By Owen PalmerUpdated November 2026
Finding a bike rack for Jeep is less about brand loyalty and more about matching the carrier to how your vehicle is built. A Wrangler or Gladiator carries its spare tire on the rear, has a hitch on many trims, and sometimes has a tailgate that will not hold a bike rack’s weight. This list compares six carriers that work with that reality. The selection criteria were fit for Jeep mounting points, load capacity, stability at highway speed, ease of folding and locking, and the patterns owners tend to report after months of use. We did not test these racks ourselves; the comparison draws on manufacturer specifications and consistent owner feedback.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallAllen Sports Premier 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack, S302View on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for Wrangler owners who keep the spareAllen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack, BlackView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for no-tire-removal fitJOYTUTUS Spare Tire Bike Rack for Wrangler and BroncoView on Amazon - 4
Best for fat tires and e-bikesWILDROAD 2-Bike Hitch RackView on Amazon - 5
Best for families and groupsAmazon Basics 4-Bike Hitch RackView on Amazon - 6
Best for Wrangler and Gladiator pole mountingFolding Anti-Wobble Bike Rack, Pole-Mounted Jeep FitView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack, S302 | Jeep owners who want a established spare-mount rack | Tire-mounted carrier with a steel frame |
| Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack, Black | Wrangler owners keeping the spare on the back | Spare-tire mount for two bikes |
| JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Bike Rack for 2 Bikes | Wrangler and Bronco owners avoiding tire removal | Anti-wobble foldable design with a lock |
| WILDROAD 2-Bike Hitch Rack | Fat tire and e-bike riders | Tilting arms, 180 lb rated capacity |
| Amazon Basics 4-Bike Hitch Rack | Families and groups needing four slots | 132 lb capacity with anti-rattle stability |
| Folding Anti-Wobble Bike Rack (Pole-Mounted) | Wrangler and Gladiator owners wanting a pole mount | Security lock included, road and mountain bike fit |
Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack, S302
Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack, S302
Best for: Jeep owners who want a established spare-mount rack for two bikes
This rack suits Wrangler owners who keep a full-size spare on the rear door and want a dedicated carrier that clamps to the tire rather than the tailgate. It is a sensible starting point for riders who ride mostly on paved trails and light gravel.
Key specs
- Spare tire mount for two bicycles
- Steel frame construction
- Fits common Jeep spare tire sizes
Pros
- Keeps the rear of the vehicle clear of hitch hardware
- Simple mounting once the spare is on the carrier
- Widely available replacement parts from the brand
Cons
- Spare-mounted racks can make the rear door heavier to open
- Owners often recommend checking tire diameter against the rack’s stated range
Bottom line: A solid choice for Wrangler owners who want a classic spare-mount design and do not need a tilting arm.
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack, Black
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack , Black
Best for: Wrangler owners keeping the spare on the back
This rack is aimed at owners who want a spare-tire carrier with a black finish and two bike slots. It is a practical pick for weekend riders who load bikes a few times a month.
Key specs
- Spare tire mount for two bikes
- Black powder-coated finish
- Designed for common off-road spare tire sizes
Pros
- Straightforward mounting with no hitch required
- Sits low, which helps loading
- Consistent owner reports of stable highway feel
Cons
- Requires the spare tire to stay on the vehicle
- Tire weight adds load to the rear mount
Bottom line: Good for Wrangler owners who want a no-hitch carrier and keep the spare where it belongs.
JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Bike Rack for Wrangler and Bronco
Fits 25.5"-37" Diameter 10"-13.5" Width Tires, Anti-Wobble Foldable Bike Carrier with Lock, No Tire Removal JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Bike Rack for 2 Bikes for Wrangler & Bronco
Best for: Wrangler and Bronco owners avoiding tire removal
This carrier is marketed for tires in the 25.5-inch to 37-inch diameter range and widths from 10 to 13.5 inches, with a no-tire-removal design. It suits owners with larger off-road tires who want a foldable rack with a lock.
