The 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 came from a period when full-size vans served everything from commercial hauling to family travel, and that broad mission shows up clearly in its tire fitment. On this model, tire choice is tied closely to configuration, with 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 bias-ply truck tires appearing on some Voyager and Voyager Maxi versions, while certain Voyager Maxi applications use a 235/75R15 radial. That means the decision is not just brand or sidewall style, but also wheel diameter, construction type, and intended look. A restoration-minded van, a work-oriented survivor, and a road-use cruiser can all point toward different tire choices within the correct fitment.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350
Three primary tire sizes apply to the 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350, and they do not all fit the same configurations. Fitment varies by sub-model and by chassis rating, with both 16.5-inch bias-ply truck tires and a 15-inch radial fitment used across the range. The first step is confirming the exact Voyager or Voyager Maxi configuration and verifying the wheel diameter already on the van before comparing tire style, construction, or brand options.
In 800-16.5, the 800 identifies a nominal 8.00-inch section width in vintage numeric bias-ply sizing, while 16.5 is the rim diameter. This is a bias-ply truck tire fitment used on certain 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 configurations, giving the van a traditional heavy-duty tire presentation tied to its original-era commercial character. Available choices in this size include STA blackwall tires in the Super Transport and Traxion series. It is the right size to evaluate when your van is one of the PB350 versions equipped with 16.5-inch wheels and the narrower of the two numeric bias-ply fitments.
In 875-16.5, the 875 represents a nominal 8.75-inch section width in the older numeric bias-ply system, paired with a 16.5-inch rim. This is also a bias-ply truck tire fitment for certain 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 sub-models, and it sits within the same vintage truck-tire tradition as the 800-16.5 size. Product choices include STA blackwall tires in the Traxion and Transport Highway series. This size matters when the van uses the wider 16.5-inch bias-ply fitment, so wheel diameter and exact sub-model details should be confirmed before treating it as interchangeable with the smaller numeric size.
The 235/75R15 size uses modern metric radial sizing: 235 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350, this radial fitment appears on certain Voyager Maxi configurations and brings a different wheel diameter than the 16.5-inch bias-ply sizes. This size has the broadest visible product variety, including BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar, with raised white letter, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options. It is the size to consider when the van is equipped with 15-inch wheels and the goal is to balance correct fitment with appearance and road-use priorities.
Sub-model fitment on the 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 varies by Voyager or Voyager Maxi configuration, front axle rating, and GVWR. Checking the exact sub-model matters because the van may use either a 15-inch radial or one of two 16.5-inch bias-ply truck sizes, and those are not choices to sort out by appearance alone.
This Voyager configuration uses the 800-16.5 bias-ply fitment. Tire selection here centers on retaining the correct 16.5-inch numeric truck size and choosing between the available blackwall STA series based on how the van will be presented and driven.
This Voyager version steps up to the 875-16.5 bias-ply size. That makes wheel diameter and exact chassis rating important, since the buyer should compare the available blackwall truck-tire options within 875-16.5 rather than assume the smaller numeric size is appropriate.
This Voyager configuration also uses the 800-16.5 bias-ply fitment. The practical decision is choosing a period-style 16.5-inch truck tire within that size and confirming the van still carries the correct wheel setup before replacement.
This Voyager setup uses 875-16.5 bias-ply tires. Selection is straightforward once the sub-model and wheel diameter are confirmed, with the main comparison being which available STA truck series best matches the van's intended use and traditional appearance.
This Voyager Maxi application uses the 235/75R15 radial size rather than a 16.5-inch bias-ply truck tire. That opens the door to a wider range of brands and sidewall presentations, so the decision shifts toward appearance, rim-width compatibility, and intended road use.
This Voyager Maxi configuration uses 800-16.5 bias-ply tires. A buyer should stay focused on the 16.5-inch wheel requirement and compare the available blackwall truck-tire series in that numeric size rather than cross-shopping the radial 15-inch fitment.
This Voyager Maxi version uses the wider 875-16.5 bias-ply truck size. Tire choice is mainly about selecting the correct numeric fitment on the proper 16.5-inch wheel and then deciding which available truck-oriented series best suits the van's use.
This Voyager Maxi application uses 235/75R15 radial tires. With that fitment, the buyer can compare brands, whitewall treatments, and raised white letter styling while still confirming the van remains on the correct 15-inch wheel setup.
This Voyager Maxi configuration returns to the 800-16.5 bias-ply fitment. The key is keeping the selection within the proper 16.5-inch numeric truck size and verifying that wheel and tire hardware have not been changed over the years.
This Voyager Maxi version uses 875-16.5 bias-ply tires. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the buyer can compare the available STA blackwall truck tires in that size and keep the focus on correct wheel diameter and load-oriented 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 Plymouth Vans PB350 Tires for Sale
Available 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 tires split clearly by fitment: STA bias-ply blackwall truck tires in 800-16.5 and 875-16.5, plus a much broader 235/75R15 radial selection from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar with raised white letter, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles.
