The 1978 International Scout II sits at the intersection of utility 4x4 toughness and late-1970s collector appeal, with the boxy stance and removable-top character that made Scouts stand apart from more car-based sport utilities of the era. Tire choice matters on this model because it appears with three 15-inch fitment paths: H78-15 bias-ply, HR78-15 alphanumeric radial, and 225/75R15 metric radial. That opens the door to different looks and driving priorities, from traditional bias-ply styling to more modern radial formats, along with blackwall and whitewall variations. The right decision starts with matching the vehicle's actual setup and then choosing the construction and appearance that suit restoration goals and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1978 International Scout II
The 1978 International Scout II uses three primary tire sizes, all built for 15-inch rims: H78-15, HR78-15, and 225/75R15. Because both covered sub-model groups share these fitment paths, the key decision is less about trim level and more about which construction and tire format best match the Scout's current wheel setup, intended look, and how it will be driven.
225/75R15 is a metric radial size in which 225 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1978 International Scout II, it represents the most modern-looking sizing format among the primary fitments and keeps the vehicle in radial construction. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, and Travelstar, with narrow and wide whitewall treatments and series such as Silvertown Radial, Star Series, American Classic Radial, and UN106. It is a useful fitment path for owners comparing radial options while still staying with the Scout's 15-inch wheel format.
H78-15 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply size in which the letter and number work together to indicate the tire's size class and profile family, while the final 15 identifies the rim diameter. For the 1978 International Scout II, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment path and suits buyers who want an older-style construction and presentation. Available options include Coker Classic Bias Ply wide whitewall versions and the STA Traxion blackwall truck-style tire. This size is worth considering when period-style appearance, bias-ply construction, or a more utility-oriented visual character matters most.
HR78-15 is an alphanumeric radial size, using the vintage letter-and-series format while adding radial construction through the R designation. On the 1978 International Scout II, it bridges two priorities by keeping a more traditional sizing language than a modern metric tire while still using radial construction. That makes it appealing to owners who want a classic-looking fitment approach without moving fully into bias-ply construction. Before choosing this size, compare the actual wheel setup and overall tire plan for the vehicle so the Scout's appearance, stance, and road-use expectations stay in line with the tire selected.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1978 International Scout II sub-models because each one uses the same three 15-inch tire-size paths. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm that the vehicle's current wheels and tire construction match the setup you plan to keep or change.
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1978 International Scout II Terra, Traveler & SSII
The 1978 International Scout II Terra, Traveler & SSII group uses the same 15-inch fitment choices found across this page, including bias-ply and radial options. That gives owners room to choose between a more traditional H78-15 presentation and radial-format alternatives while keeping wheel diameter confirmation at the center of the decision.
The 1978 International Scout II Traveltop follows the same overall tire-fitment pattern, with 15-inch options in both bias-ply and radial construction. Tire selection therefore comes down to the vehicle's present wheel setup, the look you want from the sidewall and sizing format, and whether a restoration-oriented or more road-focused direction makes the most sense.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1978 International Scout II
For the original H78-15 size, four radial-equivalent options are available. 215R15 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P225/75R15 is the 75-series P-metric radial equivalent, P235/70R15 is the 70-series P-metric radial equivalent, and 760R15 is the bias-look radial equivalent. These choices span traditional metric radial sizing, lower-profile P-metric alternatives, and a radial intended to preserve a more vintage presentation. A 6-8 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel fit, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before changing formats.
Modern Radial Equivalents
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 1978 International Scout II Tires for Sale
Available 1978 International Scout II tires cover radial and bias-ply construction, with brands including BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, Travelstar, and STA. Buyers can compare whitewall and blackwall presentations, utility-oriented and restoration-style series, and rim-width differences within the 15-inch fitment range.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.75 Inch Whitewall | 225/75R15
Common 1978 International Scout II tire questions usually center on the three 15-inch sizes, bias-ply versus radial construction, H78-15 radial equivalents, sidewall appearance, and the wheel and clearance checks worth making before putting a Scout back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1978 International Scout II?
A 1978 International Scout II uses three primary 15-inch tire sizes: 225/75R15 in metric radial form, H78-15 in vintage alphanumeric bias-ply form, and HR78-15 in alphanumeric radial form. Those sizes cover the fitment paths used across the Scout II sub-models shown here.
The practical choice is deciding which of those formats matches the vehicle's actual wheel setup and the kind of appearance or driving character you want to preserve. A Scout still wearing period-style wheels may stay with H78-15, while a vehicle already set up for radial use may lead you toward HR78-15 or 225/75R15.
What size rim does a 1978 International Scout II use?
The tire sizes used on the 1978 International Scout II all share a 15-inch rim diameter. That includes 225/75R15, H78-15, and HR78-15, so the basic wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizing systems and constructions differ.
Rim diameter is only the first check. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing bias-ply and radial products, because the available tires do not all share the same rim-width specifications. Measuring the actual wheels on the vehicle is worthwhile before choosing between the Scout's different 15-inch tire formats.
Do all 1978 International Scout II sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 1978 International Scout II sub-models share the same overall tire-fitment choices. Terra, Traveler & SSII and Traveltop each use the same three 15-inch size paths: 225/75R15, H78-15, and HR78-15.
That means the sub-model name does not force a different tire size within this group, but it still helps to verify the vehicle's current configuration. Scouts are often changed over time, so checking the wheels already on the truck and deciding whether to stay with bias-ply, alphanumeric radial, or metric radial remains an important step.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is H78-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1978 International Scout II?
