The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 sits at the heavy-duty end of Chevrolet's square-body truck era, a time when one-ton pickups were built for real work and are still valued today for towing, hauling, and rugged collector use. Tire choice on this truck is tied closely to the exact configuration, because the V30 uses three different primary sizes: 235/85R16 radial, 215/85R16 radial, and 750-16 bias-ply, all on 16-inch rims. That opens up very different buying paths, from modern BFGoodrich radial truck fitment to traditional bias-ply and truck-oriented 750-16 options with blackwall or wide whitewall styling. The key is confirming whether the truck is single rear wheel, dual rear wheel, or a front/rear-specific listing before choosing by construction, appearance, and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30
Three primary tire sizes apply to the 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model rather than a simple year-make-model match. All of them use a 16-inch rim, but construction and section size vary between radial and bias-ply applications. The first step is confirming whether the truck is a standard V30, a DRW version, or a front/rear-specific configuration so the correct size can be matched to the wheel setup.
In 235/85R16, the 235 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 85 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30, this is a modern radial truck size used on several non-DRW and front/rear-specific applications. Available product choice in this size centers on BFGoodrich's All Terrain TA KO2 with raised white letter sidewall styling and a radial truck-oriented character. This size suits buyers keeping the truck in a modern radial format while still needing to confirm the exact sub-model and wheel setup first.
Fit(s): Custom Deluxe (DRW), Scottsdale (DRW), and Silverado (DRW)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
In 215/85R16, the 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 85 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. This radial size appears on dual rear wheel V30 applications, where the narrower section is part of the fitment picture. It represents a modern metric radial approach rather than a traditional bias-ply truck presentation. Choosing this size starts with verifying that the truck is one of the DRW configurations that uses it, then confirming the actual wheel arrangement before comparing tires elsewhere in the page.
Fit(s): Custom Deluxe (DRW), Scottsdale (DRW), and Silverado (DRW)
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
A 750-16 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 7.50 designates nominal section width in inches and the 16 indicates rim diameter. On the 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30, this size is tied to DRW applications that can use a traditional bias-ply construction instead of a modern metric radial. Product choice is broad here, with Firestone, BFGoodrich, Lester, and STA options spanning blackwall, wide whitewall, military-style, and truck-focused series such as Super Traxion, Super Transport, and Transport Highway. This size is the one to evaluate when traditional truck appearance, bias-ply construction, or specialty heavy-duty style matters most.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 because not every version uses the same tire size or construction. Standard and front/rear-specific listings stay with 235/85R16 radial, while DRW versions can use either 215/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply, so identifying the exact truck setup comes first.
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1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 Custom Deluxe
The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 Custom Deluxe uses a 235/85R16 radial tire. That keeps selection focused on modern radial truck fitment and makes wheel diameter straightforward, though the actual wheel and suspension setup should still be checked on any modified truck.
The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 Custom Deluxe (DRW) can use either 215/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply. That means tire choice involves both size confirmation and construction choice, especially if the goal is to balance working-truck use, traditional appearance, and the actual dual-wheel setup on the truck.
The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 Custom Deluxe Front uses 235/85R16 radial fitment. Tire selection here is centered on maintaining the proper front-position size and confirming that the wheel, brake, and steering clearance still match if the truck has seen aftermarket changes.
The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 Custom Deluxe Rear uses 235/85R16 radial fitment. That gives a consistent modern radial path for rear tire replacement, while still making it important to confirm the actual rear wheel arrangement if the truck has been altered from its original one-ton setup.
The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 Scottsdale uses a 235/85R16 radial tire. Buyers in this configuration can focus on radial truck tire choice and sidewall presentation rather than sorting through multiple primary sizes, provided the truck still retains the correct 16-inch wheel setup.
The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 Scottsdale (DRW) uses either 215/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply, depending on the setup being matched. That makes this one of the V30 versions where dual-wheel confirmation is essential before choosing between a modern radial approach and a more traditional bias-ply truck tire.
