1971 International came from a maker known for work-ready trucks and utility vehicles, and that character shows clearly across the year’s pickups, Scout, and Travelall models. Unlike many passenger-car lines of the period, the International range mixed family transport, light-duty pickup use, and heavier truck-oriented applications under one make. Tire choice across these eight models varies significantly, with eight distinct sizes spread across 15-inch and 16.5-inch fitments rather than one universal year-wide option. That means the first step for any 1971 International owner is to confirm the exact model—especially whether you have a Scout, a 1010 or 1110 pickup or Travelall, or a 1210/1310 heavy-duty truck—before narrowing down the correct size.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1971 International
Eight tire sizes appear across the 1971 International range, and they vary by model rather than carrying across every pickup, Scout, and Travelall. The real decision starts with confirming whether your vehicle uses a 15-inch or 16.5-inch wheel, then narrowing to the size tied to that specific model. Understanding that split before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right International platform.
G78-15 is an alphanumeric bias-ply size in which the G identifies the general section-width class and the 15 indicates a 15-inch rim. This size is available from Coker Classic and STA, with wide whitewall and blackwall sidewall styles. It suits 15-inch International applications shared across several lighter-duty pickups, the Scout, and Travelall models, making it a useful choice when you want a period-style bias-ply tire in a common year-and-make fitment.
H78-15 is an alphanumeric bias-ply size, with the H marking a larger width class than G78 and the 15 identifying the 15-inch wheel diameter. Coker Classic offers it in wide whitewall form, while STA offers a blackwall truck-style version, and load figures range from 1770 pounds at 32 psi to 1830 pounds at 45 psi depending on the product. It is another shared 15-inch size for lighter-duty 1971 International trucks and utilities, and it appeals to owners who want a fuller, truck-oriented bias-ply look within the original-era sizing language.
700-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 7.00 refers to the nominal section width and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA offer this size, with wide whitewall and blackwall sidewall styles available and load ratings up to 1700 pounds at 32 psi on passenger-style versions. This size is specific to the Pickup 1110 and the Travelall 1010 and 1110 rather than the full 1971 International range, so it is the right path for owners of those models who want a classic numeric-size bias-ply fitment.
800-16.5 is a numeric bias-ply size with an 8.00 nominal section width and a 16.5-inch wheel diameter. STA offers it in blackwall form in both Super Transport and Traxion patterns, with load capacity reaching 2045 pounds at 60 psi on the Super Transport version. This size is specific to heavier-duty 1210 and 1310 pickups and the Travelall 1210, making it the starting point for owners whose trucks use the larger 16.5-inch wheel format rather than the more common 15-inch sizes.
875-16.5 is a numeric bias-ply size where 8.75 is the nominal section width and 16.5 is the rim diameter. STA offers this size in blackwall form in Traxion and Transport Highway patterns. It is another model-specific fitment for the heavier 1210 and 1310 pickups and the Travelall 1210, and it makes sense for owners staying with a distinctly truck-oriented bias-ply setup on 16.5-inch wheels.
Year(s): 1971|Fit(s): Pickup 1210, Pickup 1310|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16.5 in
950-16.5 is a numeric bias-ply size with a 9.50 nominal section width paired to a 16.5-inch rim. STA offers it in blackwall form in Traxion and Super Transport versions, and both carry a load rating of 2780 pounds at 60 psi. This size is specific to the 1971 International Pickup 1210 and Pickup 1310, so it belongs to the heavier pickup end of the line rather than the Scout or lighter Travelall and pickup models.
Year(s): 1971|Fit(s): Scout|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15-in rim
E78-15 is an alphanumeric bias-ply size in which the E indicates a smaller width class and the 15 denotes a 15-inch rim. It is a Scout-specific size within the 1971 International range. Owners working with an early, narrower Scout wheel-and-tire combination will want to focus on this size first, since it reflects a more compact fitment than the broader 15-inch options shared with the pickups and Travelalls.
Year(s): 1971|Fit(s): Scout|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15-in rim
F78-15 is an alphanumeric bias-ply size, with the F designating a width class between E78 and G78 on a 15-inch rim. This is another Scout-specific size rather than a universal 1971 International fitment. It is the right direction for Scout owners who need a mid-range 15-inch bias-ply size that sits between the narrowest Scout option and the larger shared 15-inch truck sizes.
