8 Ply Tires VS 10 Ply Tires

8 ply tires have a maximum load withstanding capability from 50 to 65 psi of load but 10 ply tires can withstand more load in the range of 65 psi to 80 psi. Due to their load bearing capability, 10 ply tires are more suitable for longer tread life and better performance under heavy loads. However, 8 ply tires are a good option for more comfort, less noise and better fuel economy. 

Now if you want to know whether you have to use 10 or 8 ply tires, then continue reading this article. 

Difference Between 8 Ply and 10 Ply Tires: Quick Overview

Tire Ply Rating is the load bearing capacity of the tire. It basically shows how much force the tire can withstand. You need to know about the tire ply rating to understand which load range will be the best for your needs. For example, higher ply rating is the best option if you have to regularly work on off-road conditions and endure massive load but at the same time they are expensive tires to buy. 

Now, when it comes to 8 and 10 ply rating, there are some obvious differences. The table below shows that in brief. 

Factors	8 Ply Tires	10 Ply Tires
Load Range	D	E
Force that can withstand (over and under 295 mm width)	65 psi (450 kPa) [Less than 11.5 inches of width]50 psi (350 kPa) [More than 11.5 inches of width]	80 psi (550 kPa) [Less than 11.5 inches of width]65 psi (450 kPa) [More than  inches of width]
Purpose	Changing Direction	Heavy Load Bearing
Durability	Less Durable	More Durable
Fuel Economy	Less Fuel Consumption Rate	More Fuel Consumption Rate
Noise	Less Noisy	More Noisy
Comfort	More Comfortable	Less Comfortable
Price  [as of February, 2023]	$80 – $300$170 – $400 [ATV and UTV]	$60 – $160$87 – $504 [ATV and UTV]

Difference Between 8 Ply and 10 Ply Tires: Detailed Overview

Let’s get into the details of the differences between 8 ply and 10 ply tires. 

Load Range and Force It Can Withstand

The load range is indicated by specific letters of the English alphabet. It is significant in showing how much load the tire can handle. 

8 ply tires are in the load range D whereas 10 ply tires have the load range E. Definitely, the maximum load pressure it can handle will also vary. 

For tires that are smaller than 295 mm or 11.5 inches in width, the maximum load for an 8 ply tire is 65 psi or 450 kPa whereas for a 10 ply tire, the maximum load is 80 psi or 550 kPa. 

Now if the tire sizes are larger than 295 mm or 11.5 inches in width, the maximum load for an 8 ply tire is 50 psi or 350 kPa and for a 10 ply tire, the maximum load is 65 psi or 450 kPa. 

So, it clearly shows that higher ply tires have more load bearing capacity. If you regularly drive a pick up truck carrying an increasing amount of loads, then 10 ply tires will be a good option for you. 

Summary:

8 ply tires can withstand a force between 50 to 65 psi at maximum. And, 10 ply tires can withstand a force between 65 to 80 psi. Depending on the tire size, the range varies. 

Purpose

8 ply tires are lighter than 10 ply tires and have a lower load bearing ability. These 8 ply tires make it much easier to maneuver cars. In fact, this is one reason why a lot of on-road vehicles prefer the 8 ply over 10 ply option.

However, 10 ply tires due to its increased load bearing capacity is the best choice for the off-roading or rough riding options. 

So, if you are looking for a tire that will make it easy to maneuver a car and go efficient on road then choose 8 ply tires. But if you want a tire that will help you to drive in rough terrain and carry more load choose 10 ply tires. 

Summary:

8 ply tires are better for on road and lightweight vehicles whereas 10 ply tires are better for its load bearing capacity.

Durability

10 ply tires are more durable than 08 ply tires and yes it is because of using more tire plies. Other than this the materials in 10 ply is also stiffer and stronger. 

So, with more layers, the tires get more durable. So, the 10 ply tires are much stronger and durable than 8 ply tires. 

Summary:

10 ply tires are more durable than 08 ply tires. 

