The 1972 Dodge Pickup sits in the final years of Dodge’s Sweptline-era trucks, a period when pickups ranged from light-duty personal use to serious work applications with visibly different wheel and tire needs. That matters here, because this truck family uses several bias-ply sizes across 15-inch, 16-inch, and 16.5-inch rims, depending on the exact D100, D200, or D300 configuration. Choices include vintage alphanumeric and numeric truck sizing, plus product differences that range from wide whitewall passenger-style tires to blackwall truck and transport patterns. The real key is matching the tire to the truck’s specific sub-model, wheel diameter, and intended restoration or road-use purpose.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1972 Dodge Pickup
The 1972 Dodge Pickup uses six primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact D100, D200, or D300 configuration. These sizes are all bias-ply, but they span three different rim diameters, so the first step is confirming both the specific sub-model and the wheel diameter currently on the truck before comparing tread style, sidewall appearance, or truck-duty product choices.
G78-15 uses the older alphanumeric sizing system, where the letter identifies the tire’s size class, the series number places it within a vintage profile family, and the 15 designates a 15-inch rim. It is a bias-ply fitment suited to the 1972 Dodge Pickup configurations that use passenger-style 15-inch wheels rather than heavier truck rims. In this size, available choices include Coker Classic wide whitewall offerings and an STA blackwall truck-style option from the Super Traxion series. It is the kind of size to evaluate carefully when appearance matters as much as load style and road use.
H78-15 follows the same vintage alphanumeric system, with a larger size class than G78-15 and a 15-inch rim designation at the end. As a bias-ply fitment, it preserves the original-era construction style used on certain 1972 Dodge Pickup applications with 15-inch wheels. Available options include Coker Classic wide whitewall tires as well as STA blackwall truck-oriented patterns in the Traxion series. This size is worth considering when the truck needs a fuller 15-inch fitment presence, but wheel width and the exact sub-model still need to be confirmed before selection.
800-16.5 is a numeric bias-ply truck size, with the leading number representing an approximate nominal section width and the 16.5 identifying the required rim diameter. This is a work-oriented bias-ply fitment used on certain 1972 Dodge Pickup D200 and D300 applications rather than the lighter-duty 15-inch setups. In this size, STA offers blackwall truck tires in Super Transport and Traxion series, giving a choice between different period-style commercial tread families. It is an important size to verify against the wheel itself, since a 16.5-inch tire cannot be treated as interchangeable with a 16-inch fitment.
875-16.5 is another numeric bias-ply truck size, with an approximate nominal section width of 8.75 inches and a 16.5-inch rim requirement. It appears across several 1972 Dodge Pickup D200 and D300 configurations, making it one of the more broadly relevant heavy-duty sizes within this truck line. Product choices in this size come from STA and use blackwall construction, with Traxion and Transport Highway series available for different truck-duty appearances and use cases. It should be chosen only after the exact sub-model and wheel diameter are confirmed, especially on trucks that may have changed wheels over time.
950-16.5 uses the vintage numeric truck sizing system, with the first number indicating an approximate 9.5-inch nominal section width and the final number calling for a 16.5-inch rim. This bias-ply size is associated with heavier 1972 Dodge Pickup D200 and D300 applications where a larger, more commercial-duty tire is appropriate. Available products are blackwall STA truck tires in Traxion and Super Transport series, both aimed at traditional heavy-duty presentation. Because this size appears on more demanding configurations, it is especially important to confirm wheel dimensions and compare the tire’s load-oriented characteristics before use.
750-16 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size that indicates an approximate 7.5-inch nominal section width on a 16-inch rim. On the 1972 Dodge Pickup, it appears on a D300 application and stands apart from the 16.5-inch heavy-duty sizes that show up elsewhere in the range. This size has the broadest product mix, including Firestone, Lester, BFGoodrich, and STA options with both blackwall and wide whitewall treatments across classic, military, traction, and highway-oriented series. It is a useful size for buyers balancing restoration appearance with truck-duty function, but the 16-inch wheel must be confirmed first.
Sub-model fitment varies significantly across the 1972 Dodge Pickup range, and tire choice is tied directly to series and GVWR. Checking the exact D100, D200, or D300 designation matters just as much as checking the wheel diameter, because this truck family uses 15-inch, 16-inch, and 16.5-inch fitments.
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1972 Dodge Pickup D100 4x2
The 1972 Dodge Pickup D100 4x2 uses 15-inch bias-ply fitments in G78-15 and H78-15. That opens the door to a more appearance-driven choice between wide whitewall and blackwall options, while still keeping wheel diameter and overall period-style presentation in focus.
The 1972 Dodge Pickup D200 4x2 with 6100 and 6200 GVWR uses 16.5-inch bias-ply truck sizes in 800-16.5 and 875-16.5. Tire selection here is more about matching the truck’s heavier-duty wheel setup and choosing the right blackwall truck series than about decorative sidewall styling.
The 1972 Dodge Pickup D200 4x2 with 6700 and 6900 GVWR can use 800-16.5, 875-16.5, or 950-16.5 bias-ply tires. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, along with a close look at which tire size matches the truck’s current heavy-duty setup and intended use.
