Availability of 205/75R-15 Trailer Tires w/ High Sidewall Ply Rating

Question:

Are there any trailer tires made with more than a 2 ply sidewall in a 205 75 15 radial?

asked by: Eddie A

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.

Long story short, the # AM10245 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.

The ply rating is confusing, which is why the relative strength of a tire is expressed as its load rating at a given pressure. The # AM10245 tire you referred to has a D load rating, which means that is has a capacity of 2,150 lbs at 65 psi.

expert reply by: Mike L