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flyer92

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After attaching a hitch-mounted bike carrier to my stock JL Sport with trailer tow package, I noticed that the carrier's upright tube was making contact with the rear camera as shown here:

Jeep Wrangler JL Bike Rack Clearance IMG_4037.JPG


Even after removing the outer plastic camera housing, the tube is still very close to the camera, making it unusable with my JL. I am not a fan of spare tire-mounted bike carriers and I don't have a hard top to accommodate roof-mounted options, so just curious if anyone could recommend a hitch-mounted carrier that provides enough clearance. Thanks for any/all recommendations and happy Jeepin'!
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JeepKev

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After attaching a hitch-mounted bike carrier to my stock JL Sport with trailer tow package, I noticed that the carrier's upright tube was making contact with the rear camera as shown here:

Jeep Wrangler JL Bike Rack Clearance IMG_4037.JPG


Even after removing the outer plastic camera housing, the tube is still very close to the camera, making it unusable with my JL. I am not a fan of spare tire-mounted bike carriers and I don't have a hard top to accommodate roof-mounted options, so just curious if anyone could recommend a hitch-mounted carrier that provides enough clearance. Thanks for any/all recommendations and happy Jeepin'!
I don’t know just how old my Thule Helium hitch mount 2 bike carrier is, but it fits my ‘21 JLU-Willys just fine. It was pricey way back when I first got it but never disappoints.
 

TX_Ovrlnd

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After attaching a hitch-mounted bike carrier to my stock JL Sport with trailer tow package, I noticed that the carrier's upright tube was making contact with the rear camera as shown here:

IMG_4037.JPG


Even after removing the outer plastic camera housing, the tube is still very close to the camera, making it unusable with my JL. I am not a fan of spare tire-mounted bike carriers and I don't have a hard top to accommodate roof-mounted options, so just curious if anyone could recommend a hitch-mounted carrier that provides enough clearance. Thanks for any/all recommendations and happy Jeepin'!
You just need an extension piece to make it fit fine. Measure then select the applicable size extension.
https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Hi...ender-pt-Bike_Racks-pc-Fits_2_Inch_Hitch.aspx

You can probably find one locally if you look in the right place too.
 
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bohnster

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As said before, the extenders. Very helpful with bike racks. Also great to use it with a cargo tray allowing for clearance beneath the spare.
 

thx138

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flyer92

flyer92

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Thanks to all for the quick replies! I did look into the hitch extenders, but my bike carrier is pretty trashed after 20+ years of hard use and doesn't have the fold-down feature. Just figured it was time to get a new carrier.

@Krones: I thought the Quadratec rack was a great option, but the listing on their site states, "Not for 2018 and newer JL Wranglers equipped with spare tire mount backup camera." Given that this carrier provides sufficient, adjustable clearance over 13", is it just incompatible because it blocks the rear camera's view?
 

Packnbeer

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Hitch extender is the answer as others have said. I had to get one for my hitch mounted cargo carrier. They work great
 

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TX_Ovrlnd

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Thanks to all for the quick replies! I did look into the hitch extenders, but my bike carrier is pretty trashed after 20+ years of hard use and doesn't have the fold-down feature. Just figured it was time to get a new carrier.
Gotcha! I am looking at picking up a swing away carrier myself, these are my current contenders. Kuat is high quality but they are very proud of their stuff and its sold as individual components. 💰

https://rockymounts.com/backstage/
or
https://www.kuat.com/product/pivot-2/
https://www.kuat.com/product/nv-2-0-base/
 

Adv_aw8s

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Gotcha! I am looking at picking up a swing away carrier myself, these are my current contenders. Kuat is high quality but they are very proud of their stuff and its sold as individual components. 💰

https://rockymounts.com/backstage/
or
https://www.kuat.com/product/pivot-2/
https://www.kuat.com/product/nv-2-0-base/
We have the kuat nv 2.0 base and it has been excellent. We also have their extension to clear the 37" tire on the back. I can tilt the rack down and get the tailgate and glass open just enough to squeeze my head and upper body in the back. I'd eventually like to get the swing out pivot for it.
Jeep Wrangler JL Bike Rack Clearance IMG_20220418_191413

Jeep Wrangler JL Bike Rack Clearance IMG_20220418_191419
 

zrickety

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After attaching a hitch-mounted bike carrier to my stock JL Sport with trailer tow package, I noticed that the carrier's upright tube was making contact with the rear camera as shown here:

IMG_4037.JPG


Even after removing the outer plastic camera housing, the tube is still very close to the camera, making it unusable with my JL. I am not a fan of spare tire-mounted bike carriers and I don't have a hard top to accommodate roof-mounted options, so just curious if anyone could recommend a hitch-mounted carrier that provides enough clearance. Thanks for any/all recommendations and happy Jeepin'!
I have a Saris Freedom that clears everything, needed something that could handle the wife's electric bike. Pricey, but made in the USA. Folds upward and still clears Rubicon spare.
https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=saris+bike+rack&furl=-pg-Hitch_Bike_Racks
Jeep Wrangler JL Bike Rack Clearance 1650333013816

Jeep Wrangler JL Bike Rack Clearance 1650333163639
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