1987 GMC Trucks R2500 Tires

The 1987 GMC Trucks R2500 uses two primary tire sizes: 215/85R16 and 235/85R16. Most covered R2500 configurations use 215/85R16, while Bonus Cab versions use 235/85R16. Both are radial tires designed for 16-inch wheels, so the correct choice depends on the truck's exact configuration rather than a simple one-size-fits-all answer.

The most important step is identifying whether the truck is a standard R2500 or a Bonus Cab model before comparing tire options. It also helps to confirm that the truck still has the proper 16-inch wheels, since replacement wheels, suspension changes, or years of mixed-use maintenance can alter what is currently on the vehicle.

The 1987 GMC Trucks R2500 uses 16-inch rims with both of its primary tire sizes. The 215/85R16 and 235/85R16 fitments are both built around a 16-inch wheel diameter, so the rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire width and overall dimensions differ between the two sizes.

That shared 16-inch diameter makes wheel verification simpler, but diameter alone is not the whole fitment picture. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing actual tire products, and any truck that has seen aftermarket wheel changes should be checked carefully before a new set of tires is selected.

The 1987 GMC Trucks R2500 has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model. Standard covered configurations use 215/85R16, while Bonus Cab versions use 235/85R16. Both are radial 16-inch fitments, but they serve different versions of the truck rather than acting as interchangeable choices across the full R2500 range.

That means the first buying decision is confirming the truck's exact body and configuration details, not simply choosing between two similar sizes. Once that is settled, the next checks are wheel setup, clearance, and whether the truck has stayed close to stock over the years or has been modified for work or appearance.

Start with the correct primary size for the truck's exact configuration. On a 1987 GMC Trucks R2500, that means confirming whether the truck takes 215/85R16 or, in Bonus Cab form, 235/85R16. Since both are radial 16-inch fitments, the main selection factors become proper wheel compatibility, intended use, and the character of the tire itself.

A work-focused truck may call for a different product style than a restoration-minded or occasional-use pickup. Once the size is confirmed, compare practical details such as tire series, sidewall treatment, load capacity where stated, and acceptable rim-width range so the tire suits both the truck and how it will actually be driven.

Among the available product choices for this fitment, 235/85R16 is offered with an RWL sidewall, meaning raised white letters. That gives the 1987 GMC Trucks R2500 a more assertive period-style truck appearance than a plain blackwall presentation, especially on Bonus Cab applications using the larger of the two primary tire sizes.

Sidewall style is largely an appearance decision once the correct tire size is established. Raised white letters can suit a truck with a more rugged or late-1980s personality, but the visual choice should still come after confirming the proper size, wheel compatibility, and how closely the truck is being kept to a stock-style look.

In the available 235/85R16 product selection for the 1987 GMC Trucks R2500, the tire series shown is the BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2. That places the emphasis on an all-terrain-style radial option for Bonus Cab fitment rather than a wide mix of series choices across both primary R2500 tire sizes.

Series choice helps shape the truck's overall presentation and use case, but it should always come after fitment is settled. The right approach is to confirm whether your truck needs 215/85R16 or 235/85R16 first, then compare the available series characteristics with your wheel dimensions and the truck's intended road or utility use.

A period-style 1987 GMC Trucks R2500 starts with using the correct original fitment category for the truck's configuration. That means 215/85R16 for most R2500 versions and 235/85R16 for Bonus Cab models. Because this truck uses radial construction as its primary fitment, a restoration-oriented choice is more about proper sizing and visual character than converting from an earlier tire type.

Appearance details should follow fitment, not replace it. If the goal is a truck that looks right for the era, keep the correct size in place, verify the 16-inch wheel setup, and choose a sidewall presentation that matches the truck's intended personality without assuming any one style is factory-correct for every surviving example.

On the 1987 GMC Trucks R2500, tire construction is less of a visual dividing line than it would be on an earlier truck because the primary fitments are already radial. The more visible appearance difference comes from size, sidewall style, and tread character, especially when comparing a standard 215/85R16 setup with a 235/85R16 Bonus Cab presentation.

For a restored truck, the goal is usually to preserve the overall stance and era-appropriate look of the correct tire size. Sidewall treatment can then fine-tune the final result, so it helps to choose the proper fitment first and use period photos, factory literature, or marque references if exact originality matters.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 GMC Trucks R2500 even when the original size is known. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or brake and axle updates can alter clearance and wheel compatibility. That matters on a truck with two legitimate primary sizes, since the correct factory fitment still needs to match the truck's current hardware.

A smart check includes wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at the steering and fender areas before mounting new tires. Trucks that have spent years as work vehicles often carry changes from different stages of ownership, so the safest path is confirming what is on the truck now rather than assuming it remains stock.

Before putting a 1987 GMC Trucks R2500 back into regular road use on new tires, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and overall tire condition after installation. It also makes sense to look for uneven wear signs, alignment issues, and any steering or suspension looseness that could shorten tire life or affect how the truck tracks.

Collector and work trucks alike can hide age-related issues even after fresh tires are mounted. Air pressure should be set appropriately for the tire and use, and a short initial drive can reveal vibration, pull, or rubbing that deserves attention before the truck is trusted for hauling, highway use, or longer trips.

Tires on a collector 1987 GMC Trucks R2500 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and attention to aging even if the truck is driven only occasionally. Sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, and slow air loss deserve prompt attention, especially on an older pickup that may spend long periods parked between outings.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use truck. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged sun, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, while periodic movement prevents long-term flat spotting. Before any longer drive, it is worth checking tread condition and confirming that the wheel and tire setup still matches the truck.