1972 International came from a maker known for durable working trucks and utility vehicles, and that character shows across the full lineup from Scout SUVs to Pickup and Travelall models. In this period, International balanced everyday transportation with serious load-carrying and off-road credibility, so tire sizing was closely tied to each vehicle’s role. Across eight models, 1972 International uses eight sizes, with 15-inch alphanumeric and numeric sizes on lighter-duty Scout, Pickup 1010, Pickup 1110, and Travelall 1010/1110 models, while heavier 1210 and 1310 trucks move to 16.5-inch sizes. The first thing to confirm is your exact model, because size choice changes with the vehicle series rather than being universal across the make.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1972 International
Eight tire sizes appear across 1972 International vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the whole lineup. The real decision starts with identifying whether your truck or utility vehicle uses a 15-inch or 16.5-inch wheel, then narrowing to the size associated with your specific model. Understanding that split before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the right International platform.
G78-15 is an alphanumeric bias-ply size, with the letter-width designation paired to a 15-inch rim and no R in the code, which identifies bias-ply construction. This size is available from Coker Classic and STA with wide whitewall and blackwall sidewall styles; load ratings include 1620 pounds at 32 psi on Coker Classic products. It is one of the shared 15-inch sizes used across several lighter-duty 1972 International models rather than a year-wide fitment. Buyers usually land here when they want a traditional bias-ply look, with either a passenger-style whitewall presentation or a more utilitarian blackwall truck character.
H78-15 is an alphanumeric bias-ply size that fits a 15-inch rim, with the H-series width code indicating a larger size family than G78-15 and the absence of an R confirming bias-ply construction. Coker Classic and STA both offer this size, again in wide whitewall and blackwall forms, with load ratings of 1770 pounds at 32 psi and 1830 pounds at 45 psi depending on product. This is another shared size for multiple 15-inch International applications rather than a universal size for every model in the range. It suits owners who need the broader stance and classic bias-ply feel associated with period truck and utility use.
700-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, where 7.00 represents nominal section width in the older numeric system and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA offer this size, with wide whitewall and blackwall versions available; load ratings include 1700 pounds at 32 psi on several passenger-style bias-ply products. This size is specific to Pickup 1110 and the 1010/1110 Travelall models, so it is not shared with the full 1972 International lineup. It is a strong choice for owners aiming for a traditional truck or wagon-era fitment in a familiar pre-metric bias-ply size.
800-16.5 is a numeric bias-ply truck size, with 8.00 as the nominal section width and 16.5 as the rim diameter in inches. STA offers this size in blackwall form through Super Transport and Traxion products, with load ratings reaching 2045 pounds at 60 psi on certain versions. This size is specific to heavier-duty 1210 and 1310 series applications plus the Travelall 1210, so it belongs to the larger 16.5-inch side of the 1972 International range. Buyers usually choose it when preserving the original heavy-duty truck setup and the work-oriented appearance that came with blackwall bias-ply tires.
875-16.5 is a numeric bias-ply size using the older 8.75 nominal width designation on a 16.5-inch wheel. STA offers it in blackwall form through Traxion and Transport Highway lines, giving buyers a choice between different truck-oriented tread styles within the same basic size. This size is limited to the heavier 1210 and 1310 pickups and the Travelall 1210 rather than the lighter 15-inch models. It makes sense for owners keeping a substantial, utility-focused tire profile on medium-duty International platforms.
Year(s): 1972|Fit(s): Pickup 1210, Pickup 1310|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16.5 in
950-16.5 is a numeric bias-ply truck size, with 9.50 as the nominal width and 16.5 as the wheel diameter. STA offers this size in blackwall Traxion and Super Transport versions, and both carry a load rating of 2780 pounds at 60 psi. This size is specific to the Pickup 1210 and Pickup 1310 and does not extend to Scout or Travelall 15-inch applications. It is the largest fitment in this 1972 International group and best suits heavier pickup configurations that call for the broader 16.5-inch truck tire footprint.
