Buying Guides
Spare Tire Covers: The Complete Buying Guide for Jeep, SUV & RV (2026)
May
If your vehicle has a rear-mounted spare tire, a spare tire cover is one of the smartest accessories you can add — not just for looks, but to protect a tire that could cost you $150–$400 to replace.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything about spare tire covers: what they are, why they matter, how to choose the right one for your Jeep, SUV, or RV, what features actually matter, and how to avoid the mistakes most buyers make.
Jump to what you need:
- What Is a Spare Tire Cover?
- Why You Should Use One
- Types of Spare Tire Covers
- Spare Tire Covers for Jeep
- Spare Tire Covers for SUV
- Spare Tire Covers for RV & Trailer
- Key Features to Look For
- Custom vs Pre-Designed
- How to Choose the Right Size
- Camera Hole: Do You Need One?
- Common Buying Mistakes
- FAQ
What Is a Spare Tire Cover?
A spare tire cover is a fitted protective cover designed to slip over a rear-mounted spare tire. It wraps around the tire’s tread and sidewall, securing in place with a drawcord or elastic band around the back.
Spare tire covers come in two main styles:
| Style | Material | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft covers | Polyester, vinyl, neoprene | Most vehicles, custom printing | $25–$60 |
| Hard covers | ABS plastic, fiberglass | Heavy off-road use | $80–$200+ |
For most Jeep, SUV, and RV owners, soft covers are the better choice — they’re lighter, easier to install, available in custom designs, and offer excellent UV and weather protection at a fraction of the cost.
Why You Should Use a Spare Tire Cover
Your spare tire sits exposed on the back of your vehicle — baking in UV rays, soaking in rain, collecting road debris — often for months or years without being used. That’s the exact environment that degrades rubber fastest.
What happens to an unprotected spare tire:
- UV rays break down rubber compounds, causing cracking and dry rot in as little as 3–5 years
- Ozone exposure accelerates sidewall deterioration
- Heat cycles (hot days, cold nights) cause rubber to harden and lose flexibility
- Surface dirt and moisture speed up oxidation
A quality spare tire cover prevents all of this by creating a barrier between your tire and the elements. The result: your spare stays flexible, safe, and ready to use when you actually need it.
Additional benefits:
- Dramatically improves the rear appearance of your vehicle
- Adds personality with custom designs, logos, or photos
- Protects against minor impacts and road debris
- Keeps the tire clean — no dirty handprints when you install it roadside
- Can increase resale value by showing the vehicle is well-maintained
Types of Spare Tire Covers: Which One Is Right for You?
Not all spare tire covers are the same. Here’s a breakdown of the main types and when to choose each:
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom-printed soft cover | Personalized design, lightweight, easy install, UV-resistant | Not for extreme rock crawling | Jeep, SUV, RV daily use |
| Pre-designed soft cover | Ready to ship, lower cost | Limited design options | Budget buyers |
| Hard plastic cover | Maximum impact protection | Heavy, expensive, no custom print | Extreme off-road/rock crawling |
| Vinyl wrap cover | Waterproof, easy to wipe clean | Can crack in extreme cold | RV & trailer long-term storage |
At TireCoverPrint, we specialize in custom-printed soft covers — the most popular choice for Jeep, SUV, and RV owners who want both protection and a design that reflects their personality.
Spare Tire Covers for Jeep
Jeep Wranglers, Gladiators, and older Cherokees are the most popular vehicles for spare tire covers — and for good reason. The rear-mounted spare is one of the first things people notice about a Jeep.
Why Jeep Owners Need a Spare Tire Cover
- The spare is fully exposed at highway speeds and off-road
- Jeep tires are typically large (30″–35″) and expensive — protecting them matters
- A custom cover is one of the easiest ways to personalize your Jeep’s look
- Off-road use means more mud, UV, and debris hitting the spare
Spare Tire Cover Sizes for Jeep by Model
| Jeep Model / Tire Setup | Tire Size | Cover Size |
|---|---|---|
| Wrangler JK/JL stock | P245/75R17 | 31″ |
| Wrangler with LT265/70R17 | LT265/70R17 | 32″ |
| Wrangler Rubicon stock | LT285/70R17 | 32″ |
| Off-road build (315/70R17) | 315/70R17 | 34″ or 34″ V2 |
| Lifted Jeep with 35s | 35×12.50R17 | 35″ |
| Jeep Gladiator stock | LT255/75R17 | 32″ |
Pro tip: Always measure your actual spare tire — don’t rely on the sticker. Aftermarket tires from different brands can vary by up to half an inch even with the same sidewall code. See our full spare tire cover size guide for exact measuring instructions.
Best Features for Jeep Spare Tire Covers
- UV-resistant fabric (essential — Jeeps park outside constantly)
- Secure drawcord closure (loose covers vibrate and tear at highway speeds)
- Exact-size fit from 30″ through 35″ including 34″ V2
- Camera hole option if your Jeep has a rear backup camera
Spare Tire Covers for SUV
Many SUV owners don’t realize their vehicle has a rear-mounted external spare until they look closely — and by then, the tire has already been exposed for months or years.
