The 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 sits in the last generation of Dodge’s square-shouldered, work-focused pickups before the styling and chassis changes of the 1990s. Buyers still seek these trucks as practical haulers, farm trucks, and honest restoration projects, which makes tire fitment an important part of keeping the truck’s intended stance and load-carrying character. Depending on GVWR and configuration, the 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 uses 16-inch tires in 215/85R16, 235/85R16, or 750-16 form, with both radial and bias-ply fitments in the mix. That creates real choices in tread style, sidewall presentation, and construction. The right selection starts with the exact sub-model and wheel setup on the truck.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1989 Dodge Trucks D250
The 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct choice depends on the truck’s GVWR-rated sub-model rather than wheel diameter, since all three fit 16-inch rims. Two sizes are radial metric fitments and one is a numeric bias-ply size, so the first step is confirming the exact sub-model and whether the truck still carries its original-style wheel and tire construction.
215/85R16 is a metric radial size in which 215 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 1989 Dodge Trucks D250, this size represents a modern radial fitment for specific GVWR configurations rather than a one-size answer for the whole model line. It gives the truck an authentic heavy-duty pickup sizing format without moving into older bias-ply notation. Use this size when it matches the truck’s exact sub-model and wheel setup, especially if staying with a radial-based fitment is the goal.
Fit(s): (GVWR 6600), (GVWR 7500), and Heavy Duty (GVWR 8510)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
235/85R16 is also a metric radial size, with a 235-millimeter nominal section width, an 85-series profile, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. This is the broadest-reaching radial size across the 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 range and appears on more than one GVWR configuration, including the Heavy Duty truck. Available product choice in this size leans toward a truck-oriented radial with raised white letter sidewalls, plus defined rim-width and load specifications. It is the size to evaluate when the truck is one of the D250 configurations built around a radial 16-inch fitment.
750-16 is a numeric bias-ply truck tire size, where 7.50 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 16 identifies the rim diameter. On the 1989 Dodge Trucks D250, this size belongs to a specific GVWR-rated application and carries a very different selection story than the radial sizes, with traditional bias-ply construction at the center of the decision. Available choices include Firestone, BFGoodrich, Lester, and STA, along with blackwall and wide whitewall styles and several classic truck-oriented series. Choose this size only when it matches the truck’s actual sub-model and wheel setup, particularly for restoration-minded or period-style use.
Tire fitment on the 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 varies by GVWR-rated sub-model, so identifying the exact truck matters before choosing a size or construction. Some versions stay within radial metric sizes, while one configuration introduces a 750-16 bias-ply fitment alongside a radial alternative.
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1989 Dodge Trucks D250 (GVWR 6600)
The 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 (GVWR 6600) uses radial 16-inch fitments and does not share the bias-ply 750-16 option used elsewhere in the range. Tire selection here centers on choosing between the two applicable metric radial sizes and confirming which wheel and tire setup is actually on the truck.
The 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 (GVWR 7500) is the most mixed fitment in the lineup, using either a 235/85R16 radial or a 750-16 bias-ply. That makes construction choice especially important, since a restoration-oriented truck may follow one path while a truck already set up for radial use may follow another.
The 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 Heavy Duty (GVWR 8510) stays focused on a single radial fitment rather than mixing size systems. Tire selection is more straightforward here, with the main job being confirmation of the truck’s current wheels and comparison of the available product specifications within that radial 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 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 Tires for Sale
Available 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 tire choices split clearly by size and purpose. The 235/85R16 radial offering comes from BFGoodrich in the All Terrain TA KO2 series with raised white letter styling, while 750-16 bias-ply choices span Firestone, BFGoodrich, Lester, and STA in blackwall and wide whitewall truck-oriented series.
Common 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 tire questions usually come down to sub-model fitment, 16-inch rim compatibility, bias-ply versus radial construction, and how to choose the right tire style for work, restoration, or regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1989 Dodge Trucks D250?
A 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 can use 215/85R16, 235/85R16, or 750-16, depending on the truck’s GVWR-rated sub-model. The 215/85R16 and 235/85R16 sizes are radial metric fitments, while 750-16 is a numeric bias-ply truck size used on certain configurations.
The important next step is matching the tire to the exact D250 version rather than assuming every truck in the model line used the same size. Checking the door information, wheel setup, and the truck’s current configuration helps separate an original-type fitment from a later wheel or tire change.
What size rim does a 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 use?
The tire sizes used on the 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 all center on a 16-inch rim diameter. That includes the radial metric sizes 215/85R16 and 235/85R16 as well as the numeric bias-ply 750-16 size.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, because width and tire construction still matter once the 16-inch wheel is confirmed. A truck that has been changed to aftermarket wheels, later-model wheels, or a different-duty wheel package should be measured directly before selecting between the available D250 tire sizes.
Why does the 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 have more than one tire size?
The 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 covers more than one GVWR-rated configuration, and those trucks do not all share the same tire fitment. Some sub-models use radial metric sizes, while the GVWR 7500 version can use either a 235/85R16 radial or a 750-16 bias-ply size.
That means the correct tire choice starts with identifying the exact truck, not just the year and model badge. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the buyer can focus on the right construction, sidewall style, and product type instead of comparing tires that belong to a different D250 configuration.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 750-16 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1989 Dodge Trucks D250?
