Built for the CR-V (1995–2016) and Element (2003–2011)
Honda ran the rear-mounted spare on the CR-V from 1995 through the 4th generation (2016), and on the boxy Element from 2003 through 2011. The 5th-gen CR-V (2017+) moved the spare under the cargo floor. Our covers fit the eras that need them:
- Honda CR-V 1st gen (1995–2001): the original — rear-door-mounted spare, P205/70R15 stock → 27″ cover.
- Honda CR-V 2nd gen (2002–2006): rear-door spare retained. P205/70R15 to P215/65R16 → 27″–28″ cover.
- Honda CR-V 3rd gen (2007–2011): rear-door spare retained. P225/65R17 → 28″ cover.
- Honda CR-V 4th gen (2012–2016): the last CR-V with external spare. Some 4th-gen LX trims kept the rear-door spare; later trims moved internal. 28″ cover for external-spare builds.
- Honda Element (2003–2011): the boxy Honda. Stock P215/70R16 → 28″ cover. Cult-favorite among camping / dog-owner / surfer markets.
- Honda Passport (1994–2002, 1st gen): early Honda Passport (rebadged Isuzu Rodeo) had external rear spares on some trims. 30″ cover.
- Honda Pilot: Pilot doesn't carry an external spare in any generation. Cover doesn't apply unless aftermarket carrier.
- Browse the catalogs: Honda CR-V covers · Honda Element covers
Element owners still have one of the most loyal followings in the Honda enthusiast community — cult cars get cult accessories.
Free backup camera cutout, on every cover
CR-V and Element generations covered here (1995–2016 and 2003–2011) predate factory backup cameras integrated into the spare bracket. The rear-mounted backup camera, when present, lives on the rear hatch handle — not on the spare. So the camera-hole cutout typically isn't needed. If you've added an aftermarket spare-mounted rear camera, select "with camera hole" at checkout.
To add it, select the "with camera hole" option at checkout. We cut the hole during production — no special order, no surcharge, no production delay.
Honda CR-V and Element spare tire sizes
Honda spare sizes are tightly clustered — 27″–28″ for the CR-V across all four external-spare generations, and 28″ for the Element. Quick lookup:
| Spare tire cover size | Fits rim sizes | ↓ Click to expand |
|---|
Quick Honda sizing reference:
- CR-V 1st gen (1995–2001, P205/70R15): 27″ cover
- CR-V 2nd gen (2002–2006, P205/70R15): 27″ cover
- CR-V 2nd/3rd gen with 16″ rim (P215/65R16): 27″–28″ cover
- CR-V 3rd gen (2007–2011, P225/65R17): 28″ cover
- CR-V 4th gen LX with rear spare (P215/70R16): 28″ cover
- Element (2003–2011, P215/70R16): 28″ cover
- 1st-gen Passport (P245/70R16): 30″ cover
Always size by overall tire diameter (the number on the sidewall, not rim size). Custom sizing is free at checkout.
Choose your material
Honda CR-V and Element owners run the rigs as daily drivers, dog-haulers, surf-mobile rigs, and weekend campers. Material spec depends on whether you're garaging or parking outside.
Polyester — $69 (Budget)
Lifespan 2–3 years. Drawstring cord attachment. Best for CR-Vs and Elements in covered parking. Lightweight, easy to swap for tire access.
PVC — $99 (Waterproof)
Lifespan 3–4 years. Elastic band attachment. For Elements and CR-Vs that double as weekend campers, surf rigs, dog-haulers — gets pressure-washed regularly. Fully waterproof.
PU Leather — $129 (Premium look)
Lifespan 3–4 years. Elastic band attachment. Premium matte finish for daily-driver Hondas. Best for owners who want the cover to read as factory accessory rather than aftermarket.
Marine Grade Vinyl — $169 (Heavy duty, printed and sewn in Florida)
Lifespan 5+ years. Drawstring cord attachment. For full-time outdoor parking on Honda Elements that live by the beach (Florida, California, Hawaii, Pacific NW) — handles salt air and prolonged sun.
Marine Grade Vinyl Lux — $199 (Top spec, printed and sewn in Florida)
Same Marine Grade Vinyl spec plus integrated anti-theft lock — exclusive to Marine Grade Vinyl Lux only. For Elements parked in shared lots — the Element's cult following includes street-parked builds in Brooklyn, Portland, San Francisco where covers occasionally walk off.
Materials built for off-road use
| Material | Price | Lifespan | Durability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester Budget | $69 | Up to 2 yrs | Daily driver in covered parking or garage. Lightweight, UV-resistant, easy to swap. | |
| PVC Water-resistant | $99 | Up to 3 yrs | Trail rigs and weekend off-road use. Water-resistant, handles mud and brush scratches well. Clean with mild soap and water. | |
| PU Leather Premium look | $129 | Up to 3 yrs | Daily driver with OEM matte-black aesthetics. Best match for factory finishes on Jeep, G-Wagon, and Ford Bronco. | |
| Marine Grade Vinyl Heavy duty | $169 | Up to 5 yrs | Year-round outdoor parking, coastal humidity, desert sun, Arizona heat, sub-zero winters. 1mm heavy-duty construction, our most durable option. | |
| Marine Grade Vinyl + Anti-Theft Kit Top spec | $199 | Up to 5 yrs | Same Marine Grade Vinyl construction as above, with added locking anti-theft hardware. Best for high-visibility parking and long-term outdoor exposure. |
Cleaning note: Pressure washing is not recommended for any Wheel Shell cover, regardless of material. Hand wash with mild soap and lukewarm water, rinse thoroughly, and air dry. Pressure washing can damage the printed surface and shorten cover lifespan.