The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 Scottsdale Front uses 235/85R16 radial fitment. Selection is relatively straightforward here, but front-end modifications, steering components, and wheel changes should still be checked before settling on a replacement tire.
The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 Scottsdale Rear uses 235/85R16 radial fitment. That keeps the rear tire decision in the modern radial category, with the main practical concern being verification of the truck's current wheel setup and any suspension or axle changes.
The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 Silverado uses a 235/85R16 radial tire. This points the buyer toward a modern truck radial choice, with the main decision shifting to intended road use and whether the truck still carries its original-style one-ton wheel dimensions.
The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 Silverado (DRW) can use 215/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply tires. Tire selection here depends on confirming the dual rear wheel arrangement and deciding whether the truck should stay with a modern radial format or a traditional bias-ply truck presentation.
The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 Silverado Front uses 235/85R16 radial fitment. That makes replacement straightforward on a stock-style front wheel setup, while still leaving room to verify clearance and wheel width on trucks that have been updated or modified.
The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 Silverado Rear uses 235/85R16 radial fitment. Buyers can stay focused on the correct radial size, but should confirm the current rear wheels and axle setup before assuming the truck still matches original-style one-ton 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 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 Tires for Sale
Available tires for the 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 range from a BFGoodrich 235/85R16 radial with raised white letters to a broad 750-16 bias-ply selection from Firestone, BFGoodrich, Lester, and STA in blackwall, wide whitewall, military-style, and truck-focused series.
Common questions for the 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 usually come down to identifying the correct size by sub-model, understanding the difference between radial and bias-ply fitment, and checking wheel setup, appearance goals, and road-use readiness before putting the truck back into service.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30?
The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 uses three primary tire sizes: 235/85R16 radial, 215/85R16 radial, and 750-16 bias-ply. The correct size depends on the exact configuration. Standard, front, and rear listings use 235/85R16, while DRW versions use either 215/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply.
That means the first step is identifying whether the truck is a single rear wheel or dual rear wheel setup, and whether the tire is being matched to a front or rear-specific listing. Once that is confirmed, the decision shifts to construction, appearance, and wheel compatibility rather than simply picking a tire by year and model alone.
What size rim does a 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 use?
The tire sizes used on the 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 all share a 16-inch rim diameter. That includes 235/85R16, 215/85R16, and 750-16, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the truck can use both radial and bias-ply tire constructions.
A matching rim diameter does not remove the need to check wheel details before ordering tires. Rim width, dual-wheel spacing, and the truck's current wheel setup still matter, especially on DRW trucks or vehicles that may have had aftermarket wheel changes over the years.
Why does the 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 have more than one tire size?
The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 has more than one tire size because fitment changes with the sub-model and wheel arrangement. Non-DRW and front/rear-specific applications use 235/85R16 radial, while DRW versions are associated with 215/85R16 radial and 750-16 bias-ply tires.
That variation is typical of a heavy-duty truck line where one year and model can cover different working configurations. Buyers should confirm the exact sub-model and the truck's actual wheel setup before choosing a tire, especially if the truck has been converted, restored, or altered from its original wheel arrangement.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 750-16 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30?
On the 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30, 750-16 is a bias-ply tire size. It is used on DRW applications and follows the older numeric sizing system, where 7.50 refers to nominal section width and 16 identifies the rim diameter.
That matters because a 750-16 bias-ply presents and behaves differently from the truck's modern metric radial options. Buyers considering this size should verify that the truck is one of the DRW versions that uses it, then compare wheel width, load needs, and intended use before choosing among the available bias-ply truck and restoration-style options.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30?
The answer depends on the exact V30 configuration and how the truck is being used. The 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 uses radial sizes such as 235/85R16 and 215/85R16 in some applications, while certain DRW versions also use the 750-16 bias-ply size.
Radial and bias-ply choices should be guided first by the correct primary fitment for the sub-model, then by the truck's role. A work-focused or regularly driven truck may stay with its radial format, while a restoration-oriented DRW truck may lean toward the traditional presentation of a 750-16 bias-ply if the wheels and application support it.