SUVs That Commonly Use External Spare Tires
- Toyota 4Runner — all years, all trims
- Toyota Land Cruiser — most models
- Ford Bronco — standard and Sport models
- Land Rover Defender — most configurations
- Suzuki Jimny / Grand Vitara
- Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero
- Mercedes G-Class
Common SUV Spare Tire Cover Sizes
| Vehicle | Stock Tire | Cover Size |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota 4Runner (stock) | 265/70R17 | 32″ |
| Ford Bronco Base/Sport | 255/70R18 | 31″ |
| Ford Bronco Badlands/Wildtrak | 285/70R17 or 35s | 33″–35″ |
| Land Rover Defender 110 | 255/60R20 | 32″ |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | 285/60R18 | 32″ |
What to Look for in an SUV Spare Tire Cover
- Lightweight material — SUV owners often remove the cover more frequently than Jeep owners
- Easy one-person installation
- Backup camera hole compatibility — many modern SUVs have rear cameras
- Design that matches or complements the vehicle’s color and style
Spare Tire Covers for RV & Trailer
RV and trailer spare tires face the harshest conditions of any vehicle type — they sit in direct sun for weeks or months at a time, often in hot climates where UV damage occurs fastest.
Why RV Spare Tire Covers Are Critical
- RVs are parked stationary for long periods — maximum UV and ozone exposure
- RV tires are expensive ($200–$500 each) — protecting them is a priority
- Tire blowouts on RVs are more dangerous than on passenger vehicles
- Many RV insurance policies require spare tires to be protected
Common RV & Trailer Spare Tire Sizes
| Vehicle Type | Typical Tire Size | Cover Size |
|---|---|---|
| Travel trailer (small) | ST205/75R14 | 27″ |
| Travel trailer (mid) | ST225/75R15 | 29″ |
| Fifth wheel trailer | ST235/80R16 | 30″ |
| Class C motorhome | LT245/75R17 | 31″ |
| Class A motorhome | LT285/75R22.5 | 33″–34″ |
Best Features for RV Spare Tire Covers
- Maximum UV resistance — look for covers with UV stabilizers in the fabric
- Snug fit — loose covers on stationary RVs flap in wind and wear out fast
- Reinforced edges — prevent tearing at the drawcord channel
- Easy removal — you don’t want to struggle when you have a blowout roadside
Key Features to Look For When Buying a Spare Tire Cover
Not all spare tire covers are made equal. Here’s what actually matters — and what’s just marketing noise:
| Feature | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Determines UV protection and durability | 600D polyester or UV-resistant vinyl |
| Print quality | Fading design looks cheap in 6 months | Dye-sublimation printing (colors go into fabric, not on top) |
| Closure system | Loose covers vibrate off at highway speeds | Drawcord with bungee or elastic band |
| Size accuracy | Wrong size = wasted money | Seller offers sizes in 1-inch increments (27″–35″) |
| Camera hole | Required if you have a rear backup camera | Clean, reinforced cutout — not a rough hole |
| Installation | You’ll install/remove this roadside in the dark | One-person, tool-free installation under 2 minutes |
One thing most buyers overlook: print method. Cheap covers use screen-printed or inkjet designs that sit on top of the fabric — they crack, peel, and fade within a season. At TireCoverPrint, we use dye-sublimation printing, which bonds the ink directly into the polyester fibers at the molecular level. The result: colors that stay vibrant for years even in direct sun.
Custom vs Pre-Designed Spare Tire Covers
When shopping for spare tire covers, you have two main paths:
Pre-Designed Spare Tire Covers
Pre-designed covers feature ready-made artwork — team logos, animals, holiday themes, patriotic designs. They’re typically in stock and ship quickly.
Best for: buyers who find a design they love and want quick delivery.
Custom-Printed Spare Tire Covers
Custom covers are made to order with your own image, photo, text, or logo. You upload your artwork, choose your size and camera hole option, and receive a one-of-a-kind cover.
Best for: people who want a truly unique look — a family photo, a pet portrait, a business logo, a custom design. Also extremely popular as gifts.
The process at TireCoverPrint:
- Choose your size using our size guide
- Select camera hole: yes or no (see our camera hole guide if unsure)
- Upload your image or design
- We print, inspect, and ship — typically within 3–5 business days
Design Your Custom Spare Tire Cover →
How to Choose the Right Spare Tire Cover Size
Getting the size right is the single most important step. Spare tire covers are custom-made and typically non-refundable, so measuring correctly before you order is essential.
The rule: Spare tire cover size = the outer diameter of your tire in inches — NOT the wheel/rim size.