Year(s): 1972|Fit(s): Scout|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15-in rim
E78-15 is an alphanumeric bias-ply size for a 15-inch wheel, with the E-series width code placing it on the narrower end of the 1970s passenger and utility range. It appears as a Scout-specific size within 1972 International applications. Its role in the lineup is to serve the compact end of Scout fitment rather than the heavier truck-oriented models. Buyers considering this size should be sure they are working from an actual Scout application and matching it to the wheel already on the vehicle.
Year(s): 1972|Fit(s): Scout|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15-in rim
F78-15 is an alphanumeric bias-ply size that mounts on a 15-inch rim, with the F-series code indicating a step up from E78-15 within the same older sizing system. It is also specific to the 1972 International Scout rather than shared with the Pickup and Travelall range. In practical terms, this size sits in the Scout-only portion of the lineup and reflects how the Scout could use different 15-inch fitments depending on equipment and intended use. Buyers should confirm the exact Scout wheel and existing size before moving forward.
Eight International models are covered for 1972, spanning compact utility vehicles, family haulers, and heavier-duty pickups. Tire size does vary by model, and in this lineup that matters because lighter 1010-series and Scout applications stay on 15-inch sizes while 1210 and 1310 trucks move into 16.5-inch territory. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the sizes and products that match that specific International.
1972 International Pickup 1010
The Pickup 1010 sat in International’s light-duty truck range, offering the brand’s rugged, no-nonsense character in a more everyday usable form. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and its fitment centers on the common light-truck side of the International lineup rather than the heavier 16.5-inch truck group.
The Pickup 1110 bridged personal-use pickup styling and heavier utility expectations, a hallmark of International trucks in the early 1970s. It uses 15-inch wheel fitments, but with more than one size family available depending on how the truck was equipped.
The Pickup 1210 moved into a more substantial duty class, and that shift is reflected in its larger wheel and tire package. Its fitments mount on 16.5-inch wheels and belong to the heavier truck side of the 1972 International range.
The Pickup 1310 represented one of the stoutest pickup offerings in International’s lineup, aimed at buyers who needed real carrying and working capability. It uses 16.5-inch wheel sizes throughout, with truck-oriented bias-ply options that reflect that heavier role.
The Scout was International’s compact sport-utility entry, known for blending off-road toughness with a shorter, more maneuverable footprint than the company’s full-size trucks. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, but the Scout carries the widest variety of 15-inch fitments in the 1972 International family.
The Travelall 1010 carried International’s truck-based wagon concept into family and fleet use, combining utility-vehicle durability with full-size passenger space. It rides on 15-inch tire fitments shared with the lighter truck portion of the lineup.
Associated Tire Sizes:
700-15 — bias-ply, traditional wagon and truck size
The Travelall 1110 was a larger-capacity version of International’s station-wagon-based utility concept, favored by buyers who wanted truck strength in a people-carrying package. Like the other lighter-duty Travelall and pickup variants, it stays with 15-inch wheel fitments rather than 16.5-inch truck sizes.
Associated Tire Sizes:
700-15 — bias-ply, traditional wagon and truck size
The Travelall 1210 brought the same full-size wagon body into a heavier-duty chassis class, making it distinct from the 1010 and 1110 versions. Its tires mount on 16.5-inch wheels, aligning it with International’s heavier pickup fitments rather than the lighter 15-inch group.
Twenty-one products are available across eight tire sizes for 1972 International vehicles. G78-15 and H78-15 come from Coker Classic and STA in bias-ply form with wide whitewall and blackwall choices; 700-15 comes from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA in bias-ply form with whitewall and blackwall options; 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5 come from STA as bias-ply blackwalls. Confirm your exact size first, especially since this lineup spans both 15-inch and 16.5-inch applications.
These FAQs sort out the differences between Scout, Pickup, and Travelall fitments for 1972 International, including how the 15-inch and 16.5-inch sizes relate, what sidewall styles exist, and what to inspect before using a collector-grade truck or utility vehicle regularly.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1972 International vehicles?
