10 Best Bike Rack for Jeep Wrangler of 2022
Carrying more than one bike can become an issue if you want to travel by a jeep wrangler, However, recently manufacturers have offered a solution to the problem in the form of the bike racks. These specialized products feature a large holding capacity which enables you to mount up to four bikes at a time.
Furthermore, they are relatively easier to install and do not require any expert guidance in the process. This article has dealt with the best bike rack for jeep wrangler based on mounting style, cradle adjustability, weight carrying capacity, and foldable design. So, without any further delay let’s begin with the review.
Best Bike Rack for Jeep Wrangler Overview
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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Best Overall | Best Overall
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Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack |
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Check Price |
Premium Pick | Best Jeep Spare Tire Rack
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Hollywood Racks Bolt-On Spare Tire Rack |
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Top Pick | Best for Enduro Bikes
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YAKIMA – HalfBack Trunk Bike Strap Rack |
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Heavy Duty | Heavy Duty
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MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack |
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Check Price |
Highly Recommended | Highly Recommended
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Allen Sports 5-Bike Hitch Rack |
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Check Price |
Most Durable | Most Durable
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Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack |
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Budget Friendly | Budget Friendly
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Thule 963PRO Bike Spare Tire Bike Carrier |
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Editor’s Choice | Editor’s Choice
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LEADRACKS Foldable Bike Rack |
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Budget Friendly | Budget Friendly
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SportRack Ridge Hitch-Mount Bike Rack |
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Check Price |
10 Best Bike Rack for Jeep Wrangler
1. Allen Sports Deluxe – Best Hitch Bike Rack For Jeep Wrangler
Best Overall
Features
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Mounting Type: Hitch Mounting
- Weight Capacity: 70 lbs
- Dimensions: 4.33 x 28.74 x 13.39 inches
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack is the epitome of versatility, durability, and accuracy. The bike rack is specifically designed for rough mountainous terrains that can damage the bikes otherwise. However, this product holds your bike in the upward position, thus, preventing them from colliding with the terrain or getting dirty because of mud splashes and debris that might be present in the surroundings.
This significantly reduces the cleaning and maintenance of the bikes required on your part and allows you to spare some relaxing time for yourself. We also appreciate the high-quality construction material used for manufacturing the rack. This protects it against serious damage that might be incurred because of a variety of factors.
To our surprise, the manufacturers have used specialized steel for this purpose that is extremely lightweight and does not compromise durability. So, even if you put strain or increased pressure on the rack by increasing the number of bikes, we assure the rack won’t fall apart and will protect the bikes from damage.
The overall weight handling capacity of the model is around 70 pounds which allows you to load up to two bikes of 35 pounds without any major difficulty or performance issue. You can also use the tie-down cradles included in the system to secure the bikes properly and prevent them from colliding with each other while they are being carried on a jeep. Allen Sports is also recommended as the top bike rack for the jeep grand Cherokee.
What we liked
- No view obstruction
- Universal fitting
- Wide bottom foot
What we didn’t like
- Limited load capacity
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack is equipped with a wide bottom foot which increases its advantage over other racks available in a similar price range. The wide foot protects the rim by increasing the pressure on the spare tire and increases the average life of your rack and jeep.
2. Hollywood Racks Bolt-On Spare Tire Rack
Premium Pick
Features
- Material: Alluminum
- Mounting Type: Strap/ Spare Tire Mounting
- Weight Capacity: 70 lbs
- Dimensions: 31 x 5.5 x 11 inches
Hollywood Racks Bolt-On Spare Tire Rack has definitely made its name among the best bike rack for jeep wrangler because of its highly diverse nature and universal fitting which allows you to use it with different types and sizes of spare tires. This has not only contributed to the increased demand for the rack over the years but also forced us to include this in our review today.
What we love the most about this wonderful model is its pre-assembled nature which relieves you from the painful process of organizing all the components and parts together in order to use a rack. This not only consumes a lot of your time but also requires great effort which might be hectic and tiring for most users especially if you are a beginner and have just started using bike racks.
The installation is also relatively simpler and can be carried out at home without going to any technician for help. This reduces the overall operational cost of the rack to a great extent and also helps in learning some basic installation skills. As mentioned earlier the rack is universal and can fit almost all types of bike frames with the help of various accessories.
This is especially true for women’s and children’s bikes that are generally smaller in size and require additional tools to secure them properly to the rack, restrict their movement and avoid potential collision during a ride. Thus, offering increased security and protection against unwanted damage in the long term.
