When picking an Autocraft car cover, the single most important measurement is your vehicle’s length. Autocraft sizes its covers strictly by length, ignoring width, height, or shape differences. This keeps sizing simple but means you must measure carefully, missing even a few inches can make your cover too tight or too loose.
Why Measuring Your Vehicle Length Exactly Matters
Measuring from bumper to bumper sounds easy, but real vehicles have quirks. Bumpers may stick out or sit recessed. Accessories like tow hitches, roof racks, spoilers, or bike racks add length that often gets overlooked.
Composite example: A mid-size SUV owner measured only from the front grille to the rear door and missed their protruding tow hitch and roof rack crossbars. The Large cover they ordered was too tight and strained at the back corners. After including those extras in their measurement and switching to an X-Large cover, the fit was comfortable with enough stretch to avoid stress on seams.
This shows why underestimating length can cause covers to be too small, risking tears or incomplete coverage, and why it pays to include all extensions.
Autocraft Size Chart by Vehicle Length
Autocraft sorts cover sizes into these length categories:
| Size | Length Range (feet) |
|---|---|
| Small | 14.0 – 15.0 |
| Medium | 15.0 – 16.0 |
| Large | 16.0 – 17.0 |
| X-Large | 17.0 – 18.0 |
| XX-Large | 18.0 – 20+ |
If your measurement lands exactly on a boundary (like 15 feet), it’s better to go up one size than down. A cover that’s just a bit large might flap in wind but won’t damage your car or strain seams like a tight cover will.
How Vehicle Type and Accessories Affect Your Choice
While length is king, knowing your vehicle type helps as a quick guide:
- Compact sedans usually fit Small or Medium.
- Mid-size SUVs tend toward Large or X-Large.
- Full-size trucks and vans generally need X-Large or XX-Large.
If you have accessories that add length, lift kits, aftermarket bumpers, bike racks, factor those in by measuring them too. These often push you into the next size category even if your base vehicle length fits a smaller bracket.
Choosing Between a Tight or Loose Fit
Some people want a snug fit to keep covers from flapping in windy spots and look sleek; others prefer looser fits for better air circulation and less condensation risk.
Based on user feedback across climates:
- Snug fits work best where wind causes wear on fabric.
- Looser fits help prevent moisture buildup in humid areas.
If you’re close to a size boundary or have extra gear adding length, ordering one size larger balances these needs well, avoiding strain without creating big flapping sections.
Composite example: An SUV with a rear bike rack measured near 17.9 feet got an X-Large initially; it pulled tight around the rack edges. Switching to XX-Large provided room for the rack without excess loose material flapping wildly.
What to Do if Your Cover Doesn’t Fit Right
Cover too tight? Usually this means you missed some extensions when measuring or underestimated total length. Re-measure including all protrusions and order one size up if unsure.
Cover too loose? Sometimes covers are much bigger than needed or your vehicle is narrow/tall relative to its length. Try tightening any straps built into the cover or use weighted clips along edges to reduce movement. If there is still lots of excess material causing issues, consider exchanging for a smaller size.
Odd-shaped vehicles (lifted trucks, camper vans)? Always include all added parts in your measurement and pick the larger size when uncertain rather than smaller.
Tips for Returns and Exchanges
Different sellers have different return policies: some allow easy exchanges within 30 days with tags intact; others charge restocking fees.
Before ordering:
- Double-check your measurements carefully.
- When unsure near boundaries, choose conservatively (one size up).
- Look for any notes about model-specific fit quirks.
Keep packaging until you’re sure of the fit so exchanges go smoothly if needed.
Final Advice: Measure With Care and Add Extras
Set aside time with a helper if possible. Measure from the very front-most point of your vehicle, including any bumpers, hitches, grills, and all the way back past any racks, spoilers, or other additions at the rear.
Convert that total to decimal feet (like 17.5 ft) and check against Autocraft’s size chart above.
If you’re near a boundary or have extra gear adding length beyond factory specs, pick the next larger size instead of risking a tight fit that stresses seams over time.
Taking this careful step will save frustration later and get you an Autocraft cover that hugs your vehicle comfortably while protecting it through weather and seasons.
This focus on exact length measurement plus thoughtful adjustment for accessories makes sizing Autocraft covers straightforward once you’ve done your homework, and keeps your investment safe from poor fit problems down the road.
