1973 Dodge Van Compact Van Tires

The 1973 Dodge Van Compact Van does not use one universal tire size across the full range. Fitments include 700-15, E78-15, HR78-15, G78-15, H78-15, 800-16.5, and 875-16.5, depending on the B100, B200, or B300 configuration and, in some cases, the van's GVWR or wheelbase.

The practical starting point is to identify the exact sub-model and confirm whether the van is on 15-inch or 16.5-inch wheels. A B100 or B200 may still have had wheels changed during its life, and heavy-duty B300 versions can have more specialized fitments, so matching the tire to the actual wheel and application matters more than assuming all 1973 Dodge vans use the same size.

A 1973 Dodge Van Compact Van can use either a 15-inch or a 16.5-inch rim, depending on the exact model and duty rating. The 15-inch applications cover sizes such as 700-15, E78-15, HR78-15, G78-15, and H78-15, while 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 are tied to heavier-duty B300 configurations.

Wheel diameter is one of the most important checks on this van because 16.5-inch tires are not the same as 16-inch tires. Before selecting a replacement, inspect the wheels currently on the van and verify the size against the intended sub-model fitment, especially on vehicles that may have seen service replacements, aftermarket wheel swaps, or long-term commercial use.

This Dodge van line covered light-duty and heavy-duty applications, so tire fitment changed with the sub-model. B100 and B200 versions stay in the 15-inch group, while many B300 models move to 16.5-inch truck-type sizes, and some B100 or B200 configurations also include HR78-15 radial among the primary fitments.

That means the right tire cannot be chosen by model name alone. Checking the van's exact B-series designation, GVWR, and current wheel diameter keeps the selection process on track and helps avoid choosing a tire that matches the era in appearance but not the actual wheel or load-oriented setup the vehicle uses.

HR78-15 is a radial tire. The R in the size marking identifies radial construction, and on the 1973 Dodge Van Compact Van it appears as a primary 15-inch fitment on certain B100 and B200 configurations alongside several bias-ply alternatives used elsewhere in the range.

That makes construction an important part of the fitment decision rather than just a matter of appearance. Owners should confirm that HR78-15 is the actual size used on their van's configuration and also verify the wheel setup, because a 15-inch radial primary fitment should not be confused with the heavier 16.5-inch bias-ply applications found on many B300 models.

E78-15 corresponds to 185R15, P195/75R15, and P205/70R15. G78-15 corresponds to 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, and 710R15 as a bias-look radial. H78-15 corresponds to 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and 760R15 as a bias-look radial.

Those equivalents give the buyer several radial sizing paths, from taller-looking 80-series metric formats to 75-series and 70-series P-metric choices, plus bias-look radial options for G78-15 and H78-15. Rim width should be checked as part of the conversion, and the overall package still needs to be verified against the van's wheel diameter, clearance, and intended use before changing construction.

Start by confirming that a radial equivalent exists for the van's actual primary size. Radial equivalents are shown for E78-15, G78-15, and H78-15, but that does not automatically extend to every other 15-inch or 16.5-inch fitment used across the 1973 Dodge Van Compact Van range.

Wheel diameter and wheel width should be verified first, followed by tire-to-fender and tire-to-steering clearance on the vehicle as it sits today. A van with suspension changes, replacement wheels, or a heavy-duty service history deserves an especially careful inspection, since the goal is to confirm the whole wheel-and-tire package rather than choosing a radial simply because the size family appears close.

Begin with the exact fitment: sub-model, GVWR, and wheel diameter. The 1973 Dodge Van Compact Van spans 15-inch and 16.5-inch applications, includes both bias-ply and radial primary fitments, and uses several distinct size families, so the right tire is the one that matches the van's actual configuration first.

After size and wheel diameter are confirmed, the choice shifts to tire character. Some sizes have wide whitewall and blackwall options, some lean toward classic passenger styling, and others are truck-oriented patterns from STA. That allows the buyer to match the tire to the van's intended look and use rather than selecting by appearance alone.

Sidewall style depends on the tire size. In the covered product range, 700-15, G78-15, and H78-15 can be found in both wide whitewall and blackwall form, while the heavier 16.5-inch truck sizes center on blackwall construction with utility-focused presentation.

That makes sidewall choice part of the vehicle's overall personality. A wide whitewall can push a lighter-duty van toward a more restoration-oriented or custom look, while blackwall designs usually suit work-truck character and heavier-duty applications. The sidewall should still be chosen only after confirming the correct size, since styling options vary significantly from one fitment to another.

Available tires for the 1973 Dodge Van Compact Van come from Firestone, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and STA, depending on the size. Brand availability changes with the fitment, so the buyer may see several choices in a 15-inch size while a heavier 16.5-inch B300 application stays focused on STA truck-oriented products.

That brand spread is most useful as a way to compare tire style and series rather than to pick a winner by name alone. Once the correct size is established, compare whether the tire is aimed at traditional bias-ply appearance, whitewall presentation, highway service, or traction-oriented truck use, since those differences have more buying value than brand recognition by itself.

A period-style 1973 Dodge Van Compact Van starts with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model, then stays within the construction and visual character that suit the vehicle's intended presentation. Bias-ply sizes dominate the range, and certain 15-inch fitments offer whitewall or blackwall choices that can change the van's look substantially.

For a restoration-minded build, appearance should follow fitment rather than the other way around. A lighter-duty B100 or B200 may support more visual variety, while many B300 setups are naturally truck-like in both size and style. Exact originality claims are best checked against marque references or historical vehicle documentation when that level of detail matters.

Tire construction changes more than the way the van drives; it also changes the way it looks. On a 1973 Dodge Van Compact Van, a bias-ply tire preserves a more traditional sidewall and stance impression, while a radial fitment such as HR78-15 or a radial equivalent can shift the visual character slightly even when the size family remains close.

That matters most on 15-inch B100 and B200 applications where the buyer may be balancing road use against period-style presentation. A restored van aimed at a more authentic late-1960s to early-1970s feel often starts by matching the original fitment type, while a driver-focused build may place more value on a radial format that still respects the van's overall proportions.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Dodge Van Compact Van. Wheel changes, suspension alterations, lowering, replacement rear axles, or brake conversions can all change the space available around the tire and can also alter whether the van still uses its original 15-inch or 16.5-inch wheel setup.

That is especially important on older vans because many have spent years in commercial service or have been updated for custom use. Even when the sub-model points to a specific tire size, the current vehicle should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance before a new tire is chosen.

Before putting a 1973 Dodge Van Compact Van into regular road use on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall wheel condition. It is also wise to verify that the tire size matches the van's exact fitment and that inflation is set appropriately for the tire and the vehicle's intended use.

A broader mechanical walk-around is just as important on a vintage van. Look at suspension components, steering play, brake condition, and whether the tires clear the body and steering range without rubbing. On a vehicle that has sat for long periods, recheck pressure after initial use and watch for any sign of uneven wear or settling.

Collector-vehicle tires on a 1973 Dodge Van Compact Van should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, cracking, bulges, tread wear, and cuts, even if the van is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging, and older vans often spend long periods parked, which makes routine condition checks especially important.

Good storage habits help preserve both appearance and service life. Keeping the van away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment can reduce premature deterioration, and moving the vehicle periodically can help avoid long-term flat spotting. Any tire that shows visible age-related damage deserves closer evaluation before road use.