What Does Ply Rating Mean on ST Trailer Tires?
Question:
which is better 4ply 6ply or 8ply and what does it mean and why?
asked by: LA
Expert Reply:
The ply rating has to do with the thickness of the tire and the load capacity will increase based on the ply rating. The information below tells you the ply rating and general load pressure (in psi units) determined by the manufacturer testing:
Load Range B: 4 Ply Rating, ~35 psi
Load Range C: 6 Ply Rating, ~50 psi
Load Range D: 8 Ply Rating, ~65 psi
Load Range E: 10 Ply Rating, ~80 psi
Load Range F: 12 Ply Rating, ~95 to 110 psi
Load Range G: 14 Ply Rating, ~110 psi
The Kenda 215/60-8 # AM3H310 you asked this from is a 6 ply rating with a load capacity of 935 lbs at 50 psi. If you want a higher capacity, you can use the Kenda 215/60-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D # AM3H323 which will give you a stronger tire rated for 1,165 lbs at 70 psi with a ply rating of 8.
Better is determined by the capacity for your trailer load. Underrated tires will wear unevenly, overheat and eventually fail. Overrated tires will give you a rigid ride and may lead to loss of traction due to bounce. You want tires rated for your trailer load and your axle capacity.

Products Referenced in This Question
Kenda 215/60-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range D
- 215/60-8
- 8 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kenda 215/60-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range C
- 215/60-8
- 8 Inch
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Search Results: license plate holder
- Search Results: dot reflective tape
- Shop: Optronics Armored LED Clearance and Side Marker Light - 6 Diodes - Steel Housing - Amber Lens
- Shop: Kenda 215/60-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Q&A: Can Red Identification Light Bar be Used as Marker & Reverse Lights
- Q&A: Is 14" Galvanized Wheel or 14" Silver Powder Coat Wheel Recommended for Boat Trailer
- Q&A: Does Maximum Load Listing for Trailer Tire Refer to Individual Tire
- Q&A: Torque Rating for Trailer Wheel Lug Nuts
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Q&A: Recommended Spare Tire Carrier For 8-Inch Wheel With 5 On 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern
- Shop: LED Trailer Mini Clearance and Side Marker Light with Grommet - Submersible - 1 Diode - Amber Lens
- Shop: Trailer Wiring Junction Box - 7 Color Coded Terminals - ABS
- Shop: Red Identification Light Bar with White LED Utility Light - 17 Diodes - 15-1/2" x 1"
- Shop: Optronics LED Combination Trailer Tail Lights - Submersible - 40 Diodes - Driver and Passenger Side
- Shop: Optronics Trailer Light Kit for Trailers over 80" Wide - Submersible - 25' Wiring Harness
- Search Results: 215/60~8
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w/ Idler Hubs
- Shop: RV Bearing
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Search Results: trailer lights