Eight 1971 International models are covered here, ranging from compact utility vehicles to heavier-duty pickups and full-size Travelall wagons. Tire size does vary by model, so year and make alone are not enough—owners need to identify the exact Scout, Pickup, or Travelall series before choosing a tire. Select your model below to move into model-specific fitment history and tire options.
1971 International Pickup 1010
The 1010 sat in International’s light-duty pickup range, aimed at buyers who wanted truck utility with straightforward mechanical character. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and its fitments overlap with other lighter International truck and utility models from the same year.
The 1110 carried International’s pickup formula into a slightly broader working role, bridging everyday use and heavier truck expectations. It uses 15-inch tire fitments, but unlike the 1010 it also reaches into the classic 700-15 numeric size alongside alphanumeric options.
The 1210 moved into the heavier-duty side of the International pickup line, with a more serious work-truck mission than the lighter 1010 and 1110 models. Its tires mount on 16.5-inch wheels, placing it in a different fitment family from the 15-inch trucks and Scout.
The 1310 represents the stout end of the International pickup lineup, built for buyers who needed more capacity and a more commercial-duty personality. Like the 1210, it uses 16.5-inch tire fitments and stays firmly in the heavy-truck side of the range.
The Scout gave 1971 International a compact four-wheel-drive utility vehicle with a very different personality from the company’s larger pickups and Travelalls. Its tire fitments stay on 15-inch wheels, but the model spans a wider size spread than most of the rest of the lineup, from E78-15 through H78-15.
The Travelall blended wagon-like passenger space with International truck underpinnings, making it one of the era’s earliest true utility wagons. The 1010 version uses 15-inch tire fitments and shares its basic size family with lighter International pickups.
The Travelall 1110 continued International’s full-size utility-wagon formula with truck-rooted durability and family-hauling practicality. It rides on 15-inch tire sizes, including both traditional numeric and alphanumeric bias-ply fitments depending on the exact setup.
The Travelall 1210 sat on the heavier-duty side of the wagon range, closer in spirit to International’s bigger truck platforms than to a conventional passenger wagon. Its tires mount on 16.5-inch wheels, separating it clearly from the 15-inch Travelall variants.
Twenty-one products are available across eight tire sizes for 1971 International vehicles. G78-15 and H78-15 come in bias-ply form from Coker Classic and STA with wide whitewall and blackwall options; 700-15 comes from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA in bias-ply wide whitewall and blackwall form; 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5 are bias-ply STA blackwalls for heavier-duty applications.
These FAQs sort out the 15-inch versus 16.5-inch split across 1971 International trucks and utilities, explain alphanumeric and numeric sizing, and cover sidewall style, setup, storage, and road-use questions that matter on collector-grade working vehicles.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1971 International vehicles?
1971 International vehicles use eight sizes across the model range: E78-15, F78-15, G78-15, H78-15, 700-15, 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5. The Scout uses E78-15, F78-15, G78-15, and H78-15. Pickup 1010 uses G78-15 and H78-15, while Pickup 1110 and Travelall 1010/1110 use 700-15, G78-15, and H78-15. Pickup 1210, Pickup 1310, and Travelall 1210 move to 16.5-inch sizes, with 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 shared by all three and 950-16.5 used by the two heavier pickups.
That spread means there is no single year-wide tire size for 1971 International. The first fitment checkpoint is model identification, followed by wheel diameter: the lighter trucks and Scout stay in the 15-inch family, while the heavier 1210 and 1310 platforms use 16.5-inch wheels. Where rim-width guidance exists, G78-15 fits 5.00 to 7.00-inch rims, H78-15 fits 5.50 to 7.00, 700-15 fits 5.00 to 5.50, 800-16.5 fits 6.00 to 6.50, and 950-16.5 fits 6.50 to 6.75. Confirm the actual wheel before settling on a final tire choice.
What does G78-15 mean on a 1971 International tire?
On a 1971 International, G78-15 is an alphanumeric bias-ply size. The letter G identifies the tire’s general width and load class within the older alphanumeric system, while the 15 refers to a 15-inch rim diameter. It is not a modern metric radial code, and it does not use the same sizing logic as something like a P225/75R15.
