Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup Tires
Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup brought Volkswagen’s front-wheel-drive compact formula into the small truck world during the early 1980s, giving buyers a light-duty pickup with distinctly car-based road manners and practical utility. Built across 1980 through 1983, the Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup sits in an era when compact trucks often shared much of their chassis and wheel hardware with passenger cars, which makes tire choice more nuanced than it first appears. The key complication here is that the Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup used more than one tire size and more than one wheel diameter during the same production years. Before choosing a tire, the first step is to confirm whether the specific truck carries 13-inch or 14-inch wheels.
Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup Tire Size Guide
Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup uses 3 distinct tire sizes across the 1980 to 1983 production span, and the most important fitment detail is that both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel diameters appear in the range. All three sizes are metric radial sizes, with the first number giving section width in millimeters, the second number giving aspect ratio, and the final number giving rim diameter in inches. Because every year lists multiple sizes, the wheel diameter and the specific truck configuration both need to be checked before settling on a tire.
165/75R13 fits Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup applications from 1980 through 1983 where that specific size was used. The code means a 165mm section width, a 75-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. Choose this size only when the truck is already set up for that narrower 13-inch fitment and verify the sidewall size marking on the current tires or the vehicle placard before changing sizes.
175/70R13 fits Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup applications from 1980 through 1983 that use the wider 13-inch size. The code means a 175mm section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter, with the listed product built for 13-inch wheels. Choose this size when the truck carries 13-inch wheels and the original fitment or current tire marking calls for the wider 175-section layout.
175/70R14 fits Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup applications from 1980 through 1983 that use 14-inch wheels. The code means a 175mm section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter, with the listed product built for 14-inch wheels. Choose this size only for trucks with 14-inch rims, since it cannot be substituted onto a 13-inch wheel even though the section width and profile look similar to 175/70R13.
Because 1980, 1981, 1982, and 1983 each list three sizes, buyers need to identify the specific configuration and confirm whether the truck uses 13-inch or 14-inch wheels before selecting a tire.
Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup Tires by Year
Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup uses year-by-year listings to narrow the correct size, but every year from 1980 through 1983 includes more than two choices. In 1980, 1981, 1982, and 1983, the split includes both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel fitments, so the wheel diameter is the first thing to verify. Once the rim diameter is confirmed, use the year listing to match the exact size used on the specific truck.
1980 Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup
- 165/75R13
- 175/70R13
- 175/70R14
1981 Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup
- 165/75R13
- 175/70R13
- 175/70R14
1982 Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup
- 165/75R13
- 175/70R13
- 175/70R14
1983 Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup
- 165/75R13
- 175/70R13
- 175/70R14
Best Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup Tires for Sale
Available Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup tires currently span 2 brands and 2 products across 175/70R13 and 175/70R14 sizes. Confirm the exact size and the truck’s 13-inch or 14-inch rim diameter before selecting.
175/70R13 Products
These are the available products for 175/70R13.
175/70R14 Products
These are the available products for 175/70R14.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ below focuses on the real fitment questions for Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup owners, especially the 13-inch versus 14-inch wheel split and the differences among the three listed metric radial sizes. It also covers available brands, sidewall styles, and long-term tire care for a lightly used collector truck.
Size Basics & Fitment
Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup uses three listed tire sizes across 1980 through 1983: 165/75R13, 175/70R13, and 175/70R14. The first two sizes fit 13-inch wheels, while 175/70R14 fits 14-inch wheels. All three are radial metric sizes, and every model year in this range can appear with more than one of these fitments.
That means year alone is not enough to choose a tire for a Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup. Start by confirming the wheel diameter on the truck, then compare the existing sidewall marking or vehicle information label to the listed size. If the truck has been restored, modified, or had wheels swapped during its life, the actual wheel and tire markings matter more than assumptions based on model year.
A 1980 Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup has three listed tire sizes because that model year includes both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel fitments, plus two different size options within the 13-inch group. The three sizes are 165/75R13, 175/70R13, and 175/70R14. That is a wheel-diameter split rather than a bias-ply versus radial split, since the listed sizes are all radial metric sizes.
The practical takeaway is that the correct tire depends on the specific truck configuration and the wheels currently installed. Measure or read the wheel diameter first, then verify whether the truck calls for the narrower 165-section tire or the wider 175-section tire. On a vehicle of this age, wheel changes over the years are common enough that checking the actual hardware is always worthwhile.
Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup uses either 13-inch or 14-inch wheels within the 1980 to 1983 range. The 165/75R13 and 175/70R13 sizes fit 13-inch rims, while 175/70R14 fits 14-inch rims. The rim diameter is the final number in each metric size code, so the wheel size is built directly into the tire size itself.
That makes rim diameter the fastest way to narrow the correct choices for a Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup. A 14-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 13-inch wheel, and a 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch wheel. Before looking at tread or sidewall appearance, confirm the wheel diameter stamped on the wheel or printed on the current tire sidewall.
Buying the Right Tire
A 1982 Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup can use 165/75R13, 175/70R13, or 175/70R14, so the correct size must be matched to the specific truck. The quickest confirmation comes from checking the current tire sidewall and the wheel diameter. If the truck still wears an appropriate original-style size, that marking usually provides the clearest starting point.
After confirming whether the truck has 13-inch or 14-inch wheels, compare the width and profile of the existing size to the listed options. If the wheels or suspension have been changed at any point, use the actual wheel and tire dimensions on the truck rather than relying only on year. For a preserved or restored example, original owner literature or a marque specialist can help settle close calls.
The listed Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup products include both Blackwall and Narrow Whitewall sidewall styles. The 175/70R13 Avon CR6ZZ is a Blackwall radial, while the 175/70R14 Travelstar radial is offered with a 14mm Narrow Whitewall. That gives buyers a choice between a more performance-oriented plain black sidewall look and a more decorative period-style whitewall appearance.
Sidewall style should be chosen with the truck’s intended look in mind as well as its size and wheel diameter. A stock-appearing compact pickup often looks most natural on a Blackwall, while a Narrow Whitewall can suit a custom or period-accessorized presentation. Style should always come after correct fitment, since the wrong rim diameter cannot be solved by picking the preferred sidewall treatment.
The listed brands for Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup tires are Avon and Travelstar. Avon appears in 175/70R13 with the CR6ZZ series, while Travelstar appears in 175/70R14 with the UN106 series. Both listed products are radial tires, but they serve different size and wheel-diameter applications within the Rabbit Pickup range.
Brand choice comes after the basic fitment questions are settled. Once the correct size and wheel diameter are confirmed, you can decide whether the available brand aligns better with the truck’s intended use, visual style, and overall build direction. A performance-leaning street truck and a lightly driven show truck may prioritize different characteristics even when they are both using radial tires.
The listed Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup tire series are Avon CR6ZZ and Travelstar UN106. Both are radial tires, but they are offered in different sizes and for different wheel diameters within the Rabbit Pickup fitment range. CR6ZZ is listed in 175/70R13, while UN106 is listed in 175/70R14.
For a Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup owner, the main difference is not an era split between bias-ply and radial construction but the size and appearance each series supports. The CR6ZZ listing is a Blackwall 13-inch option, while the UN106 listing is a Narrow Whitewall 14-inch option. The right series depends first on whether the truck uses 13-inch or 14-inch wheels and then on the look you want to preserve.
Maintenance & Longevity
A Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, ozone sources, and prolonged contact with petroleum products or solvents. Tires last better when they are protected from UV exposure and heat cycling, both of which harden rubber over time. Keeping the truck clean and the tires inflated to an appropriate pressure for storage also helps preserve sidewall shape.
If the Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup will sit for long periods, move it occasionally or reposition it to reduce flat spotting. Many collectors also place the truck on well-supported stands or cradles when storing it for a season, while still keeping the suspension properly supported. A quick visual check every few weeks for pressure loss, cracks, or bulges can prevent surprises when the truck returns to service.
Tires on a Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup should be inspected before regular road use and again any time the truck has been parked for an extended period. Check for visible cracking, weathering, tread separation, punctures, uneven wear, and pressure loss. On an older compact pickup, alignment wear and age-related rubber deterioration can appear long before the tread is actually worn out.
A hands-on inspection matters because collector trucks often accumulate age faster than mileage. Look at both sidewalls, inspect the bead area, and make sure the tire size still matches the wheel diameter and the intended fitment. If anything appears questionable, especially on a truck that has sat for months, have the tires and wheels evaluated before putting the Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup back into normal driving rotation.
Tires on a Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup should be replaced when age, cracking, hardening, bulges, impact damage, or separation appear, even if the tread still looks usable. Tread depth alone is not a reliable measure on a collector vehicle because low annual mileage can leave an old tire looking better than it really is. Rubber condition and structural integrity matter more than appearance on an infrequently driven truck.
