A spare tire cover is a fitted vinyl or fabric cover that slips over a rear mounted, roof mounted, or underbody spare wheel to shield it from sun, rain, road grime, and prying eyes. If your spare lives outside the vehicle and sits exposed to the weather, a cover is worth having. It slows UV cracking on the sidewall, keeps dirt and moisture off the wheel and rim hardware, adds a small theft deterrent, and lets you show a design you actually like instead of a bare tire.
Choosing one comes down to three decisions: pick a material that matches your climate (UV treated vinyl or coated polyester suits most owners), size it to the full mounted overall diameter of your spare rather than the number on the sidewall, and add a backup camera opening if your camera sits on the tailgate behind the wheel. This guide walks through all three, plus custom design, care, and the mistakes buyers make most often. Use the quick helper below to jump straight to what fits your vehicle.
Which spare tire cover is right for you?
Not every driver needs the same cover. Find your situation below for a fast recommendation and the section that goes deeper.
- Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco daily driver: Check whether your backup camera is mounted on the tailgate behind the spare. If it is, order a cover with a matching camera opening. A UV treated vinyl or polyester handles daily sun and rain well. See the backup camera section.
- Pickup or SUV with an exposed spare: Focus on a snug fit and a weather resistant material. Measure the mounted diameter and match it to the size chart below.
- RV, camper, or travel trailer: These spares run larger and sit in the sun for long stretches, so they have their own sizing and material priorities. Head to our dedicated RV, camper, and trailer spare tire cover guide for size charts and long term parking tips.
- Off-road or trail rig: Prioritize durability and UV resistance for a cover that takes trail dust, mud, and sun. A rugged vinyl or a rigid cover holds up best. See the material comparison.
- I want my own design: Upload a photo, logo, or artwork and have it printed to order on a cover sized to your wheel. Start at the custom cover builder or read the custom section.
Do you really need a spare tire cover?
You do not strictly need one to drive, but there are honest, practical reasons most owners add one. Here is the straight version, without the hype.
- UV and sun protection: Constant sunlight is hard on rubber. A cover blocks direct UV and slows the dry rot and sidewall cracking that shortens a spare's usable life, which matters most for a spare that may sit unused for years.
- Weather and road grime: Rain, snow, mud, and salt spray all collect on an exposed spare. A cover keeps the wheel cleaner and reduces corrosion on the rim and hardware.
- Theft deterrent: A cover is not a lock, but hiding the wheel and any valve or sensor hardware removes the easy visual temptation and adds a small barrier.
- Style and personalization: The rear spare is the most visible flat surface on a Jeep or Bronco. A cover turns it into a place to show a flag, a graphic, or your own design.
The honest counterpoint: a cheap, poorly fitted cover that traps moisture against the wheel can do more harm than good, and a cover alone will not stop determined theft. Fit and material quality are what make the difference. For a full breakdown of the trade offs, see our companion article on the pros and cons of spare tire covers for Jeep owners.
What are spare tire covers made of?
Most covers fall into four material families, and each one balances durability, weather protection, and print quality differently. Softer fabric covers are lighter, easier to install, and better for printed graphics, while rigid covers trade design flexibility for maximum impact protection. The table below compares them at a glance.
| Material | Durability | UV resistance | Weather protection | Print and custom options | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl (coated fabric) | High | High | Excellent, naturally water resistant | Excellent for full color printed graphics and photos | Low to mid | Bold custom designs and daily weather exposure |
| Polyester or nylon | Medium to high | Medium to high with UV treatment | Good, usually water resistant, dries quickly | Good for printed designs, slightly softer color than vinyl | Low to mid | Lightweight everyday use and easy installation |
| Canvas (cotton or blend) | Medium | Medium | Fair, can hold moisture unless treated | Limited, best for solid colors and simple graphics | Mid | A classic rugged look where print detail is less important |
| Rigid or hard cover | Very high | High | Excellent against impact and weather | Limited, usually molded logos or paint rather than full photos | High | Maximum protection and a factory style hard shell look |
For a deeper, side by side look at how these fabrics actually perform on a spare, see our polyester, nylon, vinyl, and canvas tire cover guide. In short, a UV treated vinyl or coated polyester is the sweet spot for most owners who want both weather protection and a sharp printed design, while a rigid cover makes sense when impact protection is the priority.
