- 1. Hankook DynaPro 10-ply All Terrain Tire
- 2. Michelin Defender 10 Ply All- Season Radial Tire
- 3. Firestone Transforce HT Radial Tire
- 4. Trailer King ST Radial Trailer 10 Ply Truck Tire
- 5. Goodyear Wrangler All- Season 10-ply Truck Tire
- 6. Gladiator Trailer 10 Ply Truck Tire
- 7. Carlisle Radial Trail HD Trailer 10 Ply Truck Tire
- 8. Federal Couragia M/T Performance Radial 10 Ply Truck Tire
10 ply truck tires are heavy-duty tires, designed for use on trucks, Jeeps and SUVs, that are likely to be hauling heavy loads. They are stronger, and have a higher load capacity than lower ply tires, and are suitable for towing trailers and motorhomes, as well as for off-roading.
When buying 10 ply truck tires, you should look for the symbol ‘LT’, which stands for Light Truck, or ‘ST’, if you want tires for a trailer – avoid P-metric rated tires, which indicates that they are designed for a passenger vehicle. Look also for a load range ‘E’, which is the modern equivalent rating to 10-ply.
If you’re in the market for some new towing tires, take a look at this list of what we believe are the best 10 ply truck tires available. We’ve based this on their design, durability, and value for money – we hope it helps you choose some tough new tires.
The Best 10 Ply Truck Tires
Topping our list of the best 10 ply tires is this DynaPro AT2 RF11 All Terrain Tire by Hankook. This tough and durable light truck tire strikes the perfect balance between on-road manners and off-road traction, setting a new standard for all terrain tires. It is designed for use in all conditions, and should handle wet and snowy roads easily, as well as providing good traction on mud and gravel. The reinforced sidewalls help to prevent punctures when driving over rougher terrains.
The tire features a long-wear tread rubber which is specially formulated to increase mileage, whilst also reducing damage from off-roading. Locking shoulder lugs, a biting tread block edge, and multi-directional groves and sipes on the tread improve driving stability, and ensure the best grip over all terrains. The block-chain control system combines with aero shoulder technology to increase the stability of the tire and radiate road noise, offering a quieter ride – although there is still some noise, as is to be expected.
- Tire service type: LT
- Tire width: 245mm
- Rim diameter: 16”
- Load index rating: 120
- Speed rating: S
- Aspect ratio: 75
- Brand Hankook
- Model DYNAP AT2 RF11 OL
- Weight 45.3 pounds
This Defender LTX M/S All-Season Tire comes from another well-known tire brand; Michelin. This all-season tire is suitable for light trucks, SUVs and crossovers, and offers you great traction in all terrains, including wet and snowy conditions. Tests have shown that it lasts 10% longer than the Michelin LTX M/S2 in severe conditions – it has an average wet stopping distance of 136.5ft, significantly less than many of its leading competitors’ long-warranty tires, as well as 100% average snow traction. The Evertread technology combines 3D zigzags, tread blocks and a synthetic fiber filling to prolong the tread life of the tire.
This Michelin 10 ply tire boasts excellent wear-resistance and longevity, meaning you can cover more miles, and shouldn’t need to replace your tires as often. In fact, this is Michelin’s longest-lasting truck tire. Not only that, but it offers you a safe, comfortable and quiet ride, and the eco-friendly design can save you up 65 gallons of fuel over the life of the tire, according to the manufacturer. It’s perfect for the Ford F Series, Ford Explorer, Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado, as well as many other light trucks and SUVs.
- Tire service type: Light Truck, SUV & Crossover
- Tire width: 245mm
- Rim diameter: 17”
- Load index rating: 121
- Speed rating: R
- Aspect ratio: 70
- Brand Michelin
- Model Defender LTX M/S
- Weight 47.8 pounds
Next up is this Firestone Transforce HT Tire, which is another LT 10 ply tire, suitable for light trucks, commercial trucks, vans and SUVs, especially those that will be towing loads. This tire is designed to make your vehicle easier to handle, and it’s suitable for use in all terrains – including wet conditions, in which the circumferential grooves on the tread will offer you solid traction, and reduce the risk of hydroplaning. The computer-designed, smooth shape means you can expect a comfortable and quiet ride, even when pulling heavy loads and travelling at highway speeds.
This durable tire is built to last, and you should get at least 60,000 miles out of it. It’s engineered with UNI-T technology, with a polyester and steel construction for high performance, and the symmetrical tread has an advanced carbon tread compound to help make it resistant to chips and tears. There are continuous shoulder ribs to further improve tread life and handling, and to help the tire resist the wear that commonly occurs with heavy duty work. The useful tread wear indicator will help you determine when your tires need changing.
