The 1973 Dodge Van arrived in an era when full-size American vans were evolving from simple work rigs into multipurpose vehicles used for delivery duty, trades, custom builds, and family hauling. Dodge’s compact van platform appealed to buyers who wanted straightforward utility with a wide range of wheel and tire setups depending on how the van was equipped and used. For 1973 Dodge Van models, one Compact Van uses seven different tire sizes, spanning both 15-inch and 16.5-inch fitments as well as bias-ply and radial construction. Before choosing a tire, the first thing to confirm is which wheel diameter your van actually has, then whether you want period-correct bias-ply character or a radial alternative.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1973 Dodge Van
Seven tire sizes are used on 1973 Dodge Van models, and they all apply to the Compact Van rather than being split across multiple model lines. The real decision starts with wheel diameter, since these sizes mount on either 15-inch or 16.5-inch rims, and then moves to construction choice where both bias-ply and radial options exist. Understanding that distinction first helps narrow the field quickly and leads you to the right product match.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): Compact Van|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
700-15 is a numeric bias-ply size where the first number refers to nominal section width and the final number identifies a 15-inch rim. Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA offer this size in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, with load figures reaching 1700 pounds at 32 psi on several versions. This size suits a 1973 Dodge Van owner who wants a traditional bias-ply look, with whitewall choices for a more custom or restored appearance and blackwall truck-oriented versions for a more utilitarian presentation.
E78-15 is an alphanumeric bias-ply size, with the letter-and-number code indicating its older sizing class and the 15 marking a 15-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1973 Dodge Van Compact Van within the year and make range covered here. E78-15 fits buyers who are matching an original-style alphanumeric bias-ply specification and should be confirmed against the van’s existing wheel and sidewall markings before moving forward.
HR78-15 is an alphanumeric radial size, with the R indicating radial construction and the 15 identifying a 15-inch rim. This size is specific to the 1973 Dodge Van Compact Van and represents the radial choice within a range otherwise dominated by bias-ply fitments. HR78-15 makes the most sense for an owner seeking a 15-inch radial in the period alphanumeric format rather than a strictly bias-ply presentation.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): Compact Van|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
G78-15 is an alphanumeric bias-ply size, with the code reflecting its older load and section class and the 15 denoting a 15-inch wheel. Coker Classic and STA offer it in wide whitewall and blackwall versions, and load figures reach 1620 pounds at 32 psi on the Coker Classic options. This size works well for a 1973 Dodge Van owner who wants an alphanumeric bias-ply fitment with either a restored custom look or a more commercial blackwall appearance.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): Compact Van|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
H78-15 is an alphanumeric bias-ply size that mounts on a 15-inch rim, with the H-class code indicating a larger size range than G78-15. Coker Classic and STA offer this size in wide whitewall and blackwall styles, and load figures range from 1770 pounds at 32 psi to 1830 pounds at 45 psi depending on the product. This size is a strong choice for a 1973 Dodge Van owner who needs a larger 15-inch bias-ply fitment and wants to balance restoration style against a more truck-oriented blackwall design.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): Compact Van|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16.5 in
800-16.5 is a numeric bias-ply truck size, with an 8.00 nominal width designation and a 16.5-inch rim diameter. STA offers this size in blackwall form through Super Transport and Traxion variants, with load capacity reaching 2045 pounds at 60 psi on the Super Transport version. This size is specific to Compact Van setups running 16.5-inch wheels and is the practical direction for owners maintaining a heavier-duty commercial-style bias-ply fitment.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): Compact Van|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16.5 in
875-16.5 is a numeric bias-ply truck size that uses a 16.5-inch rim and represents a larger heavy-duty fitment than the 15-inch options. STA offers it in blackwall form in Traxion and Transport Highway versions, both aimed at a commercial or utility-oriented look rather than decorative sidewall styling. This size is specific to Compact Van applications with 16.5-inch wheels and makes the most sense when preserving that larger wheel setup instead of converting to a different diameter.
One model is covered for 1973 Dodge Van: the Compact Van. Even with a single model, tire size still matters because this van could appear with several different 15-inch and 16.5-inch fitments, including both bias-ply and radial construction. Select the model below to continue into model-specific fitment history and products.
1973 Dodge Van Compact Van
The 1973 Dodge Van Compact Van was part of Dodge’s practical forward-control van family, built for everything from fleet service to custom street use. That broad mission helps explain why it appears with both 15-inch and 16.5-inch tire fitments, along with a mix of bias-ply and radial construction depending on the wheel setup and intended character. Buyers should identify the van’s actual wheel diameter first, then match the tire style to the kind of restoration or road use they want.
