By 1987, Isuzu had built a strong reputation in the U.S. for compact trucks and rugged sport-utility vehicles that balanced utility, efficiency, and durability. The [1987 Isuzu Trucks] range covered both the Pickup and the Trooper, and tire selection changed with the vehicle's role, from lighter-duty street-oriented truck use to the taller, more utility-focused SUV platform. Three tire sizes appear across two models, and the key choice is less about bias-ply versus radial construction than identifying whether you have a 14-inch-wheel Pickup or a 15-inch-wheel Trooper. Before narrowing down products, confirm your model first, then verify the exact tire size already fitted to the vehicle or wheel.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1987 Isuzu Trucks
Three tire sizes are used on 1987 Isuzu Trucks vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The main decision is confirming whether your truck uses a 14-inch Pickup fitment or the 15-inch Trooper fitment, since all three sizes are radial but they do not share the same rim diameter. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right model and wheel.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): Pickup|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
195/75R14 is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter nominal section width, a 75-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. This Pickup-specific size is available from Coker Classic, Tornel, and Maxxis, with wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall styles. It suits a 1987 Isuzu Trucks Pickup owner who needs the narrower of the two 14-inch Pickup sizes and wants to choose among different whitewall looks without changing to a different wheel diameter.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): Pickup|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
215/75R14 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter nominal section width, a 75-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. This size is also specific to the Pickup and is available from Coker Classic and American Classic in both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall styles. It is the wider 14-inch Pickup option, making it the size to compare against 195/75R14 when your goal is to stay within Pickup fitments while confirming the exact size your truck or wheel already uses.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): Trooper|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
225/75R15 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter nominal section width, a 75-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 15-inch wheel. This Trooper-specific size is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and American Classic, with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall styles. It is the correct year-and-model fitment group to focus on if you have a 1987 Isuzu Trucks Trooper, since it uses a different rim diameter from the Pickup sizes rather than simply a different width on the same wheel.
Two models are covered for 1987 Isuzu Trucks. Tire size varies by model, so identifying whether you have a Pickup or a Trooper is the first step before comparing individual tires. Select a model below to see model-specific fitment history and the tire options that match its wheel diameter and size range.
1987 Isuzu Trucks Pickup
The 1987 Isuzu Trucks Pickup reflects Isuzu's strength in compact, practical light trucks during the 1980s, with a straightforward work-and-daily-use character that appealed to buyers who wanted durability without excess size. Pickup fitments here mount on 14-inch wheels, and the choice stays within two radial sizes rather than crossing into a different construction type.
The 1987 Isuzu Trucks Trooper was part of the era's rising interest in compact sport-utility vehicles, blending off-road image with everyday utility in a boxy, durable package. Trooper applications here mount on 15-inch wheels, separating them clearly from Pickup fitments and making model identification especially important before choosing a tire.
Thirteen products are available across three tire sizes for 1987 Isuzu Trucks vehicles. The 195/75R14 Pickup size includes four radial choices from Coker Classic, Tornel, and Maxxis in wide and narrow whitewall styles; 215/75R14 has four radial choices from Coker Classic and American Classic in wide and narrow whitewalls; 225/75R15 has four radial choices from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and American Classic in wide and narrow whitewalls. Confirm your model and exact size before selecting.
Radial Tires
Coker Classic Star Series | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 195/75R14
These FAQs cover the model-specific size split between the 1987 Isuzu Trucks Pickup and Trooper, how the three radial sizes relate to their wheel diameters, and what to check when comparing whitewall styles, wheel fit, long-term storage, and road use.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1987 Isuzu Trucks vehicles?
1987 Isuzu Trucks vehicles use three sizes across two models. The Pickup uses 195/75R14 and 215/75R14, both of which mount on 14-inch wheels, while the Trooper uses 225/75R15 on a 15-inch wheel. Rim width coverage runs from 5.00 to 7.50 inches across the Pickup sizes where width guidance is present, and from 6.00 to 8.00 inches on the Trooper size, depending on the specific tire.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose a tire for 1987 Isuzu Trucks vehicles. Start by identifying whether you have a Pickup or a Trooper, then confirm the exact size already on the wheel or called for by the vehicle's original fitment information. Once the model and wheel diameter are settled, you can compare brands and whitewall styles within the correct size family.
