Why Can't Yakima SpareRide Be Carried at the Back of a Flat Towed Vehicle

Question:

2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. Question 1: It seems like this carrier with 2 bikes will put a lot of weight on the door hinges and spare tire rack that they were not designed to handle. Has this been a problem?. Question 2: I see that this rack is not recommended for towed vehicles, trailers, or fifth wheels. What is the reasoning behind not being able to use it on the wrangler being towed behind a motor home?

asked by: Johann T

Expert Reply:

As long as you keep the rear door of your 2015 Jeep Sahara closed when bikes are loaded the Yakima SpareRide part # Y02599 will not damage the hinges of your Jeep. When the door is latched it's supported on both sides of the door which has been tested and determined to be strong enough for the rack. Also you need to stay under the weight capacity of the rack too which is 35 lbs per bike.

When a vehicle is being flat towed there's a bit of side to side sway as the steering continually centers itself following the tow vehicle. It's very subtle but our bike rack manufacturers have determined that this can cause premature failure of bike rack components if the are not reinforced for it.

So for a Yakima rack that can be used at the rear of a towed vehicle we have the hitch mounted Holdup part # Y02443 which has 12 inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole past the rear spare tire.

expert reply by: Jameson C