FSJ Bike Racks

[sierrablue]

So, being into MTB and just cycling in general, I've been trying to find a good bike rack for a FSJ, especially the Wagoneer/Cherokee (both because I have one and because there's no bed to just set the bikes into). They all seem to come UP, meaning I can't actually use the tailgate when the rack is on (roll-down rear window DOES help), so that's irritating. And next year I'll need to have my own rack...

https://www.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-5002...s_id=491440011

Finally found one that doesn't come up (I think they design the racks for small SUVs, minivans, and cars, so they need a boost in the ground clearance department), and it's not too pricey, either, just in case anyone is interested.

[inkedmonkey]

Nice. I ended up just getting a regular one. I just reach through the window for stuff

[JPSwapMohn]

Haven't tried it on the GW, but we have one for my wife's SUV that you pull a pin down near the hitch and the bike rack angles back away from the vehicle. It is in storage or I would tell ya the name/model. I think it was Yakima or Thule.. I bought it quite a few years ago and she has used it on her last 3 vehicles.

[sierrablue]

That's a pretty standard feature on bike racks--the trouble is that they come UP, which means that the tailgate can't come all of the way down, because it's hinged right above the bumper.

[letank]

I always put the bike in the cargo area... in fact I could throw the 2 kids and mine... as well.


Otherwise it is a good idea to check the clearance when going over deep gutters... or rutted forest roads, you might want to buy and riser/extension










reports have stated that if it may fracture with heavy loads, but probably good with bicycles



this happened with a motorcycle

[sierrablue]

Most new bike racks already come up a lot--not sure you'd have to worry about it much. I'd actually run it upside down if anything, so that I can access the back. Just, no A/C, so if I get groceries after mountain bike practice, it's a pain to get the stuff in the cooler with the rack on. If I could access the back with the bikes on, that would be ideal. I know, you could just use a swing-out piece, but those are expensive, especially when all you really need is a flat bike rack.

[tenoverthenose]

I have a 4 bike North Shore Rack that I've had for over a decade and keep it on my Wagoneer. I have it spaced far enough back that I can open the tailgate while fully loaded without dropping the rack back. It's a solid rack that I've used on many rigs and I can't recommend it enough.

https://northshoreracks.com/?v=7516fd43adaa

[Dezbighorn702]

Try Velosirax.

[sierrablue]

The trouble with those is that they're vertical. If you have hydraulic brakes (and any bubble whatsoever), they'll get soft, and the bikes always stick up into the wind or hang down and you have to worry about clearance. I want something that allows me to get in and out of the back of the Jeep, without hanging out way high or way behind the Jeep. And ground clearance is a little bit of a concern, but it's a Jeep; it has lots of clearance for the trailer hitch, so as long as the bikes are above the hitch I'm not worried.

I was just hoping to help anyone with a typical driver that's looking for a rack like I was looking for, as the racks like that always seem to come up, getting in the way of the tailgate.