10-Ply Tires

WHAT ARE 10-PLY TIRES

Have you ever heard of 10-ply tires? For that matter, what’s a ply got to do with a tire?

Not just relegated to toilet paper, a tire’s “ply” is an older term referring to the internal layers of a tire’s construction. The more layers, the higher the load capacity (or the more weight it can support). Two-ply in the bathroom is a standard, for tires it’s usually four.

Understanding the tire ply rating system helps you understand how your tires support the weight of your vehicle (called load range or load index). If you drive a ¾ ton, one ton or even larger pickup or SUV (or haul a trailer) then you require 10-ply tires.

You might have heard about Load Range E tires, which are a 10-ply equivalent. A quick history lesson: in the early days, 10 individual layers were used in the construction of early bias ply tires (if they were 10-ply, of course). As tire manufacturing tech advanced, we could design and build radial tires of equal strength without as many layers. This is advantageous as it reduces rolling resistance and increases performance in some off-road applications.

To summarize: ply ratings and load ratings are systems of measurement for load carrying capacity. Load Range E tires are equivalent to a 10-ply tire.

Whether you’re looking for truck tires or all-terrains, you may need E rated tires. Larger SUVs and ¾-1 ton trucks need to run on Load Range E tires to operate safely, especially if you’re towing or maxing out your vehicle’s payload.

ADVANTAGES OF 10-PLY TIRES

How do you know if you need or want 10-ply tires?

In addition, some off-road drivers seek out Load Range E/10-ply tires because they provide extra layers of durability and sidewall protection, ideal for extremely rough off-road terrain. In some cases it might be a necessity to add some load carrying capacity for off-road gear and modifications. For example, heavy armor like steel skid plates, sliders, bumpers, hitches, roof racks, rooftop tents and so on add extra weight to your rig and require tires that can handle it—plus manage the trail.

Some drivers with half-ton trucks also prefer to use a 10-ply tire for increased towing capacity. Higher load carrying capacity tires make towing easier because their stiffer tires help stabilize loads and reduce sway at speed.

BEST 10 PLY TIRES

10-ply tires sound pretty awesome, don’t they? We want to talk about a few of our favorites, which include options for all-season capability, all-terrain performance and high value underdogs.

MICHELIN DEFENDER LTX M/S 10 PLY

First is the all-around heavy hitter Michelin Defender LTX M/S, a marvel of all-season Load Range E construction.

Regardless of the weather or what you’re hauling it’s designed to provide assured traction and control. It can take on wet, dry and even light snow conditions!

Have we mentioned how cushy it is, too? Plus, with its eco-friendly design you can expect better fuel mileage even when your vehicle is under a load. As an added bonus, the 10-ply variant of this Michelin is designed to be long-lasting and is backed by a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty.

BFGOODRICH ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2 10 PLY

The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a 10-ply beauty that got its fame from the silver screen (cue Jurassic Park theme song). It’s an all-terrain tire that means business and impresses everyone, hence its inclusion as the rugged tires of those iconic Jurassic Park Jeeps

As you would expect from an off-road tread design, it features an aggressive tread pattern and rugged shoulder blocks. With its 10-ply/E-load rating, you get a higher load carrying capacity for all your gear and mods with plenty of moxie for the rough stuff off the trail.

This BFGoodrich 10-ply tire can also double up to be used to haul a trailer or payload in off-road or muddy conditions without losing the grip you need when the going gets tough.

If you need a higher load carrying capacity to pair with off-road performance, this 10-ply tire should be at the top of your wish list.

FALKEN WILDPEAK AT3W 10 PLY

Are you on a budget? If you’re a value minded driver who needs to get the most without shelling out a fortune, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W is a 10-ply all-terrain tire for you.

The Wildpeak AT3W features versatile performance (both on and off-road) due to its rugged all-terrain tread pattern that’s fitted onto a Load Range E body for carrying, towing, hauling or whatever else you might need your light truck or SUV to do.

This tire is optimized to carry a load without struggle. It features heat diffusers in the sidewall, reducing heat build up in the tire to help avoid tire failure while towing—especially important on the highway.

Even better, this Falken 10-ply tire is backed by a 55,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, giving you peace of mind that your towing and all-terrain performance will last, mile after mile.

GOODYEAR ENDURANCE 10-PLY TRAILER TIRE

If you are looking for a 10-ply trailer tire, the Goodyear Endurance is an excellent option. Well liked and performing the way customers need, the Endurance offers a lot for drivers who need a toy hauler or work trailer tire. It features an enhanced inner liner to resist air loss, meaning it can sit in a parking lot for some time before seeing your typical loss of pressure.

Goodyear’s proprietary Duralwall tech rebuffs cuts, tears and punctures to give you peace of mind on those long cross country trips or short jaunts over jagged gravel roads. Its stout polyester construction is reinforced with steel belts to further buff up its load carrying capacity.

The right tire for you depends on your vehicle, your driving conditions and your driving needs. You can rely on Treadwell, our tire decision guide to help you select the right one for you.

If you think you’ve already found the right tires for you, drop on by, give us a ring or book an appointment. We’ll get you taken care of. You can also take advantage of our touchless experience!

Wait less time when you buy and book online!

For more information on this and other tire and wheel services, check out our YouTube Channel or reach out to us on X, Facebook and Instagram.