A few popular covers to see the range
Every cover below is printed on a soft, weather resistant fabric and can be sized to your wheel. They give a sense of what is possible, from a subtle backup camera ready design to rugged trail styles.
See all designs and camera hole options in the spare tire cover collection.
How do I measure and size a spare tire cover?
Sizing is where most mistakes happen, so measure before you buy. A cover that is too small will not stretch over the wheel, and one that is too large flaps in the wind and lets water in. The key point is to size to the actual mounted tire diameter, not just the number printed on the sidewall.
Step 1: Read the tire sidewall size
Look for a code like P255/75R17 on the sidewall. Reading left to right: 255 is the tread width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percent of width), and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. This tells you the tire specification, but it is not the same as the finished cover size.
Step 2: Measure the full mounted overall diameter
The most reliable method is to measure the real thing. With the spare mounted, run a tape measure straight across the face of the tire, from the outer edge of the tread on one side to the outer edge on the other, passing through the center. That overall diameter, in inches, is the number a cover is actually built around. If you only have the sidewall code you can estimate the overall diameter, but a physical measurement is always more accurate, especially on lifted or oversized tires.
Step 3: Match your measurement to a cover size
Covers are typically sold by the overall diameter they fit, usually spanning a small range. Use this reference to translate common tire sizes into a cover size, then confirm against your actual measurement.
| Example tire size | Approximate overall diameter | Cover size to order |
|---|---|---|
| 225/75R15, 235/75R15 | About 27 to 28 inches | 27 to 28 inch cover |
| P245/75R16, 255/70R16 | About 29 to 30 inches | 29 to 30 inch cover |
| P255/75R17, 265/70R17 | About 31 to 32 inches | 31 to 32 inch cover |
| 285/70R17, 275/70R18 | About 33 inches | 33 inch cover |
| 35x12.50R17, 315/70R17 | About 34 to 35 inches or larger | 35 inch or larger cover |
These figures are a starting point. Tread pattern, brand, and wear all shift the real diameter slightly, so when your measurement lands between two sizes, size to the measured diameter rather than the sidewall label. For more on matching a cover to your wheel and picking a look you will still like in a few years, see how to choose the perfect tire cover. When your cover arrives, our step by step tire cover installation guide walks through fitting it on any vehicle.
Does your Jeep or Bronco have a backup camera? Why the hole matters
Many recent Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco models mount the rear backup camera on the tailgate, directly behind the spare tire. If your vehicle has one, the cover has to account for it, or the camera view will be blocked. There are three common approaches:
- Pre cut camera hole: The cover has a reinforced opening positioned so the lens sees through it. This is the cleanest fit for vehicles with a factory tailgate mounted camera, since the opening lines up with the lens and the surrounding fabric stays taut.
- No hole: Best only if your camera is mounted elsewhere, such as on the bumper, or if the vehicle has no rear camera. A solid cover gives an uninterrupted design surface.
- Elastic or flexible opening: A stretch style opening that flexes to clear the camera and can adapt to slightly different lens positions, useful when exact camera placement varies.
Before ordering, confirm where your camera sits and whether it points through the spare. Our Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco backup camera guide explains how to check your specific model. For an example of a cover built with a properly positioned opening, see the America 250th commemorative cover with a backup camera hole.
Spare tire covers for RVs, campers, and trailers
RV and trailer spares bring their own sizing and exposure challenges. The tires often run larger than a passenger spare, covers commonly reach the mid 30 inch range and beyond, and the rig may sit parked in the sun for weeks at a time. That combination changes how you size and which material you choose.
