The 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 sits in the era when three-quarter-ton 4x4 pickups were expected to work hard, carry weight, and handle rough weather without giving up the straightforward character that makes vintage trucks so appealing today. For this exact W250, tire fitment spans both modern radial sizes and a traditional 750-16 bias-ply option, all on 16-inch wheels. That gives owners a real choice between truck-oriented radial fitment and a more traditional bias-ply presentation, with available options ranging from raised white letter all-terrain styling to blackwall and wide whitewall bias-ply designs. The right selection depends on the truck's GVWR package, intended use, wheel setup, and how original or purpose-built the finished truck needs to look.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Dodge Trucks W250
The 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the truck's exact GVWR package or Snow Package configuration. All of these fitments use a 16-inch rim, but they differ by construction and overall tire type, so the first step is confirming the specific sub-model and checking which wheel setup is actually on the truck before comparing tire choices.
215/85R16 is a metric radial size in which 215 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 85 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1986 Dodge Trucks W250, this is a modern radial fitment suited to trucks that use this narrower 16-inch setup. It appears as a practical truck tire size rather than a restoration-style bias-ply choice, so the decision centers more on correct sub-model match and wheel compatibility than on sidewall variety. It is worth checking the actual wheel width and truck configuration before settling on this size.
Fit(s): (GVWR 6900), (GVWR 7500), Heavy Duty (GVWR 8510), and Heavy Duty (GVWR 8510) w/Snow Pkg.
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
235/85R16 is also a metric radial size, with a 235-millimeter nominal section width, an 85-series profile, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. For the 1986 Dodge Trucks W250, this size is especially important on heavier-duty and certain higher-GVWR versions, where confirming the exact truck package matters before tire selection. Available product choice in this size includes a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letters, giving it a distinctly truck-focused appearance. This size is a strong fitment point for owners prioritizing radial construction and utility-oriented road use.
750-16 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 7.50 refers to nominal section width in inches and 16 identifies the rim diameter. On the 1986 Dodge Trucks W250, it represents the traditional bias-ply fitment path and gives the truck a more vintage work-truck character than the modern radial sizes. Product choice is broad here, with Firestone, Lester, BFGoodrich, and STA offerings across blackwall and wide whitewall styles, plus several truck and military-oriented series. This size makes the most sense when period-style appearance, traditional construction, or a specialty truck presentation is part of the goal.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 because not every GVWR or Snow Package version uses the same tire size. Some configurations allow multiple fitment paths, while others narrow the choice to one radial size, so identifying the exact truck version should come before comparing products.
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1986 Dodge Trucks W250 (GVWR 6900)
The 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 (GVWR 6900) can use 215/85R16 radial, 235/85R16 radial, or 750-16 bias-ply tires on 16-inch wheels. That gives this version the widest choice, making wheel setup, intended use, and preference for modern radial function or traditional bias-ply appearance especially important.
The 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 (GVWR 7500) also spans 215/85R16 radial, 235/85R16 radial, and 750-16 bias-ply fitments. Tire selection here is less about whether options exist and more about confirming which wheel and tire combination is actually on the truck before choosing a replacement style.
The 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 Heavy Duty (GVWR 8510) uses 235/85R16 radial fitment rather than the full mix of W250 sizes. That keeps the selection more focused and makes radial product choice, rim-width compatibility, and truck-use priorities more relevant than construction conversion decisions.
1986 Dodge Trucks W250 Heavy Duty (GVWR 8510) w/Snow Pkg.
The 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 Heavy Duty (GVWR 8510) w/Snow Pkg. also uses 235/85R16 radial tires. For this version, the main task is confirming the truck still carries the expected 16-inch wheel setup and then choosing a tire that suits weather use, load expectations, and overall presentation.
The 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 w/Snow Pkg. uses 215/85R16 radial tires rather than the broader range seen on some other W250 versions. That makes the fitment decision straightforward, with attention shifting to wheel compatibility and making sure the truck has not been changed to a different size over time.