On the 1989 Dodge Trucks D250, 750-16 is a bias-ply tire size. It appears on the GVWR 7500 sub-model, where it stands apart from the truck’s radial metric fitments such as 235/85R16.
That difference matters because bias-ply and radial tires bring different casing construction, appearance, and wheel-compatibility considerations. A D250 that still carries a period-style truck setup may stay with 750-16, while a truck already configured around a radial fitment should be checked carefully before any construction change is made.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1989 Dodge Trucks D250?
The answer depends on which 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 sub-model is being fitted and what kind of truck setup is already in place. This model range includes both radial primary fitments, such as 215/85R16 and 235/85R16, and a bias-ply primary fitment in 750-16 for the GVWR 7500 truck.
A restoration-minded owner may want the traditional look and construction of the bias-ply size where it applies, while a radial-equipped truck should stay focused on the correct radial fitment. Wheel width, current wheel type, clearance, and the truck’s intended use should all be reviewed before changing construction.
Can a 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 have both bias-ply and radial fitments in the same model range?
Yes. The 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 model range includes both radial and bias-ply primary tire fitments, depending on the GVWR-rated sub-model. The radial choices are 215/85R16 and 235/85R16, while 750-16 is the bias-ply size used on the GVWR 7500 configuration.
That mix is a reminder not to choose tires by year and badge alone. The correct approach is to confirm the exact truck, then compare the wheel setup and current tire construction so the new tires match the intended fitment path instead of crossing between radial and bias-ply applications without checking compatibility.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 tire?
Start with the truck’s exact sub-model, because the 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 does not use one universal tire size. The correct choice may be 215/85R16, 235/85R16, or 750-16, and the available products differ by construction, sidewall treatment, series, rim-width range, and load specification.
After the size is confirmed, the decision shifts to how the truck is used and how it should look. A work-oriented setup may point toward a truck tread and load-focused specification, while a restoration-minded build may place more emphasis on traditional bias-ply construction or a period-style sidewall presentation.
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 tires?
Available sidewall styles for 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 tires include raised white letter on the 235/85R16 radial offering, plus blackwall and wide whitewall choices in the 750-16 bias-ply range. Those sidewall treatments create very different visual results even when the wheel diameter stays at 16 inches.
The right sidewall depends on the truck’s role and presentation. A work-truck or utility look often leans toward blackwall or raised white letter styling, while a restoration-oriented or more stylized build may call for wide whitewalls, provided the tire size and construction still match the truck’s proper fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1989 Dodge Trucks D250?
Tires for the 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Lester, and STA across the applicable sizes. Brand choice varies by fitment, with the 235/85R16 radial represented by BFGoodrich and the 750-16 bias-ply selection spread across several classic and truck-oriented brands.
Brand alone should not drive the decision. It makes more sense to narrow the correct size first, then compare series, sidewall style, construction, and wheel compatibility within that size so the tire matches the truck’s intended appearance and use rather than simply carrying a familiar name.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1989 Dodge Trucks D250?
For a period-style 1989 Dodge Trucks D250, the right starting point is the tire size and construction that belong to the truck’s exact sub-model. If the truck is a GVWR 7500 version using 750-16, the available bias-ply choices align naturally with a more traditional truck presentation.
Appearance should be balanced against the actual configuration on the truck today. A D250 that has already been changed to a radial-based wheel and tire setup may call for a different path, while an originality-focused project benefits from checking marque-specific references before deciding on sidewall style or brand presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1989 Dodge Trucks D250?
Tire construction can change the visual character of a restored 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 almost as much as the sidewall style. The 750-16 bias-ply fitment brings a traditional truck tire look, while the radial metric sizes used elsewhere in the D250 range present a more modern heavy-duty pickup appearance.
That visual difference matters most on trucks being restored to a specific era feel rather than simply returned to service. Sidewall choices such as blackwall, wide whitewall, or raised white letter add another layer, so the best result comes from matching construction and sidewall treatment to the truck’s intended finished look.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1989 Dodge Trucks D250?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 even when the tire still has the correct 16-inch rim diameter. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, suspension alterations, and body or steering-clearance changes can all affect whether a given D250 tire size remains appropriate on the truck.
A truck that has been lifted, lowered, or re-wheeled should be checked as an individual vehicle before a new set is chosen. Measuring wheel width and inspecting clearance at full steering lock gives a more reliable picture than assuming the original sub-model tire size still suits a modified setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 on new tires?
Before driving a 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware integrity, and make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size and construction for the truck’s sub-model. It also helps to verify inflation pressure and look for any obvious clearance issues.
A short road test should follow only after checking that the tires do not rub during steering or suspension movement. On an older truck, it is also wise to inspect steering and suspension components, since worn parts can create wandering, uneven wear, or clearance problems that look like tire issues.
How should tires on a collector 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1989 Dodge Trucks D250 should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and air loss, even if the truck is driven only occasionally. Low-use trucks often age their tires through time and storage conditions rather than mileage alone.
Consistent pressure checks and clean, dry storage away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources help preserve both radial and bias-ply tires. Moving the truck periodically, watching for flat-spotting, and rechecking the condition before longer drives are sensible habits for a vintage pickup that spends much of its life parked.