1972 International vehicles use eight sizes across the full model range: E78-15, F78-15, G78-15, H78-15, 700-15, 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5. Scout models use E78-15, F78-15, G78-15, and H78-15; Pickup 1010 uses G78-15 and H78-15; Pickup 1110 and Travelall 1010/1110 use 700-15, G78-15, and H78-15; Pickup 1210 and 1310 use 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5; Travelall 1210 uses 800-16.5 and 875-16.5.
The practical split is between 15-inch and 16.5-inch wheel applications. G78-15 typically fits 5.00 to 7.00-inch rims, H78-15 fits 5.50 to 7.00-inch rims, 700-15 fits 5.00 to 5.50-inch rims, 800-16.5 fits 6.00 to 6.50-inch rims, and 950-16.5 fits 6.50 to 6.75-inch rims. Before choosing a tire, confirm the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle and compare the existing tire size, since year and make alone are not enough across the 1972 International lineup.
What does G78-15 mean on a 1972 International tire?
On a 1972 International, G78-15 is an alphanumeric bias-ply size. The G identifies the size family in the older letter-based system, the 78 is part of that period sizing convention, and the 15 is the rim diameter in inches. Because there is no R in the size code, it is a bias-ply tire rather than a radial.
That matters because G78-15 appears on several lighter-duty International models, including Scout, Pickup 1010, Pickup 1110, Travelall 1010, and Travelall 1110. In available products, it comes in both wide whitewall and blackwall versions, so the choice is often about the look and character you want for the vehicle. If your truck or Scout already wears a G78-15, matching that size is the most direct way to stay within the period sizing language used by International in 1972.
Do all 1972 International models use the same tire size?
No, 1972 International models do not share one universal tire size. Scout models can use four different 15-inch alphanumeric sizes, the lighter Pickup and Travelall models center on 700-15, G78-15, and H78-15, and the heavier 1210 and 1310 series trucks move to 16.5-inch sizes such as 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5. That spread reflects the broad range of vehicles International sold under one make in 1972.
For a buyer, that means identifying the model is the first step, and checking the wheel diameter is the second. A Scout owner comparing E78-15 or F78-15 choices is in a different fitment situation than a Pickup 1310 owner looking at 950-16.5. Once the model is pinned down, you can compare products within the correct size instead of trying to treat all 1972 International vehicles as one fitment group.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1972 International tires?
1972 International tires are available in both wide whitewall and blackwall styles, depending on size. G78-15 and H78-15 are offered in wide whitewall and blackwall form, while 700-15 also appears in both styles. The 16.5-inch truck sizes 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5 are blackwall-only, which fits their heavy-duty truck role.
Sidewall choice can change the whole look of a 1972 International. Whitewalls generally suit a more passenger-oriented or dressed-up presentation on lighter pickups, Scouts, and Travelalls, while blackwalls feel more work-truck correct, especially on the larger 16.5-inch applications. If appearance matters for restoration or show use, match the sidewall style to the way your vehicle was originally equipped and to the character you want the finished truck or utility vehicle to project.
What brands make tires for 1972 International vehicles?
Three brands cover 1972 International applications: Coker Classic, Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA, with the exact brand 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 16.5-inch heavy-duty sizes 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5 are represented by STA.
Brand choice often follows the kind of International you own. A lighter-duty Pickup, Scout, or Travelall owner may be weighing whitewall passenger-style offerings against blackwall truck-oriented tread styles, while a 1210 or 1310 owner is usually choosing among STA’s utility-focused 16.5-inch products. Narrowing the correct size first makes the brand decision much easier, because each size family has its own mix of appearance and truck-use emphasis.
What is the difference between STA Traxion and STA Super Transport for a 1972 International?
For a 1972 International, STA Traxion and STA Super Transport overlap in some 16.5-inch truck sizes but differ in available specifications. In 800-16.5, Super Transport carries a load rating of 2045 pounds at 60 psi and weighs 33 pounds, while Traxion weighs 31 pounds. In 950-16.5, both carry 2780 pounds at 60 psi, with Traxion weighing 40 pounds and Super Transport 41 pounds. Both use blackwall bias-ply construction.
