Does Trailer Tire Ply Rating Still Actually Describe Number of Plies Used to Construct the Tire

Products Featured in This Question

Provider ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E

(1053)

$187.93

Karrier ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E

(1990)

$180.80

Question:

Is there a 15inch trailer tire that actually has 10 plies or are all just E rated?

asked by: Pat R

Expert Reply:

The ply rating system that used to tell us how sturdy a trailer tire is described the actual number of plies used in construction of the tire, but nowadays tire technology has advanced to the point that that same "10 ply" load can be handled by a tire that actually has fewer than 10 plies.

So for example the Kenda Karrier ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire in Load Range E # AM10303 has a "10-ply" rating and a Load Range rating "E" (2830-lbs @ 80-psi pressure) but does not actually have 10 plies.

All 15-inch special trailer tires in Load Range E are linked for your reference along with a couple of helpful articles on tires.

expert reply by: Adam R