What we liked
- Adjustable support arms
- Pre-assembled model
- Universal fitting
What we didn’t like
- Difficult to take off
Hollywood Racks Bolt-On Spare Tire Rack features high durability which protects it against damage. The foldable design further improves the feasibility of the option by allowing you to fold the mounting arms when they are not in use. Hence, contributing to the effortless portability and storage of the rack when the task has been completed.
3. YAKIMA – HalfBack Trunk Bike Strap Rack
Top Pick
Features
- Material: Aluminum Alloy
- Mounting Type: Strap/ Trunk Mounting
- Weight Capacity: 50 lbs
- Dimensions: 32.68 x 7.09 x 23.23 inches
YAKIMA – HalfBack Trunk Bike Strap Rack is our absolute recommendation to all those that do not want to get into the trouble of bike assembly. The product comes in a fully pre-assembled form and is relatively easier to install and uninstall. This means that you can perform all these activities at home by yourself without seeking any expert guidance for this purpose.
In addition to this, the rack comes with the SuperCush ZipStrip cradles that allow you to secure the bikes properly while moving uphill and aid in effortless unloading of the bikes once you have reached the destination. Unloading of the bikes is the issue with most bike racks available in the market these days and often impacts their overall performance.
However, with this specialized rack, you will not feel any issues while loading and unloading the bikes as it can be easily performed by moving the ZipStrip cradles. To our surprise, anti-sway paddles are also included in the system and contribute to increased protection of bikes from damage.
This is because these cradles tightly hold the bikers in their place and reduce their movement to a great extent. Thus, allowing you to focus on driving rather than worrying about the excessive collisions between the bikes. We assure you will not face any problems even while driving at a relatively fast speed, especially on rough mountainous terrains. Also, have a look at the top-rated Ski racks for jeep wrangler.
What we liked
- Increased durability
- Universal fitting
- Large holding capacity
What we didn’t like
- Not suitable for rear cameras
YAKIMA – HalfBack Trunk Bike Strap Rack is manufactured using high-quality steel which is characterized by its exceptional durability and ability to withstand intense pressure. This reduces the chance of the rack being blown apart because of heavy pressure from bikes. Moreover, the steel is lightweight, and therefore, you will not face any issues while shifting the rack between places.
4. MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Heavy Duty
Features
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Mounting Type: Hitch Mounting
- Weight Capacity: 80 lbs
- Dimensions: 31.5 x 11.81 x 7.87 inches
MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack is different from its previously mentioned counterparts in terms of design and comes with horizontal cradles that are capable of holding the bike firmly when there is a lot of turbulence during the journey. Increased turbulence can arise from rough terrains and poor shock absorption abilities of vehicles and can lead to an excessive collision between the bikes.
This in turn can lead to damage and breakage of various bike components. However, with the horizontal cradles protecting the bikes, they won’t move excessively and will not get damaged during the journey. Along with this, two padded hooks are also present in the system that are located alongside the cradles and protect the finish and paint of the bikes from scraping off when they are being loaded and unloaded from the bike rack.
But, the most highlighting attribute of this particular option is the remarkable rubber straps that increase the flexibility as well as the stability of the rack and prevent it from falling apart under intense pressure from the bikes. Overall, the product offers eighty pounds of weight carrying capacity and allows you to place two bikes of up to forty pounds in size on each side of the bike for better performance efficiency.
Last but not least, it is characterized by high durability and strong steel construction which significantly enhances its average life and protects it against damage from a variety of external and internal factors. We highly suggest giving this option a chance if you are planning to purchase the best bike rack for a jeep wrangler.
What we liked
- Padded hooks
- Increased flexibility
- Large weight carrying capacity
What we didn’t like
- Difficult to assemble
MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack is one of its kind and can be used with 2-inch hitch receivers. This means you do not need any additional accessories while connecting your bike to a variety of jeep wranglers out there. Furthermore, the cradles used in the system are adjustable in nature and can be adjusted depending upon the frame and size of the bikes that are being loaded.
5. Allen Sports 5-Bike Hitch Rack
Highly Recommended
Features
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Mounting Type: Hitch/ Tie/ Snap Mounting
- Weight Capacity: 175 lbs
- Dimensions: 30.71 x 14.17 x 3.35 inches
Allen Sports 5-Bike Hitch Rack is another outstanding product developed by Allen Sports. The brand has a unique collection of bike racks that have been specially designed for jeep wranglers and other related vehicles. To our surprise, the rack is capable of holding up to five bikes at a time without bending or breaking. This is awesome and increases the competition for the product with various other top-notch options available on the market.
