I called Thule and talked to one of their reps. He strongly suggested that I stay away from the Spare Me spare tire mount. He says that he has had way too many complaints from Wrangler owners.

After talking with him..... it seems clear that the 954 hitch mount is the clear choice. The snowboard/ski rack also mounts securely to the 954.

There is a video from Rack Attack at the link below that illustrates the 954 and all it's features:
Thule 954 & Video

 

Here's another video of the Thule 954 from YouTube:

Thule 954

 

I was looking at the revolover... but maybe this one is better... Any idea how much clearance it has (enough for the spare???)


And I wonder if the tilt-down will let you open the swing gate much?

 

Well... I talked to the Thule rep and he said there should be no problem (clearing the spare) with the Wranglers. Since he did steer me away from the Spare Me..... I'm thinking he should be right.

You may want to do some more research before pulling the trigger. I think I will.

I was going to go with the Thule 914, but the 954 comes with all the security stuff (have to buy it anyway) and the anti sway brackets.

 

Had a few discussions this morning:

I called ORSracksdirect.com and they said I would need a hitch extender to use the 954 mount. They suggested the Spare Me mount.

I called Thule and they said I need 11" from the pin hole to the face of the rubber (spare tire). This was the dimension I was looking for.

Went out at lunch and measured the distance (using a 2x4 pressed up against the spare) from the hitch receiver pin hole to the face of the spare tire rubber and for the stock tires I have 9 1/4". So... looks like the 954 will work without a hitch extender.

I was wanting to avoid a hitch extender because the 954 mounts up really snug and tight. Not sure if I could do that with an extender.

 

What tire do you have.

I haven't found an extender that is less than 8". So I'm sure it would stick out A LOT. I'm still on the edge, as I do plan on getting larger, wider tires. I doubt the spare me can handle them.

 

Currently, I have the stock 18" wheels and tires that came with my Sahara. I plan to visit a shop today that is supposed to carry the 954 and see if I can talk them into opening a box and verify the 11" needed to clear the spare.

 

Let me know how it goes. And if you pick them up, take pictures if you can!

 

Count on it!

 

Does anyone have experience with Swagman bike racks?

I was looking at the XC 4-Bike Cross Country Rack (64665). My stock 17" spare requires > 9" from the center of the hitch-pin. I just got an email from Swagman, and the measurement to the first wheel hoop is 13". Plenty of room. Their other offerings are the typical rack with an upright bar and only have 7.5" of clearance.

Mike W