Key specs
- Tire diameter range: 25.5 to 37 inches
- Tire width range: 10 to 13.5 inches
- Foldable anti-wobble design with lock
Pros
- No tire removal needed for installation
- Lock helps deter casual theft
- Foldable for storage when not in use
Cons
- Fit depends heavily on tire dimensions, so measure first
- Owners often recommend checking bolt torque after the first few miles
Bottom line: A good match for owners with oversized spare tires who want to skip tire removal, provided their tire sizes fall within the stated range.
WILDROAD 2-Bike Hitch Rack
Fits Standard, Fat Tire & E-Bike (Up to 5" Tires) for Car/Truck/SUV WILDROAD 2-Bike Hitch Rack, 180 lbs, Tilting & Foldable, Fits 2"
Best for: Fat tire and e-bike riders
This hitch-mounted rack is designed for standard, fat tire and e-bike wheels up to 5 inches wide, which makes it useful for riders with heavier bikes. It fits a 2-inch receiver and tilts for rear door access.
Key specs
- Fits 2-inch receiver hitch
- Rated capacity of 180 lb
- Tilting and foldable arms
Pros
- Handles heavier e-bikes and fat tire models
- Tilt feature keeps the rear hatch accessible
- Foldable when not carrying bikes
Cons
- Hitch-mounted racks add rear length and can affect backing clearance
- Owners often mention the tilt mechanism needs periodic lubrication
Bottom line: The right choice for owners with a hitch and heavier bikes who want tilt access.
Amazon Basics 4-Bike Hitch Rack
Amazon Basics 4-Bike Hitch Rack with 2" Hitch for Car, SUV and Truck, Heavy-Duty Steel Frame, Foldable, Anti-Rattle Stability, 132-Pound Capacity
Best for: Families and groups needing four slots
This four-bike hitch rack has a heavy-duty steel frame and a rated capacity of 132 pounds. It suits households that ride together and need to carry more than two bikes at once.
Key specs
- Fits 2-inch receiver hitch
- Rated capacity of 132 lb
- Steel frame with foldable design
Pros
- Carries four bikes, useful for families
- Anti-rattle design for steadier highway driving
- Foldable for storage
Cons
- Four-bike loads can exceed hitch and tongue weight limits on smaller vehicles
- Owners often report it is heavy to lift onto the hitch
Bottom line: Best for families who ride together and have a hitch rated for the total load.
Folding Anti-Wobble Bike Rack, Pole-Mounted Jeep Fit
Folding & Anti-Wobble Design, Security Lock Included, Fits Road/Mountain Bikes Bike Rack Fit for 2018-2026 Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator (Pole-Mounted)
Best for: Wrangler and Gladiator owners wanting a pole mount
This pole-mounted rack is listed for 2018 to 2026 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models and includes a security lock. It fits road and mountain bikes and is built around a folding, anti-wobble design.
Key specs
- Listed fit: 2018 to 2026 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator
- Security lock included
- Folding anti-wobble design
Pros
- Vehicle-specific fit listing
- Lock included out of the box
- Works for both road and mountain bikes
Cons
- Confirm model year and trim before buying
- Pole mounting can require more setup time than a hitch rack
Bottom line: A good pick for Wrangler and Gladiator owners who want a model-specific fit and a lock included.
Buying Guide
Mount Type: Spare Tire, Hitch or Pole
Spare tire racks keep the hitch free and work well if you keep the spare on the rear door. Hitch racks offer more capacity and easier loading but need a 2-inch receiver and add rear length. Pole-mounted racks suit owners who want a model-specific fit. Choose the mount type first, then compare capacity.
Good picks for this: Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack, Amazon Basics 4-Bike Hitch Rack
Tire Size and Fit
Spare-tire carriers list a tire diameter and width range. Measure your spare before ordering. Owners often report that oversized off-road tires push the limits of these ranges, so check the numbers rather than assuming a fit.
