This is one of those questions where the answer depends entirely on where your spare tire actually lives. Most modern vehicles hide the spare under the cargo floor or stash it in a trunk well, and for those owners the question essentially does not apply — there is nothing for a cover to fit on. For everyone else, the answer is yes, almost always.<\/p>\n
The distinction comes down to exposure. A spare hanging off the back of a Wrangler, Bronco, G-Wagon, or RV is taking everything the weather has to offer for the life of the vehicle. A spare tucked under the cargo floor of a crossover SUV is in essentially the same protected environment as a tire mounted on the vehicle.<\/p>\n
The middle case — an aftermarket carrier on a vehicle that did not originally have an external spare — is what brings a lot of buyers to this question. If you have just added a Bandit, Sherpa, or RIGd rear bumper, the spare is now where it was not before, and the cover question is the next thing to think about.<\/p>\n
Here is the simple decision guide by vehicle type.<\/p>\n
You need a spare wheel cover if your spare tire is mounted externally — tailgate, swing-out, hitch, RV ladder, or rear bumper carrier. You do not need one if the spare is stored under the cargo floor or inside the cabin.<\/strong><\/p>\n Three common edge cases:<\/p>\n No. Your spare is protected by the cargo floor. Spare wheel covers only fit external rear-mounted spares.<\/p>\n Yes. Once the spare is on the bumper carrier, it is exposed to UV and weather. Order a cover sized for your spare’s diameter and install on day one of the new bumper.<\/p>\n Yes. The tailgate-mounted spare gets full sun and weather. UV dry-rots the rubber, salt and rain corrode the rim, and the back of the vehicle is the most-photographed angle. A cover protects the spare and personalizes the vehicle.<\/p>\n You can, but a fitted spare tire cover lasts longer, looks better, stays put at highway speeds, and includes a free backup-camera hole. A tarp flaps in the wind, does not seal against rain, and looks like a tarp.<\/p>\n Browse 1,000+ designs sized for every external spare from 14″ trailer to 37″ lifted off-road build.<\/p>\n Browse all covers →<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nVehicles that need a spare wheel cover<\/h2>\n
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Vehicles that do not need a cover<\/h2>\n
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Edge cases and aftermarket carriers<\/h2>\n
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Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
My RAV4 has the spare under the floor. Do I need a cover?<\/h3>\n
I am adding a Bandit rear bumper with a spare carrier. Should I plan for a cover?<\/h3>\n
My Wrangler’s spare is on the tailgate. Do I really need a cover?<\/h3>\n
Can I just throw a tarp over my spare?<\/h3>\n
Find a cover for your spare<\/h2>\n
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