1986 Plymouth Minivans Tire Fitment Guide

1986 Plymouth Minivans vehicles use three tire sizes: 185/75R14, 195/75R14, and 205/70R14, and all three apply to the Voyager. Each size mounts on a 14-inch rim, but the wheel-width range differs by tire. 185/75R14 spans 4.50-6.00 inches on some versions and up to 5.00-7.50 inches on others, 195/75R14 commonly fits 5.00-6.50 or 5.00-7.00 inch rims, and 205/70R14 generally fits 5.00-7.00 or 5.50-7.50 inch rims.

That means year and make alone are not enough if your Voyager has had wheels or tires changed over time. The most useful first step is to check the size currently on the van and then compare the wheel width to the tire you want. Since all three sizes share a 14-inch diameter, many buyers are really choosing among width, profile, and sidewall appearance rather than changing to a different wheel format.

On a 1986 Plymouth Minivans tire, 185/75R14 means the tire is 185 millimeters wide, has a 75-series aspect ratio, uses radial construction, and fits a 14-inch wheel. The presence of the R is what identifies it as a radial rather than an older bias-ply format. In this size, narrow whitewall versions are available from Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar, and one Travelstar version carries an S speed rating, which corresponds to 112 mph.

For a Voyager owner, that code tells you this is the narrower metric radial used within the 14-inch family. It is a familiar modern-style sizing system, so it is easier to compare with other late-1970s and 1980s passenger tires than older numeric or alphanumeric collector sizes. Once the size is confirmed, the next decision becomes cosmetic and practical: whitewall width, brand character, and whether the wheel width matches the exact tire version you prefer.

The 1986 Plymouth Minivans range covered here consists of the Voyager, and that single model uses three different tire sizes rather than one universal size. Those sizes are 185/75R14, 195/75R14, and 205/70R14. All three are radial 14-inch fitments, so the variation is within one wheel diameter rather than across different wheel sizes.

That matters because two Voyagers of the same year can still call for different tires depending on how they were equipped or how they have been maintained over the years. A van wearing replacement tires may no longer reflect its earlier fitment history, so the sidewall on the vehicle and the actual wheel dimensions are worth checking before making a final choice. That quick verification step helps avoid ordering the wrong width or profile.

For a 1986 Plymouth Minivans Voyager, the choice among 185/75R14, 195/75R14, and 205/70R14 is not a bias-ply-versus-radial decision because all three are radial sizes. The difference is in section width, profile, rim-width compatibility, and sidewall styling. 185/75R14 is the narrowest option, 195/75R14 sits in the middle and offers both narrow and wide whitewalls, and 205/70R14 is the widest while also offering RWL, redline, and dual-redline choices in addition to a narrow whitewall.

Most buyers should start with whichever size is already on the van or whichever size matches the wheel width they have. Then think about appearance: a whitewall keeps a family-wagon character, while an RWL or redline pushes the look in a more personalized direction. Because all three fit 14-inch wheels, the deciding factor is usually matching the right width and visual style to your specific Voyager rather than changing the vehicle’s fundamental wheel setup.

1986 Plymouth Minivans tires are available with several sidewall treatments depending on size. The 185/75R14 uses narrow whitewalls only, the 195/75R14 comes with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices, and the 205/70R14 opens the door to narrow whitewall, raised white letter, redline, and dual-redline versions. That gives the Voyager a broader cosmetic range than many family vehicles of the same era.

A whitewall typically suits the original mainstream passenger-car look of a mid-1980s Plymouth minivan better than a performance-style lettered sidewall or a custom redline. Even so, many owners build these vans to reflect personal period style rather than showroom appearance, and the 205/70R14 options support that approach well. If appearance matters as much as fitment, choose the sidewall style first and then confirm that the size and wheel-width range align with your van.

Four brands cover 1986 Plymouth Minivans tire sizes: Tornel, Maxxis, Travelstar, Coker Classic, and BFGoodrich. The 185/75R14 is available from Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar. The 195/75R14 is available from Coker Classic, Tornel, and Maxxis. The 205/70R14 is available from Maxxis and BFGoodrich, with BFGoodrich also bringing the broader sidewall-style variety in that size.