Nineteen products are available across seven tire sizes for 1973 Dodge Van vehicles. 700-15 comes from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA in bias-ply blackwall and wide whitewall form; G78-15 and H78-15 come from Coker Classic and STA in bias-ply wide whitewall and blackwall form; 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 come from STA as bias-ply blackwalls. Confirm wheel diameter and preferred construction before selecting.
These FAQs focus on the unusually broad tire spread for 1973 Dodge Van models, including 15-inch versus 16.5-inch fitments, bias-ply versus radial choices, sidewall style differences, and the upkeep concerns that matter on collector and utility vans.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1973 Dodge Van vehicles?
1973 Dodge Van Compact Van models use seven sizes: 700-15, E78-15, HR78-15, G78-15, H78-15, 800-16.5, and 875-16.5. The 700-15, E78-15, HR78-15, G78-15, and H78-15 sizes mount on 15-inch rims, while 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 mount on 16.5-inch rims. Rim width guidance is available for several of the 15-inch sizes, including 5.00 to 5.50 inches for 700-15, 5.00 to 7.00 inches for G78-15, and 5.50 to 7.00 inches for H78-15, plus 6.00 to 6.50 inches for 800-16.5.
The key point is that year and make alone are not enough on a 1973 Dodge Van. You also need to confirm whether your van has 15-inch or 16.5-inch wheels, because those diameters are not interchangeable. Once wheel diameter is settled, you can choose among numeric, alphanumeric, bias-ply, or radial formats according to the van’s current setup and the look or road feel you want to preserve.
What does 700-15 mean on a 1973 Dodge Van tire?
On a 1973 Dodge Van, 700-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 7.00 portion is the older nominal section-width designation, and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. In this range, 700-15 appears as a bias-ply fitment with blackwall and wide whitewall versions, and its common rim width range is 5.00 to 5.50 inches.
That makes 700-15 a straightforward vintage American size rather than a modern metric one. If your Dodge van already carries 700-15 tires or 15-inch wheels in the proper width range, staying with that size helps preserve the original-style stance and proportions. It is still worth checking the sidewall of the tire currently on the van and confirming the wheel width before making a final size decision.
What does G78-15 or H78-15 mean on a 1973 Dodge Van tire?
On a 1973 Dodge Van, G78-15 and H78-15 are alphanumeric bias-ply sizes. The letter designates the size class within the older alphanumeric system, and the 15 identifies a 15-inch rim. Between the two, H78-15 is the larger fitment class, and each size is available in bias-ply construction with period-style sidewall treatments ranging from blackwall to wide whitewall.
These codes matter because they are not directly interchangeable with modern metric sizes by name alone. A van wearing G78-15 should not automatically be moved to H78-15 without confirming wheel width, clearance, and intended appearance. If you are restoring a 1973 Dodge Van to a period look, the alphanumeric system is often part of getting the sidewall presentation and overall visual proportion right.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the E78-15, G78-15, H78-15, 700-15, or HR78-15 for my 1973 Dodge Van?
For a 1973 Dodge Van on 15-inch wheels, the choice starts with the exact size already fitted to the van, then moves to construction. The 700-15, E78-15, G78-15, and H78-15 sizes are bias-ply fitments, while HR78-15 is the radial option in this 15-inch group. Bias-ply choices keep the older construction style that suits period restoration and traditional road manners, while HR78-15 is the path for buyers who specifically want a radial in an era-correct alphanumeric format.
The smartest approach is to match the wheel diameter first, then stay with the sidewall size your van was built around unless you are intentionally changing its setup. If your goal is originality, a bias-ply size that matches the van’s present markings is usually the safer historical direction. If your goal is regular driving with a radial construction, HR78-15 is the size in this range that fills that role.
What sidewall styles are available for 1973 Dodge Van tires?
1973 Dodge Van tires are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall form, depending on size. The 700-15, G78-15, and H78-15 sizes each have blackwall and wide whitewall offerings, while 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 are blackwall-only truck-oriented fitments. Whitewall widths also vary, including several different wide whitewall treatments in the 15-inch bias-ply sizes.
