The 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 sits squarely in the era of practical full-size 4x4 pickups that balanced work duty with growing recreational use. Buyers looking at one today are often trying to preserve that honest late-1980s truck character while still choosing tires that suit how the truck will actually be driven. Tire fitment centers on two radial sizes, 235/75R15 and, on certain Snow Package trucks, 31X10.50R15, both on 15-inch rims. That opens the door to very different tire presentations, from raised white letter all-terrain styling to narrow or wide whitewall radial options in 235/75R15. The right choice depends on the truck’s exact sub-model, wheel setup, and whether the goal is utility, appearance, or a blend of both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Dodge Trucks W150
The 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 uses two primary tire sizes, and the first step is identifying the exact sub-model. Both sizes are radial and fit 15-inch rims, but the Base truck uses 235/75R15 while the w/Snow Pkg. can use either 235/75R15 or 31X10.50R15. Once that is confirmed, the decision shifts to overall tire style, sidewall treatment, and whether the truck is being kept closer to a stock-style look or a more rugged 4x4 presentation.
235/75R15 is a metric radial size where 235 identifies section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1987 Dodge Trucks W150, this size supports a more standard light-truck fitment and appears across both covered sub-models. It also brings the widest range of product choice, including BFGoodrich, American Classic, Maxxis, Coker Classic, Tornel, and Travelstar, with RWL, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. This is the size to focus on when originality of stance, broad product selection, and appearance options all matter.
31X10.50R15 is a flotation-style radial size that states approximate overall diameter first, followed by section width in inches, with R showing radial construction and 15 identifying the rim diameter. On the 1987 Dodge Trucks W150, this size is tied to the w/Snow Pkg. configuration rather than the full model range. The available product choice here centers on the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter styling, giving it a more purposeful truck and off-road look. This size deserves extra attention when wheel width, clearance, and the truck’s actual ride height may differ from a standard setup.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 because tire size is not identical across the range. The Base truck stays with one primary size, while the w/Snow Pkg. adds a larger optional fitment, so identifying the exact configuration is the first step before comparing products.
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1987 Dodge Trucks W150 Base
The 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 Base uses 235/75R15 radial tires on 15-inch rims. That makes tire selection more about choosing the right brand, sidewall style, and overall look than sorting through multiple primary fitments.
The 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 w/Snow Pkg. uses 235/75R15 or 31X10.50R15 radial tires, so tire choice depends on the actual wheel-and-tire setup on the truck. This is the sub-model where confirming the mounted rim width and checking clearance becomes especially important before moving to a larger light-truck size.
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 Dodge Trucks W150 Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 tire options range from BFGoodrich all-terrain RWL tires to 235/75R15 radial choices from American Classic, Coker Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar. The main differences are sidewall style, tire series, and rim-width compatibility within the correct size.
Common 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 tire questions usually come down to size by sub-model, 15-inch rim fitment, sidewall and brand choices in 235/75R15, and what to inspect before putting a vintage 4x4 back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Dodge Trucks W150?
The 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 uses two primary radial tire sizes: 235/75R15 and 31X10.50R15. The Base sub-model uses 235/75R15, while the w/Snow Pkg. can use either 235/75R15 or 31X10.50R15, depending on the truck’s setup.
That means the right starting point is the exact sub-model and the wheel-and-tire package currently on the truck. A W150 that has been kept stock-style may still be on 235/75R15, while a Snow Package truck may have the larger 31X10.50R15 fitment. Checking the tire sidewall and measuring the wheel before ordering helps prevent choosing a size that does not match the truck’s present configuration.
What size rim does a 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 use?
The 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 uses 15-inch rims with both primary tire sizes. That applies to 235/75R15 and 31X10.50R15, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the two tires differ significantly in overall size and width.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on an older 4x4 truck. The mounted wheel’s actual width still needs to match the tire being considered, and that matters more once stepping up to 31X10.50R15. Looking at the wheel itself, not just the truck model, is the safest way to confirm that the selected tire matches the hardware already on the vehicle.
Do all 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The Base model uses 235/75R15, while the w/Snow Pkg. shares that size but can also use 31X10.50R15.
This matters because the buying decision changes once more than one size is possible. On a Base truck, selection is mostly about comparing available 235/75R15 products and sidewall styles. On a Snow Package truck, the first question is whether the truck is actually set up for the larger flotation-style tire, since wheel width, stance, and clearance can all influence whether 31X10.50R15 remains the appropriate choice.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 235/75R15 tire for a 1987 Dodge Trucks W150?