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 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 Tires for Sale
Available 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 tire choices are concentrated in 235/85R16 and 750-16, with BFGoodrich radial truck fitment and a wide spread of bias-ply options from Firestone, Lester, BFGoodrich, and STA. Sidewall treatments include raised white letter, blackwall, and wide whitewall, with several classic truck and military-style series in 750-16.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1986 Dodge Trucks W250, how sub-model fitment changes by GVWR and Snow Package, and how to sort through radial, bias-ply, appearance, and road-use considerations before choosing tires.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Dodge Trucks W250?
The 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 uses three primary tire sizes: 215/85R16 radial, 235/85R16 radial, and 750-16 bias-ply. Not every W250 uses all three, though. Standard GVWR 6900 and 7500 versions can use all three fitments, the Heavy Duty GVWR 8510 versions use 235/85R16, and the W250 w/Snow Pkg. uses 215/85R16.
The practical step is confirming the truck's exact sub-model and checking what wheels are on it now. Many older trucks have seen wheel or tire changes over the years, so the right choice is the size that matches both the specific W250 configuration and the actual 16-inch wheel setup on the truck.
What size rim does a 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 use?
The tire fitments used on the 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 are built around a 16-inch rim diameter. That applies across the 215/85R16, 235/85R16, and 750-16 sizes, even though the sizes differ by construction type and by which sub-model uses them.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so the wheel should still be checked for width before choosing a replacement tire. The available 235/85R16 product calls for a 6.0 to 7.5-inch rim width, while many 750-16 bias-ply options are built around 5.00 to 6.00-inch wheel widths.
Why does the 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 have more than one tire size?
The 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 has more than one tire size because fitment changes across GVWR ratings and Snow Package or Heavy Duty configurations. Some versions allow a mix of 215/85R16 radial, 235/85R16 radial, and 750-16 bias-ply fitments, while others narrow the choice to a single radial size.
That means tire selection starts with the truck's exact configuration, not just the W250 badge. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the next step is checking whether the truck still has its expected wheel setup or has been changed to a different size or construction during its working life or restoration.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 750-16 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1986 Dodge Trucks W250?
On the 1986 Dodge Trucks W250, 750-16 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the traditional numeric truck size among this model's fitments and differs from the modern 215/85R16 and 235/85R16 radial sizes used on other W250 configurations.
That distinction matters because a bias-ply 750-16 brings a different visual character and wheel-width requirement than the radial options. A truck wearing 750-16 tires should have its wheel width, overall setup, and intended use reviewed carefully before any move toward a modern radial-sized alternative on the same 16-inch diameter.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1986 Dodge Trucks W250?
The answer depends on which W250 sub-model is being fitted and what role the truck serves today. The 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 can use radial sizes such as 215/85R16 or 235/85R16, while some versions also allow the traditional 750-16 bias-ply size for a more vintage truck presentation.
Bias-ply and radial choices should be weighed against the truck's wheel setup, road use, and appearance goals rather than treated as interchangeable paths. A restoration-minded owner may prefer the look of 750-16, while a working or regularly driven truck may center the decision on the radial size already tied to its sub-model.
What should I check before converting my 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming that the specific 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 version can use one of the radial sizes tied to this model, such as 215/85R16 or 235/85R16. A conversion should also account for the actual wheel width on the truck, since the available 235/85R16 product is built for a 6.0 to 7.5-inch rim.
Clearance around the fenders, suspension, and steering should be inspected before changing tire type or section width. It also helps to consider how the truck will be used, because a change from 750-16 bias-ply to a radial-sized setup can alter the truck's overall presentation and requires a wheel-and-fitment check instead of a simple size swap assumption.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 750-16 tire for a 1986 Dodge Trucks W250?
A 750-16 choice starts with confirming that the truck is one of the W250 versions that can use that bias-ply size. From there, the main considerations are sidewall style, intended appearance, truck-oriented tread character, and whether the wheel matches the 5.00 to 6.00-inch rim widths commonly used by the available 750-16 options.
