1975 International Tire Fitment Guide

1975 International vehicles use six sizes across four model groups. Pickup 150 and Travelall 150 use H78-15 and L78-15, while Travelall 150 also appears with HR78-15 and 700-15. Pickup 200 and Travelall 200 use 800-16.5 and 875-16.5. The 15-inch sizes mount on 15-inch rims, and the 200-series sizes mount on 16.5-inch rims. Where rim-width ranges are defined, H78-15 fits 5.50 to 7.00 inches, L78-15 fits 5.50 to 8.00 inches, 700-15 fits 5.00 to 5.50 inches, and 800-16.5 fits 6.00 to 6.50 inches.

That means year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly on a 1975 International. Start by confirming whether you have a 150-series or 200-series vehicle, then match the wheel diameter before comparing tread style or sidewall appearance. Travelall 150 owners have the widest spread of choices, including both bias-ply and radial fitments within the 15-inch group. Pickup 200 and Travelall 200 owners should stay focused on the 16.5-inch truck sizes, since those are a separate fitment family from the 15-inch tires used on the lighter-duty models.

H78-15 is an alphanumeric bias-ply size used on the 1975 International Pickup 150 and Travelall 150. In that older sizing system, the letter-and-number combination identifies the tire's relative width and profile class, while the final 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. Because there is no R in the code, it is a bias-ply designation rather than a radial one. On this year of International, H78-15 sits within the 15-inch family shared by certain 150-series models.

Understanding that code helps you avoid mixing it up with later radial-style markings. A buyer comparing H78-15 with HR78-15 should notice that the added R changes the construction type, while the 15-inch wheel diameter remains the same. If your truck or Travelall already has 15-inch wheels and you are aiming for a traditional sidewall shape and period presentation, H78-15 is one of the classic truck-era fitments to evaluate. Confirm the wheel width before ordering, especially if the vehicle has changed wheels over the years.

800-16.5 is a numeric bias-ply truck size used on the 1975 International Pickup 200 and Travelall 200. In a numeric size like this, the first number refers to nominal section width and the second number identifies the wheel diameter in inches, so this tire is built for a 16.5-inch rim. It is not interchangeable with the 15-inch fitments used on 150-series International models. Where wheel-width guidance is defined, this size fits 6.00- to 6.50-inch rims.

The practical takeaway is that 16.5-inch International applications should be treated as their own category, separate from the alphanumeric 15-inch sizes. Numeric truck sizes are common on heavier-duty vintage pickups and utility vehicles, and they often point you toward more work-oriented blackwall tires and tread patterns. If your 1975 International is a 200-series truck or Travelall, check the sidewall on the existing tire or verify the wheel itself before making a selection. That step prevents a common mistake: assuming all 1975 International models shared the same wheel diameter.

No, 1975 International models do not all use the same tire size. The Pickup 150 and Travelall 150 stay in the 15-inch family, while the Pickup 200 and Travelall 200 use 16.5-inch sizes. Even within the 15-inch group, the Travelall 150 has a broader spread that includes 700-15, H78-15, L78-15, and HR78-15. That makes the Travelall 150 the most varied model in the lineup from a tire-fitment standpoint.

For a buyer, that means the model badge matters every bit as much as the year and make. A Pickup 150 owner can compare H78-15 and L78-15, but a Pickup 200 owner should be looking at 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 instead. Travelall owners need to be especially careful, because the 150 and 200 series split into different wheel diameters. If you are unsure which series your truck or wagon is, verify that first and then match the wheel diameter before you narrow the choice by sidewall style or tread pattern.

That depends first on model, and then on the kind of driving or restoration goal you have. H78-15 and L78-15 fit the 1975 International Pickup 150 and Travelall 150, 700-15 is specific to the Travelall 150, and HR78-15 is the radial-coded option for the Travelall 150. The three non-radial sizes are bias-ply choices that align with a traditional vintage-truck feel and appearance, while HR78-15 represents the modern-construction path within the 15-inch Travelall family.

For a stock-appearing restoration, many owners stay with the bias-ply family and then choose among 700-15, H78-15, and L78-15 according to the exact model and wheel setup. A Travelall 150 owner who wants to remain within an original-year fitment range but prefers radial construction will naturally focus on HR78-15. The key is not to treat those four sizes as interchangeable. Confirm the model first, then confirm the wheel diameter and width, and only after that decide whether your priority is period style or radial construction.

1975 International tires span several sidewall looks depending on size. H78-15 comes in wide whitewall and blackwall versions, L78-15 adds narrow whitewall alongside blackwall and wide whitewall, 700-15 is available in blackwall and wide whitewall, and the 16.5-inch truck sizes 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 stay in blackwall form. That gives 15-inch 150-series owners the broadest appearance range, while 200-series trucks and wagons remain much more work-truck in character.

