Issues with purchasing a bike transport rack for the ST2

[chgofirefighter]

I have looked into the Kuat NV, Thule T2 Pro, Yakima, etc. The issue that I am having is that from the hitch pin hole to the outer rear tire I have about 12 1/2 or 13 inches of space being occupied by my tire. I have attached a few pictures to illustrate whats going on. I was told that the Thule T2 classic would work, but it may not support the weight of the ST2 bike.

I don't want to remove my spare tire for obvious reasons but I need a solution to transport my bikes too~ Suggestions would be appreciated~ Thanks~

 

[smitty]

I have looked into the Kuat NV, Thule T2 Pro, Yakima, etc. The issue that I am having is that from the hitch pin hole to the outer rear tire I have about 12 1/2 or 13 inches of space being occupied by my tire. I have attached a few pictures to illustrate whats going on. I was told that the Thule T2 classic would work, but it may not support the weight of the ST2 bike.

I don't want to remove my spare tire for obvious reasons but I need a solution to transport my bikes too~ Suggestions would be appreciated~ Thanks~

I have looked into the Kuat NV, Thule T2 Pro, Yakima, etc. The issue that I am having is that from the hitch pin hole to the outer rear tire I have about 12 1/2 or 13 inches of space being occupied by my tire. I have attached a few pictures to illustrate whats going on. I was told that the Thule T2 classic would work, but it may not support the weight of the ST2 bike.

I don't want to remove my spare tire for obvious reasons but I need a solution to transport my bikes too~ Suggestions would be appreciated~ Thanks~

I'm currently considering the following, check out some of the youtube videos on it:
(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)
They have "fender rollers" for an additional $13 per but someone on the forum has indicated that using 1" pipe foam will get the job done as far as the fenders are concerned. I like the simplicity, weight, and the fact that it easily folds up to store if you want to remove it. It is also the only single bike platform style that I have found which when folded up in the vertical position doesn't cover the taillights on your vehicle and it can be added to if you need an additional platform. Speced to hold 75lbs, can be purchased in silver color for a bit less. I still have to get a trailer hitch first. Check out Amazon for a hitch extension...that should solve your problem in terms of the tire, no matter what hitch you might be looking at

 

[Scooteretti]

Hello chgofirefighter,

You can look into using a 2" receiver hitch extension like this http://www.reese-hitches.com/product_categories/extensions_adapters_fabrication or similar brand that will allow your rack to sit further out from the Jeep (nice truck by the way). Note that Reese is saying by using these extensions you need to reduce the tongue weight by 50% but that won't be an issue.

Always suggest that when transporting your bike to take the battery out of the bike. Now to close the cover on the ST2's you may want to get yourself a 1-2" wide velcro type strap like this http://www.homedepot.com/p/VELCRO-brand-27-in-x-1-in-All-Purpose-Elastic-Strap-2-Pack-90441/100096349 or similar product to keep the door closed when transporting.

hope this helps,


Will

 

[chgofirefighter]

Hello chgofirefighter,

You can look into using a 2" receiver hitch extension like this http://www.reese-hitches.com/product_categories/extensions_adapters_fabrication or similar brand that will allow your rack to sit further out from the Jeep (nice truck by the way). Note that Reese is saying by using these extensions you need to reduce the tongue weight by 50% but that won't be an issue.

Always suggest that when transporting your bike to take the battery out of the bike. Now to close the cover on the ST2's you may want to get yourself a 1-2" wide velcro type strap like this http://www.homedepot.com/p/VELCRO-brand-27-in-x-1-in-All-Purpose-Elastic-Strap-2-Pack-90441/100096349 or similar product to keep the door closed when transporting.

hope this helps,


Will

Thanks Will, the problem with hitch extensions is they are not recommended to be used by the manufacturers of bike racks. I've had numerous conversations with e trailers a website that specializes in trailers and according to their "experts" hitch extensions are not recommended

 

[smitty]

do they give you any indications as to why?

 

[chgofirefighter]

Yes they do, issues with the tongue weight being compromised... They say it weakens the strength of the whole unit

 

[smitty]

here is a reply to a similar question from etrailer.com

Expert Reply:

The limiting factor is the capacity of your hitch. Using a 1-1/4 inch extender will reduce your hitch overall capacity by half. Your hitch has a 200 pound maximum tongue weight, so by using the extender you will be limiting your capacity to 100 pounds.

Tongue weight is the weight of the bike rack, the extender (if used), and any load in the vehicle behind the rear axle, plus the bikes on the rack. You can see that, when using an extender, you will be significantly limited to the amount of weight on the bike rack.