The practical rule is to treat age and condition as seriously as wear. If the Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup has sat for long periods, carries tires of uncertain age, or shows any change in ride quality or vibration, it is time for a closer evaluation. Replacing suspect tires before they fail is especially important on a light pickup, where load changes and road shock can expose hidden weakness quickly.
Restoration & Authenticity
Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup appears here with three period-appropriate size listings across 1980 through 1983: 165/75R13, 175/70R13, and 175/70R14. The listed available products are radial tires, including Avon CR6ZZ in 175/70R13 and Travelstar UN106 in 175/70R14. Because multiple sizes were used within the same model years, original fitment depends on the specific truck configuration rather than on the year alone.
For restoration work, the best approach is to match the tire size to the truck’s original wheel diameter and factory configuration before focusing on brand or sidewall style. Original owner literature, surviving placards, and Volkswagen marque references can help settle whether a particular Rabbit Pickup should wear a 13-inch or 14-inch tire. That extra step protects both appearance and stance on a correct restoration.
Correct tire fitment does affect how a Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup is perceived in restoration, preservation, and show settings. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts tend to notice whether the truck sits on the right diameter wheel, carries an appropriate section width, and presents a sidewall style that suits the period and the build. Even when the difference seems small, the wrong diameter or profile can change the truck’s stance noticeably.
For value and presentation, the key is consistency with the truck’s intended standard. A stock or carefully restored Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup usually benefits from the correct size and a sidewall style that looks appropriate to the era, while a custom build can justify a different visual choice. If the truck may be judged, marque clubs and model-specific references are the best benchmark for what will be accepted as correct.
The listed sidewall styles for Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup are Blackwall and Narrow Whitewall. Blackwall is represented in 175/70R13, while Narrow Whitewall appears in 175/70R14. Both can be visually appropriate depending on whether the truck is being restored to a stock passenger-car-based compact pickup look or finished in a more personalized period style.
A factory-style Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup restoration will often look most natural on a plain Blackwall, especially if the goal is a restrained early-1980s appearance. A Narrow Whitewall can work for a custom-oriented build or a truck styled to reflect period accessories and dealer-era personalization. The important point is to keep style choices secondary to the correct wheel diameter and tire size for the specific truck.
Safety & Road Use
The listed Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup tires are modern radial designs in the stated sizes, which makes them generally more suitable for normal public-road use than aged or mismatched old tires. Safety still depends on correct wheel diameter, proper condition, inflation, and the overall mechanical state of the truck. A good tire in the wrong size, or on a compromised wheel, is not a safe combination.
Before using a Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup regularly, confirm that the tire size matches the wheel, the tires are free of age-related damage, and the truck’s steering and suspension are in sound condition. A compact pickup from this era can be pleasant on the road when sorted properly, but old components and incorrect fitment can quickly undo that advantage. Treat the tires as one part of the whole roadworthiness picture.
Before driving a Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup, check tire pressure, visible sidewall and tread condition, lug security, and basic wheel integrity. Make sure the truck is wearing the correct 13-inch or 14-inch tire for the wheels installed, and inspect for cracks, bulges, punctures, or uneven wear. Also pay attention to any vibration, pull, or rubbing that could indicate a fitment or mechanical problem.
A short walk-around catches many issues before they become roadside problems. On an older Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup, it is especially wise to look for signs that the tires are contacting fenders or suspension parts if wheel or tire changes were made in the past. If the truck has been sitting, take the first drive gently and reassess steering feel, braking stability, and ride quality after a few miles.
A Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup should be driven at speeds appropriate to the tire’s condition, size, and service rating, as well as the truck’s overall mechanical health. The listed products include modern radial passenger-type tires, which are more road-friendly than old collector-only constructions, but age and condition still matter more than the idea of an original size alone. Any vintage or collector truck deserves a conservative approach until everything is fully sorted.
The sensible practice is to begin with moderate speeds and evaluate how the Volkswagen Trucks Rabbit Pickup tracks, brakes, and responds under real road conditions. If the tires are older, the truck has just returned to service, or the wheel setup has changed, avoid sustained high-speed driving until the combination has been thoroughly inspected. Smooth, steady use is always kinder to an older compact pickup than abrupt high-speed running.