Best 10 Ply Truck Tires: What are the Options?

There are several things you need to consider when purchasing new tires. The first one, of course, is to find a size that suits your wheels and your vehicle. Moreover, you need to make sure that the tires work well with the weather in your area. Most people buy all-season tires, but you might be better-served by summer, winter, or all-weather tires.

Then, you also need to choose the performance level – sports cars usually require tires with higher speed ratings and better grip. However, truck and van drivers have another thing to worry about, and that’s load ratings.

Why? Well, if the tire isn’t capable of putting a lot of weight on its shoulders, you’ll have big issues when hauling heavy cargo and especially towing.

Load ratings will give you the maximum load capacity of a certain tire model. To find out the overall weight potential, just multiply the load capacity with the number of tires.

However, if you are not sure and don’t want to do this yourself, 10-ply tires are usually the best truck tires for towing large trailers and hauling heavy cargo.

Notably, most full-size and heavy-duty pickup trucks, and also vans, require 10-ply tires. That’s because manufacturers can reach the staggering towing capacities only by using 10-ply tires, which are specifically designed for heavy-duty stuff.

The problem is, the “ply” ratings are already a part of popular culture; tiremakers don’t use them for a very long time. Instead, you have “Load Range” ratings.

Confused? Don’t worry; you’re at the right place to learn how to compare these ratings. In fact, we’ll jump right onto the matter of explaining the load ratings. Then, I’ll give you my choice of the best 10 ply truck tires on the market. 

Since every truck and van owner has different needs, I’ll include highway all-season and all-weather tires, all-terrain tires, off-road tires, and even winter tires. That way, you can find a product that truly fits your needs. Okay, so enough with the empty talk, and let’s jump right into the matter!

What is 10-Ply?

In the past, when truck tires were usually of the bias-ply variety, the number of plies signified how tough a tire was. Thus, a 2-ply tire was usually for light-duty on-road use, while 14-ply tires were fitted to vehicles with very high load capacities.

However, things are different today. Instead of a bias-ply design, modern tires are almost exclusively radial. In these tires, the plies run radially across the tire, which significantly reduces weight.

Moreover, the number of plies stopped playing a role in the toughness and weight capacity of a tire. Even the most rigid tires today have three of four plies, not more.

That’s where “Load Range” ratings come in. Actually, I find them more useful since they show the maximum load pressure a tire can withstand before losing its abilities or even exploding tires.

Moreover, the “Load Range” ratings were designed in such a way that they are similar to the ply ratings. Hence, a 10-ply tire is similar to a “Load Range E” tire nowadays. So, when looking for a 10-ply tire today, instead look for the letter “E.” Yes, it’s that easy. But what about other ratings? Here is the full list:

• Load Range B (4 ply tire) – max load pressure: 35 psi (240kPa) – not useful for towing
• Load Range C (6 ply tire) – max load pressure: 50 psi (350kPa) – good only for very small trailers
• Load Range D (8 ply tire) – max load pressure: 65 psi (450kPa) – good for smaller trailers
• Load Range E (10 ply tire) – max load pressure: 80 psi (550kPa) – excellent for smaller and larger trailers
• Load Range F (12 ply tire) – max load pressure: 95 psi (650kPa) – heavy-duty tires for very large trailers and trucks, and commercial applications

Best 10 Ply Truck Tires Available in 2024

1. Michelin Defender LTX M/S

Best Highway All-Season 10-ply Tires

Currently, the Defender LTX M/S is by far the most popular highway all-season tire for trucks and SUVs. It’s expensive, like most Michelin tires, but customers don’t seem to care – it sells like hotcakes. The reasons? Well, apart from the higher price point, there Defender LTX M/S has no real disadvantages.

For starters, it is very stable on the highway, even if you put a lot of weight in the bed or tow a large trailer. Unlike other 10-ply tires, it continues to impress when unloaded. It’s very responsive for a highway tire and provides high levels of grip in the corners.

Grip and acceleration traction? Also, very good. Add to that the excellent overall performance in rainy conditions, and it becomes evident that Michelin has designed a winner here.

Since it’s an all-season tire, the Defender LTX M/S provides some traction over light snow. However, it’s not designed for harsh wintry conditions. On a more positive note, it is supremely quiet on the highway and eats road imperfections really well.

One of the best things about the Defender LTX M/S is its longevity. Currently, it’s the most durable highway all-season tire, with a casing that can even withstand driving on hardpacked surfaces.

Moreover, Michelin provides a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty on LT-metric models (10-ply), but more importantly, independent tests have shown that it has the best treadlife in the category.

