Why Does 2 Ply Tire Have 6 Ply Rating

Updated 04/20/2015 | Published 04/18/2015

Question:

I just mounted your am30620 as a spare on my trailer. The tire says its two ply. Your product description says 6 ply rated. Whats the story on these numbers.

asked by: Richard G

Expert Reply:

When a tire is given a 'ply rating', it doesn't necessarily indicate the number of layers of material the tire is constructed of. As the need for greater fuel economy and the cost of materials rises, the tire manufacturers have gone to using lighter but stronger materials like Kevlar that provide the same strength that would have took several layers of materials years ago. Fewer layers also means less heat build-up, which is essential for longer tire life.

The # AM10062 tire you mentioned has a 6-ply rating. As I explained above, this doesn't necessarily mean the tire is made up of 6 layers, but that the tire has the equivalent strength that a 6 ply tire would have had years ago.

expert reply by: Chris O