Good picks for this: JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Bike Rack, Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack
Weight Capacity
Check the rack’s stated capacity against the combined weight of your bikes. E-bikes can weigh far more than standard bikes. Remember that hitch racks also load the receiver and tongue weight, so confirm your hitch rating as well.
Good picks for this: WILDROAD 2-Bike Hitch Rack, Amazon Basics 4-Bike Hitch Rack
Tilt and Rear Door Access
If you need to open the rear hatch or door with bikes loaded, a tilting arm or a spare-mount design makes a difference. Test the tilt range against your door swing before you buy.
Good picks for this: WILDROAD 2-Bike Hitch Rack, Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack
Stability and Anti-Rattle Design
Wobble at highway speed is one of the most common owner complaints with any rear rack. Look for anti-wobble or anti-rattle features and check bolt torque after the first few trips. Tightening hardware periodically helps.
Good picks for this: Folding Anti-Wobble Bike Rack, JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Bike Rack
Security and Locking
A lock helps deter opportunistic theft, but it is not a substitute for removing bikes when parked for long periods. Look for racks with a built-in lock or a lockable mounting point.
Good picks for this: Folding Anti-Wobble Bike Rack, JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Bike Rack
Storage, Folding and Care
Foldable racks are easier to store in a garage or tuck away when not in use. Keep hardware clean, check welds and bolts, and lubricate any tilt pivots as the manufacturer directs.
Good picks for this: WILDROAD 2-Bike Hitch Rack, Amazon Basics 4-Bike Hitch Rack
FAQ
Will a bike rack for Jeep fit a Wrangler with a spare tire on the back?
Spare-tire racks are designed for that setup, but fit depends on tire diameter and width. Measure your spare and compare it with the rack’s listed range before buying.
Can I use a hitch rack on a Gladiator?
Many Gladiators have a 2-inch hitch available, but check your trim and whether the hitch is factory-installed. Confirm the receiver rating and the rack’s tongue weight limit.
How many bikes can a Jeep bike rack carry?
Spare-tire racks typically carry two bikes, while hitch racks listed here range from two to four. Always stay within the stated capacity.
Do I need to remove the spare tire to install a rack?
Some designs require the spare to stay mounted, while others clamp to the tire. Some models are advertised as no-tire-removal, but confirm the fit before ordering.
Will a rear-mounted rack block my tail lights or license plate?
It can. Make sure the rack does not cover required lighting or the plate, and use a light board if needed. Check your local regulations for requirements.
Is a pole-mounted rack safer than a spare tire rack?
Neither is inherently safer; both depend on correct installation and fit. Follow the manufacturer’s torque and load instructions, and consult a professional mechanic if you are unsure about mounting.
Conclusion
For most Wrangler owners who keep the spare on the back, a spare-tire rack such as the Allen Sports Premier is a dependable starting point. Owners with oversized tires should measure carefully before choosing a no-tire-removal design. Riders with heavier e-bikes or fat tires do better with the WILDROAD hitch rack, while families carrying four bikes should look at the Amazon Basics 4-Bike rack and confirm their hitch rating. Gladiator and Wrangler owners who want a model-listed fit can consider the pole-mounted option.
Sources
- Vehicle safety guidance on cargo loads and how weight affects handling (nhtsa.gov)
- Consumer safety information on product recalls and secure fastening of accessories (cpsc.gov)
- Federal guidance on vehicle equipment and roadway safety (fhwa.dot.gov)
Related reading
- Wall Bike Rack Vertical: 6 Steps to Mount and Load Yours Safely
- Tow Hitch Dirt Bike Rack: 6 Steps to Choose, Mount and Load Safely (2026)
- Top 5 Truck Mounted Bike Rack Options Compared for Pickups and Trucks
- Thule T2 Pro XTR Hitch Bike Rack Review: Is It Worth It?
- Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack: 7 Best Picks Compared (2026)
About Owen Palmer
Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our bike accessories guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
