Key Takeaways
- Match a jeep spare tire cover to your spare’s overall mounted diameter, not the wheel size, and most Jeep spares fall between 28 and 33 inches.
- To size correctly, measure straight across the face of the mounted tire, edge to edge through the center, and size up when your measurement lands between two covers.
- Many 2018-and-newer Jeep Wrangler JL models mount the rear camera behind the spare, so choose a cover built to keep a tailgate-mounted camera clear.
- A cover shields your spare from UV rays, dirt, and weather that crack and fade rubber over years of exposure, while giving the back of your Jeep a clean, finished look.
- Bestop spare tire covers are size-specific with a sewn-in elastic band, so you pick the size that fits your spare rather than settling for a one-size guess.
Your Jeep is built to live outside, and so is the spare bolted to the back of it. A jeep spare tire cover is a fitted cover that slips over your rear-mounted spare to protect it from the elements and finish off the look of your rig. It is one of the simplest upgrades you can make, and the right one comes down to a snug, correct fit. This guide walks you through sizing, backup-camera fit, materials, installation, and care so you can choose with confidence.
Why Put a Cover on Your Jeep’s Spare Tire?
A spare tire cover protects your spare from UV rays, dirt, and harsh weather, the same exposure that causes rubber to crack and fade over years on an open rear carrier. It also gives the back of your Jeep a clean, finished look. Because a Jeep spare rides outside in full sun and road grime, a cover helps keep it ready for the day you actually need it.
There is a lifestyle payoff, too. Open-air driving means your Jeep spends its life in the sun and the weather, and a cover lets you enjoy that freedom while your spare stays shielded and your rig looks dialed in. When it is time to keep everything looking its best, a little routine care with the right cleaners and protectants goes a long way.
What Size Jeep Spare Tire Cover Do You Need?
Match the cover to your spare’s overall mounted diameter, not the wheel diameter. Most Jeep spares land between 28 and 33 inches, though lifted rigs on oversized tires can run larger. Measure straight across the face of the tire, and if your measurement falls between two cover sizes, choose the larger one so the cover slips on and seats snugly. The right size is the whole game with a spare tire cover.
The size printed on your sidewall, like 255/75R17 or a named size like 33×12.50R15, is a helpful reference point. Off-road and mud-terrain tires often measure a little larger than the printed number suggests because of tread depth, so the measured overall diameter is what your cover is truly built around.
How to Measure Your Spare
Measuring takes about a minute and a tape measure:
- Stand the mounted spare upright so you are looking at the face of the tire.
- Run a tape measure straight across the center, from the outer tread edge on one side to the outer tread edge on the other.
- Record that number in inches. That is your overall diameter, and the size your cover is built around.
- Cross-check the sidewall code if you like, then size up if your diameter lands between two available covers.
Jeep Spare Tire Covers and the Backup Camera
Many 2018-and-newer Jeep Wrangler JL models mount the rear backup camera on the tailgate, directly behind the spare, so your cover has to account for it. If your Jeep has a rear-mounted camera, choose a cover designed to keep the lens clear so your camera view stays unobstructed. If there is no camera behind your spare, a standard closed cover is the right choice.
Not sure whether your rig has one? Look for a lens on the carrier arm or tailgate behind the spare. This single detail is the most common reason a cover fits the tire but still needs the right version, so confirm it before you order.
What Bestop Spare Tire Covers Are Made Of
Bestop spare tire covers are built from the same premium soft-top fabrics Bestop uses on its Jeep tops, including Black Diamond, a marine-grade vinyl, offered in finishes such as Black Denim, Black Crush, and Spice. The weather-resistant material resists UV fading and mildew, and a sewn-in elastic band pulls the cover taut for a snug, wrinkle-free fit. Covers are offered in multiple sizes, so you match the cover to your spare.
That fabric heritage matters. Bestop has been the sole OEM soft top supplier to Jeep since 1986, and the fit, sealing, and fabric know-how behind its Bestop soft tops carries into its accessories. You can compare fabric options on the soft top material comparison page, and browse the lineup of Bestop Jeep spare tire covers (starting at $59.99, so verify current pricing) to see available sizes and finishes. The Bestop Tire Cover keeps the same finish family as your top for a cohesive look.
Soft Cover vs. Hard Shell
Spare tire covers come in two broad styles. A soft cover is a fitted fabric or vinyl cover that stretches over the tire with an elastic band, installs in seconds without tools, and matches the fabric look of a soft-top Jeep. A hard shell is a rigid plastic or molded cover that snaps over the wheel and offers a firmer surface for graphics. For most Jeep owners, a soft cover delivers the weather protection, snug fit, and finished appearance they want with the easiest install.
