Can Hitch Extender HE18 Be Used with Hitch-Mount Bike Rack on 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question:

Its says not for weigh bearing but I read where are using this with bike racks to extend past spare tire . I know you loose 50 of hitch capacity but can I stil use it for bike rack?

asked by: Leah

Expert Reply:

It is possible to use a hitch extender/adapter in order to fit a bike rack on a vehicle that requires additional clearance due to a rear-mounted spare tire. And you are correct that use of ANY such adapter/extender, including the Hidden Hitch 18-Inch extender # HE18, will cost you 50-percent of your hitch's rated tongue weight (TW) and gross trailer weight (GTW) capacities. But as long as the combined weight of your bike rack and bikes is less than HALF of the hitch's rated TW then you would be okay using the extender.

Ideally you'll use an extender that is only as long as you absolutely need but no longer. I have linked our main page for all 2-inch hitch extenders. These are available in various lengths.

Another common side-effect of using extenders is an increased tendency for the bike rack or other accessory item to move around while you're driving. It is easy enough to compensate for this by using a set of ratcheting straps like Erickson Re-Tractable Ratchet Straps # EM34415 or the Curt Stabilizing Strap # 18050.

expert reply by: Adam R