What should I check before choosing between radial and bias-ply tires on a 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30?
Start by confirming the truck's exact sub-model, wheel arrangement, and primary tire size. On the 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30, that is especially important because DRW versions can involve either 215/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply, while other configurations use 235/85R16 radial.
After that, inspect the actual wheel width, dual-wheel spacing, and clearance around suspension and body components. Construction choice also affects the truck's appearance and road feel, so the best path is usually the one that matches the truck's intended use, current wheel setup, and the level of restoration authenticity being pursued.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30?
The most important factor is choosing the correct primary size for the exact V30 configuration. This truck can use 235/85R16 radial, 215/85R16 radial, or 750-16 bias-ply, so sub-model and wheel arrangement come before brand or sidewall preference.
Once the size is confirmed, compare construction type, wheel-width compatibility, intended use, and overall tire character. A truck kept for regular road use may point toward the radial choices, while a DRW truck aimed at traditional presentation or specialty use may make the broader 750-16 bias-ply selection more relevant.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size selected for the 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30. The 235/85R16 radial option appears with an RWL, or raised white letter, sidewall. In 750-16 bias-ply, available sidewall choices include blackwall and wide whitewall.
That gives the V30 buyer very different appearance paths depending on the truck's configuration and goals. A truck-oriented radial look is quite different from a traditional blackwall or wide whitewall bias-ply presentation, so sidewall choice should follow the correct fitment first and then the style of restoration or use being planned.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30?
Tires for the 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Lester, and STA. Brand choice varies by size, with the 235/85R16 radial represented by BFGoodrich and the 750-16 bias-ply category opening up options across all four brands.
The practical difference is less about ranking one brand over another and more about selecting the right type of tire within the correct size. Some 750-16 options emphasize traditional styling, while others lean toward military or truck-duty series, so buyers should compare construction, sidewall treatment, and use case alongside brand.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30?
A period-style choice for a 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 starts with the correct primary size for the truck's exact configuration. On DRW applications, 750-16 bias-ply is the most traditional-looking path, especially where the goal is an older truck presentation rather than a modern radial appearance.
Within that size, blackwall, wide whitewall, and truck-oriented series create very different visual results. Buyers who want the truck to look appropriate for its era should match size and construction first, then use period photos, marque knowledge, and restoration references to narrow down the most suitable sidewall and tread presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30?
Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 in a noticeable way. A modern metric radial such as 235/85R16 gives the truck a more contemporary heavy-duty appearance, while a 750-16 bias-ply presents a more traditional truck profile and opens the door to blackwall or wide whitewall styling.
That visual difference matters just as much as the size marking on the sidewall for many restorations. Buyers trying to preserve an era-appropriate look should choose the correct fitment for the truck first, then decide whether the project calls for a working-truck radial look or a more vintage bias-ply presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 even when the nominal size looks correct. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, and brake or axle swaps can change the wheel width, spacing, and available clearance around the tire.
That is especially important on a one-ton truck and even more so on DRW versions, where dual-wheel spacing matters along with size. A modified V30 should be measured at the truck rather than assumed to match stock fitment, with close attention paid to steering clearance, rear spacing, and the actual wheel dimensions in use.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall condition of the suspension and steering components. It also helps to confirm that the installed tire size matches the truck's exact configuration and that inflation is appropriate for the tire being used.
A short clearance check is worthwhile before regular road use, especially on a truck with heavy-duty axles or dual rear wheels. Look for rubbing at full steering lock, signs of contact under load, uneven wheel seating, and anything that suggests the truck's current wheel setup does not match the selected tire.
How should tires on a collector 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1987 Chevrolet Trucks V30 should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, air loss, and uneven wear, even if the truck is driven only occasionally. Collector trucks often age out their tires by time and storage conditions rather than by tread wear alone.
Proper inflation, clean storage, and periodic movement help reduce flat-spotting and stress on parked tires. It is also wise to keep the truck away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, and ozone sources such as electric motors or compressors, then recheck tire condition and pressure before any longer drive.
