Ford Explorer spare tire covers
Custom spare tire covers for every Ford Explorer generation — UN46 (1991–1994), UN105/UN150 (1995–2001), U152 (2002–2005), U251 (2006–2010), U502 (2011–2019), U625 (2020–present). Free backup-camera cutout, free custom design, free worldwide shipping. Sized from 1st-gen body-on-frame 235/75R15 through current XLT/Limited/Platinum/Timberline trims.
Built for every Explorer — 1st-gen body-on-frame to current 6th-gen Timberline
The Explorer is Ford's mid-size SUV across six generations. Body-on-frame for the first four generations, unibody since 2011. Most Explorers stow the spare under the cargo area on a hoist; some 1st / 2nd-gen had rear-mounted aftermarket carriers. We size to whichever generation you have.
- Explorer UN46 (1991–1994) — first-gen, body-on-frame, Ranger-platform. Stock 235/75R15 (XLT) or 235/70R15 (Eddie Bauer / Limited).
- Explorer UN105 / UN150 (1995–2001) — second-gen, the legendary "Explorer Years." Stock 235/75R15 (Sport / XLT), 245/70R16 (Limited / Eddie Bauer).
- Explorer U152 (2002–2005) — third-gen, larger body, IRS. Stock 245/65R17.
- Explorer U251 (2006–2010) — fourth-gen. Stock 245/65R17 or 255/55R18.
- Explorer U502 (2011–2019) — fifth-gen, unibody. Stock 245/60R18 (XLT), 255/50R20 (Limited / Sport / Platinum).
- Explorer U625 (2020–present) — current, RWD-based unibody. Stock 255/65R18 (XLT) up to 275/45R21 (Platinum / King Ranch).
- Explorer ST / Timberline / King Ranch — trim variants. ST runs 275/45R21, Timberline runs 265/65R18 BFG KO2 ATs.
Explorer owners span family-vehicle daily drivers, daily-trip buyers, off-road Timberline weekend builds. The cover sits on the spare regardless of generation.
Free backup camera cutout, on every cover
All Explorers from 2011+ have factory backup cameras integrated into the tailgate. Most owners with underbody-stowed spares don't need a camera hole. If you've relocated to a rear-mount carrier, send us the camera diameter and offset.
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.
Explorer spare tire sizing — from 1st-gen 235/75R15 to current Platinum 21-inch
Explorer spares span 15- to 21-inch wheels. Use the lookup, then enter your actual tire's diameter at checkout.
| Spare tire cover size | Fits rim sizes | ↓ Click to expand |
|---|
Quick Explorer sizing reference:
- Explorer UN46 (1991–1994) XLT: 235/75R15 stock → 28.9 inch (73 cm) overall
- Explorer UN105 / UN150 (1995–2001): 235/75R15 to 245/70R16 → 28.9–29.5 inch (73–75 cm)
- Explorer U152 (2002–2005): 245/65R17 stock → 29.5 inch (75 cm)
- Explorer U251 (2006–2010): 255/55R18 → 29 inch (74 cm)
- Explorer U502 XLT: 245/60R18 → 29.6 inch (75 cm)
- Explorer U502 Limited / Sport / Platinum: 255/50R20 → 30 inch (76 cm)
- Explorer U625 XLT: 255/65R18 → 31.1 inch (79 cm)
- Explorer U625 Platinum / King Ranch: 275/45R21 → 30.7 inch (78 cm)
- Explorer Timberline: 265/65R18 BFG KO2 → 31.6 inch (80 cm)
Always size by overall tire diameter (the number on the sidewall, not rim size). Custom sizing is free at checkout.
Choose your material
Explorer owners are family-trip focused with seven-seat capability. Material picks reflect daily use:
Polyester — $69 (Budget)
Lifespan 2–3 years. Drawstring cord attachment. Honest budget pick for daily Explorer drivers. Drawstring, 2–3 years.