That matters because many International owners see G78-15 on a sidewall and assume it cross-references directly to a modern radial size. In practice, it belongs to an earlier American sizing language that was common on trucks, utilities, and full-size vehicles of the late 1960s and early 1970s. On 1971 International models, G78-15 appears on the Pickup 1010, Pickup 1110, Scout, Travelall 1010, and Travelall 1110, so it is one of the more broadly shared 15-inch fitments in the lineup.
Do all 1971 International models use the same tire size?
No. 1971 International models split into several fitment groups. The Scout alone spans four 15-inch sizes, the lighter 1010 and 1110 pickups and some Travelalls share G78-15 and H78-15, the 1110 pickup and Travelall 1010/1110 also use 700-15, and the heavier Pickup 1210, Pickup 1310, and Travelall 1210 use 16.5-inch truck sizes such as 800-16.5 and 875-16.5, with 950-16.5 reserved for the heavier pickups.
That model split changes how you should research tires for a 1971 International. If you stop at year and make, you can easily end up comparing a light-duty 15-inch tire to a heavy-duty 16.5-inch truck fitment that belongs to a different platform entirely. Owners of modified trucks should also verify the wheels actually on the vehicle, since decades of service use often bring wheel swaps that move a truck away from its original size family.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1971 International tires?
1971 International tire choices span both wide whitewall and blackwall sidewall styles, but the mix depends on size. G78-15 and H78-15 are available in wide whitewall and blackwall form, while 700-15 also comes in both styles. The heavier 16.5-inch truck sizes—800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5—are blackwall applications.
Sidewall style should follow the personality of the model and the restoration goal. A whitewall can make sense on a more road-oriented Travelall or lighter-duty pickup restored with a passenger-vehicle look in mind, while blackwalls are the natural visual fit for work-truck, utility, and heavier-load International applications. Scout owners should think carefully about whether they want a cleaner utility presentation or a more dressed-up period look, then match that choice to the specific size their vehicle uses.
What brands make tires for 1971 International vehicles?
1971 International tire coverage comes from Coker Classic, STA, Firestone, and BFGoodrich, depending on size. G78-15 and H78-15 are available from Coker Classic and STA. 700-15 is available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA. The heavier-duty 16.5-inch sizes—800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5—are covered by STA.
Brand choice on a 1971 International often follows the type of vehicle you have and the look you want. Firestone and BFGoodrich 700-15 offerings lean into classic passenger-and-light-truck visual authenticity, while STA serves much of the more work-oriented truck and utility side of the range, especially in 16.5-inch sizes. Coker Classic adds whitewall options in G78-15 and H78-15 for owners who want a dressier period appearance on 15-inch International applications.
What is the difference between STA Traxion and STA Super Transport for the 1971 International?
On 1971 International fitments, STA Traxion and STA Super Transport overlap in some of the 16.5-inch sizes but serve slightly different purposes. In 800-16.5, both appear as blackwall bias-ply truck tires, with the Super Transport carrying a 2045-pound load rating at 60 psi and weighing 33 pounds, while the Traxion weighs 31 pounds. In 950-16.5, both are also blackwall bias-ply options, each rated at 2780 pounds at 60 psi, with the Traxion at 40 pounds and the Super Transport at 41 pounds.
That comparison suggests the choice is less about basic fitment and more about the tread family and the kind of truck presentation you want. Both mount on the same wheel diameter for the sizes where they overlap, so your model and wheel determine whether the size itself is correct before the series choice comes into play. Owners using heavier-duty Pickups or a Travelall 1210 should compare the exact size first, then choose the STA series that best matches their intended road and utility use.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1971 International tires require?
Several 1971 International sizes carry clear rim-width guidance. G78-15 fits 5.00 to 7.00-inch rims, H78-15 fits 5.50 to 7.00-inch rims, and 700-15 fits 5.00 to 5.50-inch rims. On the heavier 16.5-inch side, 800-16.5 fits 6.00 to 6.50-inch rims, while 950-16.5 fits 6.50 to 6.75-inch rims.