- Tire service type: LT
- Tire width: 265mm
- Rim diameter: 16”
- Load index rating: 123
- Speed rating: R
- Aspect ratio: 75
- Brand Firestone
- Model Transforce HT
- Weight 43.6 pounds
Whilst LT tires are suitable for the truck you will be using to tow a load, ST tires, such as this option from Trailer King, are the tires you want to put on your trailer. They have a middle groove for consistent stability and tracking, as well as an enhanced shoulder design to better dissipate heat, and make the tread – and therefore the tire – last longer. The nylon overlay construction further ensures that this is a strong and durable tire, that will easily withstand heavy loads. You should get several years out of these tires at regular use.
This tire measures 225mm wide, has a 15” rim diameter, and an aspect ratio of 75 (make sure this is the correct size for your trailer). As this is an ST rather than LT tire, it has a significantly lower load index rating than the other tires we’ve featured so far, at 117. The speed rating is L, equating to a top speed of 75mph, which is lower than the others, again due to the fact that this 10 ply tire is intended for trailer use, and you are likely to be travelling much slower when towing a trailer.
- Tire type: ST
- Tire width: 225mm
- Rim diameter: 15”
- Load index rating: 117
- Speed rating: L
- Aspect ratio: 75
- Brand Trailer King
- Model ST Radial Trailer
- Weight 28 pounds
If you want a high-quality tire for your truck or SUV, this Goodyear Wrangler AT/S Tire might be more suited to your needs. It’s an LT 10 ply tire, and one of the best tires for towing loads, as well as year-round off-roading. It’s suitable for use in all weathers and terrains, and offers particularly good traction, and reliable handing in snow and mud. It comes with the mountain/snowflake symbol which signifies accreditation from the auto industry, that it has passed their requirements for use in severe snow (although it does not come with 3pmsf certification).
As well as improving traction in all conditions, the Tractive Groove technology – comprising of high-angled center blocks and microgrooves on the tread – also works to reduce road noise. This offers you a more comfortable ride, even when towing and covering long distances. Biting edges offer excellent grip, and the rim protector on the sidewalls protects the shield wheels from impact. Another notable features of this towing tire is the shoulder blocks, which are designed to self-clean, ridding themselves of mud and debris, without you needing to scrub.
- Tire type: LT
- Tire width: 275mm
- Rim diameter: 18”
- Load index rating: 125
- Speed rating: R
- Aspect ratio: 70
- Brand Goodyear
- Model Wrangler DuraTrac
- Weight 57.1 pounds
Our sixth 10 ply tire is this reinforced option from Gladiator. This is another ST tire, so it’s designed for your trailer, and can be used to haul heavy loads. The width of this tire is 225mm, and the rim diameter is 15”, in line with the Trailer King ST tire. It has a load index rating of 117/112, and a speed index rating N. Although this is a lower rating than the LT tires on this list, it will still work fine up to 87mph – and let’s face it, you won’t be going any faster than that with a fully loaded trailer.
The tire is steel belted, which gives it a higher weight capacity than many LT 10 ply truck tires. The maximum load the tire can carry is 2830lbs (multiply this by the number of tires on your vehicle for the total maximum capacity). The tread on this tire is non-directional, so you can mount it in any position on your vehicle, making it easier to install – this is in contrast to asymmetrical treads, which have a different tread pattern on the inside and outside of the tire, and must be installed in a certain position.
- Tire type: ST
- Tire width: 225mm
- Rim diameter: 15”
- Load index rating: 117/112
- Speed rating: T
- Aspect ratio: 75
- Brand Gladiator
- Model QR25-TS trailer
- Weight 38 pounds
The penultimate tire on our list comes from Carlisle – their Radial Trail HD Trailer Tire. If you’re looking for a 10 ply trailer tire, this ST tire offers you even better value for money than the Gladiator (although it’s still not as affordable as the Trailer King). The speed rating of M is higher than Trailer King’s L, but lower than Gladiator’s N, as you would expect from an in-between option. This means you will be able to travel at speeds up to 80mph on this tire – still more than you’re ever likely to be driving with a loaded trailer.
However, at 2830lbs, the maximum capacity of this tire is exactly the same as the Gladiator. The width of the tire is 225mm, the rim diameter is 15”, and it has a respectable load index rating of 117. The rubber compound materials and construction are designed to be durable and resist damage, even when the tire is under maximum load. The deep tread traction is good on most surfaces, and the directional tread patterns offer improved vehicle control and handling.
- Tire type: ST
- Tire width: 225mm
- Rim diameter: 15”
- Load index rating: 117
- Speed rating: M
- Aspect ratio: 75
- Brand Carlisle
- Model Radial Trail HD
- Weight 28.7 pounds
Finishing up our list of the best 10 ply truck tires is this Federal Couragia M/T Performance Tire. This is an LT 10 ply tire, designed for use on your load-hauling truck. The chunky tire is 285mm wide, has a rim diameter of 17”, and boasts a seriously deep, rugged tread. The tread is designed for off-roading, to make light work of rough and uneven terrain, and provide excellent grip and durability, even in mud and difficult weather conditions. A tread this aggressive can often make for a less-than-comfortable driving experience on the highway, but this tire is smooth and relatively quiet.
