old bike rack, you could go with smittybilts over size tire carrier for the time being until you can get what you really want.