The large holding capacity is attributed to the sturdy steel construction which keeps the rack straight and offers the required strength to deal with such huge pressure without breaking apart. In addition to this, 18-inches long carry arms are present in the system that are capable of holding bikes properly. The long arms also allow you to keep some distance between the bikes while holding them, thereby reducing their potential collision in the process.
This is especially true when you are moving uphill and it becomes difficult to reduce the vibration that results because of the roughness of the terrain and the increased number of stones and obstacles in the path. Similarly, you can also fold the rack when it is not in use thanks to its foldable arms. This allows you to store it conveniently and also increases the effortless portability of the model.
Another outstanding attribute of the product is its hassle-free installation which can be carried out within five minutes. We were able to put the whole system together within five minutes on our first attempt and were highly impressed by the clear instructions listed in the installation manual available with the main package.
What we liked
- Easy to handle
- Negligible wobbling
- Large loading capacity
What we didn’t like
- Issues with tilt-away feature
Allen Sports 5-Bike Hitch Rack is highly popular among users of diverse backgrounds and is the best bike rack for jeep wrangler because of its tilt-away design that helps you access the rear of the car without any inconvenience. However, be mindful that you might not be able to use the feature if all five bikes are loaded simultaneously.
6. Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Best Seller
Features
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Mounting Type: Hitch/ Tie/ Snap Mounting
- Weight Capacity: 175 lbs
- Dimensions: 40 x 16 x 9 inches
Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Mount Bike Rack also comes with a relatively easy and clear installation manual that allows you to easily follow each step and install the rack at the back of your jeep wrangler without seeking any expert guidance. You not only save some money by doing so but also familiarize yourself with the working mechanism and use of different components used in a bike rack.
Moreover, you will not face any difficulty during the loading and unloading of the bikes due to the user-friendly design of the rack that helps you reduce the overall weight and easily unload the bikes one by one without breaking or scratching them in the process. Similar to its previously mentioned counterpart, this specialized model also features a tilt-away design which lets you access the rear of the car without unloading all the bikes.
You can conveniently tilt the rack even when the bikes are mounted and achieve the desired results without any difficulty or performance constraints. We also found out that the rack utilizes adjustable locking ratchet hooks that secure the rack properly and firmly with the jeep and prevent it from loosening if there is a lot of turbulence during the journey.
This relieves you from all the underlying concerns and allows you to focus on driving rather than the bikes or the rack present at the back. Moreover, since the hooks are adjustable they can be fitted according to the size of the jeep and the rack to avoid any unwanted accidents or mishaps in the process.
What we liked
- Foldable design
- Extraordinary fitting
- Tilt-away design
What we didn’t like
- Not the best pads
Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Mount Bike Rack comes with an adjustable wheel tray that further improves its performance and increases its versatility. Additionally, the key-lock cylinders can be used to lock the bikes in one place and significantly reduce their potential collision on rough terrains.
7. Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack
Most Durable
Features
- Material: Aluminum
- Mounting Type: Snap Mounting
- Weight Capacity: 60 lbs
- Dimensions: 54 x 43 x 15 inches
Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack has also made it to the list of the best bike rack for jeep wrangler. One of the best things about this particular option is the ability to mount the bikes without coming in direct contact with the frame of the bike itself.
This reduces injuries and accidents to a great extent and allows you to focus on mounting the bike rather than worrying about accidentally hurting yourself. You also do not need any fancy tools or accessories for installing this bike rack on your jeep wrangler as it can be easily installed with the basic tools if you properly follow the user manual available with the main package.
It’s so easy and you will be able to understand all the instructions carefully. We also admire its tilt-down design which makes it easier to access the rear end of the jeep wrangler without having the need to dismount all the bikes in the process.
The arms of the rack are also relatively long and can keep the bikes at an adequate distance from each other, hence, preventing their collision while traveling. This is one of the most popular features of the product and has contributed to its immense demand over the years. Thule is also considered as one of the best bike racks for jeep patriot.
What we liked
- Easy installation
- Negligible maintenance
- User-friendly design
What we didn’t like
- Expensive
Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack features an overall weight carrying capacity of 60 pounds. This means that you can mount 30 pounds on each side of the bike rack without bending or breaking. We highly suggest it for women’s and children’s bikes that are generally lightweight and have smaller frames.
