Buying Guides
Spare Tire Cover Camera Hole: The Essential Guide to Choosing Right (2026)
May
When ordering a spare tire cover, most people focus entirely on size — and completely forget about the spare tire cover camera hole option until it’s too late.
Ordering a cover without a camera hole when your vehicle needs one means your backup camera will be completely blocked. And because covers are custom-printed to order, you cannot return it or add the hole afterward.
This guide will help you make the right decision in under 2 minutes — no guessing, no wasted orders.
Jump to what you need:
- What Is a Spare Tire Cover Camera Hole?
- How to Check If Your Vehicle Needs One
- Vehicles That Need a Camera Hole
- Vehicles That Do NOT Need a Camera Hole
- Jeep Wrangler Camera Hole Guide by Year
- Does the Camera Hole Affect Size or Fit?
- What Happens If You Order the Wrong Option?
- Common Mistakes
- FAQ
What Is a Spare Tire Cover Camera Hole?
A spare tire cover camera hole is a precisely cut circular opening in the center of a spare tire cover. It is designed to align perfectly with a rear-mounted backup camera lens so the camera can function normally even when the cover is installed.
Without this opening, the fabric of the cover sits directly over the camera lens — blocking the image completely and rendering your backup camera useless while the cover is on.
| With Camera Hole | Without Camera Hole | |
|---|---|---|
| Camera works? | ✅ Yes — full functionality | ❌ No — completely blocked |
| Appearance | Small round opening visible in center | Clean, seamless design |
| Affects size/fit? | No — same fit as without | No — same fit |
| Price difference? | Same price | Same price |
| Can be added later? | — | ❌ No — must be selected at checkout |
How to Check If Your Vehicle Needs a Spare Tire Cover Camera Hole
This takes 30 seconds. Follow these steps before ordering:
- Start your vehicle and put it in reverse
- Check your dashboard screen — does a rear camera image appear?
- If yes: get out and stand behind your vehicle
- Look at the center of your spare tire — is a small camera lens visible?
- If the lens is on or through the spare tire → order WITH camera hole
- If the camera is on the bumper, liftgate, or tailgate → order WITHOUT camera hole
Still not sure? Check your owner’s manual under “rear backup camera” — it will specify where the camera is mounted.
Vehicles That Typically Need a Spare Tire Cover Camera Hole
These vehicles commonly have backup cameras mounted through or near the spare tire:
| Vehicle | Years | Camera Location | Need Camera Hole? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler JL | 2018–present | Center of spare tire | ✅ Yes |
| Jeep Wrangler JK | 2007–2018 (some) | Varies by trim | ⚠️ Check your vehicle |
| Jeep Gladiator JT | 2020–present | Center of spare tire | ✅ Yes |
| Ford Bronco | 2021–present (some trims) | Spare tire or liftgate | ⚠️ Check your vehicle |
| Land Rover Defender | 2020–present | Spare tire door | ⚠️ Check your vehicle |
| Mercedes G-Class | Various | Rear door | ⚠️ Check your vehicle |
Important: Even within the same model year, camera placement can vary by trim level and factory options. Always physically check your own vehicle — don’t rely on what another owner reports.
Vehicles That Do NOT Need a Camera Hole
These vehicles have backup cameras mounted away from the spare tire — on the bumper, tailgate, or liftgate:
| Vehicle | Camera Location | Need Camera Hole? |
|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler JK (pre-2018, no camera) | No rear camera | ❌ No |
| Toyota 4Runner (all years) | Bumper or liftgate | ❌ No |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | Bumper | ❌ No |
| Ford Bronco Sport | Liftgate | ❌ No |
| Honda CR-V / Toyota RAV4 | Bumper or liftgate | ❌ No |
| RV & Trailers (all) | Bumper or roof mount | ❌ No |
| Any vehicle with no backup camera | — | ❌ No |
Jeep Wrangler Camera Hole Guide by Year — The Most Important Section
Jeep Wrangler owners ask about the spare tire cover camera hole more than any other vehicle — because the answer changed completely in 2018 when Jeep moved to the JL generation.
| Jeep Wrangler Generation | Years | Backup Camera? | Camera on Spare Tire? | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YJ | 1987–1995 | ❌ No | ❌ No | No camera hole |
| TJ | 1997–2006 | ❌ No | ❌ No | No camera hole |
| JK (base) | 2007–2018 | ❌ No (most trims) | ❌ No | No camera hole |
| JK (Sahara/Rubicon late) | 2013–2018 | ⚠️ Optional | ⚠️ Some have it | Check your vehicle |
| JL (all trims) | 2018–present | ✅ Yes (standard) | ✅ Yes — center of spare | WITH camera hole |
| Gladiator JT | 2020–present | ✅ Yes (standard) | ✅ Yes — center of spare | WITH camera hole |
Bottom line for Jeep owners: If you have a 2018 or newer Wrangler JL or any Gladiator — order WITH camera hole. If you have a pre-2018 JK — physically check whether your specific vehicle has a backup camera on the spare tire before ordering.