For most 1975 International pickups, blackwalls tend to suit the make's utilitarian image especially well, particularly on 200-series models. Whitewalls can make more sense on a Travelall or a restoration where you want a more passenger-oriented period look on a 15-inch fitment. Since sidewall style changes the visual stance of a vintage truck almost as much as wheel choice, it is worth deciding early whether you want a rugged truck presentation or a more polished street-driven appearance. That keeps the final choice consistent with the vehicle's personality.

Several brands cover 1975 International applications, but they are split by size. H78-15 comes from Coker Classic and STA, L78-15 from Coker Classic and BFGoodrich, 700-15 from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA, and both 800-16.5 and 875-16.5 from STA. The 15-inch group therefore has the widest brand spread, especially on Travelall 150 sizes, while the 16.5-inch 200-series sizes stay concentrated around truck-oriented STA offerings.

Brand choice on a vintage International often comes down to the look and character you want as much as the size itself. Some buyers will focus on whitewall presentation for a cleaner restored appearance, while others will gravitate to blackwall truck patterns that better match a working pickup or utility wagon. It is also common for one size to offer more appearance options than another, even within the same model. Once you have confirmed the correct size, compare the available sidewall style and series character rather than assuming every brand offers the same visual result.

Rim-width guidance varies by size on 1975 International vehicles. H78-15 fits 5.50- to 7.00-inch rims, L78-15 fits 5.50- to 8.00-inch rims, 700-15 fits 5.00- to 5.50-inch rims, and 800-16.5 fits 6.00- to 6.50-inch rims. The 15-inch and 16.5-inch groups should not be mixed, and the available ranges show that even same-diameter tires can call for different wheel widths. That is especially important on older trucks that may have had wheels swapped during their working lives.

The safest habit is to measure the actual wheel before making a final choice, especially if your International came from a previous owner or spent time in agricultural or commercial service. A truck can wear a replacement wheel that looks period-correct but falls outside the recommended width range for the tire you want. If your vehicle sits at the edge of a range, compare the exact tire and wheel combination carefully rather than assuming that any 15-inch or 16.5-inch wheel will do. That small step prevents fit and handling surprises later.

Original 1975 International wheels can only be used with the tire sizes that match their diameter category. The 150-series fitments are 15-inch tires, and the 200-series fitments are 16.5-inch tires, so those two groups are not cross-compatible. Within the 15-inch group, the wheel still needs to fall within the appropriate width range for the exact size you choose, since 700-15, H78-15, and L78-15 do not all call for the same rim width span.

That means a wheel that works for one 15-inch size may not automatically be the right match for another, even though the bead diameter is the same. Travelall 150 owners should pay close attention here because that model carries the broadest mix of 15-inch fitments. If your truck or wagon still has its factory wheels, verify their size before moving between narrower and wider 15-inch options. If the wheels have been changed at some point, treat the wheel itself as the deciding factor rather than the badge on the body.

A 1975 International stores best in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone sources that can age rubber. Keep the tires properly inflated, move the vehicle occasionally if possible, and avoid letting it sit for long periods on damp ground. Because most 1975 International fitments here are bias-ply, they are more prone to temporary flat-spotting during long static storage than a radial tire. That makes storage habits especially important for trucks and Travelalls that only come out seasonally.

If the vehicle will be parked for months at a time, periodic movement helps reduce flat spotting and stress in the carcass. Some owners also use stands to take some weight off the tires during very long storage, but the suspension should still remain supported appropriately. A covered indoor environment protects whitewalls and blackwalls alike from discoloration and cracking. When the vehicle returns to the road after storage, give the tires time to warm and round out before judging ride feel, particularly on bias-ply applications that have been stationary for a while.

On a 1975 International, tire age usually matters more than mileage because many collector trucks and Travelalls see limited annual use. A good rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they are around five to seven years old and to treat about ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if tread remains. The date code on the tire sidewall is the clearest way to establish age. That guidance applies whether the tire is a blackwall truck pattern or a whitewall restoration-style tire.

Low miles can make an old tire look healthier than it really is, especially if the vehicle has spent years parked indoors and driven only occasionally. Rubber hardens with time, and internal aging does not always show itself through dramatic tread wear. A 1975 International that feels stable around town can still be riding on tires that are well past their best years. If the age is unknown, build the date-code check into your inspection routine before any serious driving season. It is one of the simplest ways to judge whether appearance still matches actual serviceability.

Tires on a 1975 International should be inspected before every drive, and they deserve a more thorough check before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, tread separation, bulges, uneven wear, and signs that the tire has been run underinflated. Pressure should be checked cold, especially on collector vehicles that may sit for long intervals between drives. Since many of these fitments are bias-ply truck tires, changes in shape or sidewall condition deserve prompt attention rather than being dismissed as normal vintage behavior.

A quick walk-around catches problems while they are still small, and that matters even more on an older truck or SUV whose brakes and steering may already require more attention than a modern vehicle. Pay close attention after long storage, after rough-road use, or anytime the truck starts pulling, vibrating, or wandering differently than usual. Also inspect the spare, because many vintage vehicles carry an old spare that has aged out quietly. A careful pre-drive check is cheap insurance before taking a 1975 International any farther than a local cruise.