PVC — $99 (Waterproof)
Lifespan 3–4 years. Elastic band attachment. Volume daily-driver pick. Snug elastic.
PU Leather — $129 (Premium look)
Lifespan 3–4 years. Elastic band attachment. Premium grain that matches Limited / King Ranch / Platinum interior.
Marine Grade Vinyl — $169 (Heavy duty, printed and sewn in Florida)
Lifespan 5+ years. Drawstring cord attachment. What we recommend for Timberline outdoor builds and outdoor-parked Explorers in the desert Southwest.
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. Marine plus integrated anti-theft lock. Worth it on Platinum, Timberline, and ST trims.
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: Iconic Silver Limited, Cactus Gray Timberline, Antimatter Blue Platinum — all in our reference library along with the rest of the Explorer palette.
How the cover attaches to your Explorer's spare
Most Explorers stow the spare under the cargo floor on a hoist. Cover wraps the tire whether stowed or in use:
- 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.
Timberline owners with relocated rear-mounted spares on aftermarket carriers (CBI, Backwoods Adventure Mods) work the same.
Free custom design — your Explorer, your idea
Send us your Explorer idea. Explorer silhouette in Cactus Gray. Family name with Ford script. Eddie Bauer trim heritage graphics. ST performance-graphic illustration. Timberline ARB-locker badge. Family route map. 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
Common Explorer customizations: Explorer silhouette graphics, Eddie Bauer trim heritage, ST performance graphics, King Ranch script, Timberline ARB-locker badges, family route maps, family-name with Ford script.
Start a custom Explorer design →
Why Wheel Shell for Ford Explorer owners worldwide
- Sized for every Explorer generation, 1991 through 2025+ Platinum.
- Camera-hole cutting is free for backup cameras.
- Cactus Gray, Antimatter Blue, Iconic Silver in our reference library.
- Marine-grade vinyl printed and sewn in Florida.
- Direct-from-factory pricing.
Frequently asked questions about Ford Explorer spare tire covers
What size cover for my Explorer XLT?
U625 XLT (current) runs 255/65R18 (31.1 inches). U502 XLT (2011–2019) runs 245/60R18 (29.6 inches). Enter your actual diameter at checkout.
Does this fit my 1st-gen Explorer (1991–1994)?
Yes — UN46 stock is 235/75R15 (28.9 inches). Body-on-frame, Ranger platform. Custom sizing free.
Will the cover fit my Explorer Timberline?
Yes — Timberline runs 265/65R18 BFG KO2 (31.6 inches). Standard sizing.
Can I match the cover to my Cactus Gray Timberline?
Yes — M7 Cactus Gray is in our library along with the rest of the Explorer palette.
Does the cover work for the underfloor-stowed factory hoist spare?
Yes — cover wraps the tire whether stowed under the cargo area or relocated.
How long does shipping take?
About 6–12 business days door-to-door, free worldwide.
Will the cover survive Phoenix or Houston summer?
Yes — Marine Grade Vinyl is built for desert and humid summer. UV stable, 5+ years.
Can I customize with Eddie Bauer trim heritage graphics?
Yes — we've drawn Eddie Bauer trim emblems for various Explorer generations. Approval-first, free design.
Will the cover fit my U502 (2011–2019) Explorer?
Yes — U502 sizing covered: XLT 245/60R18, Limited / Sport / Platinum 255/50R20.
Does the cover work for the Explorer ST?
Yes — ST runs 275/45R21 (30.7 inches). Standard sizing.
Can I get a Timberline ARB-locker badge graphic?
Yes — Timberline trim graphics including ARB-locker, FOX-shock, and BFG KO2 illustrations are popular customizations.
Will the cover work for a 1996 Explorer Sport (the 2-door)?
Yes — UN105 Sport 2-door runs 235/75R15 stock (28.9 inches). Sized to fit. We've made covers for restored 2-door Sport Explorers with period-correct lettering.