Does the Camera Hole Affect Size or Fit?
No — not at all. The spare tire cover camera hole option is completely separate from sizing. The cover will fit identically whether you choose with or without the hole. Sizing is determined only by your tire’s outer diameter (27″–35″). The camera hole is a functional cutout added after the cover is sized correctly.
→ To find your correct size first, see: How to Choose Spare Tire Cover Size
What Happens If You Order the Wrong Camera Hole Option?
This is critical to understand before ordering:
| Mistake | What Happens | Can It Be Fixed? |
|---|---|---|
| Ordered WITHOUT hole, needed WITH | Backup camera completely blocked — can’t see behind vehicle in reverse | ❌ No — must reorder |
| Ordered WITH hole, didn’t need it | Small visible opening in center of cover — purely cosmetic issue | ❌ No — must reorder for clean look |
| Tried to cut hole after delivery | Damages print, creates uneven edges, may fray fabric | ❌ Do not attempt |
Because all covers are custom-printed to order, incorrect camera hole selections are not eligible for return or exchange — same as incorrect size selections. Take 30 seconds to check your vehicle before completing your order.
5 Common Mistakes With the Camera Hole Option
Mistake #1: Assuming You Don’t Need One Because You Have an Older Jeep
Many JK owners (2013–2018 Sahara/Rubicon) did have optional factory backup cameras mounted on the spare tire. Don’t assume based on the year — check the actual vehicle.
Mistake #2: Ordering “With Camera Hole” Just to Be Safe
If your vehicle doesn’t have a spare-mounted camera, ordering with a camera hole leaves an unnecessary opening in your cover that serves no purpose and affects the appearance of the design.
Mistake #3: Checking the Wrong Camera Location
Many vehicles have backup cameras on the bumper or liftgate — not the spare tire. Just because your vehicle has a backup camera doesn’t mean you need a camera hole in your spare tire cover. The camera must specifically be mounted on or through the spare tire.
Mistake #4: Forgetting to Select the Option at Checkout
The camera hole option is a required selection during checkout — not a default. If you don’t actively choose, you may end up with the wrong option. Double-check before placing your order.
Mistake #5: Trying to Add or Remove the Hole After Delivery
Cutting a hole into a finished custom-printed cover damages the sublimation print, creates fraying edges, and cannot be done cleanly. There is no way to reverse this. Always select correctly at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spare Tire Cover Camera Hole
Do I need a camera hole on my spare tire cover?
Only if your vehicle has a backup camera lens mounted on or through the spare tire itself. Put your vehicle in reverse and check if a camera image appears — then get out and look at the center of your spare tire for a lens. If you see a lens there, order with camera hole. If the camera is anywhere else on the vehicle, order without.
Does the Jeep Wrangler JL need a spare tire cover with camera hole?
Yes — all Jeep Wrangler JL models (2018 and newer) have a standard rear backup camera mounted through the center of the spare tire. Always order WITH camera hole for JL Wranglers.
Can I add a camera hole to my cover after I receive it?
No. The camera hole must be selected during checkout before the cover is printed. Attempting to cut a hole after delivery damages the fabric and print and cannot be done cleanly. If you ordered the wrong option, you will need to place a new order.
Will the camera hole fit my specific backup camera?
Yes. The camera hole opening is designed to accommodate standard rear-mounted backup camera lenses found on Jeep Wrangler JL, Gladiator, and similar vehicles. If you have an unusual aftermarket camera setup, contact us before ordering.
What if I’m not sure whether my vehicle needs a camera hole?
Follow the 30-second check: start vehicle → reverse → check for camera image on screen → if yes, go look at your spare tire for a lens. If you still aren’t sure, contact our team — we help customers check this every day.
Does the camera hole option cost more?
No. The spare tire cover camera hole option is available at no extra charge — same price as covers without the hole.
Does having a camera hole make the cover less protective?
No. The small opening for the camera lens does not meaningfully reduce the cover’s UV or weather protection. The vast majority of the tire’s surface remains fully covered and protected.
Ready to Order the Right Cover?
Now that you know exactly whether you need a spare tire cover camera hole, browse our full collection — available with or without camera hole in every size from 27″ through 35″.
- Browse All Spare Tire Covers →
- Design a Custom Cover →
- Find Your Size First →
- Complete Spare Tire Cover Buying Guide →
For backup camera safety standards and vehicle equipment guidance, refer to the NHTSA backup camera safety guidelines.