Recommended Hitch and 5 Bike Rack for 2015 Jeep JKU Wrangler

Question

Question:

Looking for a 5 bike rack carrier and hitch to fit this vehicle. Need to clear rear mounted spare tire .... options?

asked by: David N

0

Expert Reply:

As a fellow Jeep JKU owner, I know the perfect solution for you. For a hitch I recommend using the etrailer # e98856 because it has an elongated receiver tube that will help extend your bike rack out past the spare tire on your 2015 Jeep JKU.

Finding a 5 bike rack with a long enough receiver shank is a little bit more challenging, but I recommend using the Yakima RidgeBack for 5 Bikes # Y02459 because it provides 9-1/2" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack and will handle all 5 of your bikes. This rack comes with a hitch lock and you can add the HandCuff lock kit # Y02466 that lets you add a cable lock to the rack to secure your bikes. Yakima backs their products with a lifetime warranty-so you know it's a high quality product. Check out the video of this rack to see what you think.

If you're looking for a more economical option, the Curt Premium 5 Bike Rack # C18065 can be used. This rack also has around 9-1/2" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack, but it only comes with a 1 year warranty and the bikes will be a bit closer together than they would on the Saris rack, so if you've got bikes with carbon frames it may not be a great option. The Curt rack does not come with any way to secure the bikes to the rack so you would want to use a cable lock like the Curt # C23666 for added security. Because the Curt hitch pin hole is threaded you won't be able to secure the rack to the vehicle.

Since these are hanging bike racks, if you have any women's bikes, or bikes with alternative frames you will need a frame adapter for those bikes. You'll want to use something like the Malone Bike Adapter Bar for Women's, Children's, and Alternative Frame Bikes # MPG2165 to allow you to carry your bikes level, no matter which bike rack you choose to go with.

I've linked some installation and review videos of these parts for you to have a look at, as well.