The practical choice is less about basic fitment and more about the kind of truck character you want within the correct size. A Pickup 1210, Pickup 1310, or Travelall 1210 owner should first confirm whether the vehicle needs 800-16.5 or 950-16.5, then compare the available STA series within that size. That keeps the decision focused on the intended use and appearance of the truck instead of mixing together tire options from different wheel diameters.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1972 International tires require?
Rim width depends on the exact 1972 International tire size. 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. Among the heavier applications, 800-16.5 fits 6.00 to 6.50-inch rims and 950-16.5 fits 6.50 to 6.75-inch rims. Rim width should always be matched to the individual size rather than borrowed from another International fitment.
That matters because two tires may share a wheel diameter while still wanting different rim widths. A 15-inch wheel suited to 700-15 is not automatically ideal for G78-15 or H78-15, and a 16.5-inch wheel for 800-16.5 is not the same as one intended for 950-16.5. Before mounting anything, measure the wheel or verify the original wheel specification on the vehicle so the tire sits correctly and maintains its intended profile.
Can the original 1972 International wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1972 International wheels can only be used with tire sizes that match the wheel diameter already on the vehicle. The lighter models use 15-inch sizes such as E78-15, F78-15, G78-15, H78-15, and 700-15, while the heavier 1210 and 1310 applications use 16.5-inch sizes such as 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5. A 15-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 16.5-inch wheel, and a 16.5-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 15-inch wheel.
Even within the same wheel diameter, wheel width still needs to be checked before changing from one size to another. That is especially important if a truck has changed hands, been restored long ago, or no longer wears its factory wheels. The safest approach is to confirm both the stamped wheel diameter and the usable rim width before choosing among the sizes associated with your specific 1972 International model.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1972 International when the tires are fitted?
A 1972 International should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires properly inflated, avoid prolonged contact with standing moisture, and move the vehicle periodically so the tire carcass does not sit in one position for months at a time. Bias-ply tires, which cover the full 1972 International range here, are especially prone to flat-spotting during long static storage.
If the vehicle will sit for an extended period, many collectors either roll it slightly from time to time or support it in a way that reduces constant load on one contact patch. That helps preserve ride quality and sidewall appearance, especially on older-style bias-ply construction. A simple storage routine can do as much for long-term tire condition as careful driving, particularly on Scouts and trucks that see seasonal rather than year-round use.
How long do tires on a 1972 International typically last?
Tires on a 1972 International should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage. Collector vehicles often wear plenty of tread long after the rubber has begun to harden, and many owners use them too infrequently for tread wear to be the deciding factor. A good rule is to begin evaluating them closely around five to seven years of age and to treat about ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration, regardless of appearance.
The DOT date code, storage history, inflation habits, and exposure to sunlight all matter more than odometer readings on most vintage International vehicles. A truck used for local shows may age out before it wears out, while one used for regular hauling or road trips may need earlier replacement for condition reasons. Reading the date code and inspecting the sidewalls and tread annually keeps the decision grounded in tire age rather than guesswork.
How often should tires on a 1972 International be inspected?
Tires on a 1972 International should be inspected before every drive, and especially before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, punctures, uneven wear, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure between uses. A parked collector truck or Scout can develop age-related issues without accumulating much mileage, so infrequent use does not reduce the need for regular checks.
A deeper inspection every few months is wise for vehicles that spend a lot of time in storage. Check the spare as well, since it may be the oldest tire on the vehicle, and inspect valve stems at the same time because age and heat affect them too. Catching a problem in the garage is far preferable to discovering it after the truck is loaded, on the highway, or far from home.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1972 International Scout?
A 1972 International Scout originally belonged to an era when bias-ply tires were still a normal factory fitment on many American utility vehicles, and the Scout’s size range here reflects that with E78-15, F78-15, G78-15, and H78-15. Those are all period-correct alphanumeric bias-ply formats on 15-inch wheels. The exact original size could vary with equipment, wheel choice, and how the Scout was ordered.
For a restoration, the most accurate path is to verify the size against the vehicle’s surviving paperwork, build information, or unrestored examples with similar equipment. Marque clubs and Scout specialists are especially helpful if the truck has changed wheels over the years. Once the correct size is confirmed, the remaining choice usually comes down to whether you want a whitewall presentation or a more utilitarian blackwall appearance.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1972 International?
