What is the Difference Between Load Range and Ply Rating for a Trailer Tire

Published 11/06/2014

Question:

What is the difference in 12ply an e series tires

asked by: Michael B

Expert Reply:

Any given tire size will have different load ranges available. The higher the load range, the higher the capacity and ply rating is. So an E load range will have a higher capacity and ply rating than a D load range tire of the same size.

The ply rating is not the same as the amount of plies on the tire. The physical number of plies will be less than the ply rating. This is because the material and technology used to make the plies and tires has advanced to the point to where the ply rating can exceed the physical number of plies.

Please note that going to a higher capacity tire does not increase the capacity of the trailer. I have included a link to the right to our informational article on trailer tires for you.

expert reply by: Michael H