Sizing
What Size Spare Tire Cover Do I Need for a Jeep Wrangler? (Complete Chart by Year & Trim)
Of all the sizing questions we field, Wrangler sizing comes up most often — and it is the one most people get wrong on the first attempt. The mistake is almost always the same: the buyer reads the rim diameter on the wheel and orders a cover that size, expecting it to fit. It does not. A spare tire cover wraps the entire tire, not the rim, and the difference between those two numbers is most of the cover.
The good news is the Wrangler is one of the easiest vehicles to size for once you understand that. The factory tire specs across JK, JL, JLU, and Rubicon are well-defined. Year-by-year variations are minimal. And the most common aftermarket changes (lifting and going to 35s, or 37s on bigger builds) move the cover by a predictable amount.
The other thing worth knowing is that Wrangler owners modify these vehicles more than almost anyone else in our customer base. If you have lifted the rig and gone to bigger rubber, the spare almost always upgrades to match. The cover needs to follow.
Here is the complete sizing chart by year and trim, plus how to size if you have moved away from stock.
Stock JK and JL Jeep Wranglers (LT255/75R17) take a 32″ spare tire cover. Wrangler Rubicon JL (LT285/70R17) takes 33″. Lifted Wranglers on 35-inch all-terrains take 35″.
Wrangler size chart by year and trim
| Year | Trim / Tire | Cover size |
|---|---|---|
| 1987–1995 YJ | Stock 30-inch | 30″ |
| 1997–2006 TJ | Stock 30-inch | 30″ |
| 2007–2018 JK | Stock LT255/75R17 | 32″ |
| 2018+ JL / JLU Sport / Sahara | Stock LT255/75R17 | 32″ |
| 2018+ JL Rubicon | LT285/70R17 | 33″ |
| JL Rubicon 392 / 4xe | LT285/70R17 | 33″ |
| Lifted on 35s | 35×12.50R17 | 35″ |
| Lifted on 37s | 37×12.50R17 | 37″ |
Why you cannot size by rim diameter
The most common sizing mistake: “I have a 17-inch wheel, so I need a 17-inch cover.” That is wrong by a wide margin. The cover wraps the entire tire, not just the rim. A 17-inch wheel mounted with LT255/75R17 tires has an overall tire diameter of about 32 inches — that is the cover you need.
If you can read the size code on the sidewall (something like LT285/70R17), you can calculate the diameter mathematically or look it up directly in our chart.
Aftermarket and lifted Wranglers
Wranglers are the most-modified vehicle in our customer base. If you have added a lift kit and bigger tires, the spare almost always upgrades to match. The common upgrades:
- 2-inch lift with 33-inch all-terrains: 33″ cover.
- 2.5- to 3-inch lift with 35-inch all-terrains: 35″ cover.
- 4-inch or larger lift with 37-inch tires: 37″ cover.
If you are running 33s, you must use a 33″ cover. A 32″ will not stretch over a 33-inch tire cleanly, and the print distorts. When in doubt between sizes, round up.
Choosing the right cover for a Wrangler
The Wrangler tailgate-mounted spare is one of the best spots in any vehicle catalog for a custom design. Common picks:
- Daily-driver Wrangler: PU Leather ($129) for the OEM matte-black look that pairs with Sarge Green, Granite Crystal, and Sting-Gray paint.
- Rubicon trail rig: PVC ($99) — abrasion-tough, cleans up easily by hand, survives mud and brush.
- Year-round outdoor parking: Marine Grade Vinyl ($169) — up to 5 year lifespan in any climate.
- Street-parked in a city: Marine Grade Vinyl with Anti-Theft Kit ($199) — integrated locking hardware on the same long-lasting material.
Frequently asked questions
I have a 2022 JL Rubicon. What size do I need?
A 33″ cover. The Rubicon JL ships with LT285/70R17 tires, which have a 32.7″ overall diameter, rounding up to 33″. The 4xe and 392 trims also use the same 33″ size.
What size for a stock 2018 JL Sport?
A 32″ cover. The non-Rubicon JL ships with LT255/75R17 tires (about 32″ overall diameter).
I run 35s on my JK. What size cover?
A 35″ cover. Always size by the actual tire diameter on your spare. If you carry a 35-inch all-terrain on the back, you need a 35″ cover.
Does the cover work with the JL backup camera in the spare?
Yes. The free centered backup-camera hole fits the JL and JLU factory rear-camera position. Choose the “with camera hole” option at checkout.
My Wrangler has a non-stock spare (vintage Goodyear, KO2, or aftermarket all-terrain). Can you still size it?
Yes — size by the actual diameter, not the brand. Use the universal size chart, or measure across the tire face with a tape measure (edge to edge through center). Custom sizing is free.
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Related reading
- How to measure your spare and pick the right size
- Best Jeep Wrangler covers
- Universal size chart 14″–37″
- Vehicle compatibility guide
