The 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 sits in the era when Dodge pickups were expected to handle real work, with GVWR differences playing a direct role in tire selection. These trucks appeal to owners who still use them as honest haulers, preserve them as square-body workhorses, or restore them with a purposeful factory-era stance. Tire fitment on the 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 spans five primary sizes on 16.5-inch rims, with both bias-ply and radial applications depending on configuration. Available choices lean toward traditional blackwall truck tires in STA series such as Super Transport, Traxion, and Transport Highway. The key is confirming the truck's GVWR setup first, then choosing the construction and tread style that best match appearance, load duty, and road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1981 Dodge Trucks D250
Five primary tire sizes apply to the 1981 Dodge Trucks D250, and they vary by GVWR and construction type rather than by different wheel diameters. Every fitment here uses a 16.5-inch rim, so the first step is identifying the truck's exact GVWR configuration. Once that is settled, the real decision becomes selecting the proper bias-ply or radial size and then comparing the available truck-oriented tire series within that fitment.
The 800-16.5 size uses an older numeric truck format in which 8.00 refers to nominal section width and 16.5 identifies the wheel diameter. It is a bias-ply tire choice for the D250 and suits buyers who want a traditional heavy-duty truck construction on the correct rim diameter. In this size, STA offers blackwall options in the Super Transport and Traxion series, both carrying a work-truck character. This size is worth considering when the truck's specific GVWR fitment calls for it and a period-style bias-ply presentation is part of the goal.
The 875-16.5 designation follows the same vintage numeric bias-ply system, with 8.75 indicating nominal width and 16.5 indicating rim diameter. For the 1981 Dodge Trucks D250, this is a bias-ply fitment used on more than one GVWR configuration, making it one of the more widely shared sizes within the model line. Available blackwall STA choices include the Traxion and Transport Highway series, giving owners a choice between different truck tire personalities. It is a useful fitment to evaluate when keeping a traditional construction and confirming the truck's original load-focused setup.
The 8.75R16.5 size uses a radial construction format, with 8.75 representing nominal section width, the R indicating radial build, and 16.5 identifying wheel diameter. On the 1981 Dodge Trucks D250, this size matters because it introduces a radial primary fitment for the appropriate GVWR configuration rather than a bias-ply replacement choice. It serves buyers who are matching a truck originally equipped around this radial sizing approach on a 16.5-inch wheel. Selecting it starts with confirming the exact D250 configuration, since not every sub-model within this year uses a radial primary tire.
The 950-16.5 code is another vintage numeric bias-ply truck size, with 9.50 denoting nominal section width and 16.5 denoting rim diameter. It appears on heavier D250 configurations and remains relevant for owners who want the traditional bias-ply look and load-oriented truck construction associated with these workhorse applications. STA offers blackwall choices in both Traxion and Super Transport, and both carry a stated maximum load capacity of 2780 at 60 psi. This size deserves close attention on heavier trucks where confirming wheel width and intended use matters as much as preserving the right visual stance.
The 9.50R16.5 designation identifies a radial truck tire with a nominal 9.50-inch section width and a 16.5-inch rim requirement. For the 1981 Dodge Trucks D250, this is tied to the heavy-duty GVWR application and should be treated as a configuration-specific primary size rather than a broad substitute across the whole model line. Its importance is less about appearance choices and more about matching the truck's original-type radial fitment on the proper wheel diameter. It is the size to evaluate when the truck is a Heavy Duty configuration and the owner wants to stay aligned with that radial setup.
Tire fitment on the 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 changes with GVWR, so the exact sub-model matters before any tire is selected. All of the covered configurations use 16.5-inch rims, but the size range and bias-ply versus radial choice differ across the lineup.
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1981 Dodge Trucks D250 (GVWR 6400)
The 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 (GVWR 6400) uses bias-ply tire fitments, with the selection centered on narrower 16.5-inch truck sizes. That makes the decision primarily about confirming which of its two bias-ply sizes belongs on the truck, then choosing between available blackwall STA series.
The 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 (GVWR 7500) has the broadest fitment spread, covering both bias-ply and radial primary tire sizes on 16.5-inch rims. Tire selection here depends on matching the truck to the correct configuration first, then deciding whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply setup or the proper radial application.
