I'd like to purchase/rent an inexpensive bike rack so I can haul two bikes on the back of my 2007 Rubicon. This is for a one time trip so I don't want a lot of expense. Does anyone have any suggestions as to brands, makes, etc.?

 

What ever you don't get one of the cheap racks that attaches to the spare. It won't be so cheap when it tears up your tailgate.

The best option are the hitch mounted racks.

You can easily get 2 of them in back of an Unlimited if you take the front wheels off. I get 3 in the back when the top is off.

 

just lash em to the spare. works for me. a good set of bungee cords will do the trick too

 

Very happy with my hitch mounted Bighorn 4 Yakima rack... it can hold upto 4 bikes on this rack...but man it is hefty compared to other cheaper models I looked at. I felt that spending an extra $50 over the other racks that held 4 bikes...it was well worth it. It has a nice locking system that you can purchase for extra. Only thing was I had to get a hitch extension to clear my wider 12.50 Cooper STT's.

 

I agree that buying cheap is not a good idea. Invariably, you get what you pay for.

That said, I checked out quite a few of the spare tire mount racks and found that the Allen rack is excellent. I've hauled bikes for hundreds of miles without any damage to the Jeep or the bikes. However, you MUST wrap the lower lateral support in a towel, or it will ding up the finish on the spare wheel. I first covered it with foam insulation tubing, and then wrapped that with a shop towel, taped carefully. This works well.

One other benefit of the tire mount rack... It will securely carry a high lift jack and a spade (two actually).

You can remove it from the tire in about 10 seconds.




My regards,

Widewing

 

We didn't order the hitch when we ordered the Jeep. Our other vehcile is set up for towing. But my wife would kill me if I took her Acura into the Black Rock Desert. So long story short we have to stick with a spare tire mount.

 

I bought a bike tight or fork carrier off of ebay for $15.00 and attached it to a 2x6. I cut the 2x6 to fit into the rear of my jeep, measured where the bike would fit into the jeep and screwed the bike tight onto the board where the forks would sit in the jeep. If you put the rear seat down the bike will fit back there fine. The whole rack costs me about $30 (I used 2 fork mounts (bike tights) for 2 bikes. i already had the 2x6.

 

Craigslist. Or rent the bikes when you get to the one-time location.

 

I guess it depends on how many bikes you are hauling. I love mine that mounts through the spare to a plate behind. I can open the tailgate with the bike on which is HUGE for me. It's also light and doesn't take up space when off the Jeep.

I've used the same rack on several TJs and 2 JKs and have never had one problem. I don't haul more than two bikes though. And both of mine are right at 20lbs.

If I hauled three bikes I would get a hitch mount but those are such a pain I would avoid it at all costs unless it is critical. The spare style ones can also be an issue if you have larger tires. Make sure the plate has an extension which allows for larger tires. Of course, this increases the moment on the tailgate but like I've said no problems 5 years plus 37s on TJs, 35s on JKs.

 

I have the Mopar spare tire mount bike rack that holds two bikes. I've used it for 5 years and really like it.

Steve