Installing a spare tire cover is a straightforward job that takes less than five minutes and requires no special tools. You slide the cover over the tire, work the elastic edge around the rim, and you're done. This guide walks through the entire process, from measuring your tire correctly to avoiding the common mistakes that cause covers to slip, sag, or wear out prematurely. Whether you're fitting a cover on a Jeep Wrangler, a truck, or an RV, the steps are the same.
- What tools do you need to install a tire cover?
- How do you measure your spare tire for a cover?
- How do you install a tire cover step by step?
- What mistakes do people make installing tire covers?
- How do you keep a tire cover from slipping off?
- Frequently asked questions
What Tools Do You Need to Install a Tire Cover?
The short answer: none, in most cases. Quality spare tire covers use an elastic hem that stretches over the tire and holds itself in place. That said, a few items make the job easier, especially if the cover is a snug fit or the weather is cold.
- Tape measure. Required for getting the right size before you order
- Mild soap and water. Lubricating the tire edge helps a tight elastic hem slide on without a fight
- Clean rag or paper towels. Wipe the tire surface so grit doesn't scratch the cover's interior
- Zip tie or bungee cord (optional). Some covers include a locking cord; a zip tie through the valve stem hole is an inexpensive backup on windy roads
No drills, no adhesive, no special hardware. The entire installation is designed to be done in a parking lot or on a trail, with nothing but your hands.
How Do You Measure Your Spare Tire for a Cover?
Getting the measurement right is the most important step. A cover sized for a 30-inch tire will not stay on a 33-inch tire, and a cover that is too large will bunch and sag. Tire size refers to the overall diameter of the mounted tire, not the wheel size stamped on the rim.
Option 1: Read the tire sidewall
The size code is molded into the sidewall, for example LT265/70R17. You can calculate the overall diameter from that code, but the fastest path is to look it up in a tire size chart. A 265/70R17 measures approximately 31.6 inches in diameter.
Option 2: Measure directly
- Stand a tape measure on the ground next to the mounted tire.
- Measure from the ground to the top of the tire.
- Double that number to get the full diameter.
- Round up to the nearest inch.
Common Jeep Wrangler tire sizes and matching cover sizes:
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Cover Size to Order |
|---|---|---|
| 235/75R15 | ~29 in | 29 in |
| 255/75R17 | ~32 in | 32 in |
| 265/70R17 | ~31.6 in | 32 in |
| 285/70R17 | ~33 in | 33 in |
| 315/70R17 | ~34.4 in | 34 in |
When you are between two sizes, order the larger one. A slightly roomy cover is far easier to manage than one you have to force on.
Four-seasons artwork on a durable, weather-resistant cover. Available in sizes 27 in through 35 in with optional camera hole.
How Do You Install a Tire Cover Step by Step?
With the right size cover in hand, installation takes about two to three minutes. Work around the tire methodically rather than pulling one side all the way down at once.
- Clean the tire surface. Wipe away mud, dust, or road grime. Debris trapped under the cover will abrade the material over time.
- Center the cover face outward. Hold the cover up to the tire with the printed or decorative side facing away from the vehicle. Identify the top center point.
- Hook the top edge first. Pull the elastic hem over the top of the tire and seat it against the back of the rim. This gives you an anchor point.
- Work both sides down evenly. Using both hands, walk the elastic down the left and right sides of the tire simultaneously. Keep even tension so the cover doesn't skew.
- Seat the bottom edge. The last section to go on is the bottom. Push the elastic behind the lower rim edge. If it resists, a quick spray of soapy water on the rim edge helps it slide.
- Inspect the fit. Run your hand around the full perimeter. The elastic should sit behind the rim all the way around with no gaps or bunching.
- Locate the valve stem hole if applicable. Some covers include a pre-cut valve stem access hole. Align it over the valve stem so you can check air pressure without removing the cover.
That's the complete installation. No clamps, no adhesive, no tools required.
A properly seated cover lies flat with the elastic hidden behind the rim all the way around.What Mistakes Do People Make Installing Tire Covers?
Most problems with tire covers trace back to one of four errors. Knowing them in advance saves you time and frustration.
1. Ordering the wrong size
This is the most common mistake. People order based on wheel size (17 inches) rather than tire diameter (32 inches). A cover sized to the wheel diameter will be far too small. Always measure or calculate the overall tire diameter before ordering.
2. Pulling one side all the way down before the other
If you pull one side to the bottom first, the cover will shift off-center and the opposite side won't reach. Work both sides down evenly in stages.
3. Forcing a cold elastic hem
Elastic loses flexibility in cold weather. If you're installing in below-freezing temperatures and the cover feels stiff, bring it inside for 10 to 15 minutes before installing. Forcing it cold can crack the hem stitching.
4. Ignoring the camera hole cutout option
Many vehicles have a rear backup camera mounted in or near the spare tire carrier. If you install a cover without a camera hole cutout over that camera, you'll block the feed. When ordering, check whether your vehicle has a camera in that location and choose the appropriate cutout option.
Rugged sand camo pattern built for trail-ready rigs. Available in sizes 27 in through 35 in with optional camera hole cutout.
How Do You Keep a Tire Cover from Slipping Off?
A properly sized cover with a good elastic hem should stay put under normal driving conditions, including highway speeds. If yours keeps slipping, here are the fixes to try in order.
Check the size first. If the elastic is not fully seated behind the rim lip all the way around, the cover is too small. Sizing up is the only real fix for this.
Use the draw cord if included. Higher-end covers include a locking draw cord that cinches behind the rim. Thread it, pull it snug, and tie it off. This is the most secure method short of hardware.
Add a zip tie through the valve stem hole. Feed a large zip tie through the valve stem access hole in the cover, loop it around the valve stem itself, and cinch it. This tethers the cover to the wheel and prevents rotation or lifting at speed.
Avoid storing a cover loosely on a tire in direct sun for extended periods. Heat causes the elastic to relax over time. If the vehicle sits outside for months without being driven, the cover will eventually loosen. Re-seating it takes 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tire covers fit all spare tires?
No. Tire covers are sized to match specific tire diameters, typically in one-inch increments from 27 inches to 35 inches. You need to know your tire's overall diameter before ordering. Using a cover that is too small will result in it popping off; too large and it will sag and bunch.
Can I install a tire cover without removing the spare from the vehicle?
Yes. Tire covers are designed to be installed while the spare is mounted in its normal position on the tailgate, bumper carrier, or underneath the vehicle. You do not need to dismount the tire.
Will a tire cover work with a backup camera?
It depends on the cover. If your vehicle has a backup camera mounted in the spare tire area, you need a cover with a camera hole cutout. Many covers are available in both camera and no-camera versions. Check the product options before ordering.
How long do spare tire covers last?
A quality cover made from UV-resistant polyester or vinyl typically lasts three to five years with regular outdoor exposure. Longevity depends on how much direct sun the tire receives, how often the cover is removed and re-installed, and how it is cleaned. Mild soap and water is all that is needed for cleaning. For a full routine, see our tire cover maintenance guide.
Is tire cover installation difficult for beginners?
No. It is one of the simplest accessories you can add to a vehicle. As long as you have the correct size, the installation requires no tools and takes about two minutes. The elastic hem does all the work.
Find the Right Spare Tire Cover for Your Rig
Browse designs sized for Jeep, truck, and RV spare tires. Camera hole options available.
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