Sizing
Toyota 4Runner Spare Tire Cover Size: Trail Edition, TRD Pro, Limited
The 4Runner sizing question is unusual among modern SUVs, because Toyota made a deliberate decision a few generations ago to hide the spare. The fifth-generation 4Runner (2010 through current) stores the spare under the cargo floor, which means there is nothing on the outside of the vehicle for a cover to fit on. For most owners, the sizing answer is “you do not need one.”
The exception is the growing population of owners who have moved the spare back outside. Aftermarket rear bumpers from Bandit, Sherpa, K9, and RIGd put the spare back on the rear of the vehicle, which is where a cover starts to make sense again. Vintage 4Runner owners (third gen and earlier) and trailer haulers round out the rest of the audience.
Sizing once you actually need a cover is straightforward. The stock tire sizes across recent 4Runner trims are well-defined, and any lift involving 33s or 35s changes the cover diameter by the same amount.
Here is the full size breakdown by trim and generation.
Most modern Toyota 4Runners store the spare under the cargo floor, so a rear-mounted cover is only needed if you have added an external spare carrier. For 4Runners with rear-mounted spares (typically TRD Pro and Trail Edition with KO2 tires after a carrier swap, or vintage 4Runners), 32″ is the most common size with stock LT265/70R17 tires.
4Runner size chart
| Generation / Trim | Stock tire | Spare location | Cover size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5th gen SR5 / Limited (2010–2024) | P265/70R17 | Under-floor | N/A unless aftermarket carrier |
| 5th gen TRD Pro / Trail Edition | LT265/70R17 KO2 | Under-floor (some with rear-mount aftermarket) | 32″ if rear-mounted |
| 5th gen lifted on 33s | 33-inch all-terrain | Rear carrier (aftermarket) | 33″ |
| 5th gen lifted on 35s | 35-inch all-terrain | Rear carrier (aftermarket) | 35″ |
| 4th gen 4Runner (2003–2009) | P265/65R17 | Under-floor | N/A unless aftermarket carrier |
| 3rd gen / vintage 4Runner | varies | Some rear-mounted | 30″–32″ |
When a 4Runner actually needs a cover
Modern 4Runners (5th generation) hide the spare under the cargo floor, so no cover applies. The cover question is relevant in three situations:
- You have added an aftermarket rear-mounted spare carrier (Bandit, Sherpa, K9, RIGd, or similar).
- You drive a vintage 4Runner with a factory rear-mounted spare.
- You haul a trailer or RV with an external spare alongside the 4Runner.
Frequently asked questions
My 5th-gen 4Runner has the spare under the floor. Can I still get a cover?
A spare tire cover only fits external rear-mounted spares. If your spare is under the floor, no cover is needed. If you have added an aftermarket carrier (Bandit, Sherpa, K9, or similar), measure the spare’s overall diameter and order accordingly.
I have a TRD Pro with KO2 tires and an aftermarket rear carrier. What size?
A 32″ cover fits stock LT265/70R17 KO2 tires. If you have sized up to 33-inch all-terrains, go to 33″. 35-inch off-road tires take 35″.
Vintage 4Runner with the spare on the tailgate?
30″–32″ depending on year and tire size. The how-to-measure guide linked at the bottom walks through it if your tire is non-standard.
Does the cover work with an aftermarket backup camera mounted on the carrier?
Yes. The free centered backup-camera hole is sized to fit factory and most aftermarket camera positions. If yours sits in an unusual location, mention it at checkout and we adjust the cut.
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