1986 Nissan Trucks 720 Tires

The 1986 Nissan Trucks 720 uses several tire sizes rather than one universal fitment. Covered sizes include 185/70R14, 185R14, 195/75R14, 205/75R14, 215/75R15, and 225/75R15, all in radial construction. The correct size depends on the exact version of the truck, including whether it is a 4x2, 4x4, Deluxe, H.D., XE, or Sport Truck model.

That means tire selection starts with identifying the exact sub-model and then confirming whether the truck has a 14-inch or 15-inch wheel. A 4x2 King Cab does not use the same fitment as a Deluxe 4x4 or Sport Truck 4x4, so checking the existing wheel and comparing it to the intended tire size is the practical next step.

The 1986 Nissan Trucks 720 uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. Sizes 185/70R14, 185R14, 195/75R14, and 205/75R14 are tied to 14-inch wheels, while 215/75R15 and 225/75R15 are 15-inch fitments used on covered 4x4 and Sport Truck 4x4 versions.

Wheel diameter is the first thing to verify before choosing tires, because a 14-inch tire and a 15-inch tire are not interchangeable. It also helps to confirm the actual wheel on the truck, since older pickups are often changed over time with aftermarket wheels or swapped factory-style wheels from other versions.

No, the 1986 Nissan Trucks 720 does not use one shared tire size across all sub-models. Standard 4x2 versions commonly use 185/70R14, Deluxe 4x2 King Cab and XE models use 185R14, H.D. and Deluxe 4x2 Long Bed versions use 195/75R14, the Sport Truck 4x2 uses 205/75R14, Deluxe 4x4 models use 215/75R15, and Sport Truck 4x4 models use 225/75R15.

That variation is why the truck's exact trim and drivetrain matter before comparing products. Even when two versions look similar at a glance, they may use different wheel diameters or tire profiles, so checking the sub-model name and the wheel currently on the truck helps avoid choosing a tire meant for another 720 configuration.

Start with the correct primary size for the exact 1986 Nissan Trucks 720 sub-model, since this truck uses six different radial fitments across the lineup. After that, compare wheel diameter, rim-width compatibility where it is stated, sidewall style, tire series, and load figures when those details matter to how the truck will be used.

A stock-style 4x2, a preserved XE, and a 4x4 Sport Truck can all call for different choices even though they share the same basic vehicle family. The best comparison process is to match the truck's sub-model and wheel first, then narrow down the visual presentation and product specifications that fit the truck's intended use.

Sidewall choices for the 1986 Nissan Trucks 720 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, and RBL depending on the tire size. The smallest 14-inch sizes include blackwall choices, several 14-inch and 15-inch truck sizes offer narrow and wide whitewalls, 205/75R14 includes a redline option, and 215/75R15 includes an RBL all-terrain-style option.

That variety lets the tire influence the truck's personality without changing the underlying size. A plain blackwall keeps the look restrained, whitewalls add a more restoration-oriented or customized presentation, and redline can suit a period street-truck flavor, but the first filter should still be the correct size for the specific 720 sub-model.

Tires for the 1986 Nissan Trucks 720 are available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, Vredestein, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, Travelstar, and Phoenix, depending on the size. Brand availability changes by fitment, so not every brand appears in every one of the six sizes used across the 720 range.

That makes it helpful to treat brand comparison as the second step rather than the first. Once the correct size and wheel diameter are confirmed, the buyer can compare how each brand's available series, sidewall treatment, and stated wheel-width compatibility line up with the truck's intended appearance and driving use.

A period-style 1986 Nissan Trucks 720 tire should begin with the truck's correct original fitment pattern by sub-model, whether that is 185/70R14, 185R14, 195/75R14, 205/75R14, 215/75R15, or 225/75R15. From there, the visual character comes from the tire series and sidewall treatment, since some sizes are available in blackwall while others offer narrow or wide whitewall styling.

The right choice depends on how the truck is being presented. A clean stock-style mini-truck may look right with a modest blackwall or narrow whitewall, while a more customized period build may lean toward a stronger whitewall or even redline treatment where available. Exact originality questions are best checked against model-specific historical references.

On the 1986 Nissan Trucks 720, the covered primary fitments are all radial, so the construction question is less about bias-ply versus radial appearance and more about how the radial is styled. The visual difference usually comes from whether the tire is a blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, or utility-oriented sidewall presentation in the correct size.

That matters because the tire can shift the truck's overall impression even when the wheel size stays the same. A simple blackwall keeps the truck closer to a straightforward late-classic pickup look, while whitewalls or redlines can make the build feel more deliberately styled, especially on Sport Truck or preserved street-oriented versions.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Nissan Trucks 720 even when the tire size is correct for a stock sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, suspension work, or body modifications can all change how a 14-inch or 15-inch tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance remains.

That is especially important on older mini-trucks because many have been lowered, lifted, or personalized over the years. A smart check includes the actual wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance at full turn and full suspension movement before committing to a tire that matches only the stock fitment chart.

Before driving a 1986 Nissan Trucks 720 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify the tire size matches the truck's exact sub-model, and confirm inflation is set appropriately for the tire being used. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components, especially on a truck that has been stored or sees occasional hobby use.

A short road test should be preceded by checking for rubbing, unusual lean, or any sign that the tire is too close to suspension or body components. Older pickups also deserve a close look at alignment condition, lug hardware, and air retention, since a new tire performs best when the rest of the rolling setup is sound.

Tires on a collector 1986 Nissan Trucks 720 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and occasional movement of the truck so the tires do not spend long periods loaded in one spot. Sidewalls and tread should be checked for cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, and signs of slow air loss before any meaningful drive.

Storage conditions matter just as much as miles on a low-use truck. Keeping the 720 away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and inspecting them before each season or longer outing is a practical habit whether the truck is a restored 4x2, XE, H.D., or 4x4 model.