Plymouth Vans PB350 Tires

Plymouth Vans PB350 served in the early 1980s as a full-size work van built for hauling, commercial duty, and heavy everyday use, squarely within the era when American vans still carried truck-grade running gear. The Plymouth Vans PB350 matters to tire selection because its fitments bridge two very different wheel and tire approaches: heavy-duty 16.5-inch bias-ply truck tires and a 15-inch radial passenger-style size used in the same production span. That means Plymouth Vans PB350 owners cannot choose by year alone in every case. The first step is to confirm whether the van carries 15-inch or 16.5-inch wheels, then match the tire construction and size to that specific setup.

Plymouth Vans PB350 Tire Size Guide

Plymouth Vans PB350 production used both 15-inch and 16.5-inch wheels, with the change in wheel diameter appearing in the fitment mix by 1981 and continuing through 1983. Across the 1981 to 1983 production span, this model group uses 3 distinct tire sizes. Two are older numeric bias-ply truck sizes on 16.5-inch rims, while one is a metric radial on a 15-inch rim.

800-16.51981-1983Numeric bias-ply

The 800-16.5 size fits Plymouth Vans PB350 applications from 1981 through 1983 on 16.5-inch wheels. In this numeric bias-ply format, 800 indicates a nominal 8.00-inch section width and 16.5 is the rim diameter, with available products built for 16.5-inch rims including a listed 6.00 to 6.50 inch rim-width range on one option. Choose this size for PB350 configurations equipped with the narrower 16.5-inch truck tire setup; A tube is required.

875-16.51981-1983Numeric bias-ply

The 875-16.5 size also fits Plymouth Vans PB350 applications from 1981 through 1983 on 16.5-inch wheels. In this numeric bias-ply format, 875 indicates a nominal 8.75-inch section width and 16.5 is the rim diameter, with both available products built for 16.5-inch rims. Choose this size for PB350 configurations that originally used the wider heavy-duty 16.5-inch fitment rather than the narrower 800 size; A tube is required.

235/75R151981-1982Metric radial

The 235/75R15 size fits Plymouth Vans PB350 applications in 1981 and 1982 on 15-inch wheels. In this metric radial format, 235 is the section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter, with listed products fitting 15-inch rims. Choose this size for PB350 vans equipped with 15-inch wheels and radial tires, especially where sidewall appearance matters because blackwall, RWL, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options are available.

Plymouth Vans PB350 buyers looking at 1981 or 1982 must identify the specific configuration before choosing a tire, because those years include both 15-inch and 16.5-inch wheel fitments.

Plymouth Vans PB350 Tires by Year

Plymouth Vans PB350 production changed between 15-inch and 16.5-inch wheel fitments during the 1981 to 1983 span, so the first check is the actual rim diameter on the van. In 1981 and 1982, more than two sizes are listed, which points to a wheel-diameter split between 15-inch and 16.5-inch setups. Use the year listing to narrow the range, then match the tire to the wheel that is actually fitted.

Best Plymouth Vans PB350 Tires for Sale

Available Plymouth Vans PB350 tires span 3 sizes, 14 products, and 6 brands. Confirm the correct size and whether your van uses 15-inch or 16.5-inch wheels before selecting a tire.

800-16.5 Products

These are the available products for 800-16.5.

Military & Truck

STA Super Transport | 800-16.5

STA - Super Transport

SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter16.5 in
Rim Width6.00 - 6.50 in
Weight33 lb
Max Load2045@60 psi
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Military & Truck

STA Traxion | 800-16.5

STA - Traxion

SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter16.5 in
Rim Width—
Weight31 lb
Max Load—
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875-16.5 Products

These are the available products for 875-16.5.

Military & Truck

STA Traxion | 875-16.5

STA - Traxion

SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter16.5 in
Rim Width—
Weight38 lb
Max Load—
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Military & Truck

STA Transport Highway | 875-16.5

STA - Transport Highway

SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter16.5 in
Rim Width—
Weight40 lb
Max Load—
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235/75R15 Products

These are the available products for 235/75R15.