Blackwall is usually the more natural look for a work-oriented van or commercial-style restoration, especially on the 16.5-inch heavy-duty sizes. Wide whitewalls make more visual sense on custom vans or personalized period builds where styling matters as much as utility. If authenticity is important, match the sidewall style to the van’s intended persona rather than choosing purely by appearance in isolation.
What brands make tires for 1973 Dodge Van vehicles?
Firestone, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and STA all cover parts of the 1973 Dodge Van tire range. Firestone and BFGoodrich appear in 700-15, Coker Classic covers G78-15 and H78-15, and STA spans 700-15, G78-15, H78-15, 800-16.5, and 875-16.5. That means the 15-inch sizes offer the broadest brand mix, while the 16.5-inch sizes stay focused on STA’s truck and transport-style lines.
Brand choice often follows the style of restoration you are pursuing. Firestone and BFGoodrich suit buyers chasing a classic passenger-tire look in 700-15, while STA covers the more commercial side of the Dodge van world, especially in blackwall truck fitments. Coker Classic fills the middle ground in the alphanumeric bias-ply sizes with strong whitewall representation for visually period-minded builds.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1973 Dodge Van tires require?
Several 1973 Dodge Van tire sizes have clear rim width guidance. The 700-15 size fits 5.00 to 5.50-inch rims, G78-15 fits 5.00 to 7.00-inch rims, H78-15 fits 5.50 to 7.00-inch rims, and 800-16.5 fits 6.00 to 6.50-inch rims. Those ranges are specific to each size and should not be assumed to carry over to E78-15, HR78-15, or 875-16.5 without checking the exact tire and wheel combination.
Rim width matters because it affects section shape, stance, steering feel, and sidewall behavior. Even when two tires share the same rim diameter, they may not want the same wheel width. Before fitting a new set on a 1973 Dodge Van, measure the actual wheel or verify its stamped dimensions so the tire you choose is being mounted within the intended range.
Can the original 1973 Dodge Van wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1973 Dodge Van wheels can only be used with tire sizes that match their rim diameter. A 15-inch wheel can accept the 700-15, E78-15, HR78-15, G78-15, or H78-15 family, while a 16.5-inch wheel is for 800-16.5 or 875-16.5 only. A 15-inch tire will not seat correctly on a 16.5-inch wheel, and a 16.5-inch tire will not fit a 15-inch wheel.
That is the biggest fitment checkpoint on this year and make. Once diameter is confirmed, wheel width still needs to be checked against the tire you want to use, especially when moving between narrower and larger 15-inch sizes. Owners of custom or modified vans should verify the wheel itself rather than relying on old paperwork or assumptions about what the van originally carried.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1973 Dodge Van when the tires are fitted?
A 1973 Dodge Van should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires clean, maintain inflation, and move the van periodically so the same contact patch is not loaded for months at a time. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to temporary flat-spotting during long static storage, and they can show aging on the sidewalls sooner if exposed to ozone and heat.
For longer layups, many owners either roll the van a short distance every few weeks or support part of the load with stands while keeping the suspension in a natural position. If the van sits on concrete, place a barrier under the tires to reduce moisture exposure. A little storage discipline goes a long way on a heavy 1973 Dodge Van, especially when preserving older-style bias-ply construction.
How long do tires on a 1973 Dodge Van typically last?
On a 1973 Dodge Van, tire life should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage alone. Collector and utility vans often see long periods of sitting, which can age the rubber before the tread is worn out. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they are around five to seven years old and to treat ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration, regardless of remaining tread depth.
Check the date code on each tire and compare that age with how the van is actually used. A lightly driven weekend van with older tires may look fine at a glance yet still be aging internally. If your 1973 Dodge Van sees highway use, towing-type loads, or long summer drives, a conservative age-based replacement plan is wiser than waiting for visible failure signs.
How often should tires on a 1973 Dodge Van be inspected?
Tires on a 1973 Dodge Van should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer trip. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded objects, uneven wear, and signs that the tire is losing pressure between outings. Pay close attention to the heavier-duty van sizes, because commercial-style tires can hide age issues under relatively unworn tread if the vehicle is used only occasionally.
A more thorough inspection every few months is also smart, especially if the van spends much of its life parked. Check the spare, inspect the valve stems, and make sure each tire is carrying pressure evenly side to side. Catching a small crack, slow leak, or developing casing issue early is far easier than discovering it when a loaded 1973 Dodge Van is already on the road.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1973 Dodge Van Compact Van?
