The best RV spare tire cover fits your exact tire diameter (measure first, never guess), uses UV-resistant polyester-nylon fabric that holds its color and shape through years of road travel, and installs in under two minutes with a simple elastic hem. Whether you're outfitting a travel trailer, fifth wheel, camper van, or Class C motorhome, this guide covers how to size correctly, which materials hold up on the road, and how to pick a design your rig deserves.
In this article
- How to find the right size for your RV tire cover
- Which material holds up best on the road
- Does your RV spare tire actually need a cover
- How to pick a design that suits your rig
- How to install a spare tire cover on an RV or trailer
- Frequently asked questions
How do I find the right size spare tire cover for my RV?
Measure the mounted spare tire directly, not the rim size stamped in your owner's manual. RV, camper, and trailer tires vary more widely than passenger vehicles, and a cover that's one inch off looks sloppy and won't stay put above 55 mph.
The quickest method: stand the tire upright, measure from the ground to the top of the tread, and double that number. That's your mounted diameter. Round up to the nearest inch and match it to a cover size. The tire cover size guide walks you through it in under a minute.
| Vehicle Type | Common Tire Size | Approx. Diameter | Cover Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel trailer / fifth wheel | ST225/75R15 | 28 in | 28 in |
| Travel trailer / fifth wheel | ST235/80R16 | 30 in | 30 in |
| Class C motorhome | LT245/75R16 | 30-31 in | 31 in |
| Truck camper / overlander | LT265/70R17 | 31-32 in | 32 in |
| Heavy-duty trailer | ST235/85R16 | 32 in | 32 in |
A bold topo-map design that suits any rig headed off the beaten path. Fits travel trailers, camper vans, and trucks.
What is the best material for an RV spare tire cover?
For RVs and trailers that sit outside year-round, UV resistance is the single most important factor. Sun exposure breaks down rubber from the outside in, and a cover that fades or cracks in its first summer fails the one job it was bought to do.
Polyester-nylon weave is the best choice for most RV owners. It's lightweight enough to install alone, stays flexible in cold temperatures so the hem doesn't crack, and the UV-resistant dye-sublimation printing used on quality covers keeps designs vibrant for years. Cleaning takes a soft brush and mild soap rinse after a dusty run down a forest road.
Vinyl covers are stiffer, heavier, and more prone to cracking in freezing temperatures. Many budget covers use single-layer vinyl that looks good in product photos but chalks and peels within a season of full sun, according to RV Travel's tire maintenance guidance.
Canvas is breathable and tough but absorbs moisture and stains more easily. It suits garage-kept rigs or mild climates, but not a travel trailer parked in the desert southwest through a full summer.
A mountain cabin scene with wolf silhouette. Printed on UV-resistant polyester-nylon weave. Perfect for the campsite aesthetic.
Does my RV spare tire actually need a cover?
Yes, and the reason is rubber chemistry, not just looks. UV rays break down the antiozonants built into tire rubber. A spare mounted on the back of a trailer can absorb full sun for hundreds of hours per year. Without a cover, the sidewall develops surface cracks (dry rot) that compromise structural integrity, often before the tread shows any wear. Tire manufacturers recommend inspecting any tire over 6 years old for sidewall cracking regardless of tread depth.
A cover under $70 is cheap insurance compared to replacing a spare you can't trust in an emergency, especially miles from the nearest service center.
Secondary benefits: keeps the spare clean between uses, reduces tire theft visibility, and turns what's otherwise a blank white circle into the most eye-catching part of your rig at the campground.
How do I pick a design for my RV or camper tire cover?
Match the design to how you actually use your rig. Nature and adventure themes (mountains, forests, wildlife, topographic maps, compass roses) are the most popular among full-timers and long-haul campers. Humor designs like "Not All Who Wander Are Lost" or "Home is Where We Park It" work well for weekend warriors who want a conversation starter at the campground. Custom personalized covers with your family name, dog's face, or favorite coordinates make a rig unmistakably yours.
One rule: pick something you'll still like two years from now. The cover weathers with the rig.
Compass rose, Sasquatch silhouette, and an adventure-first attitude. A campground conversation starter every time.
Can't find the right design? A fully custom cover lets you upload any image, logo, or design. No minimum order required.
Upload your photo, logo, family name, or artwork. Made to order in your exact size. One of a kind.
How do I install a spare tire cover on an RV or trailer?
Most quality covers use a reinforced elastic hem that stretches over the tire and cinches tight. The process takes under two minutes:
- Wipe the spare tire clean so grit doesn't scratch the cover material.
- Orient the cover with any opening (valve stem notch) toward the valve stem for easy air pressure checks later.
- Start the elastic over the top of the tire and work it around gradually, alternating sides rather than pulling one edge all the way first.
- Seat the elastic fully behind the tread edge all the way around. Give the cover a firm tug in two or three spots to confirm it's snug.
- Check fit after the first highway drive. Elastic settles slightly and may need a quick re-seat.
For oversized trailer tires (35 inches and up) or rigs that park in high-traffic urban areas, a bungee cord or cable lock system adds extra security.
Frequently asked questions
What size spare tire cover do I need for a travel trailer?
Most travel trailers and fifth wheels use ST225/75R15 or ST235/80R16 tires, which take a 28- or 30-inch cover. Measure your mounted spare diameter directly for the most accurate fit: measure from the ground to the top of the tread and double it. When in doubt, round up one inch.
Are spare tire covers universal or trailer-specific?
Spare tire covers are sized by tire diameter, not by vehicle type. A 30-inch cover fits any 30-inch spare tire, whether it's on a Jeep, a travel trailer, or a truck camper. The only vehicle-specific feature to check is a backup camera cutout, which applies to Jeep Wrangler JL models and some modern SUVs, but not typically to RVs or trailers.
How long do RV spare tire covers last?
A quality polyester-nylon weave cover with UV-resistant printing typically lasts 4 to 7 years with basic care. Wipe it down with mild soap every few months and apply a fabric UV protectant spray once a year to maximize its lifespan. Cheaper single-layer vinyl covers often fade or crack within 12 to 24 months of full outdoor exposure.
Do RV spare tires dry rot faster than tires in regular use?
Yes. Spare tires that go long stretches without use lose their plasticizers more quickly than tires that flex regularly under load. Full sun exposure accelerates the process. A cover slows UV degradation significantly and can add years to a spare tire's safe usable life.
Can I use a Jeep tire cover on my camper trailer?
Yes, as long as the diameter matches. Tire covers are sized by diameter only. If your trailer spare measures 30 inches and a design made for Jeep is listed as a 30-inch cover, it will fit your trailer the same way. Browse the RV and camper tire cover collection for designs curated with the camping and travel crowd in mind.
Find the Right Cover for Your RV or Camper
200+ UV-resistant designs sized 27 to 35 inches. Fits travel trailers, fifth wheels, camper vans, and motorhomes. Free US shipping over $49.
Shop RV Tire Covers →Not sure on sizing? The tire cover size guide takes 30 seconds.
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