Those ranges are an important reminder that matching rim diameter alone is not enough. A 15-inch wheel may physically share diameter with several sizes, yet still fall outside the preferred width range for one of them. The same principle matters even more on commercial-style 16.5-inch applications, where load and handling expectations are higher. Before mounting a tire on a restored or survivor International wheel, verify the wheel’s actual width and compare it to the size you plan to run.
Do 1971 International tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube status is not marked in the size designations for the 1971 International products here, so tube use should be confirmed at the product and wheel level rather than assumed from size alone. The key split on these vehicles is not tube versus tubeless by sidewall code, but correct matching of the tire to the wheel type and the intended service use.
That makes wheel inspection especially important on vintage International trucks and utilities. Original wheels, replacement rims, and older service repairs can all affect whether a tube is appropriate. If you are working with a truck that still wears original steel wheels, check the exact product sidewall marking and inspect the wheel’s condition, bead area, and valve-stem setup before final assembly. A restorer familiar with International trucks can help if the wheel history is unclear.
Can the original 1971 International wheels be used with all tire sizes?
No, because 1971 International vehicles do not share one wheel diameter across the full range. The lighter Pickup 1010 and 1110 models, the Scout, and the Travelall 1010 and 1110 use 15-inch tire sizes, while Pickup 1210, Pickup 1310, and Travelall 1210 use 16.5-inch sizes. That diameter split alone prevents one original wheel type from serving every 1971 International model.
Within each diameter family, some interchange is possible only after checking rim width. For example, G78-15, H78-15, and 700-15 all mount on 15-inch wheels, but their preferred width ranges are not identical. The same is true among the 16.5-inch truck sizes. If your International has had decades of service life, assume nothing about the wheels currently on it; verify wheel diameter and width before deciding that another original-era size will mount correctly.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1971 International when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1971 International should be kept out of direct sunlight, away from ozone sources such as electric motors and welders, and protected from standing moisture on concrete or bare ground. Proper inflation matters during storage, and periodic movement helps prevent one contact patch from carrying the vehicle’s full weight in the same position for months at a time. Bias-ply tires, which cover the 1971 International range here, are especially prone to flat-spotting when they sit.
For a Scout, Pickup, or Travelall that sees seasonal use, many owners either roll the vehicle occasionally or support it in a way that reduces long static loading. Tire covers and a cool, dry indoor space also help preserve sidewalls and tread compounds. If the vehicle is stored for a long stretch, inspect the tires before the next outing rather than assuming they are ready simply because tread depth still looks good.
How long do tires on a 1971 International typically last?
Tire life on a 1971 International is usually governed more by age than by mileage. Collector and hobby vehicles often accumulate very little road use, so the better rule is to evaluate tires closely once they reach about five to seven years of age and to treat around ten years as a serious replacement point regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the tire helps establish the tire’s actual age.
That age-based approach is especially important on older trucks and utilities because they may sit for long periods and then be asked to carry passengers, cargo, or towing loads with little warning. A bias-ply tire can still look presentable while the rubber has already hardened or the sidewall has begun to degrade. If your 1971 International came with older reproduction tires from a previous restoration, check age before planning any highway or event use.
How often should tires on a 1971 International be inspected?
Tires on a 1971 International should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer road trip. Look closely for sidewall cracking, irregular wear, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, and signs of impact damage. Pressure checks matter as much as visual checks, particularly on heavier 16.5-inch truck sizes where load support depends heavily on proper inflation.
A brief walkaround is often enough to catch the kinds of problems that develop while an older vehicle is parked. On trucks and utilities that may have older wheels or more work-oriented service history, also inspect valve stems and make sure the spare is in usable condition. If the vehicle develops a pull, vibration, or sudden change in ride feel, stop and recheck the tires rather than driving on and hoping the issue is elsewhere.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1971 International Scout?
A 1971 International Scout would have been a bias-ply vehicle when new, which aligns with the sizes associated with the model here: E78-15, F78-15, G78-15, and H78-15. Those are all period alphanumeric bias-ply sizes on 15-inch wheels, and they fit the Scout’s place in the market as a compact utility vehicle from the early 1970s. Original-equipment branding could vary by market, dealer, and exact specification, so size and construction are the more reliable starting points than brand assumptions.