8. Thule 963PRO Bike Spare Tire Bike Carrier
Features
- Material: Vinyl Coated Steel
- Mounting Type: Tire/Bolt/Hitch Mounting
- Weight Capacity: 75 lbs
- Dimensions: 38.5 x 18.5 x 16 inches
Thule 963PRO Bike Spare Tire Bike Carrier is another bike rack from a similar manufacturer as the previously mentioned option. Similar to Allen, Thule also has a specific range of bike racks for the jeep wranglers, however, it is a bit on the pricier side. This particular model of the Thule bike rack comes with firm cradles that hold the bikes properly and closer to the rack.
In addition to this, the anti-sway cages further boost the performance of the cradles and reduce the overall wobbling and vibrations of the bikes when they are being carried over the uneven surfaces and rough patches, especially in vehicles like jeep wranglers which possess high speed.
One of the most highlighting features of this particular option is its ability to work completely fine with both regular and large-size tires which is evidence of its diverse functionality. You will also be impressed by the integrated locking cable especially integrated into the system that works in combination with the locking knob and holds the bike securely.
Hence, decreasing the damage associated with excessive movements of the bikes. Finally, the arms are also foldable in this version and you can fold them properly when the rack is not in use. This leads to better portability and storage of the rack in different situations.
What we liked
- Foldable design
- User-friendliness
- Integrated locking cable
What we didn’t like
- Not suitable for rear cameras
Thule 963PRO Bike Spare Tire Bike Carrier is a versatile rack that can fit different types of spare tires on jeep wranglers. It can hold the weight up to 75 pounds maximum which is larger than its previously mentioned competitor from the same manufacturer and offers you additional benefits.
9. LEADRACKS Foldable Bike Rack
Editor’s Choice
Features
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Mounting Type: Strap/Hitch Mounting
- Weight Capacity: 110 lbs
- Dimensions: 27.5 x 14 x 3.8 inches
LEADRACKS Foldable Bike Rack is the best bike rack for jeep wrangler in terms of strength and durability. It is manufactured using premium quality steel which is extremely lightweight and does not increase the overall weight of the rack. Despite its lightweight, the steel can withstand heavy and intense pressure without displaying any signs of damage or bending.
Thus, making it an ideal option for carrying the bikes uphill on a jeep wrangler. In addition to this, the model also comes with specialized saddles that are heat-resistant in nature and can withstand high temperatures. This makes them suitable for areas with relatively increased temperature ratings.
We were also impressed by the user-friendly design of the bike rack that relieves you from the trouble of unloading all the bikes if you want to access the back of the jeep. Thus, making it easier for you to open the trunk and take out anything you want without any major difficulty.
Finally, you can use it with 2-inch hitch receivers which is surprising for an option available in this price range. This eliminates the need for additional accessories and tools that are required for mounting the rack on jeep wranglers with 2-inch hitch receivers in case of incompatibility.
What we liked
- Exceptional performance
- Heat-resistance
- Additional hitch tightener
What we didn’t like
- Fitting issues
LEADRACKS Foldable Bike Rack comes with a rubber strap that increases the flexibility of the straps and prevents the bike from scratching. This protects the outer finish of the bike and reduces the cost that might be associated with maintenance and repainting.
10. SportRack Ridge Hitch-Mount Bike Rack
Features
- Material: Steel, Plastic
- Mounting Type: Strap/Hitch Mounting
- Weight Capacity: 140 lbs
- Dimensions: 39 x 17 x 11 inches
SportRack Ridge Hitch-Mount Bike Rack is the last option that we will be reviewing today. This rack also has a relatively high weight holding capacity and can load up to four bikes at a time without displaying any bending or cracking signs.
In addition to this, the swing-away design enables you to access the jeep wrangler conveniently. Thus, reducing the effort and time required for disassembly and unloading. The product is highly durable as compared to its other competitors and features sturdy steel construction which makes it one of the best options available in the market these days.
You will also observe that the cradles included in this particular option are softer than the rest and are made up of leather. The leather offers softness without compromising strength and increases the average life of your bike by protecting it against unwanted damage and cracking.
Last but not least, you can always take advantage of the foldable design of the rack and fold the arms when you have unloaded all the bikes. This not only saves some space for you but also enables you to carry it easily without putting in extra effort for this purpose.