The tread pattern on the tire is designed in a way that encourages it to clear itself of debris, such as mud and rocks, while in use, minimizing any interruption to performance. Large shoulder lugs and an innovative Sloped Radius Gradient (SRG) tread design, which angles the tread blocks in a way that improves traction, also increase the overall tread life of the tire. A speed rating of Q means you’ll be able to drive as fast as you want (and are legally allowed).
- Tire type: LT
- Tire width: 285mm
- Rim diameter: 17”
- Load index rating: 118
- Speed rating: Q
- Aspect ratio: 70
- Brand Federal
- Model Couragia M/T
- Weight 43 pounds
Best 10 Ply Truck Tires Buying Guide & FAQ
The world of tires can be a confusing one! If you’re still not sure which 10 ply tires to choose for your truck, have a read of our buying guide and FAQ, to help you decide which rubbers are right for you.
What’s a Tire Ply Rating?
A tire ply rating refers to the load that can be safely carried by the tire at the specified inflation. The phrase ‘ply’ rating comes from the time when tires used to be made from cotton, and the plies referred to how many layers of cotton were in the tire. The higher the number of plies, the stronger and more heavy-duty the tire.
These days, the ply rating no longer refers to how many layers are in the tire – in fact, a 10 ply tire that you might buy for a light truck today usually only has 2 or 3 fabric plies. The ply rating now simply refers to the strength of a tire, and how heavy a load it can carry, equivalent to how many plies that would have been in the past. It is now much more common to see the ‘load range’ of the tire specified, instead of the ply rating.
The load range is measured alphabetically from B to F, with B equivalent to a tire with a 4-ply rating, and F equivalent to a 12-ply rating. You can find the load range imprinted on the sidewall of the tire, as part of the description.
Things to Consider When Buying 10 Ply Truck Tires
Before purchasing 10 ply truck tires, you should consider the following:
- Size of tire
The size of the tire can affect the load rating. Larger tires of the same rating as smaller tires will be able to hold a heavier load. You should always replace your truck’s tires with new ones of the same size.
- Tread
When purchasing new tires, you will have the option of symmetrical or asymmetrical tires. Symmetrical tires have the same tread on the inner and outer of the tire, whilst asymmetrical tires do not – this allows for even tire wear, and improved traction in both wet and dry conditions.
- Load index
When buying new tires, the load index of the new tires you are purchasing must be the same or higher than the load index of the old tires being replaced.
10 Ply Tire Recommended PSI
The maximum recommended PSI for 10 ply tires – also branded as load range E – is 80 PSI (550 kPa). However, you should only use your tires at 80 PSI if your truck is at maximum load capacity. Running tires on a PSI lower than their maximum will reduce the load capacity of the tires – for example, running at 60 PSI instead of 80 PSI will reduce the load capacity of the tire by around 25%. If you are unsure about the correct PSI for your tires, the manufacturer should be able to provide you with a guide, depending on the weight of your load.
LT Tires Load Range
The load range for LT tires is expressed in letter form, from B to F, representing an equivalent ply rating range of 4 to 12. B is equal to 4 ply, C is 6 ply, D is 8 ply, E is 10 ply and F is 12 ply. The load range of a LT tire can be found branded on the sidewall of the tire, where it will make up part of the tire’s alpha-numerical description – usually at the end.
Best 10 Ply Truck Tires FAQ:
Not all LT tires are 10 ply. LT tires are available in everything from load range B to load range F, representing the equivalent ply rating range of 4 to 12 ply. To make sure you are purchasing 10 ply LT tires, look for the LT symbol, and the load range E, which is equivalent to 10 ply. You can find this information in the description of the tire, or branded onto the sidewall.
LT tires are designed to be used on trucks that will be towing or hauling – they should not usually be used on the trailer itself. Instead, for a trailer, you can purchase ST (Special Trailer) tires, such as the Trailer King tires at number 4 on our list. These tires are also available in a choice of load ranges, depending on the weight of your loaded trailer.
LT tires are designed to be used by trucks that will be towing and hauling. Unloaded LT tires will not drive as smoothly as they do when towing a load. Therefore, if you have an SUV, and you are sure you will never be towing or off-roading, LT tires are probably not the best choice. Instead, go for P-metric (passenger) tires, which are lighter, and will provide you with a smoother ride, faster acceleration, and improved fuel economy.
Our Top Pick
There are some high-quality 10 ply truck tires on this list, but our favorite has to be the Hankook DynaPro AT2 RF11 All Terrain Tire. This tire has a high speed rating, is extremely durable, and boasts a heavy-duty tread with an impressive grip, making it suitable for towing your trailer in all conditions and terrains.