The 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 Heavy Duty (GVWR 8510) uses the larger heavy-duty tire fitments in this group, with both a bias-ply and a radial option tied to its 16.5-inch wheels. That makes wheel-width confirmation and intended load use especially important before choosing between a traditional truck tire look and the radial primary fitment.
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 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 Tires for Sale
Available 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 tire choices focus on STA truck tires in blackwall form, with series including Super Transport, Traxion, and Transport Highway. Across the bias-ply sizes, buyers can compare construction, tread-oriented series differences, load figures where stated, and rim-width compatibility on the heavier 950-16.5 fitments.
Common 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 tire questions usually come down to GVWR-based size selection, 16.5-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial applications, and how to choose among the available STA truck tire series for work, restoration, or regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1981 Dodge Trucks D250?
The 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 uses five primary tire sizes: 800-16.5, 875-16.5, 8.75R16.5, 950-16.5, and 9.50R16.5. The correct size depends on the truck's GVWR configuration. Some applications use bias-ply construction, while others use a radial primary fitment, so tire selection is tied to more than just section width.
The most important first step is confirming whether the truck is the GVWR 6400, GVWR 7500, or Heavy Duty GVWR 8510 version. Once that is clear, the correct size and construction become much easier to narrow down. A truck that has had wheel or suspension changes should also be checked carefully before assuming its current setup still matches the original fitment.
What size rim does a 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 use?
The covered tire fitments for the 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 all use a 16.5-inch rim diameter. That applies across the bias-ply sizes 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5, as well as the radial sizes 8.75R16.5 and 9.50R16.5. Rim diameter stays consistent even though tire width and construction vary by configuration.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so the wheel's actual width still matters, especially on the heavier truck sizes. If the D250 has aftermarket wheels, verify both the 16.5-inch diameter and the wheel width before selecting tires. That check helps avoid choosing a tire that matches the diameter but does not suit the wheel or truck setup properly.
Do all 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 does not use one shared tire size across all sub-models. The GVWR 6400 version uses 800-16.5 or 875-16.5 bias-ply sizes, the GVWR 7500 version uses 8.75R16.5, 875-16.5, or 950-16.5, and the Heavy Duty GVWR 8510 version uses 9.50R16.5 or 950-16.5.
That variation means the truck's exact rating matters before comparing brands or tread styles. Two D250s from the same year can require different sizes even though both use 16.5-inch wheels. Checking the truck's configuration first prevents ordering a tire that belongs to a different load class or construction setup within the same model family.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1981 Dodge Trucks D250?
A 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 can use either bias-ply or radial tires, but the correct choice depends on the truck's specific primary fitment. Bias-ply sizes include 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5, while radial primary sizes include 8.75R16.5 and 9.50R16.5. The construction should match the truck's configuration rather than being treated as a universal preference.
Owners focused on a traditional work-truck look often stay with the proper bias-ply fitment, while trucks built around a radial size should keep that sizing approach. The decision should also account for wheel width, load needs, and any past modifications. A D250 with replacement wheels may still use a 16.5-inch rim but not necessarily the same width or fitment assumptions as stock.
Is 875-16.5 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1981 Dodge Trucks D250?
On the 1981 Dodge Trucks D250, 875-16.5 is a bias-ply tire size. It appears on both the GVWR 6400 and GVWR 7500 configurations and uses the older numeric truck sizing format. That distinguishes it from the radial primary size 8.75R16.5, even though the nominal width figures are similar at a glance.
That difference matters because the dash-format size and the R-format size are not the same construction. A buyer comparing 875-16.5 and 8.75R16.5 should verify the truck's actual fitment before choosing. Matching the proper construction helps preserve the intended look and setup, and it avoids treating a similarly written size as automatically interchangeable.
What should I check before converting my 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming that the truck's correct primary fitment is actually a bias-ply size and not one of the radial applications already used on certain D250 configurations. Then verify the wheel diameter, the wheel width, and the intended load use. A construction change should be approached as a fitment decision, not just a tread or appearance change.
The truck should also be checked for steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and any non-stock wheels or ride-height changes. Those factors become especially important on older pickups that may have seen decades of repairs or modifications. Converting construction without confirming the full setup can create issues even when the tire seems close in nominal size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 950-16.5 tire for a 1981 Dodge Trucks D250?
