1979 Plymouth Trailduster Tires

A 1979 Plymouth Trailduster can use FR78-15, HR78-15, LR78-15, 700-15, or L78-15, depending on the specific GVWR version. The 2 & 4 Wheel Drive (GVWR 4800) configuration uses the radial FR78-15, HR78-15, and LR78-15 family, while the 2 & 4 Wheel Drive (GVWR 6050) configuration uses 700-15 and L78-15 bias-ply sizes.

The practical first step is confirming which GVWR grouping the vehicle belongs to, because that determines both the correct tire size family and the original construction type. Once that is settled, check the actual wheel and existing tire markings on the vehicle, especially if it has been modified or previously retired from stock service use.

The covered tire fitments for the 1979 Plymouth Trailduster use a 15-inch rim diameter. That applies across the radial FR78-15, HR78-15, and LR78-15 sizes as well as the bias-ply 700-15 and L78-15 applications, so wheel diameter stays consistent even though the size families and constructions differ.

Rim diameter is only one part of fitment, so it is still worth checking wheel width before choosing a tire, especially when comparing truck-style bias-ply tires with radial alternatives. A Trailduster with replacement wheels, older service wheels, or past suspension changes may still need a closer wheel-by-wheel inspection before final selection.

More than one tire size appears on the 1979 Plymouth Trailduster because the fitment changes by GVWR grouping. The 4800-rated 2 & 4 Wheel Drive version uses radial alphanumeric sizes, while the 6050-rated 2 & 4 Wheel Drive version uses bias-ply sizes in 700-15 and L78-15, all on 15-inch wheels.

That means tire selection should begin with the vehicle's exact configuration rather than the model name alone. Owners who have inherited a truck with replacement wheels or mixed old tires should verify the door information, current wheel setup, and the size already installed so the next set matches the intended use and appearance.

A 1979 Plymouth Trailduster can fall into either camp depending on the configuration. The GVWR 4800 version uses primary radial sizes such as FR78-15, HR78-15, and LR78-15, while the GVWR 6050 version uses primary bias-ply sizes such as 700-15 and L78-15. The right starting point is keeping the size and construction family that matches the specific Trailduster version.

From there, the decision usually comes down to how the vehicle is used and how traditional the owner wants it to look and feel. A restoration-oriented truck may stay with bias-ply sizing, while a driver evaluating an L78-15 setup may consider radial equivalents after checking wheel width, clearance, and overall compatibility with the current vehicle setup.

Radial equivalents for L78-15 include 235R15, P235/75R15, P255/70R15, and 820R15. In that group, 235R15 is the 80-series metric radial option, P235/75R15 is the 75-series P-metric radial, P255/70R15 is the 70-series P-metric radial, and 820R15 is the bias-look radial alternative.

Those choices give different sizing conventions and a different visual character, rather than one automatic swap for every truck. The recommended rim-width range tied to the L78-15 equivalents is 6 to 8 inches, and a careful conversion also calls for checking the actual wheel, tire clearance, and how closely the replacement suits the vehicle's intended use.

A bias-look radial can be part of the conversation for a 1979 Plymouth Trailduster when the vehicle is using the L78-15 size family. The radial equivalent in that case is 820R15, which is described as a bias-look radial and gives an alternative to conventional metric-style radial sizing.

That type of tire can appeal to owners who want a more traditional appearance while moving away from a true bias-ply construction. It still should not be treated as automatic interchangeability, so the wheel width, overall vehicle setup, and available clearance deserve the same careful inspection that any bias-to-radial conversion would require.

Start with the exact fitment group, because a 1979 Plymouth Trailduster may need a radial FR78-15, HR78-15, or LR78-15 setup or a bias-ply 700-15 or L78-15 setup. After the size is confirmed, compare construction type, sidewall style, tire series, and whether the vehicle is being set up for restoration-minded presentation, utility use, or regular collector driving.