Correct tire fitment can matter quite a bit when showing a 1972 International, especially in restoration-focused events. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the tire size, construction type, and sidewall style suit the vehicle’s year, role, and overall presentation. A whitewall on a wagon-style Travelall may read differently than a blackwall on a work-oriented 1210 or 1310 truck, even when both are period-appropriate within their own contexts.
The closer the event is to concours standards, the more important those details become. Owners aiming for authenticity should match the tire’s overall look to the vehicle’s original character and verify any event-specific rules through International marque clubs or judging manuals. Even outside formal judging, the right size and sidewall style do a great deal to make a restored Scout, Pickup, or Travelall look visually settled and historically believable.
What is the difference between Coker Classic and STA for the 1972 International G78-15 and H78-15 sizes?
In 1972 International G78-15 and H78-15 applications, Coker Classic and STA serve different visual and use-case roles within bias-ply construction. Coker Classic products in both sizes appear as wide whitewalls, with G78-15 carrying 1620 pounds at 32 psi and H78-15 carrying 1770 pounds at 32 psi. STA versions are blackwalls, and the H78-15 STA Traxion carries 1830 pounds at 45 psi. Both sizes fit 15-inch rims, but the presentation is very different.
That means the choice often comes down to the personality of the finished vehicle. A whitewall Coker Classic tends to suit a more dressed, restoration-minded look on a lighter pickup, Scout, or Travelall, while an STA blackwall feels more work-truck or utility-oriented. For a show vehicle, sidewall appearance may be the deciding factor; for a truck with a more rugged visual theme, the blackwall STA route may fit the build better.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1972 International tires safe for highway driving?
1972 International tire safety on the highway depends first on condition, correct sizing, and proper inflation. The available products here are bias-ply tires, and none of these sizes include speed letters in the size markings, so there is no separate speed-rating code to compare across the group. In normal collector use, the age and condition of the tire often matter more than whether the truck can mechanically reach modern highway speeds.
A sound 1972 International with healthy tires can be used on public roads, but the driver should keep the vehicle’s era in mind. Steering feel, braking distances, suspension behavior, and load condition may affect comfort and safety sooner than the tire itself on an older Scout, Pickup, or Travelall. Before any sustained highway run, inspect the tires closely and be realistic about the vehicle’s overall mechanical state, not just the tread depth.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1972 International tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1972 International depends on the exact tire size and product. G78-15 Coker Classic products carry 1620 pounds at 32 psi, H78-15 Coker Classic products carry 1770 pounds at 32 psi, H78-15 STA Traxion carries 1830 pounds at 45 psi, 700-15 passenger-style bias-ply products carry 1700 pounds at 32 psi, 800-16.5 Super Transport carries 2045 pounds at 60 psi, and 950-16.5 products carry 2780 pounds at 60 psi. Those figures are not interchangeable across sizes.
Use the vehicle’s original manual or factory inflation guidance as your starting point, then compare it to the tire manufacturer’s load-and-pressure rating for the exact tire you have chosen. A lightly used Scout may want a different practical pressure than a loaded Pickup 1310, even when both are wearing period-style bias-ply tires. Pressure should be set with the tire cold and revisited whenever the vehicle’s load or use pattern changes.
What should I check before taking a 1972 International on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1972 International, inspect each tire for cracking, bulges, cuts, punctures, and uneven wear, then confirm cold inflation pressure and make sure the spare is usable. Check the valve stems closely, since age can damage them even when the tread still looks serviceable. If the vehicle has been sitting, look for flat-spotting and drive gently at first until the tires have warmed up and settled.
A proper pre-drive routine should also include the broader systems that matter on a vintage truck or utility vehicle: brakes, wheel bearings, steering, lights, fluids, and charging system condition. Tires are only one part of longer-drive readiness, but they are the part most likely to reveal age problems quickly. Spending a few extra minutes in the garage can prevent roadside trouble and helps keep an older International enjoyable rather than stressful on the road.
