Spare tire covers

[martin]

I have a 88 XJ Pioneer 4.0 AW4 NP231 and have the compact spare. I have a nice cover for the mini spare tire. It is cordivan color just like the interior. When chrysler did their changes in 1991 the cordivan color disappeared so finding interior stuff is a junk yard run. I went to the dealer and asked if they showed a "full size" cover for the spare tire. The parts guys did not know there had been spare tire covers.

I am considering sticking a full size spare in my XJ. I like how the spare tire cover keeps the wheel from getting sunlight. I know I can find an aftermarket cover and may go that way BUT my cover has the jacking instrucitons on the inside. When it time to change a flat the last thing I want to find is the owner's manual.

I would like to know if your XJ has a spare tire cover, what size spare do you have - mini or full size.

 

[riverfever]

There is a mini spare in one of my Jeeps (01). I put a BB on it and 30's. I just took the mini out the other day and put it and the cover out at the curb today for the trash pickup. I was drinking my morning coffee when they pulled up. The guy got out and looked at it, shook his head and said, "Nahhhhhh". It's back in the damn garage now.

 

[ADVNTURR]

My 91 came with a full sized spare (225-75xR15) with a grey spare tire cover. My cover doesn't have the jacking instructions in it so in that respect it wouldn't help you but they defiantely had full size covers. For a while I did manage to squeeze a 235-75xR15 (largest size I think you can fit and still put the seat up) into the same cover but I got tired of wrestling with it so now it just sits uncovered. Hope that helps

 

[scoobyxj]

Again not going to help you much. My 2k had a tire cover for it's mini. I found a rolled 98 Country in the bone yard, and swiped the nicer interior including the full size cover on one of my stock tires. Ive got the tire on the roof now so I'm looking for a vinel cover for it now. Something you might try is to take the cover you have now to a upholstery shop, and see if they can come up with a fabric to match it. They shouldn't have any problem making a cover for you.

 

[jmsull]

My XJ came with a full size spare w/cover. When I went up to 32" I just put a mini in since a 32" wouldn't fit, it has a cover as well. Neither has instructions.

I don't mean to be a dick (yes I do), how the hell do you need instructions to change a flat?

 

[Matthew Currie]

My 87 had a full size spare with appropriate zip-on cover. The 95 also has a full size spare and a slip on cover that fits. The old covers were a nicer design if you like to use the recess in the wheel for additional storage. I stuff my strap and a few bungee cords, etc. in there. First thing I'd do is to make doubly sure that the cover does not actually fit over a full size tire. Next I'd keep looking at the junkyards and hope for one. Otherwise, can't think of much to suggest other than altering the existing cover or settling for a contrasting shade.

As for the jacking instructions, your best bet is to practice before you have a flat. Barring that, if you really like the way the instructions are laid out, slice the pertinent panel out of your old cover and glue it in to the new one. edit: Or slice it out and wrap it around the jack.

 

[Saudade]

My '88 has a full size spare (Michelin) mounted on a matching allow wheel. There's a large grey slip cover on it.

I agree with Mattew Currie. You should practice first, on a flat, dry surface on a nice day. This way, you'll get accustomed to the jack position, effort required to jack, remove the wheel, etc. The scissor jack can be a bit of a pain to use in the best conditions. If/when you really get a flat, odd's are none of the "practice" conditions will exist.

I'd also suggest you carry a good lug nut wrench. When tire shops replace tires, they use impact guns to sock them down (OK some good places torque them properly). Changes are the nuts are on too tight for the included lug nut wrench. I have one of those T-bar wrenchs.

 

[gjxj]

The spare doens't NEED to be covered. The other 4 are in the sun all day ..

 

[Saudade]

The spare doens't NEED to be covered. The other 4 are in the sun all day ..

Well, I guess at least half the day. (2 in the sun, 2 in the shade)

Seriously, you don't think the cover does a good job of blending the spare into the cargo area? (Ok, so not so seriously).

 

[gjxj]

With all the junk in the back of my jeep a nice covered spare would look out of place. Seriously, I can't blame someone for wanting it to look nice, but that shouldn't hold you back from the upgrade. If you ever get a chance to drive an XJ on a mini spare (or even look at one) you will immediately go get a full size ..