Need help on tow, stow and go accessories

boilermaker2 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 06, 2011 11:04 am

I want to use this

http://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge-11585-02-Textured-1976-2010/dp/B002CM75M0/ref=au_pf_pfg_s?ie=UTF8&Model=Liberty%7C353&n=15684181&s=automotive&Make=Jeep%7C42&Year=2005%7C2005&newCar=1&carId=004
So that I may purchase this

http://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Receiver-Adapter-Extender-Extension/dp/B000P6CJ9O/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

So that I may use this...

http://www.amazon.com/4-Bike-Hitch-Bicycle-Cruiser-Mountain/dp/B004KAVRNK/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I18FHMAM12YZYQ&colid=3P59LF53FOQKR

..and still tow something too.

I'm open to suggestions....I'm sure that a few of you have already figured our how to move the spare and increase the usefullness of the hitch without throwing the tire up on top and killing the fuel mileage.

Thanks,
B2

onthehunt · **Posted:** Mon Jun 06, 2011 11:11 am

They do make a spare tire mounted bike rack. Mine only holds two bikes...

papaindigo · **Posted:** Mon Jun 06, 2011 11:27 am

The classic method of getting more hitch clearance is to take the spare off; undo the 4 nuts holding the spare tire holder on; rotate that holder 180 degrees; and reinstall holder and tire. That moves the bottom of the tire up and in toward the bumper while still leaving clearance for the window. I don't know that it would give enough clearance for the hitch you illustrate. I'd also be concerned about turning clearnance for a trailer (not knowing what you tow) with 4 bicycles mounted over the tongue. Wouldn't it be better if you are towing to mount the bike rack on the towed item?

boilermaker2 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 06, 2011 12:48 pm

Couple of clarification:

1.) I understand the trailer clearance issue with the trailer, the tongue will be long enough.
2.) I'll look at flipping the mount around. I had not thought of that. I have taken the spare off before to tow certain things but I prefer to leave it on for obvious reason.
3.) I looked at the spare tire bike mounts. However there are 4 of us and the spare tire mount seem to only go up to three.
4.) I'd rather not use a hitch extender because I'm not sure I trust them (Plus that further increases the torque on the hitch beyond what the 2-way adapter+hitch combo will make...plus I would like to keep rattle-bang noises from the hitch assemble to a minor inconvenience level.

I've towed with this vehicle since I purchased it new. Now I would like to haul bikes with the flexibility to tow ~2k lbs if I wanted to whenever I wanted to.

B2

sota · **Joined:** Fri Aug 07, 2009 7:44 pm **Posts:** 379

give you want to keep the tow weight pretty low (you said ~2000#) I think you'd be ok to use that hitch doubler/extender. as for the rattling I use one of these to lock the draw bar into the receiver and stop the klunking...

http://www.etrailer.com/p-BX88226.html?search=1

pin the draw bar in the hitch, give it a yank to pull it forward, then clamp it down with that thing and it won't go anywhere.

also you might look into this...
http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Valley/V75090.html

eliminates a joint/possible additional failure, lessens the overall length extension from the hitch itself. only question is is it too tall for the spare tire. if it does interfere with the spare can you carry the spare on the trailer maybe?

boilermaker2 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 12:06 pm

Very nice. Thanks for the input. I'll report back as to what I've ultimately done. I may just stick with the carrier-only combo at this time, I'm not sure. I think a comb hitch behind the spare, with an extender may be creating one heck of a shin cracker :banghead:

as well as affect the integrity of the trailer. Like I wrote, I'll report back.
Thanks again,
B2

changingtime · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 5:45 pm

I like some others bought the long ball mount receiver...it was about 16" from etrailer. this allowed me to keep the spare on and put a bike rack on the spare tire while towing...

http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Hid ... 80232.html

Yakima: http://www.amazon.com/Yakima-8002598-Sp ... 526&sr=1-3

Need help on tow, stow and go accessories

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