What we liked
- Large holding capacity
- Tilted away design
- Enhanced protection
What we didn’t like
- Difficult to assemble
SportRack Ridge Hitch-Mount Bike Rack has never disappointed us with its exceptional performance, outstanding features, and extraordinary protection. We highly suggest you spare some time and try out this specialized product if you are interested in buying the best bike rack for the jeep wrangler.
Factors To Consider While Purchasing The Best Bike Rack For Jeep Wrangler
There are multiple factors to look at when deciding on a suitable bike rack for your jeep wrangler. They can range from mounting styles to the adjustability of the cradles and loading capacity. With our own experience of using the bike racks and thorough research on the topic, we have developed a brief buying guide to help you select an appropriate option for yourself.
Mounting Style
First and foremost, mounting a rack on the jeep wrangler can be a tiring process especially if you do not choose the right option for your vehicle. There are multiple types of bike racks available in the market that differ on the basis of their mounting styles. Mostly we recommend going for the universal ones, however, if that is not the case you can read the specifications of the model on the manufacturer’s website and then decide accordingly.
On average, there are around four highly popular mounting styles including trunk rack, hitch mount bike rack, spare tire racks, and roof racks. As the name indicates, some of these racks can be attached to the roof, while others at the trunk or near the spare tire according to the design of your jeep wrangler.
Cradle Adjustability
The cradles are included in the bike racks to secure them properly with the jeep itself and also to lock the mounted bikes in place. The bikes often collide with each other when you are moving uphill mostly in the case of rough mountainous terrains. To prevent the damage that might be incurred due to the collision, the majority of the bike racks come with cradles that hold the racks in place and reduce their movement. It is important that you look for cradles that are adjustable in nature to use them with different types of bike frames and sizes.
Loading Capacity
It refers to the ability of a bike rack to withstand a certain amount of pressure that is incurred because of the loading of bikes. Each rack has its own loading capacity that can vary depending upon the material of construction, design, and size of the bike rack. The majority of the options available around the market come with 70 to 80 pounds of load-carrying capacity and can hold up to 2 bikes of 35 to 40 pounds each.
However, you can also end up finding the best bike rack for a jeep wrangler that is capable of carrying up to 5 bikes at a time without bending or cracking. You can read about the loading capacity on the manufacturer’s website to get an idea about the abilities of the product you are interested in purchasing. We have also covered a review guide on kayak racks for jeep wrangler, please have a look!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Different Types Of Bike Racks?
Yes, there are different types of bike racks available in the market according to their mounting style. The four most common categories in this regard include the roof rack, trunk rack, hitch mount rack, and spare tire racks. These can be installed on the roof, trunk, hitch, and spare tire respectively. There are other types available as well but these are the most commonly used.
Is It Illegal To Drive With A Bike Rack?
It depends on the situation. While some states in the US consider it illegal to travel with a back rack, others don’t. The basic reason for this is that the back rack sometimes covers your license plate and blocks the vision thus, creating issues for the authorities. They also might affect the vision of rear cameras. Thus, leading to fatal consequences.
Can You Open A Trunk With A Bike Rack On It?
Yes, though it might not be possible with all bike racks. Some bike racks come with a tilt-away design that makes it easier to access the trunk of the jeep without going through the painful process of unmounting the bikes from the rack. If you want to purchase such a product, read the specifications on the website before making a decision.
Wrapping Up The Best Bike Rack for Jeep Wrangler
Best bike racks are those that feature large loading capacity, adjustable cradles, flexible hooks, additional security, and a foldable design. This article analyzed the best bike rack for jeep wrangler based on the above-mentioned characteristics. Here are some of our recommendations after a thorough analysis.
- Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack for its limited view obstruction, universal fitting, and wide bottom foot.
- Hollywood Racks Bolt-On Spare Tire Rack due to its adjustable support arms, pre-assembly, universal fitting, and increased versatility.
- YAKIMA – HalfBack Trunk Bike Strap Rack because of its increased durability, sizable holding capacity, durable cradles, and negligible wobbling.
Thus, these are perfect for those searching for the best bike rack for jeep wrangler
Hi! This is Marcus Adams, an adventurer who has a passion for jeeps. I have been exploring terrains for about 10 years and has trailed on a variety of jeeps. My passion for off-roading has allowed me to learn everything jeeps have to offer. Now, I have turned his passion into a professional project in form of this SMOOTHDRIVES website, where I plan to share my expertise about all kinds of off-roading accessories for jeeps, trucks and SUV’s and provide readers with high-quality content.