The 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 sits squarely in the era of heavy-duty four-wheel-drive pickups built for real work, with the tall stance and rugged chassis that made one-ton Dodge trucks a familiar sight on farms, job sites, and back roads. For this truck, tire selection starts with an important fitment detail: the W300 (DRW) uses bias-ply truck tires in either 750-16 or 800-16.5, depending on the wheel setup. That makes wheel diameter the first thing to confirm, followed by the kind of tread, load-focused construction, and sidewall style that suits the truck’s intended use. A restoration-minded truck and a regularly driven hauler may point toward different choices within those correct sizes.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1980 Dodge Trucks W300
The 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference comes down to wheel diameter rather than cosmetic preference. Both are bias-ply truck fitments, but one is built for a 16-inch rim and the other for a 16.5-inch rim, so confirming the actual wheel on the truck is the first step before comparing tread style, load-oriented construction, or brand options.
In a numeric bias-ply size like 750-16, the 750 represents an approximate 7.50-inch nominal section width and the 16 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On the 1980 Dodge Trucks W300, this is a bias-ply truck fitment that suits traditional heavy-duty use and period-style presentation. Available choices include Firestone, Lester, BFGoodrich, and STA, with blackwall and wide whitewall options as well as truck-oriented series such as Super Traxion, Super Transport, Traxion, Transport Highway, and Firestone Military NDT. This size is the one to evaluate when the truck is equipped with 16-inch wheels and the goal is to match the intended look and use of the vehicle.
In the size 800-16.5, the 800 indicates an approximate 8.00-inch nominal section width, while 16.5 identifies the required rim diameter. For the 1980 Dodge Trucks W300, this is also a bias-ply truck fitment, but it belongs only on a 16.5-inch wheel, which makes wheel confirmation essential before selection. Available choices in this size focus on blackwall truck tires from STA, including Super Transport and Traxion series. This size is the right path to explore when the truck carries 16.5-inch wheels and needs a work-oriented bias-ply tire rather than a restoration-style whitewall presentation.
Fitment is straightforward here because the covered W300 (DRW) sub-model uses the same two primary tire sizes already associated with this truck. The key is not trim identification so much as confirming whether the truck is on 16-inch or 16.5-inch wheels before choosing a tire.
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1980 Dodge Trucks W300 (DRW)
The W300 (DRW) uses bias-ply truck tires in either 750-16 or 800-16.5, so wheel diameter is the deciding fitment detail. Once the wheel size is confirmed, tire selection becomes a matter of matching the truck’s road use, load-focused needs, and preferred appearance within the correct size.
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 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 Tires for Sale
Available W300 tire choices center on 750-16 and 800-16.5 bias-ply truck tires from Firestone, Lester, BFGoodrich, and STA. The product range includes blackwall and wide whitewall styles, along with classic passenger-style and heavier-duty truck series that differ in rim-width specifications, load figures, and overall character.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1980 Dodge Trucks W300, the difference between its 16-inch and 16.5-inch wheel fitments, and how to choose among available bias-ply truck tires for restoration, work, and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1980 Dodge Trucks W300?
The 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 uses two primary tire sizes: 750-16 and 800-16.5. Both are bias-ply fitments, and both are used on the W300 (DRW), so the correct choice depends on which wheels are actually on the truck rather than assuming one size covers every setup.
That difference matters because a 16-inch tire and a 16.5-inch tire are not interchangeable. Start by reading the wheel or the existing tire, then confirm that the replacement matches the rim diameter before comparing tread style, sidewall appearance, load-oriented specifications, or intended use for restoration, hauling, or general driving.
What size rim does a 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 use?
The 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 uses either a 16-inch rim with 750-16 tires or a 16.5-inch rim with 800-16.5 tires. Both wheel diameters appear on this truck, so rim size must be verified before choosing a replacement tire.
This is one of the most important checks on a W300 because the tire size is tied directly to the rim diameter. A truck that has had wheel changes over the years may no longer match its original setup, so measure carefully and confirm wheel width as well before selecting among the available bias-ply truck tires.
Why does the 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 have more than one tire size?
The 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 has more than one tire size because it appears with two different wheel diameters: 16 inches and 16.5 inches. That creates two valid primary tire fitments, 750-16 and 800-16.5, rather than one size being a substitute for the other.