Brand choice on a Voyager often comes down to the look you want as much as the size itself. A buyer focused on a cleaner family-van presentation may stay with whitewall-oriented offerings, while someone aiming for a more period-custom 1980s appearance may gravitate toward BFGoodrich options in 205/70R14. Once you narrow the size, compare sidewall style, load figure, and wheel-width compatibility rather than assuming every brand version is interchangeable.

Rim-width requirements for 1986 Plymouth Minivans tires vary by size and sometimes by brand within the same size. In 185/75R14, fitments include 4.50-6.00 inches, 5.00-7.50 inches, and 5J. In 195/75R14, common ranges are 5.00-6.50 inches and 5.00-7.00 inches. In 205/70R14, ranges include 5.00-7.00 inches and 5.50-7.50 inches.

That variation is important because all three sizes fit a 14-inch rim, but they do not all want the same wheel width. A narrower wheel can limit which wider-size products are appropriate, while a broader wheel may push a narrow tire outside its preferred range. Before settling on a tire, measure the wheel or confirm its width from the wheel stamping so the tire’s approved rim range supports the fit you are planning.

The available 1986 Plymouth Minivans tire options are radial passenger-car tires, and the size markings shown here do not carry tube-type identifiers such as TT. Sizes such as P185/75R14, P195/75R14, 195/75R14, and 205/70R14 93S are consistent with modern tubeless radial practice on appropriate wheels. That makes these Voyager fitments different from earlier collector-vehicle sizes where tube-type construction is common.

Even so, the wheel itself still matters. A sound 14-inch tubeless wheel, clean bead seats, and healthy valve stems are just as important as the tire you choose, especially on a van that may sit for long periods between drives. If your Voyager still wears older wheels of uncertain condition, inspect the rims carefully before mounting new tires rather than treating tubeless operation as automatic.

Original 1986 Plymouth Minivans wheels can often be used with all three tire sizes because 185/75R14, 195/75R14, and 205/70R14 all mount on 14-inch rims. The shared diameter is the key compatibility point across the range. The area that still needs confirmation is wheel width, since some 185-section tires accept narrower rims and some 205-section tires call for a broader range.

In practical terms, that means a Voyager owner may be able to stay with the factory wheel diameter while changing the tire’s visual stance or section width. The safest approach is to confirm the wheel width before moving from one size family to another, especially when stepping up to 205/70R14. That protects clearance, bead seating, and overall setup without assuming every 14-inch wheel is equally suitable for every tire in the range.

A 1986 Plymouth Minivans Voyager should be stored away from direct sunlight, electric motors, ozone-producing equipment, and standing moisture, all of which speed rubber aging. Keep the tires properly inflated, roll the van occasionally so one contact patch is not carrying the load for months at a time, and use a clean surface rather than bare earth. Radial tires resist long-term deformation better than old bias-ply designs, but they still age from environment and time.

Collectors who park a Voyager for the winter or between events benefit from simple habits more than complicated procedures. Moving the van periodically, checking pressure during storage, and avoiding chemical exposure preserves both appearance and structure. If the vehicle will sit for an extended period, some owners also use stands to reduce sustained load, but they should still inspect the tires carefully before the first drive of the season.

Tires on a 1986 Plymouth Minivans Voyager should be judged more by age than mileage, especially on a collector or low-use vehicle. A sound rule is to begin close inspection once tires reach roughly five to seven years of age and to give serious replacement consideration around ten years, even if tread depth still looks healthy. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the best way to determine a tire’s actual age.

That timeline matters because many older minivans cover very few miles but spend long periods parked, which is hard on rubber and sidewalls. A tire that looks acceptable at a glance may still have age-related hardening or cracking that affects serviceability. For a Voyager that sees family cruising, shows, or occasional road trips, age is usually the deciding factor long before the tread is worn out.

Tires on a 1986 Plymouth Minivans should be inspected before every drive, and they deserve a more thorough check before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and pressure loss, and make sure the valve stems are in good condition. On an older van, it also helps to inspect the spare so it is not forgotten until the moment it is needed.

That routine is especially worthwhile on a Voyager because these vans are often used intermittently rather than daily. A quick visual walk-around catches many tire problems early, while a more deliberate pre-trip inspection helps prevent a roadside surprise. If the van has been stored, the first drive of the season should include a pressure check and a close look for age-related changes that may have developed while it was parked.

