The 1985 Nissan Trucks lineup reflected the compact pickup formula that made Japanese trucks so successful in the American market: practical dimensions, durable engineering, and trim and wheel combinations that could range from work-truck simple to more appearance-oriented. Within 1985 Nissan Trucks, the 720 is the sole model core here, but it spans six radial tire sizes across both 14-inch and 15-inch wheel fitments, so the real choice is less about comparing different models and more about confirming which wheel and tire package your truck actually carries. Before choosing a tire, identify your 720’s exact tire size and rim diameter first, then decide which sidewall style and driving character best suit your truck.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1985 Nissan Trucks
Six tire sizes appear across 1985 Nissan Trucks, and all of them apply to the 720 rather than being split between different model cores. Because these sizes span both 14-inch and 15-inch rims, the first decision is confirming your truck’s wheel diameter before narrowing down sidewall style and overall look. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the truck correctly.
Year(s): 1985|Fit(s): 720|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185/70R14 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter section width, a stated 70-series profile, and fitment for a 14-inch rim. It is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, and speed ratings vary by product, including H rated to 130 mph and V rated to 149 mph. This size suits a 720 owner who has confirmed a 14-inch wheel and wants a lower-profile radial with either a sporting blackwall look or a more distinctive whitewall presentation.
Year(s): 1985|Fit(s): 720|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185R14 is a euro-metric radial size with a 185-millimeter section width, an implied 80-series profile by convention, and fitment for a 14-inch rim. It is available from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein in blackwall and narrow whitewall styles, with tubeless examples present and H-rated products carrying a 130 mph ceiling. This size is a 14-inch option for the 720 and appeals to owners who want a taller-profile radial look than a 70-series tire while staying within a classic metric format.
Year(s): 1985|Fit(s): 720|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
195/75R14 is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter section width, a stated 75-series profile, and fitment for a 14-inch rim. It comes from Coker Classic, Tornel, and Maxxis in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, with load figures reaching from 1,399 pounds at 35 psi to 1,521 pounds at 32 psi among available products. This size fits a 720 owner seeking a 14-inch radial with a fuller sidewall and strong whitewall representation for a more traditional appearance.
Year(s): 1985|Fit(s): 720|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
215/75R15 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter section width, a stated 75-series profile, and fitment for a 15-inch rim. It is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Tornel in RBL, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, and speed ratings vary by product, including an S rating with a 112 mph ceiling. This size is one of the 15-inch choices for the 720 and gives owners room to choose between a more truck-oriented black sidewall look and a classic whitewall presentation.
Year(s): 1985|Fit(s): 720|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
205/75R14 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter section width, a stated 75-series profile, and fitment for a 14-inch rim. It is available from American Classic, Coker Classic, and Maxxis in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, with load figures at 1,532 pounds at 35 psi on multiple products. This size works for a 720 owner who has a 14-inch wheel and wants a wider radial than the 185- and 195-section options without moving to a 15-inch rim.
Year(s): 1985|Fit(s): 720|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
225/75R15 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter section width, a stated 75-series profile, and fitment for a 15-inch rim. It comes from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and American Classic in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, with load figures ranging from 1,874 pounds at 35 psi up to 2,094 pounds at 32 psi. This size is the larger 15-inch option for the 720 and is best for owners who have confirmed that wheel diameter and want the broadest footprint shown here.
One model is covered for 1985 Nissan Trucks: the 720. Even with a single model core, tire choice still varies because the 720 appears with six different radial sizes across 14-inch and 15-inch wheel diameters, so identifying the truck’s exact size matters before choosing a tire. Select the model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1985 Nissan Trucks 720
The 1985 Nissan 720 was part of the final years of Nissan’s well-regarded compact pickup line before the Hardbody era, and it earned its reputation as a useful, durable truck for everyday work and light recreation. Tire fitment for the 720 spans both 14-inch and 15-inch rims, which reflects the variety of trims, wheel packages, and intended uses these trucks could carry. That makes size verification especially important on a survivor, restoration, or customized example.
Thirty products are available across six tire sizes for 1985 Nissan Trucks vehicles. The 185/70R14 spans BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin in radial blackwall and wide whitewall form; 185R14 covers Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein in radial blackwall and narrow whitewall form; 195/75R14, 205/75R14, 215/75R15, and 225/75R15 each offer radial choices with whitewall styles ranging from narrow to wide, with RBL also appearing in 215/75R15. Confirm your size first, since speed ratings can vary between products within some sizes.
Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
These FAQs sort out the six-size spread used on 1985 Nissan Trucks 720 pickups, including 14-inch versus 15-inch wheel fitments, metric size meanings, sidewall style choices, and the care collector and lightly used trucks need between drives.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1985 Nissan Trucks vehicles?