Because those decisions differ enough from a daily driver, we keep the full details in one place. Our RV, camper, and trailer spare tire cover guide covers RV specific size charts, dual axle and multiple spare setups, and how to protect a cover through long term parking. If you own an RV, camper, motorhome, or travel trailer, start there.
How do climate and weather affect your choice?
The weather your vehicle lives in should shape both the material and how you care for the cover. Here is how the main climates change the priorities.
- Hot, sunny, and UV heavy regions: Prioritize strong UV resistance. Sun is the number one enemy of both the tire and the cover's print, so a UV treated vinyl or polyester and a periodic UV protectant application go a long way.
- Wet and snowy climates: Prioritize water resistance and a snug fit so meltwater and rain shed off rather than pooling. Make sure the wheel is dry before covering it, so you are not sealing moisture against the rim.
- Coastal and salt air: Salt is corrosive to wheel hardware and can degrade fabric over time. Rinse the cover more often and choose a durable, easy to clean material that stands up to frequent washing.
Whatever the climate, fit and upkeep matter as much as the raw material. Our guide on weatherproofing your tire cover, and what actually works separates the useful steps from the myths.
Can you get a custom or personalized tire cover?
Yes. This is where a spare tire cover goes from a plain protector to a piece of your vehicle's personality, and it is the option most guides skip. Instead of choosing from a fixed catalog of prints, you can upload your own photo, logo, artwork, or text and have it printed to order on a cover sized for your wheel.
Popular custom uses include a family photo or pet, a business or club logo, a favorite landscape or off road shot, a flag or emblem, a memorial tribute, or simply text and a color scheme that matches your build. Because these covers are printed on demand, the design is yours alone, and you can still add a backup camera hole where needed.
Start your own at the design your own custom personalized spare tire cover, which offers a backup camera option for Wranglers and Broncos. Keep in mind that printed colors can look slightly different from your screen, which is normal and covered in the FAQ below.
Common mistakes to avoid when buying a spare tire cover
Most disappointing covers come down to a handful of avoidable errors. Skip these and you will get a cover that fits, protects, and lasts.
- Sizing to the sidewall number instead of the mounted diameter: The code like 255/75R17 is a specification, not the finished size. Measure the full overall diameter across the mounted tire and order to that, especially on lifted or oversized setups.
- Ignoring the backup camera: If your camera sits on the tailgate behind the spare, a solid cover blocks the view. Confirm your camera location and pick a matching opening before ordering.
- Choosing cheap material for a high UV climate: An untreated or thin cover fades and cracks fast under constant sun. In hot, sunny regions, pay for UV treated vinyl or polyester and reapply a UV protectant.
- Covering a wet or dirty wheel: Sealing moisture or grit against the rim invites corrosion and mildew. Let the wheel dry and give it a quick wipe before fitting the cover.
- Using harsh cleaning products: Bleach, strong solvents, and pressure washers strip the print and weaken the fabric. Stick to mild soap and a gentle detergent, and air dry.
- A loose or flapping fit: A cover that is too large lets wind and water in and wears at the edges. Aim for a snug fit that stays put at highway speed.
How do you care for and clean a spare tire cover?
A little routine care keeps a cover looking sharp and protects your investment. The essentials:
- Refresh UV protection: Apply a UV fabric protector every few months to help the material and print resist sun fade.
- Clean gently: Wash with mild soap and a gentle detergent such as Woolite. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, and pressure washers, which can damage the print and the fabric.
- Dry fully: Wipe with a soft cloth and let the cover air dry completely before storing or refitting, so moisture is never trapped against the wheel.
- Store loosely: Keep a spare cover loosely folded or rolled in a cool, dry place rather than crammed tight, which helps avoid creases and mildew.
Follow those steps and a quality cover will hold its color and fit for years.
Ready to shop?
You now have everything you need to buy with confidence: the right material for your climate, a cover sized to your true mounted diameter, and the correct backup camera option for your vehicle. Browse the full range at the spare tire cover collection to compare designs, materials, and camera hole options, or head straight to the custom cover builder to put your own photo, logo, or artwork on a cover made just for your wheel.
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