The 1986 Plymouth Minivans Voyager belongs to an era when radial tires were standard equipment on mainstream American passenger vehicles, and the sizes used here—185/75R14, 195/75R14, and 205/70R14—are all radial 14-inch formats. That makes radial construction the historically correct starting point for an authentic Voyager restoration. Whitewall presentation was also part of the period passenger-car market, though exact width and appearance could vary by trim, market, or prior replacement history.

If your goal is factory-style authenticity, begin with the radial size that matches the van’s original fitment history and then consider whether a narrow or wide whitewall best suits the way your Voyager was delivered. Owners pursuing top-level historical accuracy should compare the van against original literature, surviving examples, and marque-specific Plymouth or Chrysler minivan resources. That extra step is the best way to settle trim-sensitive details without relying on guesswork.

Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1986 Plymouth Minivans Voyager, because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice tire size, construction type, and sidewall treatment immediately. On a late-classic vehicle like this, an authentic radial size and an era-appropriate sidewall usually support a more convincing presentation than a visibly custom or performance-oriented alternative. A 14-inch fitment is part of that overall visual correctness as well.

What counts as correct depends on the standard of the event. A local cruise-in may welcome period personalization, while a restoration-focused class may expect a more factory-like whitewall look and may question a raised white letter or redline treatment on a family minivan. If the van is being prepared for judged competition, review the rules of that event and compare them with period Plymouth reference material before making a final tire choice.

For the 1986 Plymouth Minivans in 195/75R14, Coker Classic and Maxxis differ most clearly in sidewall presentation and fitment details. Coker Classic offers wide whitewall versions, while Maxxis uses a narrower whitewall treatment. Their load figures also differ, with the Coker Classic options carrying 1,400 to 1,521 pounds depending on version and the Maxxis version carrying 1,433 pounds. Where rim-width guidance is present, Maxxis is paired with a 5.00-6.50 inch range, while one Coker Classic version fits 5.00-7.00 inches.

For a Voyager owner, that comparison is less about one being universally better and more about matching the tire to the look and wheel you have. A wide whitewall can push the van toward a more formal, nostalgic presentation, while a narrower whitewall feels more understated and closer to everyday 1980s passenger-car style. Once the appearance is settled, the wheel width and load figure help narrow the final decision.

1986 Plymouth Minivans tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, properly inflated, in sound condition, and matched to a healthy wheel. The sizes here are all radial passenger-car tires, and some carry an S speed rating, which corresponds to 112 mph. That ceiling is well beyond normal highway use, but speed rating is only one part of the equation on a mid-1980s minivan.

A Voyager’s real-world highway confidence depends just as much on age, pressure, alignment, suspension condition, and braking performance as it does on the tire itself. Even a correctly rated tire should not be treated as permission to ignore the limits of an older family vehicle. For longer highway use, focus on tire age and condition first, then make sure the van’s broader mechanical systems are equally ready for sustained driving.

Inflation pressure for 1986 Plymouth Minivans tires should follow the vehicle’s factory recommendation first, with the tire’s own maximum-pressure marking understood as a load-and-capacity reference rather than a blanket operating target. Among the available tires here, max-load markings include 1,279 pounds at 35 psi and 1,280 pounds at 44 psi for 185/75R14, 1,399 pounds at 35 psi, 1,433 pounds at 35 psi, 1,400 pounds at 35 psi, and 1,521 pounds at 32 psi for 195/75R14, and 1,433 pounds at 35 psi for 205/70R14.

Those figures show that pressure and load values differ by tire even within the same year and make. A Voyager owner should not transfer one tire’s sidewall figure to another size or brand without checking the actual tire and the vehicle placard or owner’s manual. The best result comes from starting with Plymouth’s recommended operating pressure and then making sure the chosen tire is carrying the load it was designed to support.

Before taking a 1986 Plymouth Minivans Voyager on a longer drive, inspect each tire for sidewall cracks, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, irregular wear, and proper inflation. Check the valve stems, confirm that the spare is usable and inflated, and make sure the tire size on the van matches the wheel and your intended use. On an older minivan, a quick look at wheel condition and lug security is worthwhile too.

Tires are only one part of a longer-trip check, but they are the part that most directly affects road manners and roadside reliability. A Voyager that has been parked for stretches deserves extra attention before heading out, especially if the tires are older or unfamiliar. Pair the tire inspection with a broader mechanical once-over—brakes, fluids, belts, hoses, and lights—so the van is ready as a complete system rather than just on fresh rubber.