H78-15 is the bias-ply fitment among the primary tire sizes used on the 1978 International Scout II. It uses the vintage alphanumeric sizing system and keeps the Scout in a traditional bias-ply construction rather than the radial construction used by HR78-15 and 225/75R15.
That distinction matters because construction changes both the tire's presentation and the way owners typically approach setup. Anyone moving away from H78-15 should confirm wheel width, compare the new size format carefully, and make sure the intended tire still suits the Scout's stance, clearance, and restoration direction before making the switch.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to H78-15?
Radial equivalents for H78-15 include 215R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P225/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P235/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 760R15 as a bias-look radial. Each one gives the 1978 International Scout II a radial alternative to the original alphanumeric bias-ply format.
These options are not identical in sizing convention or profile, so they should be treated as alternatives rather than automatic substitutes. The associated rim-width range is 6-8 inches, and the usual next step is checking wheel width, overall dimensions, and available clearance before selecting one radial path over another.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1978 International Scout II?
That depends on the direction of the vehicle. H78-15 keeps the 1978 International Scout II in a traditional bias-ply construction, while HR78-15 and 225/75R15 keep it in radial form. The choice usually comes down to whether period-style presentation or a radial-based setup is the larger priority.
A restoration-oriented Scout may point toward the older-style construction and sidewall look of a bias-ply tire, while a road-driven truck may lead you toward one of the radial formats. Matching all four tires in size and construction, then confirming wheel compatibility and clearance, is the sensible way to evaluate the change.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1978 International Scout II?
Start with the correct primary fitment path for the vehicle: H78-15, HR78-15, or 225/75R15, all on 15-inch wheels. From there, the main considerations are construction type, sidewall appearance, rim-width compatibility, and whether the Scout is being kept in a more restoration-oriented style or used with a more modern radial setup.
Product differences also matter once the size is settled. Some choices lean toward traditional whitewall presentation, others toward blackwall or utility character, and rim-width ranges vary by product line. Looking at the wheel already on the vehicle and deciding what visual and driving direction you want will narrow the field quickly.
What sidewall styles are available for 1978 International Scout II tires?
The 1978 International Scout II has a broad sidewall spread within its available products. Depending on size and series, choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments, giving the Scout anything from a work-oriented look to a more dressed, restoration-style appearance.
Sidewall style should be chosen after the tire size and construction are settled, not before. A wide whitewall H78-15 creates a very different visual effect than a blackwall bias-ply truck tire or a narrow-whitewall 225/75R15 radial, so the best choice depends on the vehicle's finish, trim, and intended presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 1978 International Scout II?
Brands available for 1978 International Scout II fitments include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, Travelstar, and STA. The mix depends on the tire size, with 225/75R15 carrying the widest brand spread and H78-15 focusing on fewer, more style-specific or truck-oriented choices.
Brand alone should not drive the decision. It is more useful to compare each product by size, construction, sidewall treatment, tire series, and wheel-width suitability for your Scout. That approach keeps the choice grounded in fitment and appearance instead of assuming every tire in the same diameter serves the same purpose.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1978 International Scout II?
A period-style 1978 International Scout II usually starts with deciding whether to keep the older H78-15 bias-ply format or use the HR78-15 alphanumeric radial as a more traditional-looking radial alternative. Both keep the Scout closer to vintage sizing language than a modern metric 225/75R15.
The final choice depends on how strictly the vehicle is being presented and how it will be used. Buyers aiming for stronger vintage character often focus on the alphanumeric sizes first, then compare sidewall treatments carefully. Exact originality questions are best settled with marque-specific references, build history, or restoration documentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1978 International Scout II?
Construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1978 International Scout II; it also changes the visual impression of the vehicle. H78-15 bias-ply keeps a distinctly traditional presentation, while HR78-15 and 225/75R15 introduce radial construction in either vintage alphanumeric or modern metric sizing form.
That means construction choice should be viewed as part of the restoration's overall look, not just as a mechanical decision. Sidewall style also plays a major role, since blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options can shift the Scout's character noticeably even when wheel diameter remains the same at 15 inches.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1978 International Scout II?
Yes. A 1978 International Scout II may share 15-inch tire fitment paths across its covered sub-models, but aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or body alterations can all affect which tire size and construction work cleanly on the vehicle.
The best approach is to inspect the Scout as it sits rather than assuming it still matches a stock wheel and tire package. Wheel width, wheel offset, steering travel, and fender clearance are especially important to verify when moving between H78-15, HR78-15, and 225/75R15 or when considering an H78-15 radial equivalent.
What should I inspect before driving a 1978 International Scout II on new tires?
Before putting a 1978 International Scout II back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are mounted in the intended size and construction, and look over valve stems, lug hardware, and overall inflation. A quick clearance check at full steering lock is also worthwhile.
The rest of the vehicle deserves attention too, especially on a collector-era truck that may not be driven often. Suspension wear, steering play, old shocks, and alignment issues can affect how the new tires behave, and checking for any rubbing after a short test drive can catch setup problems early.
How should tires on a collector 1978 International Scout II be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1978 International Scout II should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear. Because many Scouts spend long periods parked, it is also smart to watch for slow air loss and any flat-spotting or age-related deterioration before road use.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve both radial and bias-ply tires, and periodic movement can reduce long stationary loading. Any Scout returning to service after extended storage should get a careful tire and wheel inspection first.