Color matching note: Matte PU Leather and Marine Grade Vinyl reproduce factory matte black most accurately. Glossy PVC and Polyester read as deep charcoal under direct sun. For OEM paint-match, send your paint code at checkout — we calibrate the print and send a proof before production.
Color matching: Honda paint codes for these eras: Taffeta White, Eternal Blue, Atomic Blue (Element), Sunset Orange (Element), Tango Red, Galaxy Gray, Mountain Air Blue Pearl. Send the Honda paint code at checkout — we calibrate the print to match.
How it attaches to the Honda CR-V / Element rear-door spare
CR-V and Element carry the spare on the rear-door bracket. Cover slides on in under a minute:
- Elastic band (PU Leather, PVC): Stretches over the tire and grips behind the tread for a snug, factory-style fit.
- Drawstring cord (Polyester, Marine Grade Vinyl, Marine Grade Vinyl Lux): Wraps over the tire and tightens with a drawcord. Adjustable for any spare diameter.
Both attachment systems clear the rear-door handle and license-plate light, and stay put at highway speeds.
Free custom design — your Honda, your idea
Want your dog's name (the Element's cult demographic), surf-spot reference, family adventure name, or favorite trail on the cover? We design it for free.
- Free design proof — no design fee, no minimum order
- Approval-first — we don't print until you sign off
- Most custom orders ship within 5–7 business days after proof approval
- Element-specific custom designs (dogs, surf, vintage Element silhouette)
Common Honda customizations: dog's name + breed (Element owners → labradors, retrievers, mountain dogs), favorite surf spot, beach reference, family adventure / road-trip name, vintage Element typography (the boxy 2003 silhouette), Honda heritage callout.
Why Wheel Shell for Honda CR-V + Element owners
- Sized for every external-spare CR-V generation (1995–2016) + Element (2003–2011)
- Element-specific custom designs — dogs, surf, vintage typography, Element heritage
- Free worldwide shipping with tracking (6–12 business days)
- Marine Grade Vinyl spec'd for beach-life Element use — Florida, California, Hawaii, Pacific NW coastal exposure
- Honda paint code matching on request
- Free returns + 30-day money-back guarantee
- Anti-theft Lux specification — for street-parked Elements in Brooklyn, Portland, San Francisco
- US-based company — Sheridan, Wyoming.
Frequently asked questions about Honda CR-V and Element spare tire covers
What size cover for a 2nd-gen CR-V?
CR-V 2nd gen (2002–2006) on stock P205/70R15 → 27″ cover. Some trims with 16″ rims (P215/65R16) take 27″–28″.
What about a Honda Element?
Honda Element (2003–2011) on stock P215/70R16 → 28″ cover. The Element's tailgate-mount spare is one of the cleanest cover applications among Honda models — cover wraps the visible face cleanly.
Will it fit a 4th-gen CR-V?
Some 4th-gen CR-V LX trims (2012–2014) retained the rear-door-mounted spare on P215/70R16 → 28″ cover. Later 4th-gen trims moved the spare under the cargo floor — those don't need a cover.
Will the cover work with my factory backup camera?
CR-V and Element generations covered here predate factory backup cameras integrated into the spare bracket. The rear camera (when present) is on the hatch handle — not on the spare. So the camera-hole cutout typically isn't needed for stock CR-V / Element. Aftermarket spare-mounted cameras: select "with camera hole" at checkout.
Can I get an Element-specific custom design (dogs, surf, vintage typography)?
Yes — the Element has one of the most loyal customer bases for custom covers. Common requests: dog's name + breed (Element owners → labs, retrievers, mountain dogs), favorite surf spot, beach reference, family adventure name, vintage Element silhouette in original 2003 typography. Free design proof, no minimum order.
Will the cover survive Florida coastal humidity / California beach use?
Yes — for full-time coastal exposure (Florida, California, Hawaii, Pacific NW) we recommend Marine Grade Vinyl ($169, 1 mm heavy-duty, 5+ year lifespan, printed and sewn in Florida). PVC ($99) is the more economical pick for occasional beach trips.
Can I match my Honda paint?
Yes — common Honda paint codes for this era: Taffeta White, Eternal Blue, Atomic Blue (Element), Sunset Orange (Element), Tango Red, Galaxy Gray, Mountain Air Blue Pearl. Send the code at checkout.
How does it attach to the rear-door spare?
The cover slides over the spare and grips behind the tread (elastic band on PU Leather and PVC) or tightens with a drawcord (Polyester and Marine Grade Vinyl). The CR-V and Element rear-door spare bracket and license bracket don't interfere — the cover wraps the visible face only.
Will the design fade in summer sun?
No — all materials use fade-resistant printing. For year-round outdoor parking, Marine Grade Vinyl carries a 5+ year lifespan; PU Leather and PVC are rated for 3–4 years.
Will it stay on at highway speeds?
Yes — both elastic-band and drawstring systems are tested at typical highway speeds. The drawstring is the more secure pick if you frequently take the cover on/off (Element campers, surfers).
How long does shipping take?
Free worldwide shipping, 6–12 business days with tracking.
What if the cover doesn't fit?
Free returns + full refund within 30 days of delivery. No restocking fees, no return-shipping charge. Most fit issues come from sizing by rim diameter — measure the spare tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge across the face.
Also popular — keep browsing
In the Honda collection
For CR-V and Element owners
- Toyota RAV4 covers — the CR-V's direct rival
- Jeep Liberty covers — similar small-SUV rear spare
- Dog spare tire covers — the Element's most popular theme
- Animal & paw designs
- Funny tire covers
- Beach / coastal designs