D 200 tire size?

moose2 · Post by **moose2** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:12 pm

I have just bought a 1964 dodge D200. I need to buy new tires and I would like some feedback on what size I should get. I know that it came from the factory with 750 or 800 16's, but I am going to haul a camper and wonder if I should get a bigger tire? Also, should I buy 4 or 6 ply? What would be the equivalent sizes in metric? I called the local tire shop, but the owner was gone and no could or wanted to supply this info. Any info would be appreciated.

moose2

mopar-maniac · Post by **mopar-maniac** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 5:34 pm

What kinds of roads will you travel on? My parents live on gravel and pull heavy loads often. For this we try to find 10 ply which causes a lot less flats. Is it a travel trailer, 5th wheel, or pickup camper? The tire size isn't important, just the load rating. Bigger tires just allow for better highway cruising and offroad ability. There is info on here about the largest tire sizes that will fit.

mopar-maniac · Post by **mopar-maniac** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 5:45 pm

Here's a quote from one of Wideblock's responses.

" i ran 15x8 rims with 31x10.5x15's on my truck up front, with the 3.5 backspace they never rubbed. on the rear, you can get away with some monster meat. 10 inch rim is ok with proper backspace, and i have run as big as a 32x12.5 out back without hassel."

Your 200 will probably have 16.5, or maybe 16 or 17.5 inch wheels.

Website · Post by **wideblock** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 7:45 pm

if you want to stay away from hassels with back spaceing issues, on a stock rim a 235/85/16 is what you want up front. its about the biggest that fits the stockers right. 7 or 7.5x16 was the bias plys they came with. out back, right now im running 12x16.5 road rated tires. you have to be carefull when ordering these tires. depending on tread and load rating the over all diameter varies. i got 3 sets of 12x16.5 tires here, ones equal to a 31x10.5x16.5, ones hits around a 32x12x16.5 and the third set, on the truck now, ranks in even with a 33x12.5x16.5. this set fits the fender nice on a 16.5x10 inch wheel. id stay away from bias ply's if you can, they ride rough, and the radials are rated for the same load. my ideal set up is this.... up front, 16x7, possibly 8 wheels with a 235/85/16 tire, with the right back space a 245/75/16 fits nice as well. on the rear, 16 or 16.5x10 rims with a 33/12.5/16 or 16.5, 35's will fit, but you get into screwy speedo going that much bigger, not to mention the price jump. wider then a 12.5 and you rub inner or outer fenders when the axle tilts going over a steep bump. if you stick with the stock 16 wheels, run 235's all the way around. you can buy a 235 in just about any load rating you desire. or if you like the big and little look, run a 225/85/16 up front and a 245/75/16 out back. heres a pic of my set up. i have 16x7 rims up front with 7.5x16 tires. these are equal to the 235 i mentioned. out back i got 16.5x10 rims with 12.5x16.5 load rated high mileage tires, these are equal to a 33/12.5/16.5

mopar-maniac · Post by **mopar-maniac** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 8:15 pm

wideblock66 wrote:35's will fit, but you get into screwy speedo going that much bigger, not to mention the price jump.

This website claims to fix the screwy speedometer by running a gear box with the speedo cable. Sounds pretty reasonable at $85. It's sure cheaper than a ticket.

http://homepage.mac.com/gwellman/ratioadpter.htm

Just wish it could fix the price as well.

moose2 · Post by **moose2** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 10:41 pm

Thank you all for the info. It is very helpful, and I am glad I found this site.

Website · Post by **wideblock** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 10:53 pm

almost any good 4x4 shop will have the ratio adapters. i have used them in the past, they aint perfect, but they get you pretty close. got 2 in the garage now as a matter of fact. ones off a chevy blazer i had, came with the gear box from the factory.

or you could go the route i am, before too long the 65 will have an electric speedo. fully programable for any application.

WD · Post by WD » Sat Mar 05, 2005 3:37 am

If it is going to be mostly improved dirt or paved road use, go with Kumho 10 ply 235/85/16. You won't damage them unless you run over a chunk of boiler plate. How do I know? I'd rather not go there.
-WD