1985 Nissan Trucks vehicles here center on the 720, and six radial sizes apply to that model: 185/70R14, 185R14, 195/75R14, 205/75R14, 215/75R15, and 225/75R15. Four of those sizes mount on 14-inch rims, while 215/75R15 and 225/75R15 mount on 15-inch rims. Rim-width ranges vary by size and product, with examples spanning from 4.00-6.50 inches in 185R14 up to 6.00-8.00 inches in 225/75R15.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly on a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720. Start by checking the actual wheel diameter on the truck, then compare the tire size already installed or the factory recommendation for your specific trim and wheel package. Once the rim diameter is confirmed, you can narrow the choice by section width, sidewall look, and how closely you want to stay with the truck’s original visual character.
What does 185R14 mean on a 1985 Nissan Trucks tire?
On a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720, 185R14 is a euro-metric radial size. The 185 is the nominal section width in millimeters, the R means radial construction, and the 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. Because there is no stated aspect ratio in the code, this format is conventionally treated as an 80-series metric radial, which gives it a taller sidewall profile than a 70-series tire of the same width.
That makes 185R14 a useful reference point when comparing 14-inch choices on a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720. It sits in a more traditional metric format than 185/70R14 and can better suit an owner who wants a fuller sidewall appearance without moving to a wider 195- or 205-section tire. Always confirm wheel width along with diameter, since the approved rim-width range can differ between brands in the same nominal size.
Do all 1985 Nissan Trucks models use the same tire size?
Within this 1985 Nissan Trucks coverage, the 720 is the only model core, but it does not use a single universal tire size. The 720 appears with six radial sizes split across 14-inch and 15-inch wheels, so the fitment question is really about which wheel and tire package your truck has rather than which separate Nissan truck model you own. That is common on compact pickups that were sold in multiple trims and work-oriented configurations.
For a buyer, that means the safest first step is checking the existing tire sidewall and wheel diameter before comparing brands or sidewall styles. A 14-inch tire cannot be substituted onto a 15-inch wheel, and moving between widths or profiles should be approached carefully on a stock truck. If your 1985 Nissan Trucks 720 has changed hands several times or has aftermarket wheels, verify the actual hardware on the truck rather than assuming it still carries its original fitment.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1985 Nissan Trucks tires?
1985 Nissan Trucks tires span several sidewall looks depending on size. Blackwall appears in 185/70R14 and 185R14, RBL appears in 215/75R15, narrow whitewall appears in 185R14, 195/75R14, 205/75R14, 215/75R15, and 225/75R15, and wide whitewall appears in 185/70R14, 195/75R14, 205/75R14, 215/75R15, and 225/75R15. That gives the 1985 Nissan Trucks 720 owner a wider appearance range than many compact pickups of the period.
A stock or work-truck presentation usually leans toward blackwall or RBL, while whitewall choices can suit custom builds, cruiser-style restorations, or regionally influenced period looks. On a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720, sidewall style does not change the wheel diameter requirement, but it can strongly affect the truck’s visual stance. Choose the sidewall treatment after confirming the correct size, so appearance follows fitment rather than the other way around.
What brands make tires for 1985 Nissan Trucks vehicles?
1985 Nissan Trucks coverage includes tires from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, Phoenix, Vredestein, Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, and American Classic. Brand spread varies by size: 185/70R14 includes BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin; 185R14 includes Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein; 195/75R14 includes Coker Classic, Tornel, and Maxxis; 215/75R15 includes BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Tornel; 205/75R14 includes American Classic, Coker Classic, and Maxxis; and 225/75R15 includes BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and American Classic.
That variety lets a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720 owner choose not only a size, but also a brand and visual style that match the truck’s purpose. Some brands lean toward classic blackwall or vintage-performance appeal, while others emphasize whitewall presentation. The key is to compare brands only after narrowing the truck to its correct size, because brand availability changes significantly from one Nissan 720 fitment to another.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Avon CR6ZZ for a 1985 Nissan Trucks?
For a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720 in 185/70R14, BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Avon CR6ZZ serve different visual and functional niches. The BFGoodrich uses a wide whitewall, carries a 1,201-pound load figure at 35 psi, weighs 24 pounds, and fits 5.00-6.50 inch rims. The Avon CR6ZZ is a blackwall tire with an 88H speed rating, a 130 mph ceiling, a lighter 21.61-pound weight, and a 4.5-6.0 inch rim-width range.