A 1973 Dodge Van Compact Van could be fitted with several period-appropriate sizes, including 700-15, E78-15, G78-15, H78-15, HR78-15, 800-16.5, and 875-16.5 depending on wheel equipment and intended service. Bias-ply construction was still entirely appropriate for this era, and most of the size range here reflects that. HR78-15 stands out as the radial alternative within the same year-and-make coverage, showing how early-1970s vans could bridge older and newer tire conventions.
For a truly accurate restoration, the best path is to verify the size against the van’s surviving tire placard, original paperwork, or a marque specialist familiar with Dodge commercial vehicles. Wheel diameter is especially important because 15-inch and 16.5-inch setups both appear in this range. Originality on a 1973 Dodge Van is often less about one universal size and more about matching the specific configuration your van left the factory with.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1973 Dodge Van?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1973 Dodge Van, especially if the van is being judged for originality or period presentation. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice whether the tire size, construction type, and sidewall style suit the era and the van’s intended personality. A heavy-duty blackwall truck tire gives a different impression than a wide whitewall bias-ply, and a radial can look out of place on a build meant to read as fully factory-authentic.
The right answer depends on what kind of show the van is entering. A custom van event may welcome a wide whitewall look that would not fit a stock commercial restoration, while a factory-style class may expect a more restrained sidewall and original-style construction. If awards matter, check the event’s judging standards and compare them with Dodge van club guidance before finalizing the tires.
What is the difference between STA Traxion and STA Super Transport for the 1973 Dodge Van?
For the 1973 Dodge Van in 800-16.5, STA Traxion and STA Super Transport are both bias-ply blackwall options, but they are not the same tire. Super Transport carries a stated load figure of 2045 pounds at 60 psi and fits 6.00 to 6.50-inch rims, while Traxion is a different series with a lighter recorded weight and a more utility-oriented naming direction. Both keep the commercial blackwall character that suits heavier-duty van use.
That means the choice is not only about size but also about the kind of service character you want from the tire line. If your priority is staying close to a highway transport-style commercial presentation, Super Transport is the clearer match. If you are maintaining a more rugged truck-style visual theme, Traxion may fit the personality of the van better, provided the rest of the wheel setup is correct.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1973 Dodge Van tires safe for highway driving?
1973 Dodge Van tires can be suitable for highway driving when the size, load capacity, inflation, and overall condition are appropriate for the van and its use. Most of the tire range here is bias-ply, with one radial size in HR78-15, so road feel and behavior will differ by construction. Several sizes also carry clear load figures, including 1700 pounds at 32 psi for 700-15, 1620 pounds at 32 psi for G78-15, 1770 to 1830 pounds at 32 to 45 psi for H78-15, and 2045 pounds at 60 psi for one 800-16.5 option.
On a 1973 Dodge Van, tire safety is only part of the picture. Brakes, steering components, shocks, alignment, and the condition of the wheels themselves matter just as much on an older van, especially one used for hauling or long trips. A fresh set of correctly matched tires helps, but highway confidence comes from treating the whole vehicle as a system rather than focusing on rubber alone.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1973 Dodge Van tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1973 Dodge Van depends on the exact tire size and product. Examples within this range include 700-15 at 1700 pounds and 32 psi, G78-15 at 1620 pounds and 32 psi, H78-15 at 1770 pounds and 32 psi or 1830 pounds and 45 psi depending on the tire, and 800-16.5 at 2045 pounds and 60 psi on one option. Those figures are tied to specific tires and should not be transferred from one size or product line to another.
The best practice is to start with the vehicle’s factory recommendation for its original application, then compare that with the tire maker’s rated pressure and load information for the exact tire being fitted. A lightly used van, a loaded work van, and a custom cruiser may not all be happiest at the same pressure. Confirm the tire, the wheel, and the van’s actual use before settling on a final setting.
What should I check before taking a 1973 Dodge Van on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1973 Dodge Van, inspect all four road tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Verify that the tires are the correct size for the wheels, especially because both 15-inch and 16.5-inch fitments exist in this range. It is also wise to look over the valve stems, lug torque, wheel condition, and any signs of rubbing or clearance issues after recent suspension or wheel changes.
A longer trip in an older van should always include a broader mechanical check as well. Brake feel, steering play, wheel bearing condition, lights, fluids, belts, and cooling-system health all deserve attention before the miles add up. Tires are your first line of road contact, but on a 1973 Dodge Van, dependable travel comes from making sure the rest of the platform is just as ready.
