The only problem you might have is with the bike carrier clearing the spare tire. I have a Sport Works hitch mounted bike carrier and it will not fit without an extender between the receiver and the carrier. The carrier has part of the folding mechanism a few inches out from where it goes into the receiver and this part hits the spare tire. :sad:

 

I picked up my Jeep this morning. Looking at the hitch I didn't think my Thule bike carrier would clear the spare tire with out an extender. It does by about two inches. Fit's great. I'm very happy.

When I put on new rims and tires I will probably have to pick up an extender.

 

Thanks everyone. I still haven't gotten the hitch yet but am not afraid to put it on myself after all the advice. I won't be adding the wiring harness unless I plan on towing but will keep the info in mind.

I also have a Thule bike rack...the 4 bike rack which pivots down (I don't remember the model number) but am hoping it is like RedWrangler's and will clear the spare.

I have got the 17" inch stock wheel package...what are you riding on RedWrangler?

 

Oooops sorry for the back to back post...redWrangler congrats on picking up your Wrangler. Hope you enjoy it as much as I am enjoying mine!:toung:

 

Just wanted to show everyone what I did..

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modified-jk-tech-2/custom-hitch-4103/

 

Great job on that hitch. Looks great! I am not that mechanically inclined, wish I was!

 

Killer mod 1badjk!

I'm thinking I'm going to have to get an extender also. My Allen 540 bikerack looks like it will hit the spare when the "arms" are rotated up into position.

Anybody know what gives on the Hidden Hitch availability?
I ordered mine from Quadratec a couple weeks ago, and it is still on backorder.

 

redwrangler - which Thule bike rack do you have? That is next on my list and have seen posts where racks didn't clear the spare. You mention yours did (at least with stock wheels/tires. Just curious if it was a newer rack still available. Hate the idea of ordering and having to return racks. Thanks!

DebnJohn - as a side note, while I got my hitch on the vehicle I have purchased from etrailer.com before for another hitch with zero problems. If you cancel at Quadratec (I hate that they don't show inventory availabilty) maybe consider a place like etrailer (http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2007_J...Unlimited.htm).

 

I forgot the model number but it's the Thue rack that swings away which actually works really well with the swing away door of the Jeep. It holds 4 bikes. I've had it for 5 years. It's usually attached to my wifes Honda Pillot. It's held up really well.

Here are a few pictures. The stock rims and tires are Goodyear 245/75/16 with the 16" rims. You can see I have plenty of clearence. I plan on putting on 285/70/17 on 17 rims with a 4.5 back spacing.

[IMG][/IMG]
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The stock 16" rims with 245/75R/16

I think it will depend on your tires not your rim. If you look at the pictures I posted, there's at least 2-3 inches between the rack and my tire.