The most important 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 tire questions center on identifying the exact sub-model, confirming 15-inch versus 16.5-inch wheels, and deciding between traditional bias-ply truck fitments and the radial choices used on certain Voyager Maxi versions.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350?
The 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 uses three different primary tire sizes: 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 235/75R15. The two 16.5-inch sizes are bias-ply truck fitments, while 235/75R15 is a radial fitment used on certain Voyager Maxi configurations.
That means the correct answer depends on the exact Voyager or Voyager Maxi sub-model, along with its front axle rating and GVWR. Start by confirming the configuration on the van, then verify whether it has 15-inch or 16.5-inch wheels before comparing tread style, brand, or sidewall appearance.
What size rim does a 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 use?
A 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 can use either a 16.5-inch rim or a 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 bias-ply sizes belong on 16.5-inch wheels, while the 235/75R15 radial fitment uses a 15-inch wheel.
Rim diameter is the first thing to verify because these tire sizes are not interchangeable across 15-inch and 16.5-inch wheels. A van that has been in service for decades may have had wheel changes, so checking the wheel itself is more reliable than choosing by appearance alone.
Why does the 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 have more than one tire size?
The 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 covers several Voyager and Voyager Maxi configurations, and those versions do not all use the same chassis setup. Some use 800-16.5 bias-ply tires, others use 875-16.5 bias-ply tires, and certain Voyager Maxi applications use 235/75R15 radial tires.
The practical reason for the variation is that the van line spans different front axle ratings and GVWR classifications. Instead of treating the PB350 as one universal fitment, match the tire size to the exact sub-model and confirm the wheel diameter before narrowing the choice to a specific tire.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350?
Start with the exact tire size and wheel diameter required by the van's sub-model. On a 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350, that may mean a 16.5-inch bias-ply truck tire in 800-16.5 or 875-16.5, or a 15-inch radial in 235/75R15.
After size is confirmed, compare construction, intended use, sidewall presentation, and wheel-width compatibility. A restoration-oriented van may lean toward a traditional blackwall truck tire, while a 235/75R15 application offers more variety in whitewall or raised white letter styling for a different visual and road-use goal.
What sidewall styles are available for 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 tires?
Sidewall choices depend on the tire size used on the van. The 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 bias-ply truck sizes are available as blackwalls, while 235/75R15 radial options include raised white letter, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles.
That gives the 15-inch radial fitment a much broader appearance range, from utility-minded lettering to more traditional whitewall presentations. The 16.5-inch bias-ply options stay closer to a straightforward truck look, so the first step is confirming which wheel and tire size the specific PB350 configuration uses.
What brands offer tires for the 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350?
Brand choice depends on the size your 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 uses. The 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 bias-ply truck sizes are available from STA, while 235/75R15 radial options include BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar.
That means the widest brand comparison happens on Voyager Maxi applications using the 15-inch radial fitment. Once the correct size is established, compare each brand's sidewall treatment, tire series, rim-width specification, and load-related details instead of assuming every tire in the broader PB350 range belongs on the same van.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350?
A period-style choice starts with the tire size and construction that belong on the exact 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 configuration. Many PB350 applications use 800-16.5 or 875-16.5 bias-ply blackwall truck tires, while certain Voyager Maxi versions use 235/75R15 radial tires.
That makes correct fitment more important than chasing a universal vintage look. For a restoration-minded result, match the van's wheel diameter and sub-model first, then select the tire series and sidewall treatment that best support the way the vehicle is being preserved, shown, or driven.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 as much as it changes the fitment path. The van's 16.5-inch applications use bias-ply blackwall truck tires, while the 15-inch fitment uses radial tires that are available in whitewall and raised white letter styles.
A bias-ply truck tire usually keeps the van closer to a straightforward work-van presentation, while a radial with whitewall or lettered sidewall can shift the look noticeably. Appearance goals should be balanced with the actual wheel setup on the van so the final choice stays grounded in correct fitment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350?
Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350. Wheel swaps, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body modifications can affect which tire size clears properly, especially on a van that may already vary between 15-inch radial and 16.5-inch bias-ply applications.
That is why the tire decision should start with the wheels currently on the van rather than the nameplate alone. Check wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at the fenders and steering components before moving from one PB350 tire setup to another.
What should I inspect before driving a 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 on new tires?
Before driving a 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and general clearance around the tires. It also makes sense to look at suspension condition, steering components, and brake hardware on a vehicle that may have seen years of use or storage.
A short road test should follow, with attention to air pressure, rubbing, vibration, and any pull that suggests the setup needs another look. On an older full-size van, confirming that the tire size matches both the wheels and the vehicle's current condition is just as important as the new tires themselves.
How should tires on a collector 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1981 Plymouth Vans PB350 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly, and protected from long periods of heat, sunlight, and moisture. Sidewalls and tread should be checked for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of air loss, especially on a van that is driven only occasionally.
Low-use vehicles can age their tires long before tread looks worn, so maintenance is not just about mileage. Moving the van periodically, keeping it clean, and checking the spare and road tires before a longer trip help preserve both safety and the fitment investment.
