Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack to Clear Rear Bumper of a 2016 Jeep Patriot

Question:

Is there a trailer hitch available that would require no fascia trimming on a 2016 Jeep Patriot? If not, are there attachments available so that the hitch would clear the bumper? My application is only to haul bicycles which would be well under the tongue weight cap.

asked by: Jonathan J

Expert Reply:

All of the trailer hitches for your 2016 Jeep Patriot will require fascia trimming. If they didn't the hitch would end up way too low to the ground. I attached a picture of the fascia trimming required for this hitch # 75712.

You would not need to go with a hitch extension to install a bike rack either. You would just need to go with a bike rack that has a long enough shank that would allow it to clear the rear bumper.

The most popular bike rack we carry that has been confirmed to fit this vehicle is the Thule Camber 2 part # TH9058. We asked our demo and install guys to name their favorite, most easy-to-use bike racks and this one showed up in nearly everyone's top three.

If you plan on carrying any women's or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Kuat Bike Frame Adapter Bar # UB01 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.

expert reply by: Jameson C