The 1972 Dodge Pickup D200 4x2 with 7500 and 9000 GVWR also uses 16.5-inch bias-ply sizes that can include 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5. On these trucks, the key decision is less about style and more about selecting the correct heavy-duty size and compatible wheel width.
The 1972 Dodge Pickup D300 4x2 with 6600 GVWR uses 16.5-inch bias-ply truck sizing, with 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5 all associated with this configuration. Selection should stay centered on wheel verification, commercial-style tread preference, and the truck’s actual load and road-use expectations.
The 1972 Dodge Pickup D300 4x2 with 8000 GVWR is the most mixed fitment in the group, pairing 750-16 with 875-16.5 and 950-16.5. That makes it especially important to inspect the truck’s actual wheels before ordering, since 16-inch and 16.5-inch applications are not interchangeable.
The 1972 Dodge Pickup D300 4x2 with 8600 GVWR returns to the 16.5-inch bias-ply truck family, using 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5. Buyers should focus on confirming the exact wheel setup first, then comparing the available blackwall truck series within the correct size.
The 1972 Dodge Pickup D300 4x2 with 9000 GVWR also uses 16.5-inch bias-ply sizes that include 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5. Tire choice on this configuration centers on correct heavy-duty sizing, wheel compatibility, and selecting the tread family that best suits the truck’s working or restoration role.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1972 Dodge Pickup
G78-15 and H78-15 each have four radial-equivalent options. For G78-15, the choices are 205R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P215/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P225/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 710R15 as a bias-look radial. For H78-15, the equivalents are 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and 760R15 in the same progression. These options span traditional metric sizing, lower-profile P-metric formats, and bias-look radial styling, with a 6- to 8-inch recommended rim-width range that should still be checked against wheel fit and clearance.
Modern Radial Equivalents
205R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (G78-15)
P215/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (G78-15)
P225/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (G78-15)
710R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (G78-15)
215R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (H78-15)
P225/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (H78-15)
P235/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (H78-15)
760R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (H78-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (6-8 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1972 Dodge Pickup Tires for Sale
Available 1972 Dodge Pickup tires range from Coker Classic, STA, Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich offerings to truck-focused series such as Traxion, Super Transport, Transport Highway, and Super Traxion. Depending on size, the main comparisons are sidewall style, tread family, construction details, and rim-width compatibility.
Common 1972 Dodge Pickup tire questions usually come down to exact sub-model fitment, wheel diameter, bias-ply sizing, radial alternatives for 15-inch applications, and choosing between restoration-style appearance and heavier truck-duty tire patterns.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1972 Dodge Pickup?
A 1972 Dodge Pickup can use G78-15, H78-15, 800-16.5, 875-16.5, 950-16.5, or 750-16, depending on the exact sub-model and GVWR. D100 4x2 applications use the 15-inch G78-15 and H78-15 sizes, while D200 and D300 trucks move into 16.5-inch and, in one D300 application, 16-inch truck sizes.
The practical first step is identifying the truck as a D100, D200, or D300 and then confirming the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle. That matters because a 16-inch tire and a 16.5-inch tire are completely different fitments, and some D300 configurations span both types depending on the setup.
What size rim does a 1972 Dodge Pickup use?
The 1972 Dodge Pickup uses three rim diameters across its covered applications: 15-inch, 16-inch, and 16.5-inch. The 15-inch rim sizes are tied to G78-15 and H78-15, the 16-inch rim is tied to 750-16, and the 16.5-inch rim sizes are used with 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5.
Wheel diameter should be confirmed before selecting any tire, especially on older trucks that may have had wheel changes over the years. A truck that now carries different wheels than its original configuration can require a different size strategy, so the tire choice should follow the wheel actually on the vehicle rather than assumption alone.
Why does the 1972 Dodge Pickup have more than one tire size?
The 1972 Dodge Pickup covers light-duty and heavier-duty configurations, so tire size changes with the truck’s sub-model and GVWR. A D100 4x2 uses 15-inch bias-ply sizes, while D200 and D300 applications shift into larger truck-oriented 16.5-inch sizes, with one D300 configuration also using a 16-inch 750-16 fitment.
That range means tire selection is really a configuration question, not just a year-and-model question. Once the exact truck and wheel diameter are confirmed, the decision becomes much clearer, because the buyer can narrow the search to the correct size family and then compare sidewall style, tread type, and intended use.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is G78-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1972 Dodge Pickup?
G78-15 is a bias-ply primary tire size for the 1972 Dodge Pickup. It uses the vintage alphanumeric sizing system and is associated with 15-inch wheel applications rather than the heavier 16-inch or 16.5-inch truck sizes used elsewhere in the range.
That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire preserves the truck’s original-era construction style and appearance on the applications that use this size. Buyers comparing G78-15 options should look at sidewall treatment, intended use, and wheel compatibility first, then decide whether staying with bias-ply or exploring a radial equivalent better matches the truck’s goals.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to G78-15 on a 1972 Dodge Pickup?