There are two ways to find your size:
Method 1: Read the Tire Sidewall Code
Find the code printed on the side of your spare tire (example: LT265/70R17). Enter it into a tire diameter calculator online — it will give you the exact outer diameter in inches. Round to the nearest inch to find your cover size.
Method 2: Measure Directly
Use a tape measure across the full tire (rubber to rubber, not rim to rim) while the tire is fully inflated. Round to the nearest inch.
Between two sizes? Always choose the larger one. A slightly large cover fits cleanly. A slightly small cover may tear during installation.
→ For the complete sizing guide including the full 27″–35″ size chart and vehicle-specific recommendations, see: How to Choose Spare Tire Cover Size
Camera Hole: Do You Need One?
Many modern Jeeps, SUVs, and trucks have a rear-mounted backup camera integrated into or near the spare tire. If your vehicle has one, you need to order a cover with a camera hole — otherwise the cover will block the camera and you’ll lose rear visibility.
Quick check: Start your vehicle and put it in reverse. If a rear camera image appears on your dashboard screen, check where the camera lens is located. If it’s mounted on or near the spare tire (rather than on the bumper or liftgate), you need a camera hole.
→ For a full list of vehicles that need a camera hole and how to check yours, see: Spare Tire Cover Camera Hole Guide
7 Common Mistakes When Buying Spare Tire Covers
Mistake #1: Using Rim Size Instead of Tire Diameter
The most common sizing error. A “17-inch wheel” means the rim is 17 inches — your tire diameter will be 30–35 inches depending on the tire profile. Always use tire diameter, not rim size.
Mistake #2: Not Measuring the Actual Spare
If you’ve put aftermarket tires on your Jeep or SUV, your spare might not match the vehicle’s original spec. Measure the actual tire on the back of your vehicle — don’t guess from the VIN or sticker.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Tire Width for 34″ V2
Two tires can both measure 34 inches in diameter but have very different widths. If you run aggressive off-road tires with thick tread and reinforced sidewalls, the standard 34″ cover may feel too tight. That’s what the 34″ V2 size is designed for.
Mistake #4: Forgetting the Camera Hole
Ordering without checking whether you need a camera hole is the second most common return reason. Takes 30 seconds to check — saves a wasted order.
Mistake #5: Buying on Price Alone
A $12 cover from a discount marketplace will be faded and cracked within one summer. The print sits on top of the fabric and peels off with UV exposure. A quality cover with dye-sublimation printing lasts years — and the price difference is typically $15–20.
Mistake #6: Choosing a Cover That’s Hard to Remove
You’ll need to remove this cover roadside, possibly in the rain or dark. Covers with overly tight elastic or stiff closures are frustrating. Test the closure system before committing.
Mistake #7: Not Considering the Full Viewing Distance
A design that looks great in a small product photo can look very different at full size (32–35 inches across) on your vehicle’s rear. Choose designs with bold, simple elements that read well from 20+ feet away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spare Tire Covers
Do spare tire covers actually protect tires?
Yes — significantly. UV radiation is the primary cause of tire sidewall cracking and dry rot on spare tires. A UV-resistant cover can extend a spare tire’s safe lifespan from 3–4 years to 6–8+ years. This is why tire safety organizations recommend protecting any tire exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods — see NHTSA tire safety guidelines for more detail.
Will a spare tire cover fly off at highway speeds?
A properly sized cover with a secure drawcord closure will not fly off at normal highway speeds. The key is correct sizing — a cover that is too large for the tire will be loose and can flap or detach. Always order the exact size, not a size up.
How do I know if my spare tire cover fits?
A correctly fitted spare tire cover should slip on with moderate resistance — snug but not requiring force. The drawcord should tighten the back evenly without puckering or bunching. If you have to force it over the tire or the drawcord can’t close, it’s too small. If there’s significant loose fabric, it’s too large.
Can I put a custom photo on a spare tire cover?
Yes. At TireCoverPrint, you can upload any image — a family photo, pet portrait, landscape, logo, or original artwork — and we’ll print it as a custom spare tire cover in your exact size. The image wraps around the full visible face of the cover.
How long do spare tire covers last?
A quality polyester cover with dye-sublimation printing typically lasts 3–6 years in continuous outdoor use before the fabric shows significant wear. The print itself holds up extremely well — the fabric usually shows wear before the design fades.
Do spare tire covers fit all spare tires?
Spare tire covers are sized by tire diameter, so as long as you order the correct size, they fit any round spare tire — regardless of brand or tread pattern. The exception is unusually wide off-road tires, which may need the V2 size at 34 inches.
Does using a spare tire cover affect tire pressure?
No. Soft spare tire covers do not compress or affect the tire in any way. They simply wrap the exterior surface. Tire pressure is unaffected.
Ready to Find Your Spare Tire Cover?
Whether you’re looking for a custom design with your own photo, a themed cover for your Jeep build, or a clean protective cover for your RV’s spare — TireCoverPrint has you covered in every size from 27″ to 35″.