What does 195/75R14 mean on a 1987 Isuzu Trucks tire?
On a 1987 Isuzu Trucks tire, 195/75R14 means the tire has a nominal section width of 195 millimeters, a 75-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. In this year-and-make range, that size belongs to the Pickup rather than the Trooper. It is one of the two 14-inch Pickup sizes and the narrower of the pair.
Knowing how to read that code helps prevent a very common mistake with 1987 Isuzu Trucks fitment: choosing by appearance instead of wheel diameter and section width. A 195/75R14 should only be compared with other 14-inch Pickup options, not with the 15-inch Trooper size. After confirming that size on your wheel or vehicle, you can narrow the choice by whitewall style and brand character.
Do all 1987 Isuzu Trucks models use the same tire size?
No, 1987 Isuzu Trucks models do not all use the same tire size. The Pickup uses either 195/75R14 or 215/75R14, while the Trooper uses 225/75R15. All three are radial sizes, but the model split matters because the Trooper size uses a different rim diameter from the Pickup sizes.
That difference changes the buying process in a practical way. If you own a Pickup, your comparison is between two 14-inch sizes; if you own a Trooper, your starting point is a 15-inch size that is exclusive to that model. Confirming the model first saves you from comparing products that may share a similar overall profile but will not mount to the same wheel.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Isuzu Trucks tires?
1987 Isuzu Trucks tires are available in both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall styles across the three sizes. The 195/75R14 Pickup size comes in both styles, the 215/75R14 Pickup size also comes in both styles, and the 225/75R15 Trooper size does as well. That gives buyers room to tailor the visual character of the vehicle without stepping outside the correct size family for the model.
For an 1987 Isuzu Trucks owner, sidewall style is mainly an appearance decision after the size is confirmed. A narrower whitewall often gives a subtler late-classic look, while a wider whitewall creates a stronger vintage visual statement even on later vehicles. If originality matters for your particular restoration direction, compare the style to period photos, dealer literature, or marque-community references before making the final call.
What brands make tires for 1987 Isuzu Trucks vehicles?
Several brands cover 1987 Isuzu Trucks fitments. The 195/75R14 Pickup size is available from Coker Classic, Tornel, and Maxxis; the 215/75R14 Pickup size is available from Coker Classic and American Classic; and the 225/75R15 Trooper size is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and American Classic. Every tire in these year-and-make fitments uses radial construction.
That brand spread gives 1987 Isuzu Trucks owners a meaningful choice within the correct size, especially if you are balancing appearance and brand preference. The best way to narrow it down is to first lock in the right size for your model, then compare the available sidewall style and wheel-width compatibility within that size. Brand choice becomes much easier once the fitment group is reduced to the tire your truck actually uses.
What is the difference between 195/75R14 and 215/75R14 for a 1987 Isuzu Trucks Pickup?
For a 1987 Isuzu Trucks Pickup, both 195/75R14 and 215/75R14 are 14-inch radial sizes, but the 215/75R14 is wider than the 195/75R14. The 195 size has wheel-width guidance beginning at 5.00 inches and running to 7.00 inches on some products, while the 215 size generally begins around 5.50 inches and extends to 7.50 inches depending on the tire. Both sizes are Pickup fitments, not Trooper fitments.
That makes the choice less about construction and more about matching the tire to the wheel and to the exact size your Pickup uses. If your truck already wears one of those sizes, staying with it is usually the cleanest path. If you are sorting out a restoration or wheel change, confirm the actual wheel width before moving between the two sizes so the tire and rim remain properly matched.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1987 Isuzu Trucks tires require?