That comparison matters because the choice is not simply brand preference on a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720. The BFGoodrich suits an owner chasing a classic whitewall look, while the Avon fits a more sporting blackwall presentation within the same nominal size. Since both share the same 14-inch diameter, the deciding factors become appearance, rim-width compatibility, and whether the truck’s intended use favors a traditional style or a more performance-oriented road look.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1985 Nissan Trucks tires require?
Rim-width guidance for 1985 Nissan Trucks varies by tire size and, in some cases, by product within the same size. In 14-inch fitments, 185/70R14 examples run from 4.5-6.5 inches, 185R14 from 4.00-6.50 inches, 195/75R14 from 5.00-7.00 inches, and 205/75R14 from 5.00-7.50 inches. In 15-inch fitments, 215/75R15 runs from 5.5-7.5 inches and 225/75R15 from 6.00-8.00 inches.
Those ranges show why a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720 owner should verify actual wheel width before settling on a replacement size. Two tires may share the same wheel diameter but still prefer different rim widths for proper sidewall shape and fit. If your truck has aftermarket wheels, a trim-package change, or a long ownership history, measuring the wheel is a smart step before committing to a particular 14-inch or 15-inch tire.
Do 1985 Nissan Trucks tires require inner tubes?
1985 Nissan Trucks tires in these sizes are predominantly radial products, and tube status is clearly marked as tubeless on some options such as Michelin XAS in 185/70R14 and Michelin MXV in 185R14. Other products in the same general size families do not carry a tube marking in the size line, so tube use should be treated as product-specific rather than assumed across every tire. That matters most when comparing older-style reproduction tires with more modern radial offerings.
For a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720, the practical step is to match the tire’s sidewall marking to the wheel you plan to use. A sound tubeless wheel and a tire marked TL should be handled differently from a setup that calls for a tube. If your truck still wears original wheels with age, corrosion, or prior repairs, inspect the wheel condition closely before deciding whether a tubeless radial can be used as intended.
Can the original 1985 Nissan Trucks wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1985 Nissan Trucks wheels cannot be treated as universal across all six sizes because the fitments are split between 14-inch and 15-inch rim diameters. A 14-inch wheel can accept only the 14-inch sizes, while a 15-inch wheel can accept only the 15-inch sizes. Within each diameter group, rim-width range still matters, since the approved width span changes from one size to another.
That means a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720 owner should confirm the wheel diameter stamped on the rim or verify the tire currently mounted before comparing alternatives. If you are moving from one 14-inch size to another, or one 15-inch size to another, check the wheel width as well so the new tire remains within its intended mounting range. Diameter compatibility is the first gate; width compatibility is the second.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1985 Nissan Trucks when the tires are fitted?
A 1985 Nissan Trucks 720 should be stored on clean, properly inflated tires in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Ozone and UV exposure age sidewalls faster than many owners realize, especially on collector vehicles that spend long periods parked. Rolling the truck occasionally or placing it on stands for long-term storage can also reduce flat-spotting and stress on the tire carcass.
That approach matters even more if your 1985 Nissan Trucks sees seasonal use rather than daily miles. A truck that sits for months can age its tires more through time and environment than through road wear. Keep the tires clean, avoid petroleum-based dressings, and check pressures before the truck goes into storage and again before it returns to the road so the first drive does not begin on underinflated or weathered rubber.
How long do tires on a 1985 Nissan Trucks typically last?
Tires on a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720 should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage alone. On collector and lightly used trucks, a sensible rule is to begin careful evaluation around five to seven years and to treat roughly ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if tread depth still looks acceptable. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the quickest way to confirm a tire’s age.
That age-based approach is especially important on a 1985 Nissan Trucks because older pickups are often driven infrequently and can appear fine while the rubber hardens internally. Cracking, vibration, loss of grip, and repeated air loss are stronger warning signs than tread wear by itself. A truck used for local shows and weekend errands may still need replacement tires sooner than its mileage suggests if the rubber has simply aged out.
How often should tires on a 1985 Nissan Trucks be inspected?
Tires on a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720 should be inspected before every drive and again before any extended trip. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and pressure loss, and give the spare the same attention rather than treating it as an afterthought. Frequent checks matter on an older pickup because long parked periods can hide deterioration until the truck is back at speed.
Regular inspection helps catch small problems before they become a roadside issue on a 1985 Nissan Trucks. Pay close attention after the truck has sat through temperature swings or after it has been carrying heavier loads than usual. If you see wear patterns developing on one edge or feel a new vibration, address it early, since alignment, suspension wear, or aging wheels can show up through the tires first.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1985 Nissan Trucks 720?