Product details matter most after the size is settled. Rim-width compatibility, load figures where given, and the difference between passenger-style and truck-oriented tread lines can all influence the final choice. A Trailduster with original-style steel wheels may call for one approach, while a modified truck may need closer wheel and clearance verification first.

Available sidewall styles for 1979 Plymouth Trailduster tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and dual-white-stripe, depending on the size selected. The LR78-15 radial product carries a narrow whitewall, while 700-15 and L78-15 bias-ply options add blackwall truck tires as well as several whitewall variations.

That gives the Trailduster owner room to shape the truck's presentation without changing the basic fitment category. Blackwall options usually suit a more utility-minded or truck-style appearance, while whitewall treatments lean toward a more dressed period look. Matching the sidewall to the truck's finish, trim level, and intended personality often matters as much as the size itself.

Tires for the 1979 Plymouth Trailduster are available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, STA, and Coker Classic, depending on the size. Those brands appear across several fitment directions, including classic passenger-style bias-ply tires, military and truck-oriented blackwall options, and a Firestone LR78-15 bias-look radial with a narrow whitewall.

Brand choice should be weighed alongside the tire's actual purpose rather than as a stand-alone decision. Some options emphasize a cleaner collector look, while others are clearly aimed at truck duty and more rugged visual character. Once the correct size is confirmed, comparing series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width suitability usually narrows the field more effectively than brand alone.

A period-style 1979 Plymouth Trailduster starts with the correct size family for the truck's GVWR version. That could mean radial FR78-15, HR78-15, or LR78-15 sizing for the 4800-rated configuration, or bias-ply 700-15 and L78-15 sizing for the 6050-rated configuration. Keeping the proper vintage size format does more for authenticity of appearance than jumping straight to a modern-looking substitute.

After that, the choice turns to visual character. Blackwalls give a more work-truck or utility presentation, while whitewall treatments create a more dressed late-1970s look. Owners pursuing exact originality should compare tire style against marque references, original literature, or historical photos, especially before settling on a stripe or whitewall treatment for a detailed restoration.

Tire construction changes more than ride and handling on a restored 1979 Plymouth Trailduster; it also changes the visual impression. A true bias-ply tire presents the truck in a more traditional way on the 700-15 and L78-15 fitments, while the radial FR78-15, HR78-15, and LR78-15 family reflects the late-1970s shift toward radial sizing.

That distinction matters because a restoration can lean toward rugged utility, late-1970s road use, or a more polished collector look. A bias-look radial such as 820R15, where applicable to the L78-15 size family, can bridge some of that visual gap. The best choice depends on whether the priority is historical presentation, driving preference, or a compromise between the two.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Plymouth Trailduster even when the nominal size appears correct. Replacement wheels, changed wheel widths, altered ride height, suspension work, or body modifications can all influence whether a tire clears properly and whether the chosen construction still suits the truck's current setup.

That is especially important on a vehicle that may have lived a long working life and changed hands several times. A careful look at wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender or suspension space can prevent surprises. Matching a tire to the vehicle as it sits today is more useful than assuming every Trailduster still carries its original wheel package.

Before driving a 1979 Plymouth Trailduster on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and usable condition, confirm the lug hardware is appropriate, and make sure the tires are inflated properly for installation and initial checks. It is also smart to look over steering components, suspension wear points, and brake condition on a collector-era truck.

A short, careful road test should follow with attention to rubbing, pull, vibration, and any contact at full steering lock. Older utility vehicles can hide issues that only show up once fresh tires are installed. Rechecking air pressure and visual clearance after the first drive helps confirm that the truck, wheels, and tire choice are all working together properly.

Tires on a collector 1979 Plymouth Trailduster should be checked regularly for air loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of aging from long storage. That applies whether the truck carries radial or bias-ply tires, because low annual mileage does not prevent deterioration and can sometimes hide it until the vehicle returns to regular road use.

Storage conditions matter just as much as miles driven. Keeping the Trailduster away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. A truck that sits for long periods also benefits from periodic inspections of wheel condition and inflation so the next outing does not begin with an avoidable fitment or safety problem.