On an older heavy-duty truck, that distinction often reflects the wheel setup currently on the vehicle. The practical takeaway is simple: identify the wheel diameter first, then choose within the correct size by considering whether the truck needs a restoration-oriented look, a highway-oriented truck tread, or a more work-focused bias-ply pattern.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 750-16 tire for a 1980 Dodge Trucks W300?
Choosing a 750-16 tire for a 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 starts with confirming that the truck actually has 16-inch wheels. After that, the decision shifts to intended use, since this size is available in classic bias-ply lines as well as heavier-duty truck and military-style patterns, with blackwall and wide whitewall options.
A restoration-oriented truck may lean toward a traditional sidewall presentation, while a work-focused W300 may call for a more utilitarian tread and load-capable specification. It also helps to compare rim-width range, tire weight, and any stated maximum load figure at the listed pressure so the tire matches how the truck will be used.
What sidewall styles are available for 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 tires?
Tires for the 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 are available in blackwall and wide whitewall styles. The broader appearance choice shows up primarily in the 750-16 size, while the 800-16.5 options focus on blackwall truck tires.
That makes sidewall style part of the visual direction for the truck, not just a cosmetic detail. A wide whitewall can suit a restoration-oriented or period-style build, while blackwall tires generally give the W300 a more work-truck presentation. Once the correct size and rim diameter are confirmed, sidewall choice becomes an easy way to refine the truck’s overall look.
What brands offer tires for the 1980 Dodge Trucks W300?
The 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 has tire options from Firestone, Lester, BFGoodrich, and STA, depending on the size. The 750-16 fitment has the broadest brand coverage, while 800-16.5 choices are centered on STA truck tires.
Brand choice is only one part of the decision. It should be weighed alongside the correct tire size, wheel diameter, sidewall style, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and the truck’s intended use. For many W300 owners, the real comparison is between a more traditional visual style and a more utilitarian truck-tire character within the proper size.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1980 Dodge Trucks W300?
A period-style 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 starts with the correct primary size for the wheels on the truck, either 750-16 or 800-16.5, and both are bias-ply fitments. From there, the most restoration-oriented choice usually comes from selecting a tire whose construction, sidewall style, and overall character suit the truck’s original working era.
For a cleaner vintage presentation, 750-16 offers the widest visual range, including blackwall and wide whitewall choices as well as classic bias-ply series. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, compare the truck against marque references, old photos, or build documentation so appearance decisions are guided by the specific vehicle rather than by size alone.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1980 Dodge Trucks W300?
Tire construction has a strong effect on the look of a restored 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 because the truck’s primary fitments are bias-ply sizes. Bias-ply tires carry the traditional proportions and visual character most buyers expect to see on a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive pickup from this period.
Appearance is shaped by more than size alone, though. Sidewall treatment, tread style, and the difference between a passenger-style whitewall presentation and a truck-oriented blackwall pattern can change the truck’s personality noticeably. On a restoration-minded W300, construction and sidewall choice should work together so the tire looks appropriate for the truck’s era and purpose.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1980 Dodge Trucks W300?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, suspension work, ride-height changes, or brake updates can all alter the space available for a 750-16 or 800-16.5 tire.
That means a truck that has been changed over time deserves a careful check before replacement tires are chosen. Verify the actual rim diameter and width, then look at steering travel, fender and inner-body clearance, and dual-wheel spacing if applicable. Those checks matter more on an older working truck than assuming the current setup is unchanged.
What should I inspect before driving a 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 on new tires?
Before driving a 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and sound condition, then look over valve stems, lug hardware, and overall wheel fit. The suspension, steering, and brakes should also be in good order so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn components.
Tire condition checks should continue after installation. Confirm inflation pressure appropriate to the tire and vehicle use, watch for any rubbing or uneven wear, and recheck for air loss after the first miles. On an older truck that may sit for long periods, it is also smart to inspect regularly for cracks, cuts, bulges, and age-related deterioration.
How should 750-16 and 800-16.5 tires on a collector 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 be maintained?
Collector-use 750-16 and 800-16.5 tires on a 1980 Dodge Trucks W300 should be kept properly inflated, visually inspected often, and driven enough to catch issues before they become serious. Heavy-duty bias-ply truck tires can look serviceable for a long time, so condition matters more than assuming low mileage means the tires are ready for road use.
A good routine includes checking tread and sidewalls for cracks, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, along with monitoring air retention during storage. It also helps to keep the truck out of prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources when possible. Before any longer drive, inspect the spare and confirm that all mounted tires still match the truck’s wheel setup.