A 950-16.5 tire for the 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 should first be matched to the correct heavier-duty configuration that uses this bias-ply size. In available STA offerings, the main choices are the Traxion and Super Transport series, both in blackwall form. Each also carries a stated maximum load capacity of 2780 at 60 psi.
Selection then comes down to how the truck will be used and whether the owner wants a more traditional truck-tire presentation or a particular tread-oriented series character. Wheel width matters here as well, since 950-16.5 products are paired with 6.50- to 6.75-inch rim widths. That makes it smart to verify the actual wheel before finalizing the tire choice.
What brands offer tires for the 1981 Dodge Trucks D250?
STA is the brand offered across the available tire fitments for the 1981 Dodge Trucks D250. Within that brand, the product range spans several truck-oriented series, including Super Transport, Traxion, and Transport Highway. Those choices cover multiple bias-ply sizes used on the D250's 16.5-inch wheel applications.
Since the brand selection is narrow, the real comparison is less about one manufacturer versus another and more about choosing the right size, construction, and series for the truck's configuration. Looking at tread character, stated load figures where available, and rim-width compatibility will usually tell the buyer more than the brand name alone on this particular application.
What tire series are available for the 1981 Dodge Trucks D250?
The available tire series for the 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 include STA Super Transport, STA Traxion, and STA Transport Highway. These series appear across the bias-ply fitments in 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5. All are blackwall truck tires, but they give owners different series-level choices within the correct vintage-size framework.
Choosing between series makes the most sense after the exact tire size has been confirmed from the truck's GVWR setup. From there, compare whether the truck is being restored for period-style appearance, kept for general road use, or maintained as a more work-focused pickup. The right series is the one that supports the correct fitment first and the truck's intended role second.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1981 Dodge Trucks D250?
A period-style 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 usually starts with the truck's correct primary size and construction, then stays within the traditional blackwall truck-tire presentation offered in the available fitments. For bias-ply applications, sizes such as 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5 keep the vintage numeric format that suits the truck's early-1980s work-truck character.
The best restoration-oriented choice depends on the exact GVWR version and whether the goal is preserved originality of type, visual authenticity, or road use with the proper configuration. A truck being restored to a highly exact standard should be checked against marque-specific historical references as well. Tire size and construction set the tone long before smaller styling details do.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 restoration because size, construction, and sidewall presentation all affect the truck's stance and overall character. This model does not use one universal tire across every configuration, so a restoration that ignores GVWR-based fitment can end up looking or sitting wrong even on the correct 16.5-inch wheel diameter.
Restoration-minded buyers should start by matching the truck to its proper size range, then compare series and construction with the intended outcome in mind. Bias-ply fitments generally support a more traditional look, while the radial primary sizes belong to specific configurations. Getting that foundation right helps the truck look coherent before any judging-standard details are even considered.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1981 Dodge Trucks D250?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 even when the truck still uses 16.5-inch wheels. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, ride height, springs, or suspension components can alter how a tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance it has during steering or under load.
That matters because this D250 already has several legitimate size paths depending on GVWR, so a modified truck should never be judged by year and model alone. A quick check of wheel measurements and visible clearance can prevent a mismatch. Trucks with decades of use often carry replacement parts that changed the fitment picture without changing the badge on the fender.
What should I inspect before driving a 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 on new tires?
Before driving a 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tire size matches the truck's configuration, and look over valve stems, lug hardware, and visible suspension components. It is also smart to verify inflation and make sure there is no rubbing at the fender or steering stops.
Older trucks often reveal small fitment issues only after the tires are mounted, especially if the wheels are not original to the vehicle. A short low-speed check can confirm clearance, steering feel, and any signs of interference. After the first drive, recheck pressure and look for scuffing or unusual contact marks that suggest the setup needs attention.
How should 16.5-inch tires on a collector 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 be maintained?
16.5-inch tires on a collector 1981 Dodge Trucks D250 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, and protected from long periods of harsh sunlight or damp storage. A truck that is driven only occasionally still needs routine tire attention because age and storage conditions matter as much as mileage.
Maintenance also includes watching how the tires sit on the wheels and making sure the truck is not developing clearance issues from sagging springs or worn steering parts. An older pickup can spend months parked and still develop tire problems. Regular visual checks and occasional movement help catch age-related issues before a longer road outing.