For a restoration, getting the correct width class and sidewall look usually matters more than chasing a guessed-at original brand. A narrower E78-15 or F78-15 presents a different visual stance from a G78-15 or H78-15, even though all belong to the same era-correct sizing family. If you are preparing a judged Scout, confirm your target size and sidewall treatment with factory literature, period photography, or a Scout marque specialist before making the final choice.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1971 International?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1971 International because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice tire size, construction type, and sidewall style immediately. A Scout on the wrong width class, a Travelall wearing a sidewall treatment that clashes with its restoration theme, or a heavy-duty pickup on an incorrect wheel diameter can all look out of step with the rest of the vehicle. On utility vehicles and trucks, tire stance is a major part of the overall impression.
Authenticity does not always mean every owner must choose the same look, but it does mean the tire should make sense for the model and the restoration goal. A work-focused blackwall presentation and a dressier whitewall presentation can both be period-appropriate in the right context. For concours or marque-specific events, review the event rules and consult International clubs or long-time restorers, since judging standards often become stricter as the vehicle moves closer to factory-original presentation.
What is the difference between Firestone and BFGoodrich 700-15 tires for the 1971 International?
For 1971 International applications using 700-15, Firestone and BFGoodrich both offer classic bias-ply wide whitewall versions with the same published load rating of 1700 pounds at 32 psi. Firestone also appears in a blackwall version of the same size, while BFGoodrich in this size is represented by a wide whitewall presentation. Weight differs slightly as well, with the Firestone whitewall at 29 pounds and the BFGoodrich whitewall at 28 pounds.
That means the practical distinction is mostly visual and brand-character oriented rather than a dramatic fitment change. Both fit the 15-inch numeric-size family used by the Pickup 1110 and the Travelall 1010 and 1110, and both support a period-correct restoration approach. If your goal is an especially authentic-looking road-oriented truck or utility wagon, sidewall style may be the deciding factor; if you want a more work-truck look, the blackwall direction becomes more relevant.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1971 International tires safe for highway driving?
1971 International tire options here are all bias-ply designs, and no speed-rating letters appear in the sizes shown for these products. That means highway use should be approached with the expectations appropriate to vintage-style truck and utility tires rather than modern high-speed radials. On a 1971 International, the overall condition of the vehicle—steering, brakes, suspension, wheel bearings, and alignment—is often just as important to highway confidence as the tire itself.
In normal collector-vehicle use, a sound bias-ply tire can serve well when it is correctly sized, properly inflated, and matched to a mechanically healthy truck or Scout. The key is to drive within the limits of the vehicle’s era and intended mission, not to treat a 1971 International like a modern SUV or pickup. If the truck has been sitting, put road miles on it gradually and pay attention to tracking, vibration, heat buildup, and pressure retention before committing to a longer highway run.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1971 International tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1971 International depends on the exact tire size and product. G78-15 tires here carry 1620 pounds at 32 psi, H78-15 ranges from 1770 pounds at 32 psi to 1830 pounds at 45 psi depending on the tire, 700-15 carries 1700 pounds at 32 psi, 800-16.5 reaches 2045 pounds at 60 psi on one application, and 950-16.5 carries 2780 pounds at 60 psi. Those figures are tire ratings, not blanket vehicle settings for every International model.
Use the vehicle’s original manual or factory tire placard as your starting point for the vehicle recommendation, then compare that to the reproduction tire’s rated pressure and load information. Do not transfer a pressure from one size to another simply because the wheel diameter is the same. A 700-15, G78-15, and H78-15 may all mount on 15-inch wheels, but they are not interchangeable in load-and-pressure guidance without checking the exact tire you are using.
What should I check before taking a 1971 International on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1971 International on a longer drive, inspect every tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of age-related hardening. Check cold inflation pressure, verify that the spare is serviceable, and make sure the tires have been holding pressure consistently. On heavier pickups and Travelalls, also look for any mismatch in size or wear pattern that could suggest an older wheel or suspension issue.
A longer outing is also the time to treat the tires as one part of a complete vehicle readiness check. Old trucks and utility vehicles can expose weak shocks, alignment problems, brake pull, or steering looseness only after a few miles at road speed, and those issues can quickly be mistaken for tire trouble. If the International has been dormant, begin with a short local drive and reinspect the tires afterward before stretching into a full-day trip.