Rim width requirements for 1987 Isuzu Trucks tires vary by size. The 195/75R14 Pickup size fits wheel-width ranges such as 5.00 to 7.00 inches and 5.00 to 6.50 inches, depending on the tire. The 215/75R14 Pickup size generally fits 5.50 to 7.50 inches, while the 225/75R15 Trooper size fits 6.00 to 8.00 inches on some products and 6.00 to 7.50 inches on others.
Those ranges matter because two tires with the same nominal size can still have slightly different approved wheel-width windows. Before choosing a product for 1987 Isuzu Trucks use, measure the actual wheel or confirm its width through the wheel stamping or a trusted shop. That extra check helps avoid forcing a tire onto a rim that sits outside the tire maker's intended range.
Can the original 1987 Isuzu Trucks wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1987 Isuzu Trucks wheels cannot be treated as universal across all three sizes because the model range uses two different rim diameters. Pickup sizes, 195/75R14 and 215/75R14, fit 14-inch wheels, while the Trooper size, 225/75R15, fits a 15-inch wheel. Wheel-width requirements also vary within each size family, so diameter alone is not the only factor.
If you are working with a Pickup, the two 14-inch sizes are the relevant comparison. If you are working with a Trooper, your focus stays on the 15-inch fitment. The safest approach is to confirm both the wheel diameter and the actual wheel width before changing sizes, especially if the truck has replacement wheels or a long history of previous-owner modifications.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1987 Isuzu Trucks when the tires are fitted?
A 1987 Isuzu Trucks should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment that can speed sidewall aging. Keep the tires properly inflated, avoid parking for long periods on damp ground, and move the vehicle occasionally so the same section of tread is not carrying the load for months at a time. Radial tires generally tolerate storage well, but age and environment still matter.
If the truck will sit for an extended season, many collectors use tire cradles or place the vehicle on stands to reduce static loading. Clean the tires with mild soap and water rather than harsh dressings that can accelerate drying. A little storage discipline goes a long way on 1987 Isuzu Trucks vehicles that see intermittent use, especially when the goal is preserving both appearance and long-term service life.
How long do tires on a 1987 Isuzu Trucks typically last?
Tires on a 1987 Isuzu Trucks should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage, especially on collector or occasional-use vehicles. A good rule is to evaluate them closely once they reach about five to seven years of service and to consider replacement as they approach ten years, even if tread remains. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the best reference point for determining age.
That approach matters because a low-mileage 1987 Isuzu Trucks tire can still harden, crack, or lose flexibility with time. If the truck spends long periods parked, age-related deterioration may show up before tread wear becomes meaningful. Regular inspection, proper inflation, and careful storage help extend service life, but they do not replace the need to track the tire's actual age.
How often should tires on a 1987 Isuzu Trucks be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Isuzu Trucks should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer highway outing. Look for visible cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, objects in the tread, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure. On a truck that sees infrequent use, pressure checks are especially important because underinflation can go unnoticed for long periods.
A quick walk-around catches many issues before they become roadside problems. For 1987 Isuzu Trucks vehicles that are stored seasonally, add a more thorough inspection at the start of each driving season and include the spare in that routine. If one tire shows unusual wear or repeated pressure loss, have the wheel and tire assembly checked before putting the truck back into regular service.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1987 Isuzu Trucks Pickup?
A 1987 Isuzu Trucks Pickup would have used radial construction from the factory era, which aligns with the radial sizes associated with the model today: 195/75R14 and 215/75R14. Both are 14-inch fitments and reflect the late-1980s move well beyond the bias-ply period. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and equipment package, so the most dependable historical anchors are the correct size, radial construction, and wheel diameter.
For a restoration-minded owner, that means authenticity starts with matching the Pickup to one of its proper 14-inch radial sizes rather than borrowing a Trooper fitment or choosing solely by looks. If you are aiming for a highly accurate restoration, period brochures, door-jamb information, surviving original tires, and Isuzu enthusiast sources can help confirm which of the two Pickup sizes belongs on your particular truck.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1987 Isuzu Trucks?
Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1987 Isuzu Trucks, especially if the event emphasizes originality. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the tire size matches the model, whether the construction type suits the vehicle's era, and whether the sidewall style looks appropriate for the restoration direction. On this year and make, using a Trooper 15-inch fitment on a Pickup or a Pickup 14-inch fitment on a Trooper would stand out immediately.
That does not mean every show expects the same level of factory accuracy, but size and overall appearance are among the most visible details on the truck. If your event follows stricter authenticity standards, verify the model-specific size first and then compare whitewall style to period photos or marque-club guidance. A tire can look attractive and still be incorrect for judged originality if the fitment or presentation is off.
What is the difference between wide whitewall and narrow whitewall tires for the 1987 Isuzu Trucks?
For 1987 Isuzu Trucks, the main difference between wide whitewall and narrow whitewall tires is visual presentation, since both styles appear across the available radial sizes. The Pickup's 195/75R14 and 215/75R14 sizes each offer both wide and narrow whitewall choices, and the Trooper's 225/75R15 does as well. The underlying wheel diameter and size code still determine fitment; the whitewall width changes the look, not the basic model compatibility.
A narrow whitewall often feels more in step with many later-period trucks and SUVs, while a wider whitewall creates a more stylized collector presentation. The right choice depends on whether you want a subdued late-classic look or a stronger period-custom visual statement. If the truck is being restored for judged presentation, compare the sidewall style against period images and event expectations before finalizing your tire choice.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1987 Isuzu Trucks tires safe for highway driving?
The 1987 Isuzu Trucks sizes here are all radial tires, which is favorable for regular road use when the tires are in sound condition and correctly matched to the wheel. None of these products show speed-letter markings in the size descriptions, so the practical focus should stay on overall condition, proper inflation, age, and correct fitment rather than assuming a specific speed category. On a vehicle from 1987, the truck's brakes, suspension condition, steering components, and alignment can be just as important to highway confidence as the tire itself.
That means a healthy, properly fitted tire is only one part of safe road use for 1987 Isuzu Trucks vehicles. Before regular highway driving, inspect the tire for age cracking and pressure retention, confirm that wheel width suits the tire, and make sure the rest of the chassis is ready for sustained speed. A newer radial cannot compensate for neglected mechanical systems elsewhere on the truck.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1987 Isuzu Trucks tires?
Inflation guidance for 1987 Isuzu Trucks tires depends on the exact size and the tire itself. In the available products, 195/75R14 tires carry load-and-pressure figures such as 1,399 pounds at 35 psi, 1,400 pounds at 35 psi, 1,433 pounds at 35 psi, and 1,521 pounds at 32 psi. The 215/75R14 size includes figures such as 1,664 pounds at 35 psi and 1,764 pounds at 32 psi, while 225/75R15 includes figures such as 1,874 pounds at 35 psi and 2,094 pounds at 32 psi.
Those numbers are tire ratings, not a universal instruction to inflate every 1987 Isuzu Trucks application to the same pressure. Use the vehicle's factory placard or owner's manual for the baseline operating pressure, then make sure the tire you choose is being used within its own rated limits. Avoid transferring a pressure figure from one size to another, since the load capacity changes with the tire.
What should I check before taking a 1987 Isuzu Trucks on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1987 Isuzu Trucks on a longer drive, check each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, embedded objects, and proper cold inflation pressure. Inspect the spare as well, since older trucks often carry one that has been ignored for years. A close look at the wheel itself for damage or corrosion is also worthwhile, especially if the vehicle has seen long storage or older restoration work.
Tires are only one part of a smart pre-trip routine on a vehicle of this age. For 1987 Isuzu Trucks use, combine the tire inspection with checks of brakes, steering, suspension, fluid levels, lights, and any signs of wheel-bearing or alignment problems. A methodical once-over before departure is far easier than troubleshooting an age-related issue after the truck is already on the road.