Grillparzer

Does anyone have any recommendations? I've looked at the common models on line, but none of the reviews look particularly spectacular.

CliffordK

Does a 2" trailer hitch mount work?

StanSeven

^ I've got a Jeep and a hitch rack is the only way to go.

fietsbob

Yea They make one , IDK brands, Tried a Local welding Shop?

Shimagnolo

+1
2" receiver, then you can use it for a hitch/bike-rack/cargo-platform/tow-hook/etc.
I bought mine from here; It just bolted up.
https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-fin...px?hhcat=hitch
I even use a cargo platform to carry snow skis.

Looigi

Hitch is definitely preferred, but this spare tire rack is OK if that's the way you want to go: https://www.yakima.com/sparetime

Slash5

With most rear doors/hatches being fiberglass now, I'd be concerned with adding the weight of a bike or two to the spare tire, specially with it cantilevered out like they are.

fietsbob

Swing out spare tires have their Own Welded Steel Frame that the Tire Bolts to , that is why the bike can go on it .

But your tire is not in the rear center . so you may not like where the bike sits sticking out towards the opposing traffic.

2" receiver hitch rack may be the way to go, In the Long run.

FrozenK

Problem with hitch racks on a Wrangler is finding one that allows you to open the tailgate. I think the OneUp works, and the Thule T2 may work with some combinations of tire size (it doesn't allow ypu to open the tailgate on my Jeep with 32-in tires, but I do have an aftermarket hitch)

On the JK Wrangler I have heard of people having issues with the spare mount cracking when they mounted heavy, oversized tires. So mounting a heavy bike to the spare may be an issue. YMMV.

trainsktg

I have a Surco OSI spare tire rack on my TJ. It mounts at the tire, not at the receiver, so door can be opened. Works pretty good.

Keith

aERonAUtical96

I have a 2012 Wrangler 2 door and have the yakima spare time rack. I've had the rack for almost 3 years now and use it frequently. I have only transported a single bike at a time on it. It was either my tri bike <20lbs all the way up to my old mountain bike ~28 pounds. No issues on the added weight to the tailgate. If guys are transporting 33 and sometimes squeezing 35s onto the stock gate, I think 2 bikes on it for short distance wouldn't be a problem.

If you plan to transport 3+ bikes, then I would go for the hitch. I have a hitch mount and have used a hitch mounted carrier as well. I did not like that at all. With the sparetime, I am able to open my tailgate. I couldn't do that with a hitch carrier, even the yakima/thule types that fold down. Those appear to be design for hatchbacks, not swing out gates.

The other advantage of the sparetime... I leave it on all the time. Only adds 6" of additional length to vehicle vs 1.5-2 ft with hitch mounts. That is important to me to get it into my garage.

NJgreyhead

I'm happy with my Thule spare-tire 2-bike rack. Good design, works well, and was available at REI, so it added to my dividend.

It is also easy to unlock and remove the framework from the base, which stays attached to the tire mount. The unit is not in your rear view then.

Now that I've got one on my RAV, I notice more than a few of them, including on Wranglers.

Grillparzer

I'll probably end up using a hitch mounted rack, just in case, but thanks for the help everybody!