Radial BFG KO2

BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2 | 235/75R15 104S

BFGoodrich - All Terrain TA KO2

SidewallRWL
Rim Diameter15 in
Rim Width6.0 - 7.0 in
Weight36 lb
Max Load1,985 lbs @ 50 psi
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Radial Tires

American Classic Radial | 3 Inch Whitewall | 235/75R15

American Classic - American Classic Radial

SidewallWide Whitewall
Rim Diameter15 in
Rim Width6.00 - 8.50 in
Weight29 lb
Max Load2028@35 psi
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Radial Tires

Maxxis |.75 Inch Whitewall | 235/75R15

Maxxis - Classic Whitewall MA-1

SidewallNarrow Whitewall
Rim Diameter15 in
Rim Width6.00 - 8.00 in
Weight31 lb
Max Load2028@35 psi
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Radial Tires

Coker Classic Star Series | 3.125 Inch Whitewall | 235/75R15

Coker Classic - Star Series

SidewallWide Whitewall
Rim Diameter15 in
Rim Width6 - 8 in
Weight32 lb
Max Load2,271 lbs @ 32 psi
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Radial Tires

BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.875 Inch Whitewall | 235/75R15

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Radial

SidewallWide Whitewall
Rim Diameter15 in
Rim Width6.00 - 8.50 in
Weight31 lb
Max Load2028@35 psi
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Radial Tires

Tornel | 0.625 Inch Whitewall | 235/75R15

Tornel - Tornel Classic

SidewallNarrow Whitewall
Rim Diameter15 in
Rim Width6.00 - 8.50 in
Weight30 lb
Max Load2028@35 psi
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Radial Tires

Coker Classic Star Series | 1.60 Inch Whitewall | 235/75R15

Coker Classic - Star Series

SidewallNarrow Whitewall
Rim Diameter15 in
Rim Width6 - 8 in
Weight32 lb
Max Load2,271 lbs @ 32 psi
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Radial Tires

American Classic Radial | 1.6 Inch Whitewall | 235/75R15

American Classic - American Classic Radial

SidewallNarrow Whitewall
Rim Diameter15 in
Rim Width6.00 - 8.50 in
Weight30 lb
Max Load2028@35 psi
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Radial Tires

Coker Classic | 3.125 Inch Whitewall | 235/75R15

Coker Classic - Coker Classic Radial

SidewallWide Whitewall
Rim Diameter15 in
Rim Width6.00 - 8.50 in
Weight30 lb
Max Load2028@35 psi
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Radial Travelstar

Travelstar Radial | 18mm Whitewall | 235/75R15

Travelstar - UN106

SidewallNarrow Whitewall
Rim Diameter15 in
Rim Width6.5J in
Weight27 lb
Max Load2039 lbs @ 44psi
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Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQ below sorts out the key Plymouth Vans PB350 tire questions, including the 15-inch versus 16.5-inch wheel split, bias-ply versus radial choices, and how to identify the right size for a specific 1981 to 1983 van.

Size Basics & Fitment

Plymouth Vans PB350 fitments in this 1981 to 1983 range include 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 235/75R15. The 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 sizes appear across 1981, 1982, and 1983 and both use 16.5-inch rims. The 235/75R15 size appears in 1981 and 1982 and uses a 15-inch rim.

The important point is that Plymouth Vans PB350 did not stay with a single wheel diameter across all listed configurations. A van wearing 16.5-inch wheels needs one of the numeric bias-ply truck sizes, while a van wearing 15-inch wheels uses the metric radial size. Check the wheel itself before choosing, because a year-only lookup can include more than one valid size.

On a Plymouth Vans PB350, the size 800-16.5 is a numeric bias-ply truck tire size. The 800 indicates a nominal 8.00-inch section width, and the 16.5 identifies the rim diameter. Available products in this size are bias-ply tires built for 16.5-inch wheels.