2. Continental TerrainContact H/T

Best Highway All-Season 10-ply Tires

Continental perhaps isn’t the first tiremaker truckers think of, but the TerrainContact H/T should really change their minds. It’s an outstanding piece of rubber that has no real disadvantages and a tire that gives the Defender LTX M/S a run for its money in certain conditions.

For instance, this is by far the best highway tire for rainy weather. The hydroplaning resistance is simply exceptional, acceleration traction is outstanding, and there is a lot of grip in the corners.

Moreover, the TerrainContact H/T has the shortest braking distances on wet surfaces in its category, meaning it’s also the safest.

Continental’s product continues to shine on dry roads. Handling feels secure, there is a lot of grip in the corners, and the stopping distances are very short. In addition, the TerrainContact H/T also handles heavy loads without big issues.

Another area where Continental handily beats Michelin is the treadwear warranty. The German tiremaker provides a 60,000-miles warranty on LT-metric sizes, which is an outstanding feat for the category. It’s also very durable, although there are still no independent tests that measured the treadlife.

Like most Continental tires, this model is also very comfortable and quiet, making your traveling experience a joy. However, I wouldn’t trust it much on hardpacked surfaces, like gravel and dirt.

Overall, though, few tires can match the TerrainContact H/T’s blend of performance, comfort, and durability.

3. Cooper Discoverer HT3

Best Highway All-Season 10-ply Tires

The first two products on this list might be expensive for some, which is why I also included the Discoverer HT3. With this tire, you won’t lose much performance when compared to its more expensive peers, yet you will pay a lot less.

And, most importantly, despite the lower price point, it comes with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty on LT-metric sizes, which is an outstanding result.

But how does it handle daily driving? Well, for starters, it’s a very comfortable tire that eats small imperfections with ease. It’s also very quiet, even at higher speeds, which isn’t very common in the highway category. Despite its “soft” nature, the Discoverer HT3 is an excellent tire for hauling heavy cargo and towing large trailers, staying stable and easy to drive.

Moreover, the Discoverer HT3 is an excellent tire for driving on dry and wet roads. Sure, it doesn’t compare favorably to the Defender LTX and TerrainContact H/T, but the differences in cornering speed and stopping distances are very short anyway.

Light-snow traction is also sufficient, although you shouldn’t be using it in harsh wintry conditions. The most important thing is that the Discoverer HT3 provides a safe and reliable drive in any conditions you encounter.

The only area where the Cooper doesn’t impress is off-road driving. It lacks enough traction and isn’t particularly tough, but hey, it’s a highway tire after all. And, for the price, you can’t expect miracles.

4. General Grabber HTS60

Best Highway All-Season 10-ply Tires

The Grabber HTS60 is a very popular choice among truckers and SUV drivers in North America, and there is a good reason for that – it performs excellently across the board and doesn’t cost a fortune. General Tire always had the formula on how to make a good budget tire, and this model perfectly reflects that.

Notably, the Grabber HTS60 comes in LT-metric sizes with Load Range E ratings. These models are outstanding for towing and hauling, having some of the highest weight capacities in the category.

Moreover, the tire remains drivable and stable, even when towing very large trailers, something that I can’t say for other budget highway tires.

Driving with an unloaded truck is also completely safe. Dry traction is among the best in the category, the grip is sufficient, and the stopping distances are short.

The Grabber HTS60 also handles rainy weather with ease. Traction is again excellent, cornering performance is very good, and the stopping distances are reasonably short. Light-snow traction is another area where the tire shines.

Despite the lower price point, the Grabber HTS60 also comes with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty for LT-metric sizes, which is among the best around. It is also very comfortable over bumps, again, among the best around.

However, it also produces a noticeable tread growl on the highway, which you’ll definitely notice. However, don’t let that be a deal-breaker – the Grabber HTS60 is really an excellent product.

5. Michelin Agilis CrossClimate

Best Highway All-Weather 10-ply Truck Tires

The previous four tires on this list belong to the highway all-season category, meaning they should work during every season. However, the reality is that all-season tires don’t work in the winter reliably. If you want a set of tires that will work in the winter but also be a good option for other seasons, you’ll need a set of all-weather tires.

And right now, the best highway all-weather tire on the market is the Agilis CrossClimate. With this tire, your truck will be much safer during the winter. Not winter-tire safe, but still much better than an all-season tire. Specifically, traction is much better, the handling feels surefooted, and the stopping distances are shorter.

But what about dry and wet conditions? Well, the Agilis CrossClimate continues to impress here. However, there is an important thing to note – metric sizes have a more modern directional tread pattern and perform better in these conditions. Meanwhile, 10-ply models (Load Range E) are slightly worse, especially in handling and braking.

