Thule 963 Spare Me Bike Rack and the Jeep Wrangler

We've been struggling for a couple of months to come up with a solid way to carry a couple of mountain bikes on the VagabondExpedition Jeep and to still allow for full access to the rear. My local Thule dealer said this spare tire carrier wouldn't work with over sized tires. They were wrong. Here it is mounted on the Jeep and we're running 35x12.5" BFG KO2 tires. Fits quite nicely and looks like it'll be a great way to haul my Scott Bikes Genius 740 around with me. More MTB adventures to be had!
Thule 963PRO Spare Me Bike Carrier
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Thule 982Xt Frame Adapter
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[@stevenpeterson3790]

I know this video is old but thank you, it helped a lot. I bought a used one for my Jeep and the installation went great. I couldn’t figure out what was going on trying to fit my mountain bike on it!

[@bandolero98]

I love how the bike sits level. Beautiful rig.

[@thetogtube2]

THANKS FOR MAKING THIS! I just got a new MTB and was not looking forward to getting a new rack... this 982xt frame adapter will make it work!

[@Corey_G]

Hi, Instead of strap, you can use U LOCK through your frame for theft deterrent. *** Use foam around U Lock to prevent scraping up your bike. Happy Mtn Biking 🚵‍♀️

[@dudelum]

Thanks for the video. Not having to install a hitch receiver on the JK to carry bikes makes me happy. Although, I'm thinking the stock tire carrier isn't deal for the long term. I'll be looking at the Teraflex HD hinge. Cheers.

[@jtperez657]

pro tip: this rack doubles as a bike stand for maintenance!

[@Florida_Man_Robb]

Any update on the long term use of this? I’m wondering if the tire mount or hinges held up?

[@scottdowney4318]

The tubes on that Thule do bend. Daughter drove from VA to Oregon and back, and the thing folded in the middle. Tighten the knob puts lots of pressure on the middle and the tube ends are further away from tire.

[@vagabondexpedition]

Thanks for the warning on this. I'll keep an eye on it - and when I have two bikes on this rack I use a couple of extra cinch straps tied to my roof rack and then on the bikes to help take some of the weight off the Thule bars.

[@adandeleon0915]

Nice bike!

[@sherryb9770]

Kuat just came out with an add-on called the Pivot. Allows full rear door access for rear door SUVs. I am considering your style rack with upgraded door hinges as well for off-roading so as not to lose departure angle. So much money just to carry a bike, sheesh! 🙄 Jeeps are a little frustrating that way.

[@mabernexpeditions9409]

Sherrybization B have you seen the ones saris makes. I have the freedom and it workes great. Its a platform bike rack son almost all kind of bikes will fit

[@jnickal21]

I saw you used the short extension and I noticed there is also a long extension sold on etrailer. With 35" tires I figured you would need to longer extension?

[@ricardovargasopitz4549]

Can't seem to find the spare part that i need for mine, no store online is selling the locking knob by itself, only similar and they don't fit. Also, the down tube of my bike doesn't fit so i had to use one of the chain stays.

[@znovosad555]

Hmh I like that it makes a better departure angle keeping it from sticking out as much but I don't like that if you need your spare, youd have to take off your whole bike to get to it. Trying to think about my overland build, which I'll be building it off an FJ cruiser. And I need/want to bring my kayak and bike everywhere. But going offroad not only do I not want to damage my bike, but I want to have as much departure as possible. Any suggestions and input on this?

[@KC-ti6ox]

looking to buy one for my road bike,.. read on a lot of forums that extra weight can break the tire mount.. have you heard this as well?

[@SheGotHelicopters]

He has a teraflex heavy duty hinge installed.

[@owilde64]

Older video I know but where can I find those extensions? They're exactly what I need.

[@alexdim17]

www.etrailer.com/Accessories_and_Parts/Thule/852-3305-001.html

[@LunarFocus]

Where did you get the extension?

[@Gunmetalbluejeeptjs]

I am jake !

[@DJWORKWELL]

What is name n model off the mountain bike ? 👍🏻

[@MichaelLee-yh7ss]

You could have prepped your install then started recording.

[@SheGotHelicopters]

I'm thinking of installing the teraflex hinge + tire carrier, thule bike rack, and also a trasharoo. I'm hoping I can fill the trasharoo with firewood, and mount the bike in the outermost slot. Do you think this is possible? It looks as if you could install the trasharoo with the bike rack extended, and then fold (un-extend) the bike rack down over the top of the trasharoo when not using the bike rack. Thoughts? Thanks!

[@vagabondexpedition]

Yes to the firewood - you may need to adjust how much you're stuffing in the trasharoo. And yes, the bike rack will fold down with the trasharoo in place - the bike rack sits high enough and you could always let the "bag hang" a bit lower if need be. A bike on the outer most point would be fine with a full trasharoo too!

[@zenci21]

Hi thx for the vid! Where did you get the "dude waving decal at the tailgate?

[@vagabondexpedition]

I'm guessing you saw a decal for Squatchboxx coolers. Check them out at squatchboxx.net

[@tjj5337]

I like your IAMJAKE sticker

[@UtahNick71]

What tailgate table is that??

[@vagabondexpedition]

It is a "local design & build" out of Calgary Alberta -- I have a bit of a review and link to the fellow who is making them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXbEhmlmjL5rn7M

[@MichaelLee-yh7ss]

Sloooowwwwwwwww and overly loooooong video

[@benwarburton3919]

The only reason I gave it a thumbs down is that you used that blue strap on your bike. Don’t do that. If you like your paint on your bike, you hook it to your pedal.