If you’re looking for a better alternative than tossing your bike in the trunk, a bike rack might be just the cure for your predicament.
The secure way to carry one or more bicycles on your Wrangler is picking up a hitch mounted rack or one that mounts to your spare tire.
Let’s take a look at the 5 best bike racks for Jeep Wranglers:
1. Allen Sports Deluxe Hitch Mounted Bike Rack
The Allen Sports hitch mounted bike rack has been a best seller for years with good reason.
It’s an affordable option that comes in several variations depending on how many bikes you want to carry and the size of your hitch.
The design allows you to tilt the mount back if you need to reach something in your trunk. You just release the safety pins and you the mount will come down giving you plenty of space to move about.
The tie down system keeps each bike safely mounted. If you want something affordable and you have a hitch on your Wrangler then you have to put this near the top of the list value wise.
For installation, as long as you already have a receiver this is a piece of cake. Three bolts and it’s ready to go – it’s nearly fully assembled when shipped. If you want to lock your bikes to the rack a cable lock is going to be the easiest option.
A thing we didn’t like is because the mounts are so close together – your bike will have a little bit of play. It could sway a bit while you’re driving and some people find that uncomfortable.
2. Hollywood Racks SR1 Spare Tire Rack 2-Bike Spare Tire Mount Rack
The Hollywood Racks spare tire bike rack takes a different approach from most brands, by mounting to any spare tire.
This mount won’t touch your vehicles paint at all, and can work for any vehicle that has a spare tire on the back.
It’s a pretty neat concept, it just clamps down on the tire with straps and the adjustable arms to give you a safe place to mount your bikes. There are no holes to drill and it can be taken off easily as well in about ten minutes.
This holds up to two bikes. The lower support tube doesn’t have padding – so some customers add a foam lip or tie a rag around it so that their bike won’t get it’s paint scratched.
Just by driving around your bike is going to rub against it occasionally so that’s why it’s a must to add protection for your bicycles paint.
What makes this tire rack stand out for us is that you can switch it to any other vehicle and use it for years as long as there’s a spare tire. If you have more than one car or you’re planning on replacing yours soon then it’s something to think about!
3. Mopar TSPRO963 Jeep Wrangler Liberty Spare Tire Bicycle Carrier
The Mopar Jeep Wrangler bicycle rack is another option that mounts directly to the tire, and it’s made for Jeeps in mind.
It has a less bulky appearance compared to other options. You’ll mount it directly to your tire bolt – there are no straps involved.
This will fit with any sized tire.
If it’s not in use you can fold down the top part of the rack. This isn’t something that you will really need to take off your Wrangler, it’s not going to jut out or look awkward when you’re not using it.
Mopar is a well-known brand and this is made right here in the USA. While this is more expensive than some racks, if you want something that’s discreet, then it’s worth taking a good look at.
4. Thule 963Pro Spare Me 2 Bike Carrier
The Thule Spare Me 2 Bike Carrier might look familiar to you, it’s a similar design to our previously mentioned Mopar carrier.
However, the price is a big difference. You’ll pay more for this rack than anything else we’ve shown. It can carry two bikes and fold down just like the Mopar. And it locks onto your tire bolt just the same.
If you want something discreet and you’re brand loyal, maybe the Thule is the option for you. From our perspective, we can’t justify the price difference on this model. It’s still a great piece of equipment with very slight differences.
5. Swagman Traveler XCS2 Towing Bike Rack
The Swagman Traveler Bike Rack has a different design than anything we’ve looked at.
If you really want to make sure your bike is stable, a setup like this provides some extra stability.
It has support for the wheels on the bottom of your bike and the top – limiting any movement that some of the other racks will have. You’ll need a 2-inch hitch for this to work though, and not everyone has that. But, if you do it’s an affordable option.
There are no places on the frame that you’ll have to look out for possibly damaging your bike. Some racks do have trouble spots. This doesn’t and we kind of like saying their brand name. There is a limited lifetime warranty included with purchase.
Because it’s a bit more sturdy it’s going to stick out more, the only thing that folds up is the arms. We don’t really like that look, but for the sake of stability it’s a sacrifice so it’s understandable.
Conclusion
If you like taking your bikes out to explore and you’re a Jeep enthusiast chances are you’ll be using it a lot. So finding something that is going to last a long time and be able to handle some punishment is ideal.
Generally, hitch mounted racks are going to be sturdier and your vehicles paint isn’t going to have as much of a chance to make contact with the bike.
For us – we liked Mopar’s option the best. A well-made rack that doesn’t need a receiver hitch, and also folds up easily is a pretty sweet deal. But, if you have a hitch and you need something more stable the Swagman is a great choice as well.
Whatever you choose, be sure to let us know. And if you have any personal opinions about these racks we’d love to hear that too, or pictures from your biking adventures.
Have a good one and be safe.