This size gives much more variety than a simple replacement search might suggest. Blackwall, wide whitewall, and military or transport-style bias-ply designs all create a different look, so the right tire depends on whether the truck is being preserved as a period-style pickup, finished as a specialty build, or used more like a traditional work truck.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 tires?
Sidewall choices for 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 tires include raised white letter, blackwall, and wide whitewall depending on the size selected. The radial 235/85R16 offering uses an RWL sidewall, while the 750-16 bias-ply range opens up both blackwall truck-style designs and wide whitewall presentation-focused options.
Sidewall style changes the truck's look more than many owners expect, especially on a square-body three-quarter-ton pickup. Raised white letters lean toward a later off-road truck appearance, blackwalls keep a straightforward utility feel, and wide whitewalls create a more stylized or restoration-oriented presentation that should be chosen with the truck's overall theme in mind.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Dodge Trucks W250?
Tires for the 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Lester, and STA. Brand choice depends heavily on the size, with the 235/85R16 radial represented by BFGoodrich and the 750-16 bias-ply selection spread across several classic, truck, and military-style offerings from the other brands.
The useful comparison is not simply brand name but the kind of tire each brand offers in the relevant size. Some options emphasize all-terrain radial use, while others focus on classic bias-ply presentation, wide whitewall styling, or heavier-duty truck tread patterns, so the correct size and intended use should guide the brand decision.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Dodge Trucks W250?
For a period-style 1986 Dodge Trucks W250, the 750-16 bias-ply fitment is the strongest traditional-looking option where that size applies to the truck's sub-model. It carries the vintage numeric truck sizing format and is available in several classic series, including straightforward blackwall and more stylized wide whitewall versions.
The right choice depends on whether the truck is being restored as a work-oriented pickup, a dressed-up show truck, or something in between. Owners focused on exact historical detail should still compare the truck's existing wheel setup and consult marque-specific restoration references before settling on a sidewall treatment or brand presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1986 Dodge Trucks W250?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 as much as the size itself. A 750-16 bias-ply presents the truck with a more traditional heavy-duty pickup look, while 215/85R16 and 235/85R16 radials give it a more modern stance and a later truck-service appearance.
That difference becomes even more noticeable when sidewall style enters the picture. Blackwall bias-ply tires keep the truck plain and utilitarian, wide whitewalls make a much stronger style statement, and raised white letter radials push the truck toward a more contemporary off-road or utility image rather than a strictly restoration-oriented presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Dodge Trucks W250?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 even when the tire size itself is one used on this model. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension lifts, lowering, steering components, or body alterations can all change how a 215/85R16, 235/85R16, or 750-16 tire sits on the truck.
A modified truck should be checked at the wheels and at full steering travel before settling on replacement tires. Clearance at the fenders and suspension matters, and wheel width matters just as much, especially when moving between narrower 750-16 bias-ply fitments and wider radial truck sizes on the same 16-inch rim diameter.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 on new tires?
Before driving a 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 on new tires, inspect wheel condition, lug hardware, valve stems, inflation pressure, and basic tire seating on the rim. It also helps to look over steering and suspension wear points so the truck is not asked to run on fresh tires while other parts are loose or compromised.
A short, careful road test is a smart next step once the truck is back on the ground. Listen for rubbing, confirm straight-ahead behavior, and recheck pressure after the first drive, especially on an older truck that may have been sitting or may have changed from one tire construction or wheel setup to another over time.
How should 750-16 tires on a collector 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 be maintained?
750-16 tires on a collector 1986 Dodge Trucks W250 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition as well as tread wear. Bias-ply collector tires deserve close monitoring for cracks, bulges, cuts, or signs of prolonged storage stress, even if the truck is driven only occasionally.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a vintage truck tire. Keeping the W250 away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the rubber, and the truck should still have its tires inspected before road use after long idle periods, not just at seasonal service intervals.