My thoughts: This begs the question of the size of your hitch 1.25 or 2 inch. It sounds like it may be a 1.25 inch. Still with a tongue weight of 2oo lbs., reduced to 1oo lbs. via an extension, that should easily support an ST-2 with the battery removed, I would think. And, the USA made rack I mentioned earlier weighs just a little more than 1/2 of he Kuat rack. I am planning on installing a 2" hitch and hope that I will not have to use an extension for the rack I am looking at which has a 30 or 60 day return policy (cannot remember which). I like your vehicle and hope you can make something work for yourself.
Some on the forum have suggested a DIY rack if you can fit the bike into your vehicle after removing the front wheel and seat (or possibly just lowering the seat). There are merits to both approaches, dependent upon one's needs I think...

 

[chgofirefighter]

here is a reply to a similar question from etrailer.com

Expert Reply:

The limiting factor is the capacity of your hitch. Using a 1-1/4 inch extender will reduce your hitch overall capacity by half. Your hitch has a 200 pound maximum tongue weight, so by using the extender you will be limiting your capacity to 100 pounds.

Tongue weight is the weight of the bike rack, the extender (if used), and any load in the vehicle behind the rear axle, plus the bikes on the rack. You can see that, when using an extender, you will be significantly limited to the amount of weight on the bike rack.

My thoughts: This begs the question of the size of your hitch 1.25 or 2 inch. It sounds like it may be a 1.25 inch. Still with a tongue weight of 2oo lbs., reduced to 1oo lbs. via an extension, that should easily support an ST-2 with the battery removed, I would think. And, the USA made rack I mentioned earlier weighs just a little more than 1/2 of he Kuat rack. I am planning on installing a 2" hitch and hope that I will not have to use an extension for the rack I am looking at which has a 30 or 60 day return policy (cannot remember which). I like your vehicle and hope you can make something work for yourself.
Some on the forum have suggested a DIY rack if you can fit the bike into your vehicle after removing the front wheel and seat (or possibly just lowering the seat). There are merits to both approaches, dependent upon one's needs I think...

I have a 4 door Jeep Rubicon, the issue is that my Jeep suspension was modified and upgraded, also, a lift of 3.5 was done and 35 inch tires were installed, so the spare tire in the rear tailgate is a bit larger than a stock tire which occupies more space. It's a 2 inch hitch, from the pin hole of the hitch to the outter rear tire is about 12 1/2 to 13 inch and I have about 4 or maybe 5 inches of space between the tire and the hitch line... So not much to play with... Unless of course I remove the spare tire but that won't be a smart idea of course..

 

[Scooteretti]

As Smitty mentioned you have to 1/2 the load when using an extension. In your case and 8" appears it will work. So with a 2" receiver size this means 300 lbs/2 = 150 lbs. With a 150lbs calculate the bike weight (even better if you transport with the battery out of the bike), the bike rack and the extender. So looks like all will be OK based on the info provided.

Reese is a very reputable company with in house engineers to help answer any questions for you. I suggest giving them a quick call to discuss: http://www.reeseprod.com/contact
http://www.reeseprod.com/contact
regards,


William

 

[chgofirefighter]

As Smitty mentioned you have to 1/2 the load when using an extension. In your case and 8" appears it will work. So with a 2" receiver size this means 300 lbs/2 = 150 lbs. With a 150lbs calculate the bike weight (even better if you transport with the battery out of the bike), the bike rack and the extender. So looks like all will be OK based on the info provided.

Reese is a very reputable company with in house engineers to help answer any questions for you. I suggest giving them a quick call to discuss: http://www.reeseprod.com/contact
regards,


William

I sent an email to their technical support team to see what they recommend, thank you for the assistance..

 

[John Dombrowski]

I have an 8" extension on my 4 door Jeep Sahara and I transport 2 Specialized Turbos w/batteries no problem with a Yakima rack. Solid as a rock.

 

[chgofirefighter]

I have an 8" extension on my 4 door Jeep Sahara and I transport 2 Specialized Turbos w/batteries no problem with a Yakima rack. Solid as a rock.

Can you post a picture of it, would love to see it. Not sure if I need an 8 inch extension but maybe I will since I have a 35 inch tire as a spare.

 

[John Dombrowski]

 

[chgofirefighter]

View attachment 7508 View attachment 7505

How solid is that extender? No issues using the bike rack?

 

[John Dombrowski]

How solid is that extender? No issues using the bike rack?

Read my reply above. Solid...