1987 GMC Trucks V3500 Tires

The 1987 GMC Trucks V3500 uses two primary tire sizes: 235/85R16 in radial construction and 750-16 in bias-ply construction. Both are 16-inch fitments, but they are not simply two ways of writing the same size, and the correct choice depends on the exact Bonus Cab configuration and whether you are matching an overall sub-model listing or a front and rear axle listing.

The practical first step is identifying the truck's exact sub-model, GVWR listing, and current wheel-and-tire setup. A V3500 that is already running 235/85R16 radials may call for a very different replacement approach than one using 750-16 bias-ply tires, even though both mount on 16-inch rims.

Both tire sizes associated with the 1987 GMC Trucks V3500 use a 16-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 235/85R16 radial and the 750-16 bias-ply fitment, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizing systems and construction types differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a one-ton truck like this. Wheel width still matters, especially because the available 235/85R16 radial product and many 750-16 bias-ply products call for different width ranges, so the actual wheels on the truck should be checked before replacing tires.

The 1987 GMC Trucks V3500 shows more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model listing and by how the truck is configured in overall versus axle-specific entries. Some Bonus Cab GVWR 10000 listings are associated with both 235/85R16 radial and 750-16 bias-ply sizes, while certain GVWR 9200 overall listings use 750-16 and their front and rear axle listings use 235/85R16.

That means the tire decision starts with confirming the exact listing that matches the truck in front of you rather than choosing by year and model alone. Checking the current tire size, wheel dimensions, and whether the truck is set up as a radial or bias-ply application helps prevent an expensive mismatch.

On the 1987 GMC Trucks V3500, 750-16 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system common on vintage truck applications, and the available products in this fitment are all bias-ply designs, including classic blackwall, wide whitewall, military, highway, and traction-oriented styles.

Choosing 750-16 usually means leaning into a more traditional truck appearance and feel rather than a modern radial format. It is still important to confirm that the truck's current wheels fall within the bias-ply tire's intended width range and that the rest of the vehicle setup matches a 750-16 application.

For the 1987 GMC Trucks V3500, 235/85R16 is a radial tire size. It uses a modern metric format, and the available product is an LT235/85R16/E BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with radial construction and raised white letter sidewall styling.

That makes 235/85R16 the modern side of this truck's fitment options, but it should still be matched to the truck's actual wheel width and current setup. On a V3500 that has changed wheels over the years, verifying the 16-inch rim width and checking clearance at both steering lock and suspension travel is worthwhile.

The answer depends on how the specific 1987 GMC Trucks V3500 is configured and what you want from the truck. A 750-16 bias-ply setup suits buyers aiming for a more traditional truck presentation, while a 235/85R16 radial setup fits a more modern heavy-duty tire approach within the same 16-inch rim diameter.

Construction choice should follow the truck's actual wheels, sub-model fitment, and intended use rather than appearance alone. A restoration-minded truck may point toward bias-ply, while a regularly driven V3500 may favor radial construction, but either path should be checked for proper wheel width, clearance, and overall compatibility first.

Start with the exact fitment path: 235/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply. From there, the important comparisons are wheel compatibility, construction type, sidewall appearance, tire series, load-related specifications where they are given, and whether the truck is being kept in a traditional work-truck style or a more modern radial setup.

A V3500 used for regular road miles may point you toward the radial option, while a truck being preserved for older visual character may lead you toward 750-16 bias-ply tires. The best comparison is the one that matches the truck's current wheels, your intended use, and the appearance you want the finished truck to carry.

Sidewall choices for the 1987 GMC Trucks V3500 include raised white letter styling on the 235/85R16 radial product, plus blackwall and wide whitewall options in the 750-16 bias-ply size. That gives this truck an unusually broad spread of appearances, from utilitarian truck tires to more decorative period-style bias-ply presentations.

Sidewall style changes the visual character of the truck even when rim diameter stays the same. Blackwall tends to suit a work-focused look, wide whitewall pushes the truck toward a restoration-oriented presentation, and raised white letters give the radial option a more modern light-truck personality without changing the underlying size category.

Tires for the 1987 GMC Trucks V3500 are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Lester, and STA. BFGoodrich appears in both the modern 235/85R16 radial fitment and the 750-16 bias-ply size, while Firestone, Lester, and STA expand the bias-ply side with classic, military, highway, and traction-oriented options.

Brand choice matters most after the correct size and construction have been confirmed. Once that is settled, compare the tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width guidance, and any stated load figures that relate to how the truck will actually be used, rather than choosing a brand name first and forcing the fitment decision afterward.

For a period-style 1987 GMC Trucks V3500, the 750-16 bias-ply fitment is the natural starting point. That size is offered in several classic and truck-oriented designs, including blackwall and wide whitewall versions, so it supports a more traditional visual character than the modern 235/85R16 radial format.

The right choice depends on whether the truck is being restored as a plain working rig, a more dressed-up classic truck, or something in between. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, compare the final selection against authoritative GMC restoration references, surviving examples, and marque-specific historical guidance before committing.

Tire construction has a visible effect on a restored 1987 GMC Trucks V3500 because a 750-16 bias-ply tire presents the truck in a more traditional visual language than a 235/85R16 radial. The available bias-ply options also open up blackwall and wide whitewall treatments that can shift the truck's character noticeably.

A radial setup tends to read as a later, more modernized road-use choice, especially with an all-terrain tread and raised white letters. A bias-ply setup usually better supports an older truck stance and presentation, but appearance still needs to be balanced against wheel compatibility and how the finished truck will actually be driven.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 GMC Trucks V3500 even when the nominal tire size is correct. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, brake conversions, and body or fender alterations can all change how a 235/85R16 radial or 750-16 bias-ply tire sits on the truck.

A truck that has been updated over the years should be measured rather than assumed to match original-style fitment practice. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, rear clearance under load, and any axle-specific differences is especially important on heavy-duty trucks where working hardware may have changed over time.

Before driving a 1987 GMC Trucks V3500 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm proper inflation, and make sure there is no interference at the front suspension, steering stops, or rear wheel openings. Lug hardware, valve stems, and any signs of bent or damaged wheels also deserve attention.

A one-ton truck benefits from a careful first road test after tire replacement rather than an immediate heavy load or long trip. It is smart to recheck air pressure, lug torque, and visible clearance after the first miles, especially if the truck has switched constructions or has not been driven regularly.

Tires on a collector 1987 GMC Trucks V3500 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Low-mileage trucks can still develop age-related issues, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and slow air loss matter just as much as remaining tread depth.

Keeping the truck out of prolonged sun, moisture, and ozone exposure helps preserve both radial and bias-ply tires. Even a lightly used V3500 should have its tires inspected several times through the year and again before any longer drive, particularly if it sits for extended periods between outings.