That matters because 800-16.5 is not interchangeable with the 15-inch radial size used on some Plymouth Vans PB350 applications. It also sits beside a wider 875-16.5 option in the same year range, so section width is part of the fitment decision as well. If your van still carries its heavy-duty truck wheels, verify whether the tire originally matched the 800 or 875 width before replacing it.

A 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 can show 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 235/75R15 because that year includes more than one wheel and tire configuration. Two of those sizes are 16.5-inch bias-ply truck fitments, while the third is a 15-inch radial fitment. The split is driven primarily by rim diameter, not by different ways of writing the same size.

That means the correct answer starts with the hardware on your own Plymouth Vans PB350. Measure the wheel or read the current tire and wheel markings first, then compare the width and construction style that make sense for the van's use. If the van has changed hands or been restored, do not assume the current wheels match what it left service with decades ago.

Plymouth Vans PB350 uses two rim diameters in the listed fitments: 16.5 inches and 15 inches. The 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 sizes are both for 16.5-inch wheels and run through 1983. The 235/75R15 size is for 15-inch wheels and appears in 1981 and 1982.

Rim diameter is the first thing to confirm because a 15-inch tire will not fit a 16.5-inch wheel, and a 16.5-inch tire will not fit a 15-inch wheel. On Plymouth Vans PB350, that distinction is more important than sidewall style or brand at the start of the search. Once the wheel diameter is confirmed, the remaining decision becomes the exact size and construction used on that setup.

Crossply vs Radial

Plymouth Vans PB350 uses both bias-ply and radial tire types in the listed fitments, but they are tied to different wheel diameters. The 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 options are bias-ply truck tires on 16.5-inch rims, while the 235/75R15 option is a radial on a 15-inch rim. The choice is therefore not simply a matter of preference if the wheel diameter is fixed.

For a Plymouth Vans PB350 that still carries its original-style wheel setup, follow the wheel diameter first and then the tire construction associated with that fitment. If the van has been changed from one wheel type to another, treat the current wheel and suspension setup as the deciding factor. Owners pursuing a period work-van appearance usually stay with the construction style that matches their existing wheel diameter.

A Plymouth Vans PB350 on 235/75R15 radial tires will generally present a different driving feel than one on 16.5-inch bias-ply truck tires because the construction types are different. Radials typically feel more compliant and settled in ordinary road use, while bias-ply truck tires tend to feel more traditional and work-oriented. The listed PB350 fitments reflect both approaches rather than a single interchangeable choice.

That practical difference matters most if your Plymouth Vans PB350 is used for cruising rather than static display. A van already set up for 15-inch radial tires should stay within that fitment, while a van retaining its 16.5-inch truck wheels should use the bias-ply sizes meant for them. The goal is to match the tire type to the wheel and intended character of the vehicle rather than mixing eras or hardware casually.

A Plymouth Vans PB350 should not be treated casually when mixing bias-ply and radial tires because the listed fitments separate those constructions by size and wheel diameter. The bias-ply options are 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 on 16.5-inch rims, and the radial option is 235/75R15 on a 15-inch rim. Those are not alternate labels for the same wheel.

The safer path for a Plymouth Vans PB350 is to keep one construction type and one wheel diameter across the vehicle. Mixing different constructions can change steering response and handling feel, especially on a large van with truck-duty suspension. If your PB350 has already been converted from one wheel package to another, standardize the setup before putting regular road miles on it.

Buying the Right Tire

A 1982 Plymouth Vans PB350 can use 800-16.5, 875-16.5, or 235/75R15 depending on the wheel and tire configuration fitted to that van. The two numeric sizes are 16.5-inch bias-ply truck fitments, and the metric size is a 15-inch radial fitment. All three are valid within that model year, so the correct choice depends on the actual wheels in service.

Start by reading the existing tire size if the van still has a matching set, then verify the wheel diameter directly. After that, compare the section width and construction type so you do not replace an 800 with an 875, or a 15-inch radial with a 16.5-inch truck tire. On Plymouth Vans PB350, wheel diameter is the deciding checkpoint that narrows the search fastest.