A 1985 Nissan Trucks 720 would have been equipped with radial tires from the factory era rather than earlier bias-ply construction. Within the fitments seen here, that means the truck’s original-type sizing would fall among radial metric options such as 185/70R14, 185R14, 195/75R14, 205/75R14, 215/75R15, or 225/75R15 depending on wheel package and configuration. No single original-equipment brand should be assumed without checking market-specific references and surviving factory literature.
For restoration work on a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720, the best path is to confirm the truck’s original wheel diameter and compare its current size to period-correct radial options. If the goal is strict authenticity, consult Nissan brochures, marque forums, or a specialist familiar with 720 trim and market variations. That extra step matters because compact pickups often varied by trim, payload rating, and regional specification more than a casual glance suggests.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1985 Nissan Trucks?
Correct tire fitment does matter when presenting a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720 for judging or serious period display. Size, overall sidewall profile, construction type, and sidewall style all shape whether the truck looks appropriate for its era and intended trim level. A tire that is too wide, too modern-looking, or mounted on the wrong wheel diameter can stand out immediately even if the truck is otherwise restored carefully.
The standard can vary depending on whether the event favors factory-stock accuracy, dealer-era accessorizing, or broader period flavor. On a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720, a blackwall or restrained sidewall treatment often reads more naturally than a heavily stylized look unless the truck has a known custom history. Check event rules and marque guidance before finalizing the tire choice, since judges may weigh size and appearance differently from one venue to the next.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Coker Classic Star Series for the 1985 Nissan Trucks?
In 225/75R15 for a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720, BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Coker Classic Star Series differ in sidewall treatment, load figure, and approved wheel width. The BFGoodrich version shown here uses a 2.75-inch wide whitewall, carries 1,874 pounds at 35 psi, weighs 29 pounds, and fits 6.00-8.00 inch rims. Coker Classic Star Series appears in both 2.75-inch wide whitewall and 1.60-inch narrow whitewall forms, carries 2,094 pounds at 32 psi, weighs 28.7 pounds, and fits 6-7.5 inch rims.
That gives a 1985 Nissan Trucks owner two very different ways to approach the same nominal size. The BFGoodrich offers broader rim-width latitude and a traditional full whitewall look, while the Coker Classic Star Series adds a higher stated load figure and the option of either a wide or narrower whitewall presentation. On a restored or customized 720, the decision may come down to wheel width, stance, and how strong a whitewall statement you want the truck to make.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1985 Nissan Trucks tires safe for highway driving?
1985 Nissan Trucks tires here are all radial designs, and several carry explicit speed ratings that are comfortably within normal highway use. Examples include S-rated tires with a 112 mph ceiling, H-rated tires with a 130 mph ceiling, and a V-rated tire with a 149 mph ceiling. On a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720, those ratings generally exceed the speeds the truck would normally see in real-world driving.
Highway safety on a 1985 Nissan Trucks depends on more than the speed symbol alone. Tire age, inflation, balance, wheel condition, suspension wear, and the truck’s own brakes and steering condition are just as important as the nominal rating on the sidewall. A fresh, properly inflated radial in the correct size is a strong starting point, but an older pickup should always be evaluated as a complete system before regular freeway use.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1985 Nissan Trucks tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1985 Nissan Trucks 720 should not be guessed across all six sizes because the tires carry different load-and-pressure relationships. Examples include 185/70R14 at 1,201 pounds at 35 psi, 195/75R14 at 1,399 to 1,521 pounds at 32 to 35 psi, 205/75R14 at 1,532 pounds at 35 psi, 215/75R15 at 1,742 to 1,874 pounds at 32 to 50 psi, and 225/75R15 at 1,874 to 2,094 pounds at 32 to 35 psi.
Use the truck’s factory recommendation as the baseline for vehicle setup, then compare it with the tire manufacturer’s sidewall and load guidance for the exact product you choose. A 1985 Nissan Trucks 720 used empty on the street may want a different practical pressure than one carrying cargo regularly, but that adjustment should still stay within the tire maker’s intended range. Never transfer a pressure figure from one size to another just because both fit the same truck.
What should I check before taking a 1985 Nissan Trucks on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive, inspect every tire on the 1985 Nissan Trucks 720 for cracking, tread wear, punctures, bulges, and signs of belt or carcass separation. Check cold inflation pressures, examine valve stems, and make sure the spare is serviceable and inflated. On a truck that has been parked for extended periods, pay close attention to flat-spotting, dry sidewalls, and any vibration that appears in the first few miles.
A longer outing in a 1985 Nissan Trucks also calls for a broader mechanical check beyond the tires alone. Wheel bearings, brakes, steering play, shocks, and suspension bushings all affect how confidently the truck tracks at speed, especially on older pickups. If the tires pass inspection but the truck still wanders, shimmies, or pulls, treat that as a chassis issue to resolve before adding more miles.