A 1975 International Pickup 150 falls squarely in an era when bias-ply tires were still common on American trucks, and the sizes tied to this model are H78-15 and L78-15. Both are bias-ply fitments on 15-inch wheels, which makes them the natural starting point for an owner pursuing an authentic factory-era look. No original-equipment brand should be assumed without checking period literature, dealer material, or marque-specific references, since production and replacement practices could vary.

For practical restoration work, the important part is getting the size family, construction type, and sidewall style aligned with the truck's intended presentation. A blackwall often suits the Pickup 150's work-oriented image, while whitewall versions can make sense for a more polished build or region-specific look. If the truck will be judged, consult an International marque specialist or period brochures to confirm what was typical for your body style and market. That extra step matters more than simply choosing any 15-inch tire with a vintage appearance.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1975 International if the vehicle is being shown for authenticity. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the tire size suits the model, whether the construction matches the era, and whether the sidewall style looks appropriate for the truck or Travelall's intended presentation. A 200-series vehicle wearing 15-inch passenger-style tires, or a 150-series restoration using a visibly different fitment family, would stand out quickly as inconsistent with the period.

The same principle applies within the 15-inch group, where a whitewall can create a very different impression from a blackwall even when both fit correctly. A Travelall might tolerate a more passenger-oriented visual treatment, while a work-truck restoration usually looks more natural on blackwalls or truck-style patterns. Event standards vary, so a serious show vehicle should be checked against club guidance or judging manuals before finalizing tires. Getting size, construction, and sidewall appearance right is often one of the easiest ways to make a vintage International look convincingly finished.

For the 1975 International Pickup 200 in 800-16.5, STA Traxion and STA Super Transport share the same basic size and blackwall bias-ply construction, but they differ in series character and available rating details. Super Transport carries a stated maximum load of 2045 pounds at 60 psi and fits 6.00- to 6.50-inch rims where that specification is given. Traxion appears as a separate truck-oriented series in the same size, giving the buyer another blackwall bias-ply path within the Pickup 200 fitment family.

The practical difference is less about fitment and more about choosing the tire character that best suits the truck's intended use and appearance. Owners restoring a straightforward working-truck look may compare the two series based on tread personality and overall presentation, while staying within the same 16.5-inch size. Since both sit in a heavier-duty truck category, the wheel and application should be confirmed first and the series choice second. That approach keeps the focus on correct fitment before finer points of style or pattern preference.

A 1975 International can be highway-capable when its tires are in good condition, correctly inflated, and matched to the vehicle's actual wheel and series. Most of the fitments here are bias-ply truck or restoration-style tires, and no speed ratings appear in the size markings shown for these products. That means condition, age, inflation, and overall vehicle setup matter at least as much as any speed-label comparison. On a vintage International, brakes, steering, suspension, and weight distribution can be more limiting in real highway use than raw tire capability alone.

The right way to think about highway safety is as a complete-vehicle question rather than a tire-only question. Freshly inspected tires on sound wheels are only one part of the equation on a 1975 truck or Travelall that may be decades removed from regular service. Before sustained highway use, confirm the tire age, pressure, tread condition, and sidewall health, then make sure the vehicle itself tracks straight and stops consistently. A bias-ply-equipped International will also have different road manners than a modern SUV, so driving expectations should remain appropriate to the era.

Inflation pressure for a 1975 International should follow the factory vehicle recommendation first, then be checked against the tire's own rated information where it is available. Among these sizes, H78-15 appears at 1770 pounds at 32 psi and 1830 pounds at 45 psi depending on the tire, L78-15 appears at 1970 pounds at 32 psi, 700-15 appears at 1700 pounds at 32 psi, and 800-16.5 appears at 2045 pounds at 60 psi on the rated example. Those figures are not interchangeable from one size to another.

The important point is to avoid using a pressure number from a different size simply because the tire looks similar. A 15-inch passenger-style bias-ply and a 16.5-inch truck tire can have very different load and pressure relationships, even on the same make and year. If your owner's manual and your selected reproduction tire seem to point in different directions, compare both carefully and use the tire maker's rating as a limit rather than a one-number rule for every use case. Pressure should always be checked cold before driving.

Before a longer drive in a 1975 International, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, tread separation, embedded debris, uneven wear, and pressure loss. Check that the wheels are the correct diameter for the tire, confirm valve-stem condition, and inspect the spare as carefully as the four tires on the ground. Since these trucks and Travelalls often spend time parked, also pay attention to age-related rubber hardening even if tread depth still looks acceptable. A longer drive is when small tire issues become much larger ones.

That tire inspection should be part of a broader pre-trip check on any older International. Wheel bearings, brakes, steering linkage, shocks, and cooling-system condition all affect how safely the truck will use its tires over distance. If the vehicle has been in storage, give it a short test drive locally before committing to highway miles. That helps you catch vibrations, pull, or heat buildup early. A vintage International rewards methodical preparation, and tires are one of the first places to start because they connect every other mechanical system to the road.