Plymouth Vans PB350 tire offerings include blackwall, RWL, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. The 16.5-inch bias-ply truck sizes are offered as blackwall tires, while the 235/75R15 radial size appears in several visual treatments including raised white letters and multiple whitewall widths. That gives the 15-inch fitment the widest appearance range.

For a work-van or commercial look on Plymouth Vans PB350, the blackwall truck tires are the most straightforward visual match. The 15-inch radial choices open the door to custom, cruiser, or more stylized presentation, especially where whitewalls are part of the build theme. Pick the sidewall style only after the correct size and wheel diameter are established, since appearance options differ sharply by fitment.

Plymouth Vans PB350 tires in these listed sizes come from STA, BFGoodrich, American Classic, Maxxis, Coker Classic, Tornel, and Travelstar. STA covers the two 16.5-inch bias-ply truck sizes, while the 235/75R15 radial size is offered across several brands. That means brand choice depends heavily on which wheel diameter your PB350 uses.

A Plymouth Vans PB350 on 16.5-inch wheels is shopping within a narrower brand pool focused on truck-style bias-ply tires. A van on 15-inch wheels has many more brand and sidewall choices because the radial size is offered in several series and visual styles. Once the wheel diameter is settled, the next comparison points are construction type, sidewall appearance, and the character you want the van to retain.

Plymouth Vans PB350 tire series include Super Transport, Traxion, Transport Highway, All Terrain TA KO2, American Classic Radial, Classic Whitewall MA-1, Star Series, Silvertown Radial, Tornel Classic, Coker Classic Radial, and UN106. The 16.5-inch offerings are bias-ply truck-oriented series, while the 15-inch offerings are radial series with a broader mix of appearance and road-use character. Some emphasize plain blackwall truck service, while others emphasize whitewall styling or raised white-letter presentation.

That spread matters because two Plymouth Vans PB350 owners may be solving very different problems: preserving a work-van stance on 16.5-inch wheels or finishing a customized 15-inch radial setup with the right sidewall look. Compare series within the correct size first, then decide whether tread character and sidewall style suit the van's purpose. Series names are most useful after basic fitment has already been narrowed down.

Maintenance & Longevity

A Plymouth Vans PB350 stores best on clean, properly inflated tires in a cool, dry, dark space away from sunlight, ozone sources, and long exposure to moisture. Heavy vans place substantial static load on their tires, so storage conditions matter as much as tread depth. If the van sits for long periods, keeping the load and environment under control helps slow age-related deterioration.

For a collector or low-use Plymouth Vans PB350, move the van periodically to avoid flat spotting and keep the tires from resting in one position for months at a time. Many owners also reduce prolonged load by using storage practices that take stress off the tires without leaving the suspension hanging awkwardly. Good storage preserves both blackwall truck tires and decorative whitewall radials far better than simple indoor parking alone.

Tires on a Plymouth Vans PB350 should be inspected regularly even if the van is rarely driven, because age, load, and long periods of sitting can matter as much as mileage. Check for cracking, bulges, uneven wear, impact damage, air loss, and signs that the tire is no longer seated or wearing correctly for the wheel. On a heavy full-size van, those warning signs deserve prompt attention.

A practical routine for Plymouth Vans PB350 is to inspect the tires before each drive and give them a more thorough review at least seasonally. Include the sidewalls, tread shoulders, valve area, and the inside face when possible, since aging often appears there first. Frequent inspection is especially important when the van alternates between long storage periods and occasional highway or event use.

A Plymouth Vans PB350 tire should be replaced when age, cracking, structural change, repeated air loss, impact damage, or abnormal wear shows that the casing is no longer trustworthy, even if the tread still looks usable. Collector vehicles often age out their tires long before they wear them out. That applies to both the 16.5-inch bias-ply truck tires and the 15-inch radial options.

Owners sometimes focus on appearance because a lightly used Plymouth Vans PB350 may have plenty of tread left, but visible tread depth is only part of the picture. Whitewalls can look presentable while the tire itself is aging internally, and a stored truck tire can harden over time despite low mileage. Replace on condition and age, not tread alone, especially on a heavy van that may carry passengers or cargo.