That said, the heavy-duty models are still excellent – it’s that that the directional model sets the bar so high. Hence, your daily drive on dry and wet surfaces will be completely safe and reliable. It will also be comfortable, and you won’t hear much from the road.

Nonetheless, Michelin doesn’t provide any treadwear warranty on the tire. This might be because it features a more winter-focused compound, but still, it would be good to have one. Besides, the Agilis CrossClimate is also very expensive.

6. Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar

Best All-Terrain 10-ply Truck Tires

Currently, the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar is not only the most popular but also the best all-terrain tire on the market. Truckers are in love with the tire’s off-road abilities, which are second to none. The Wrangler works on a variety of terrains, including dirt, gravel, and rocks.

Unlike other all-terrain tires that do off-road wonders, the Wrangler also impresses on paved roads. Notably, it is very stable on dry surfaces, even with a very heavy trailer attached.

Moreover, it is responsive and handles as you’d expect from a highway tire, not an all-terrain one. Hydroplaning resistance is also excellent, while the traction on snow is very reliable.

Thanks to the Kevlar reinforcing, the Wrangler is outstandingly durable and tough. It also comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, even on LT-metric sizes.

The only gripes I have are the lower traction in deep mud and higher noise on the highway, but both are understandable given the tire’s purpose.

7. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

Best All-Terrain 10-ply Truck Tires

The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is by far the most accomplished all-terrain tire for serious off-road activities. Not only it works on hardpacked terrains, but you can also attack larger rocks and even mud. But that’s only normal since BFGoodrich is the most successful tire brand on races like the Dakar Rally.

What about on-road driving, though? Unsurprisingly, the tire continues to impress. Thanks to the sturdy construction, it’s very stable under load, even with a lot of cargo in the bed.

Moreover, the grip is very good when the bed is unloaded and the stopping distances are short. Wet traction is excellent, too, with short stopping distances and good handling. Thanks to the aggressive tread compound, snow traction is also among the best in the category.

The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 comes with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, but more importantly, the tough casing ensures it can withstand very heavy loads. However, it’s also noisy on the highway and doesn’t really work on icy roads.

8. Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar

Best Off-Road 10-ply Truck Tires

The Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar is an outstanding tire for truckers that require the best possible off-road traction. This tire can go seemingly everywhere – there is nothing that can stop it. Notably, it works amazingly well in mud and over very large rocks, but it’s also great on hardpacked surfaces.

Now, since it’s a maximum traction off-road tire, you can’t expect miracles on paved roads. Traction is still good on dry roads, but it lags behind all-terrain or highway tires.

The real downside is how it performs in rainy conditions, though. The hydroplaning resistance is excellent, but traction is not the best around. Specifically, the stopping distances are longer, and handling isn’t too good either.

Nevertheless, these things can be said for almost every other off-road tire. What’s more important for truckers, perhaps, is that the tire is simply outstanding with a trailer attached, providing excellent stability.

9. Bridgestone Blizzak LT

Best Winter 10-ply Truck Tires

Bridgestone’s Blizzak family is perhaps the most accomplished in the industry, and the “LT” is a prime example of why that’s the case. With this tire, you’ll get by far the best performance on snowy and icy surfaces.

Notably, it provides the shortest stopping distances, and it handles like a dream on snow, making your winter drive a breeze. Besides, the Blizzak LT also performs well on ice and slush.

Provided it’s cold outside, it will also handle dry conditions with ease. Responsiveness is good for a winter tire, and the cornering grip is sufficient. Thanks to the advanced tread compound, the wet traction is also excellent for the category.

Ultimately, the Blizzak LT is a sturdy tire that can withstand heavy loads, but sadly, Bridgestone doesn’t provide a treadwear warranty.

10. Firestone Winterforce LT

Best Winter 10-ply Truck Tires

The Winterforce LT is closely related to the Blizzak LT. Bridgestone is the parent company of Firestone and provides it with technology and know-how.

However, there are differences between both products – you can put studs on the Winterforce LT to increase snow and ice traction. In that case, it performs better than its cousin, providing you with simply outstanding traction, handling, and braking on snow and ice.

Without the studs, the Winterforce LT is still very good, although it can’t compete with the Blizzak LT. Also, it does handle a bit more clumsily, although you probably won’t notice the difference.

Most importantly, it’s the most accomplished studdable 10-ply winter tire, with a tough casing that can withstand everything you throw at it.

Final Words

Purchasing 10-ply tires could be a nightmarish experience if you aren’t prepared. However, I hope that this article helped you mitigate that issue. Just make sure that you purchase a type of tire that suits your needs, and I’m positive that any product will make you happy. 

However, if you didn’t find a tire that suits you, please do not hesitate to ask me something – I’d be happy to answer.