Sponsored

Bike Rack Options??

RichieRugs

Well-Known Member
First Name
Richie
Joined
Mar 31, 2018
Threads
3
Messages
48
Reaction score
23
Location
LA
Vehicle(s)
JL Sport S
Looking for a rack (2 bikes minimum) that doesn’t interfere with the backup camera on a JL, and locks the bikes to avoid theft. Anybody have any good options?
Sponsored

 

aCeMedic13

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ambrose
Joined
Dec 29, 2017
Threads
9
Messages
197
Reaction score
559
Location
San Antonio, Texas
Vehicle(s)
2018 Jeep Wrangler JLU Rubicon
Occupation
RN/Paramedic
Vehicle Showcase
1
42DCBE5B-FC76-4B44-82D0-B83FB1F29D54.jpeg
1upUSA rear cam with bikes.
 

deniska

Active Member
First Name
Dennis
Joined
Mar 29, 2018
Threads
2
Messages
35
Reaction score
38
Location
SF Bay Area
Vehicle(s)
2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Sahara
So I just installed the Hitch receiver, mounted my trusty Kuat, was pleased that I cleared the spare (by a hair), then tried to open the rear gate, and... doh! No go.

I understand I need a hitch drop. The question is: do I need a big drop like the one in the picture (seems similar to this https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Adapters/MaxxTow/MT70070.html), or can I use the Kuat Hi Lo which only drops 2.5” or so (http://www.kuatracks.com/products/accessories/) in order to allow the rear gate to open?

Have been looking into this for a while. I narrowed it down to 1up and KuatNV.

1up USA
$529 - $639
Black color available. 2 + single add ons.
Up to 50 lb bikes with 46 lb rack weight
or up to 75 lb bikes with 47 lb rack weight (Super duty version)
One of the lighter racks. Very compact.
Anti-sway tech with lockable hitch.
Requires hitch extension to clear spare tire. (Most do for jeeps)

attachment.jpg


784662d1364302664-1up-quick-rack-quick-review-img_0604.jpg


282699_23699_L.jpg


IMG_0496.jpg


KuatNV 2.0
$629
2 + 2 add ons.
Includes "field repair stand" and internal magnetic cable locks.
60 lb bike max.
Rack weight : Can't find but I recall reviews saying it was quite heavy.
Anti-sway tech with lockable hitch.
Requires hitch extension to clear spare tire.
Will not clear back unless drop hitch used.

P8200625.jpg


P8190403.jpg


No Clearance with stand straight hitch.

154_1106_02%2Bbike_rack_roundup%2Battaching_kuat_to_jeep.jpg


Drop hitch clears ok. (They sell this on their website as well).

attachment.jpg
 

Sponsored

panda234

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2018
Threads
0
Messages
55
Reaction score
45
Location
Colorado
Vehicle(s)
2009 JKUR
So I just installed the Hitch receiver, mounted my trusty Kuat, was pleased that I cleared the spare (by a hair), then tried to open the rear gate, and... doh! No go.

I understand I need a hitch drop. The question is: do I need a big drop like the one in the picture (seems similar to this https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Adapters/MaxxTow/MT70070.html), or can I use the Kuat Hi Lo which only drops 2.5” or so (http://www.kuatracks.com/products/accessories/) in order to allow the rear gate to open?
I'd contact Kuat and ask them. There's a pretty good chance they know the answer. Looking at your pictures though, it really looks like you need the bigger drop to clear.

I know you've already bought your rack, and the Kuat is a nice unit, but for anyone else out there looking, they should know that the 1up rack doesn't require a drop hitch to clear when opening the rear door; it tilts down to clear. Also, it's design has the best departure angle of any hitch rack that I've seen. You lose a little bit, but not much since the rack angles up so that each additional bike is a few inches higher than the previous one. Here's a picture showing what I mean.
BikeRack_Q.jpg
 

terrytnt

Well-Known Member
First Name
Terry
Joined
Sep 24, 2017
Threads
1
Messages
53
Reaction score
22
Location
Yardley, PA
Vehicle(s)
MB and BMW
Has anyone purchased the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 for their Wrangler... it's a bit lighter at 32 vs. 52 lbs? And costs a lot less. Would be acceptable if you only need a 2 bike carry with relatively light bikes.
 

jayz235

Well-Known Member
First Name
Jay
Joined
Feb 18, 2018
Threads
6
Messages
116
Reaction score
58
Location
Minneapolis
Vehicle(s)
Wrangler JLU Sahara
Has anyone purchased the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 for their Wrangler... it's a bit lighter at 32 vs. 52 lbs? And costs a lot less. Would be acceptable if you only need a 2 bike carry with relatively light bikes.
I almost bought the Sherpa, but ended up with the NV Base for the option to go 4 bikes and the matte black finish. If 2 bikes is your max and you'll end up taking it on and off throughout the week, definitely go with the Sherpa. Being a good deal lighter and built just as good you can't go wrong. Even with a drop hitch addition it's lighter than the NV's. I got some hands on time with the Sherpa and was very impressed.
 