Restoration & Authenticity

Plymouth Vans PB350 appears here with three period-appropriate fitment paths: 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 235/75R15. The two 16.5-inch sizes are bias-ply truck tires, and the 15-inch size is a radial. Because more than one size appears in the same early-1980s model years, the original tire for a specific PB350 depends on the wheel and configuration that van carried.

For an accurate Plymouth Vans PB350 restoration, treat the current year listing as the starting point and then verify the exact original setup from surviving labels, original paperwork, or marque-specific references. That is especially important when a van has been repainted, customized, or converted between wheel packages. The right answer is tied to the individual van, not just the badge and model year.

Correct tire fitment can affect how a Plymouth Vans PB350 is perceived in restoration, presentation, and judging because tire size, construction, and sidewall style strongly influence the van's stance and period character. A blackwall 16.5-inch truck tire and a wide-whitewall 15-inch radial create very different impressions. On a vehicle from the early 1980s, those differences are immediately visible.

For a Plymouth Vans PB350 being restored toward originality, matching the wheel diameter, size family, and sidewall style to the van's intended configuration usually matters more than choosing a fashionable tire. For a custom or lowrider-style build, the visual priorities can be different, but the fitment still needs to remain coherent. Marque clubs and period photos are useful references when originality is a goal.

Plymouth Vans PB350 tire options include blackwall, RWL, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, but the correct look depends on the restoration direction. The 16.5-inch bias-ply truck sizes are offered as blackwalls, which suit a straightforward commercial or fleet-style appearance. The 15-inch radial size brings several whitewall choices and an RWL option, which can fit customized or stylized builds from the era.

A restorer should decide first whether the Plymouth Vans PB350 is being returned to work-van character or to a period custom presentation. Once that choice is clear, sidewall style becomes a finishing detail rather than a guess. Keeping the visual treatment consistent with the wheel diameter and tire construction makes the van look intentional instead of mixed from unrelated setups.

Safety & Road Use

A Plymouth Vans PB350 can be driven on public roads when the tires are the correct size for the wheels, are structurally sound, and are appropriate to the van's condition and intended use. The listed offerings include both bias-ply truck tires on 16.5-inch wheels and radial tires on 15-inch wheels, so safety starts with using the correct combination. A mismatch in wheel diameter is not a minor error on a heavy van.

Before regular road use, make sure the Plymouth Vans PB350 has a consistent set of tires, correct inflation for the tires being used, and no signs of age-related failure. Steering, brakes, suspension, and wheel condition matter just as much as the tires themselves on an older full-size van. Roadworthiness is a whole-vehicle question, not a tread-depth question alone.

Before driving a Plymouth Vans PB350, check tire pressure, sidewall condition, tread condition, visible age cracking, valve integrity, and whether all four tires match the wheel diameter fitted to the van. Also verify that the wheel and tire combination is consistent across the axle and that there is no bulging or irregular wear. These are basic checks, but they matter more on an older heavy-duty van than on a modern commuter car.

A short walkaround catches many of the issues that can spoil a Plymouth Vans PB350 outing before it starts. If the van has been stored, add a check for flat spotting and make sure nothing has changed since the last drive. Any uncertainty about age, casing condition, or unusual behavior at speed is a reason to stop and inspect more closely before heading back onto the road.

Appropriate speed for a Plymouth Vans PB350 depends on the exact tire fitted, its age, its condition, and whether the van is on bias-ply 16.5-inch truck tires or 15-inch radials. Older-style bias-ply truck tires usually call for a more measured driving pace than modern traffic encourages, while sound radial tires can feel more settled in ordinary use. In every case, the tire's actual condition matters more than how much tread remains.

The sensible approach with a Plymouth Vans PB350 is to build speed gradually and judge the van by stability, steering feel, vibration, and braking response rather than assuming it should run like a newer van. If the tires are aged, recently mounted, or unfamiliar, keep speeds conservative until the whole setup has proven itself. A large vintage van rewards caution, especially when its wheel and tire choices vary as much as this model's do.