If your Jeep JL has a factory backup camera, the first thing to know about spare tire covers is that you need the camera hole version: the camera mounts directly to the spare tire carrier on the rear swing gate, and a cover without the cutout will block it completely. Beyond that, the right cover for a JL is sized to your actual spare tire diameter (not just the tire designation), made from UV-rated polyester nylon weave, and fitted securely over the swing-gate mount. This guide covers all three, with a JL-specific size table and design options for every build style.
In this article
- Why JL owners use spare tire covers
- Does a JL cover need a camera hole?
- What size cover fits a Jeep JL?
- What design works best on a JL?
- How do I care for the cover?
- FAQ
Why Do JL Wrangler Owners Put a Cover on Their Spare Tire?
The spare tire on a JL Wrangler sits fully exposed on the rear swing gate: no enclosure, no shade, no protection from whatever the weather or trail throws at it. UV radiation breaks down the rubber compounds in the sidewall over time, causing dry rot and surface cracking. A spare with dry-rotted sidewalls is structurally compromised and can fail when you need it most. A UV-rated cover blocks that degradation and keeps the tire in reliable shape for years longer than an uncovered spare would last.
There is also the functional argument: a covered spare stays clean. Pulling a caked-mud spare off the carrier on the trail and swapping it fast is a much worse experience than pulling a clean one. And practically speaking, the rear gate of a JL is one of the most visible surfaces on the vehicle in traffic and parking lots. It sits at eye level and faces every car behind you. A well-chosen design on that surface says more about your build than most other exterior accessories combined.
Does a Jeep JL Spare Tire Cover Need a Backup Camera Hole?
Most JL Wranglers do. All 2019 and newer JLs have a factory backup camera mounted to the spare tire carrier as standard equipment. Some early 2018 JLs were built without one. Before you order, look at the center of your rear swing gate carrier: if there is a small round camera lens pointing rearward, you need the camera hole version.
There are two camera hole options at JDS:
- Standard camera hole: a pre-cut round opening for vehicles with a camera collar or ring on the camera shaft. The cover slides over the shaft and the collar locks it in place.
- Elastic hole: a stretchable elastic-edged opening that hugs directly around the camera body, for setups without a collar. More universal fit across aftermarket camera installs.
Quick rule: if your camera sits on a visible shaft or ring, use the standard hole. If the camera body mounts flush with no collar, use the elastic hole. When in doubt, order standard: it fits the factory JL setup on all model years that came with the camera.
Your photo, logo, text, or artwork on UV-rated polyester nylon weave. Camera hole option available for all JL builds.
What Size Spare Tire Cover Fits a Jeep JL Wrangler?
Cover sizing is based on the outside diameter of your mounted spare, not the tire designation printed on the sidewall. The designation tells you width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter, but the number you need is the overall outside diameter. Here are the most common JL configurations:
| JL Model / Setup | Tire Size | Outside Diameter | Cover Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport / Sahara (stock) | 255/75R17 | ~32.1 in | 32 in |
| Popular upgrade | 285/70R17 | ~32.7 in | 33 in |
| Rubicon (stock) | 285/75R17 | ~33.8 in | 34 in |
| Lifted / 35 equivalent | 305/70R17 | ~34.8 in | 35 in |
| True 35s | 315/70R17 | ~35.4 in | 35 in |
If you have changed your tires from stock, measure the actual mounted spare rather than using the stock size. Between sizes, go up. See our tire cover size guide for the full measuring walkthrough.
What Design Options Work Best on a Jeep JL?
The JL's spare sits at eye level on a round mount, which is a natural canvas for circular or radial designs. High-contrast graphics read better at distance than detailed fine-line work, and bold single-subject designs (a Bigfoot, a tree, an aperture) tend to read more clearly than busy scene compositions when the Jeep is moving or parked across a lot.
A few directions that work particularly well on JL builds:
- Adventure and trail themes: topographic maps, compass designs, mountain landscapes. These complement off-road builds and look natural in outdoor settings.
- Norse, mythology, or heritage: the Tree of Life and Viking designs are among the most reviewed in the catalog. Bold, high-contrast, and readable from distance.
- Humor and personality: the Peace Skeleton, the Cat Ring, and similar designs get reactions in parking lots. Best when contrast is high and the subject is recognizable in silhouette.
- Custom: your own photo, logo, or artwork printed on the same material as every other cover. The most-reviewed option at JDS by a wide margin.
Sasquatch roaming American landmarks across a patriotic panoramic scene. Built with the JL backup camera hole.
How Do I Install and Care for a Spare Tire Cover on a JL?
Installation: stretch the cover over the top of the tire first, then work the elastic hem down and around the perimeter. If the cover has a camera hole, align that to the camera lens before seating the rest of the cover. The fit should be snug with the elastic fully engaged but not straining at full stretch.
Cleaning: mild soap and water with a soft cloth. Avoid pressure washers and solvent-based cleaners: both strip the UV-resistant print coating faster than normal weather does. If you remove the cover to wash it, let it air dry fully before reinstalling to prevent moisture from being trapped between the cover and the tire.
What to check periodically: the elastic hem where it stretches over the tire edge is the first area to show wear. On a JL, the spare takes some road vibration from highway miles even when not in use, which can work the cover loose over time. A quick pull-check after long highway trips keeps it seated properly.
Frequently asked questions
Does every JL Wrangler need the camera hole version?
All 2019 and newer JL Wranglers have a factory backup camera on the spare tire carrier, so yes. Some early 2018 JLs were built without one. Check the center of your swing gate carrier for a small rear-facing lens. If it's there, order camera hole. If there's no camera at all, order the standard cover.
What is the stock spare tire size on a Jeep JL Wrangler?
The JL Sport and Sahara ship with 255/75R17 tires (about 32.1 inches outside diameter), which take a 32 inch cover. The Rubicon ships with 285/75R17 (about 33.8 inches), which takes a 34 inch cover. If you have upgraded your tires, measure the actual mounted spare and use the table above to find the right cover size.
Will a spare tire cover affect my backup camera image?
Only if you install a cover without the camera hole. A correctly installed camera hole cover does not obstruct the camera at all: the hole aligns with the lens and the elastic or collar holds the cover away from the camera opening. If your camera image is partially blocked after installing a cover, the hole is not aligned properly. Remove and reseat the cover.
Can I pair a tire cover with other JL exterior graphics?
Yes. Tire covers work well as part of a coordinated exterior setup alongside fender decals and window graphics. Browse our Fender Decals & Graphics and Window Graphics collections to build out the full rear-end look.
How long will a polyester nylon tire cover last on a JL?
With normal use and occasional cleaning, a quality polyester nylon cover typically lasts 4 to 7 years before the fabric or print shows significant wear. The biggest factors that shorten lifespan are pressure washing, direct coastal salt air, and leaving the cover on through heavy trail brush. Indoor storage when the Jeep is not in daily use extends life considerably.
Browse the full selection of spare tire covers sized for Jeep JL and all Wrangler generations: Custom Spare Tire Covers for Jeep.
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