Radial equivalents for G78-15 include 205R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P215/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P225/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 710R15 as a bias-look radial. These are alternative radial formats associated with the original G78-15 bias-ply size.
Each option uses a different sizing convention, so the choice is not only about construction but also about how closely the tire suits the wheel and overall setup. The recommended rim-width range is 6 to 8 inches, and it is smart to compare wheel width, vehicle clearance, and the truck’s intended use before moving away from the primary bias-ply fitment.
What should I check before converting my 1972 Dodge Pickup from bias-ply to radial tires?
A conversion from bias-ply to radial on a 1972 Dodge Pickup starts with the exact original size and the available radial equivalent for that size. On 15-inch applications, G78-15 and H78-15 have radial equivalents, while the truck’s primary fitments as a whole remain bias-ply.
Wheel diameter and width deserve close attention first, followed by overall tire dimensions, steering clearance, and fender clearance on the truck as it sits today. Suspension condition and any previous wheel or ride-height changes can also affect the result, so a radial alternative should be treated as a fitment to verify rather than an automatic swap.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1972 Dodge Pickup tire?
The most important factor is using the correct primary size for the truck’s exact sub-model and wheel diameter. A 1972 Dodge Pickup can use 15-inch, 16-inch, or 16.5-inch bias-ply fitments, so the right tire depends on whether the truck is a D100, D200, or D300 and which wheels are actually on it.
After size is settled, the next considerations are appearance, tread family, and service role. A D100 owner may focus on whitewall versus blackwall presentation, while a heavier-duty D200 or D300 owner may compare traction, highway, or transport-style series along with rim-width range and load-oriented product details.
What sidewall styles are available for 1972 Dodge Pickup tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1972 Dodge Pickup include blackwall and wide whitewall, depending on size. The 15-inch G78-15 and H78-15 applications include wide whitewall and blackwall options, while the heavier truck sizes in 16-inch and 16.5-inch formats are largely centered on blackwall construction.
That split reflects the difference between more style-conscious light-duty presentation and more commercial-looking truck fitments. Choosing the sidewall usually comes after confirming the right size, because some configurations naturally offer more decorative options while others stay focused on traditional blackwall truck appearance and utility.
What brands offer tires for the 1972 Dodge Pickup?
Available brands for the 1972 Dodge Pickup include Coker Classic, STA, Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich, depending on the size. The 15-inch and 16-inch applications show the widest brand mix, while many of the 16.5-inch truck sizes are concentrated in STA commercial-style offerings.
Brand selection should follow fitment first, then product character. Once the correct size is confirmed, compare what each brand brings in that size, such as whitewall or blackwall styling, classic passenger presentation, or truck-oriented tread series better suited to the way the pickup is restored, displayed, or driven.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1972 Dodge Pickup?
A period-style 1972 Dodge Pickup tire starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the truck’s exact sub-model and wheel diameter. From there, the right choice depends on whether the pickup is being presented as a light-duty truck with more visual emphasis or as a heavier-duty working truck with a more commercial blackwall look.
On D100 applications, whitewall and blackwall choices create very different visual results, while D200 and D300 fitments lean toward truck-oriented tread patterns and blackwall styling. When exact originality matters, it helps to compare the truck against marque references, surviving examples, or restoration documentation before settling on a brand or sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1972 Dodge Pickup?
Bias-ply construction plays a major role in the look of a restored 1972 Dodge Pickup because it preserves the vintage tire format used across the truck’s primary fitments. The shape, sizing style, and available sidewall treatments all contribute to an older presentation that suits a restoration-oriented truck more naturally than a generic modern tire.
Construction choice also influences how closely the truck keeps its period visual character when viewed at the wheel opening and along the side profile. That is especially noticeable on 15-inch whitewall applications, while the larger truck sizes rely more on tread and blackwall style to maintain a traditional heavy-duty appearance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1972 Dodge Pickup?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1972 Dodge Pickup even when the nominal tire size appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height changes, and body or steering component differences can all influence how a bias-ply tire sits and clears on the truck.
That is especially important on a model range that uses 15-inch, 16-inch, and 16.5-inch wheels depending on configuration. A good fitment check includes wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at steering lock and under load, rather than relying only on the truck’s original sub-model designation.
What should I inspect before driving a 1972 Dodge Pickup on new tires?
Before driving a 1972 Dodge Pickup on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm proper air pressure, and check that the tire seats and clears properly at the front and rear. It is also worth looking over the valve stems, lug hardware, and general suspension condition.
A short, careful road test is a smart next step, especially on an older truck that may have sat for long periods or seen wheel changes over time. During that first drive, pay attention to any rubbing, unusual vibration, or pull that suggests the truck’s alignment, steering components, or wheel setup deserves another look.
How should 1972 Dodge Pickup tires be maintained on a collector truck?
Tires on a collector 1972 Dodge Pickup should be checked regularly for air loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, and cuts, even if the truck is driven only occasionally. Bias-ply tires on low-use vehicles can age out long before the tread wears down, so condition matters just as much as mileage.
Storage habits also make a difference. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic inspections remain important after long parked periods. A collector truck that is about to return to road use benefits from a full visual check before any longer trip.