Fuel Economy

Normally, higher ply tires tend to have more rolling resistance compared to lower ply tires. This is because heavier the tire is more will be the resistance it offer on road. This means that at a similar speed range, the 10 ply tires will have more rolling resistance than 8 ply rating. 

More rolling resistance means that the fuel consumption rate will be higher for 10 ply tires than 8 ply tires. 

Summary:

10 ply tires have more fuel consumption rate than 8 ply tires, so if you want a tire with better fuel economy then go for 8 ply tires. 

Noise and Comfort

Lower ply tires are made with softer rubber compounds and tread pattern that makes it more comfortable and less noisier. This is why when compared to 10 ply tires, 8 ply tires have better performance through reduced noise. 

In fact, 10 ply tires are more stiff and even though it is a good trait when situations like towing or driving in muddy tracks it is definitely not a comfortable feature to drive with. Therefore, if you are looking for more comfort and less noise then choose 8 ply tires.

Summary:  

8 ply tires are more comfortable and generate less noise.

When To Use 8 Ply Tires?

8 ply tires are a good option for load bearing. In fact, the load bearing ability is not that different between the two ply ratings. However, the main difference is in the fact in some cases 8 ply rating tires tend to perform better.

Following are some of the cases where 8 ply tires are the better option

• If you want to drive when in snowy conditions. Since it is less stiff it can be relatively more flexible and therefore have better traction.
• If you want to drive a muscle car. This is because these tires are relatively easier to control and have lower load bearing ability. These make it easier to change the directions.

Following are some of the vehicles compatible for 8 ply tires.

1. SUVs
2. Muscle Cars
3. Jeeps
4. Light Trucks
5. Heavy Duty Trucks

When To Use 10 Ply Tires?

10 ply tires with its advanced load bearing ability is a good choice for heavy duty and off-road activities. 

Following are some of the conditions when using a 10-ply tires should be the best option for you 

• If you are using it for towing. Due its increased load bearing ability, stronger sidewall and the overall stiffness, which makes the 10 ply tires good for towing. 
• If you regularly drive off-road. Due to its stronger sidewall and better durability, 10 ply tires are good for off-road driving. 

Unfortunately, you need to be careful while driving 10 ply tires on certain conditions like snowy roads, wet conditions mainly due to the stiffness of the tires that makes it harder to have traction. 

Following are some of the vehicles compatible for 10 ply tires.

1. Light Trucks
2. Heavy Duty Trucks
3. SUVs
4. UTV/ ATV
5. Trailers

Summary:

10 ply tires are the best options if you are looking for heavy duty work and therefore use it for vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, ATV and Trailer Vans. 

Can You Interchange 8 and 10 Ply Tires?

Yes, it is possible to interchange 8 and 10 ply tires. But there will be a few effects of it for example if you change the tires to 10 ply then be prepared for a slightly stiffer ride. This is because of the increasing load bearing capacity of the 10 ply tires. Again, you might get more durability through changing your 8 ply tires to 10 ply but it will be much noisier. 

However, before you think of interchanging your tires you need to keep a few points in mind.

1. Check the rim of your vehicle for the load and pressure ratings. 
2. Inflate the tires up to proper pressure rating. 
3. Check the load range letter properly before you change the tires. For example for 8 ply tires, it is load range D and for 10 ply tires it is load range E. 
4. Always make sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendation for your car and based on that choose the tire type. 

Summary:

Yes, you can interchange between 8 and 10 ply tires. But you should keep a few things in mind, such as checking the rim size of the vehicle and inflating the tire pressure. 

Can You Mix 8 and 10 Ply Tires In Your Vehicle?

No, you should not mix 8 and 10 ply tires because the psi ratings will be different for the two axles. You have to remember that different tires have different heat tolerance and friction rate. This means there will be disparity that can cause issues related to control, overheating and overloading that can eventually lead to tire failure. 

FAQs

Conclusion

Now, that concludes the comparison between 8 ply tires VS 10 ply tires. Choose the right tire based on your current needs however keep in mind about the tire interchanging issue. Finally, before consideration keep the cost of the different ply of tires in mind.