Choosing a 235/75R15 tire for a 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 starts with confirming that this is the correct size for the truck’s sub-model and current wheel setup. From there, the main differences are radial tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, load figures, and the overall character of the tire.
This size offers the broadest range of styles, so the truck’s intended use should guide the final pick. A raised white letter all-terrain presents very differently from a narrow or wide whitewall radial, even though the nominal size is the same. Looking at wheel width, expected road use, and the truck’s visual direction usually narrows the field much faster than comparing brand names alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 tires?
Sidewall styles for 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 tires include RWL, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. The 235/75R15 size offers the most variety, while 31X10.50R15 is available here with an RWL all-terrain presentation.
Sidewall style changes the truck’s personality almost as much as the tread pattern does. RWL suits a more rugged late-1980s pickup look, while narrow and wide whitewalls create a more custom, cruiser, or restoration-oriented appearance. Since these styles are available within the same primary size, the practical decision often comes down to how the truck is being finished visually rather than any change in basic fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Dodge Trucks W150?
Tires for the 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 are available from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Maxxis, Coker Classic, Tornel, and Travelstar. Most of that variety appears in 235/75R15, while 31X10.50R15 is represented here by BFGoodrich in an All-Terrain T/A KO2 configuration.
Brand choice should be considered alongside tire series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than treated as the only deciding factor. In this fitment, some products lean toward truck-oriented RWL styling while others focus on whitewall presentation for a very different look. Matching the brand and tire line to the truck’s actual use and appearance goals leads to a better result than choosing by name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Dodge Trucks W150?
A period-style 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 tire choice depends on whether the truck is being presented as a more traditional 4x4 or with a custom whitewall look. In 235/75R15, there are truck-oriented and appearance-oriented radial options, while 31X10.50R15 leans toward a more rugged all-terrain presentation.
The right direction usually comes from the truck’s build theme rather than the size alone. Raised white letter tires often suit a working or recreational pickup image, while narrow and wide whitewalls create a different late-classic visual statement. When exact originality matters, comparing the truck against period photos, build records, or marque-specific references is worthwhile before settling on sidewall style or tire series.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Dodge Trucks W150?
Tire construction is straightforward on the 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 because the primary fitments here are radial. That means appearance changes come less from bias-ply-versus-radial decisions and more from the tire’s size, tread character, and sidewall treatment.
A 235/75R15 whitewall radial gives a very different visual result than a 235/75R15 raised white letter all-terrain, even though both remain within the correct basic fitment family. Moving to 31X10.50R15 on a Snow Package truck also changes the overall stance in a noticeable way. For restoration-minded buyers, construction is already settled; the real appearance decisions are profile, sidewall presentation, and how the tire complements the truck’s wheels.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Dodge Trucks W150?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Dodge Trucks W150. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension lifts, ride-height changes, and body or steering adjustments can all influence whether 235/75R15 or 31X10.50R15 remains appropriate on the truck.
That is especially important with the larger 31X10.50R15 size, since a truck altered from stock can have different clearance behavior at full steering lock or under suspension movement. A close look at wheel diameter, wheel width, and available space around the fenders and suspension is a smart step before replacing tires, particularly if the truck has changed hands several times over the years.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware is in good shape, and verify proper inflation for the tire being mounted. The truck should also be checked for suspension wear, steering play, and any signs of rubbing around the wheel openings.
A vintage 4x4 can hide small fitment or mechanical issues until fresh tires go on and everything is put back into regular use. It is also wise to look over brake components, alignment condition, and the spare if it is still expected to be roadworthy. A careful inspection helps the new tires perform as intended and reduces the chance of early wear or unexpected clearance problems.
How should 235/75R15 tires on a collector 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 be maintained?
235/75R15 tires on a collector 1987 Dodge Trucks W150 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections for cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear, and periodic movement of the truck if it spends long periods parked. Clean, dry storage away from prolonged sunlight and ozone sources also helps preserve tire condition.
Collector trucks often age their tires by time and storage conditions rather than by mileage alone. Even a tire with good tread can become less trustworthy if it has been sitting for years or has lost air repeatedly. Routine inspection before each driving season, and again before any longer trip, gives a much clearer picture of road readiness than tread depth by itself.
