1987 GMC Trucks R1500 Tires

The 1987 GMC Trucks R1500 uses four primary tire sizes: 195/75R15, 205/75R15, 225/75R15, and 235/75R15. All are radial tires for 15-inch rims, but the correct size depends on the truck’s exact sub-model, including its stud size and GVWR classification.

That means the right answer is tied to the specific truck rather than the model name alone. A lighter GVWR R1500 may use one of the smaller sizes, while heavier versions move into 225/75R15 or 235/75R15 territory, so checking the existing wheel setup and the truck’s configuration should come before comparing brands or sidewall styles.

The tire sizes used on the 1987 GMC Trucks R1500 are all built for 15-inch rims. That consistency helps narrow the fitment question, because the variation across this model range is in tire width and profile rather than a change in wheel diameter.

Even with the same 15-inch diameter, wheel width still matters when choosing among 195/75R15, 205/75R15, 225/75R15, and 235/75R15. Trucks that have had wheel changes over the years should be measured rather than assumed, especially before moving into the wider fitments or selecting among products with different rim-width recommendations.

The 1987 GMC Trucks R1500 has more than one tire size because fitment changes with sub-model details, especially stud size and GVWR. Across the covered configurations, GMC used a range from 195/75R15 up to 235/75R15 while keeping the truck on a 15-inch radial platform.

That makes the model name only the starting point. Before choosing a tire, it helps to confirm whether the truck is a 4900, 5200, 5600, or 6100 GVWR version and whether it has 7/16 and 1/2 inch studs or 9/16 inch studs, since those distinctions determine which sizes should even be considered.

Start by confirming that 235/75R15 is the correct primary size for the truck’s exact configuration, since it applies to the heavier end of the 1987 GMC Trucks R1500 fitment range. Once size is confirmed, compare radial series, sidewall style, rim-width suitability, and load figures where those details matter for the truck’s intended use.

This size offers a wide spread of choices, from traditional whitewall designs to raised white letter truck-style options. A restoration-minded owner may focus on visual presentation, while a regularly driven truck may put more emphasis on matching the tire to the current wheel width and the truck’s actual road use rather than choosing only by appearance.

Sidewall choices for the 1987 GMC Trucks R1500 include narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, goldline, and raised white letter depending on the tire size selected. The full range is not offered in every size, so the exact fitment needs to be settled before the appearance choice is narrowed down.

That variety lets the truck lean in different visual directions without leaving the correct tire category. Narrow and wide whitewalls suit stock-style or custom cruiser presentations, redline and goldline add a more specialized period look, and raised white letter tires bring a more truck-oriented appearance that may appeal on 235/75R15 applications.

Tires for the 1987 GMC Trucks R1500 are available from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar. Brand availability changes by size, so a truck that uses 205/75R15 may have a different mix of options than one that requires 235/75R15.

The useful comparison is not brand name alone but how each offering differs in series, sidewall style, rim-width range, and load specification. Once the correct size is confirmed, comparing those traits side by side is the better way to narrow the field than assuming every brand offers the same look or intended character.

A period-style 1987 GMC Trucks R1500 starts with the correct primary size for the truck’s exact GVWR and stud-pattern configuration. From there, the visual direction usually comes from choosing among classic-style radial lines and deciding whether a narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, goldline, or raised white letter presentation best matches the truck.

The most convincing result usually comes from keeping size, wheel diameter, and sidewall appearance in balance rather than focusing on one detail by itself. If originality matters at a very high level, the final appearance choice should be checked against truck-specific photos, surviving examples, or marque references before settling on a particular stripe or whitewall treatment.

Construction is simple on this truck because the 1987 GMC Trucks R1500 fitments covered here are all radial. That means the appearance differences come less from bias-ply versus radial and more from the tire’s sidewall treatment, brand styling, and the proportions created by the correct size within the truck’s fitment range.

A restored truck can look noticeably different with a narrow whitewall than it does with a wide whitewall or raised white letter tire, even when the size is correct. Keeping the tire size appropriate to the sub-model is the first step, because an overly small or overly large look can change the stance more than the construction type itself.

Yes. Even though the 1987 GMC Trucks R1500 stays on a 15-inch tire platform, wheel changes, altered wheel width, suspension modifications, ride-height changes, or body work can affect which of the stock tire sizes still make sense on the truck.

A truck with aftermarket wheels should have both diameter and width verified before choosing between 195/75R15, 205/75R15, 225/75R15, or 235/75R15. Steering clearance and fender room matter too, especially near the wider end of the range, so a modified truck should be checked as it sits rather than assumed to match factory-style fitment.

Before driving a 1987 GMC Trucks R1500 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the truck’s exact configuration, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the installed tire. It also helps to check valve stems, lug hardware, and general wheel condition before the truck returns to regular road use.

A broader walkaround is worthwhile on any older pickup. Look for steering or suspension looseness, signs of uneven clearance, and any rubbing at full lock or under compression, especially if the truck has replacement wheels or previous modifications. A short, careful test drive is a sensible way to catch vibration, pull, or contact issues early.

Collector-truck tires such as 225/75R15 or 235/75R15 on a 1987 GMC Trucks R1500 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and irregular wear, and protected from long periods of heat, sunlight, and ozone exposure. Low-mileage trucks still need tire checks because age and storage conditions matter as much as tread depth.

Routine pressure checks and occasional visual inspections help catch slow air loss before it turns into sidewall damage or uneven wear. Trucks that sit for extended periods also benefit from clean storage conditions and periodic movement, since long stationary periods can be hard on both tires and suspension, particularly on heavier GVWR configurations.