terrytnt

Well-Known Member
First Name
Terry
Joined
Sep 24, 2017
Threads
1
Messages
53
Reaction score
22
Location
Yardley, PA
Vehicle(s)
MB and BMW
Thank you Jay... I really appreciate your perspective. YES, only 2 bikes and my 15 year old Thule is ready for replacement... wanted to avoid getting another 50 lb rack and the Sherpa seems to fit the bill.

NOW, if only I could get my 2-dr Sport S Wrangler - ordered 1/8 - life would be good!
 

terrytnt

Well-Known Member
First Name
Terry
Joined
Sep 24, 2017
Threads
1
Messages
53
Reaction score
22
Location
Yardley, PA
Vehicle(s)
MB and BMW
Quick question Jay.

I see you have the 'new' JL Sahara 4-dr. Assuming the rear configuration is similar to the 'new' JL 2-dr wrangler (many are waiting for), does the Kaut fit appropriately on the back, i.e., without the need for an extension and the ability to open the rear door (assuming the bikes are off the rack) and the rack is tilting down?

many thanks....
 

Sponsored

A.B.

Member
Joined
Mar 22, 2018
Threads
1
Messages
15
Reaction score
12
Location
N. Little Rock
Vehicle(s)
totalled 2007 JKU Sahara
For hitch mounted, I would go 1up. What I did for my JK, and will move over to my JL, is got a 2X6, cut to correct length to fit and attached fork mounts that I picked up from amazon. I keep whichever bike I'm riding inside the jeep. Protected from the weather and idiots.
 

deniska

Active Member
First Name
Dennis
Joined
Mar 29, 2018
Threads
2
Messages
35
Reaction score
38
Location
SF Bay Area
Vehicle(s)
2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Sahara
The answer is NO. I have a Kuat NV 2.0. With the Draw-Tite Class III receiver, the rack mounts with less than 1mm room between th rack when collapsed and the rear view camera shell. In other words, it touches barely as there is a little play in the rack. When lowered, the rear door won’t open. I just ordered a hitch drop and will be able to report on the results next week.

Quick question Jay.

I see you have the 'new' JL Sahara 4-dr. Assuming the rear configuration is similar to the 'new' JL 2-dr wrangler (many are waiting for), does the Kaut fit appropriately on the back, i.e., without the need for an extension and the ability to open the rear door (assuming the bikes are off the rack) and the rack is tilting down?

many thanks....
 

Saejin

Well-Known Member
First Name
Gene
Joined
Mar 2, 2018
Threads
40
Messages
738
Reaction score
560
Location
Colorado Springs
Vehicle(s)
JLUR - Firecracker Red
That’s my biggest issue with hitch racks in the Wrangler. You can’t open the tailgate without a drop adapter. With that it works, but now you have to secure the drop hitch to the vehicle hitch and then the rack to the drop hitch...just too much stuff back there. And you need to make sure the drop hitch is rated for the weight you’re going to put it on it so don’t cheap out on that piece. For weight you’ll be looking at 55lbs for the rack, then 25-30lbs for each bike. If you do the add-on to carry 4 bikes then weight could reach 220lbs.

My plan is to carry the bike inside the Jeep. I think with the seats folded down, I could use a fork mount and put the bike inside. I’ve seen a few who’ve done this, so it should work. Plus then I do t have to worry about someone stealing my bike rack when I’m riding and then later someone stealing my bike when I’m having a post ride meal.

And...your rear parking sensors will go off when the rack is mounted, the rear camera is now obstructed, and it just becomes a pain keeping the rack on during the days you’re not using it to carry bikes. If you have the add-on for 4-bikes then taking that thing off is a workout. You’re pretty much lifting off 80lbs of bike rack and setting somewhere in your garage.
 

terrytnt

Well-Known Member
First Name
Terry
Joined
Sep 24, 2017
Threads
1
Messages
53
Reaction score
22
Location
Yardley, PA
Vehicle(s)
MB and BMW
So what's the point of a trailer hitch (that we all paid extra) if you can't put a bike rack on the back of a wrangler without extra extensions and issues with the backup camera! And this problem isn't going away, ALL NEW WRANGLERS WILL HAVE THIS ISSUE FOR YEARS TO COME.

This is crazy, some innovative business is going to figure this out and be very successful.
Sponsored

 
 



Top