Fitment by Jeep Model (and Other Vehicles)
Bestop spare tire covers fit across the Jeep family, including the Wrangler JL, JK, TJ, and YJ, plus the Gladiator, as long as the cover size matches your measured spare diameter. Start from your model hub, such as Wrangler JL, Wrangler JK, or Gladiator, then confirm the size against your measurement.
Because a cover is built around tire dimensions rather than a specific badge, a correctly sized cover also fits a Ford Bronco, an SUV, or a trailer spare of the same diameter. These covers are sized to fit, so the key is always your measured diameter, not a one-size assumption. When your spare rides oversized tires, measure the real tire before you order.
How to Install and Care for Your Spare Tire Cover
Installing a soft spare tire cover is tool-free and takes a minute:
- Center the cover on the face of your mounted spare.
- Stretch the top edge over the top of the tire.
- Work the cover down and around both sides until the sewn-in elastic band tucks behind the tire all the way around.
- Adjust so the fabric sits taut and wrinkle-free, which helps it resist flapping at highway speed.
To keep it looking sharp, wipe the cover clean and treat it with a fabric-safe UV protectant when you care for the rest of your top. Bestop’s cleaners and protectants are formulated for the same fabrics, so your cover and your top age together.
Beyond the Cover: Spare Tire Storage
Your spare can do more than carry a backup wheel. Bestop RoughRider Spare Tire Organizers mount to the spare and add secure, trail-ready storage for tools and gear, with options that fit tires from 30 to 33 inches, 34 to 37 inches, and 38 to 40 inches. Pairing a cover with an organizer turns unused space behind your Jeep into a practical part of your setup.
Choose the Right Jeep Spare Tire Cover
Choosing a jeep spare tire cover comes down to one honest measurement and a few quick decisions: the size of your spare, whether you need to keep a backup camera clear, and the finish you want. Measure the face of your spare, size up if you land between covers, then explore Bestop’s spare tire cover lineup to find the size and finish that match your rig and keep your spare ready for the road ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeep Spare Tire Covers
Quick, direct answers to the questions Jeep owners ask most when choosing a spare tire cover.
What Size Spare Tire Cover Do I Need for My Jeep?
Match the cover to your spare’s overall mounted diameter, not the wheel size. Most Jeep spares land between 28 and 33 inches, though lifted rigs can run larger. Measure straight across the tire face, and if you fall between two sizes, choose the larger one so the cover slips on and seats snugly.
How Do I Measure My Jeep Spare Tire for a Cover?
Stand the mounted spare upright and run a tape measure straight across the center, from the outer tread edge on one side to the outer tread edge on the other. That number is your diameter. You can cross-check the sidewall code (like 255/75R17), but the measured overall diameter is what the cover is built around.
Do Jeep Spare Tire Covers Work With a Backup Camera?
Many 2018-and-newer Jeep Wrangler JL models mount the rear camera on the tailgate behind the spare, so the cover has to account for it. Choose a cover designed for a tailgate-mounted camera so the lens stays unobstructed. If your Jeep has no rear-mounted camera, a standard closed cover is the right choice.
Are Jeep Spare Tire Covers Universal or Size-Specific?
They are size-specific, not truly one-size-fits-all. Bestop tire covers are offered in multiple sizes with a sewn-in elastic band, so each cover fits a snug range rather than every tire. Measure your spare’s diameter first, then pick the matching size for a clean, secure fit that stays put on the highway.
What Are Bestop Jeep Spare Tire Covers Made Of?
Bestop builds its spare tire covers from the same premium soft-top fabrics used on its Jeep tops, including Black Diamond, with finishes such as Black Denim, Black Crush, and Spice. The weather-resistant material resists UV fading and mildew, and a sewn-in elastic band holds the cover firmly over your spare.
Do Spare Tire Covers Actually Protect the Tire?
Yes. A cover shields the spare from UV rays, dirt, and harsh weather that cause rubber to crack and fade over time, which is especially useful for a tire that sits exposed on a rear carrier for years. It also gives the back of your Jeep a clean, finished look.
Will a Jeep Spare Tire Cover Fit a Ford Bronco or Other Vehicle?
It can, as long as the diameter and width match. A cover is built around tire dimensions, not a specific badge, so any correctly sized cover works on a Bronco, SUV, or trailer spare. Always verify the measured diameter before ordering, since off-road tires often run larger than their printed size.
How Do I Install a Jeep Spare Tire Cover?
Installation is tool-free. Center the cover on the face of the spare, stretch it over the top, then work it around the sides until the sewn-in elastic band tucks behind the tire all the way around. The elastic pulls the cover taut for a wrinkle-free fit that resists flapping at speed.
