Are you planning to upgrade your ATV tires? You have many factors to consider because OHV tires withstand acute wear and tear given the beaten and rough terrain they are assigned to move on. So, the significant decisions when choosing your ATV tire are whether radial or bias ply tire construction and the tire ply rating for puncture resistance and load capacity.
Whether you will attach a 6-ply or 8-ply tire to your ATV matter a big lot. Diving deep into the 6-ply vs. 8-ply atv discussion is a must to reap the max from your next ATV adventure.
6-ply tires are a good choice for riders prioritizing speed and maneuverability over heavy-duty performance. However, they may not hold up well on rough terrain or heavy loads. On the other hand, 8-ply tires are heavier duty and offer greater protection against punctures, tears, and other types of damage.
Today, let’s break the debate down in this post.
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What are 6 ply and 8 ply ATV Tires?
When shopping for new ATV tires, you’ll notice various ply options – 2ply, 4 plies, 6 plies, 8-ply, and more. So, 6-ply and 8-ply ATV tires are the two higher ATV tire ply ratings.
The higher the ply rating, the tougher the tire. This is because tires with a higher ply rating are made with thicker Kevlar or nylon cord layers. As a result, they’re better at withstanding punctures and other impacts from rugged, beaten, and curved terrains.
6-Ply Tires
6 Ply tires feature 4-6 layers of materials in their sidewalls in the construction. They are a go-between option for the 4ply and 8ply options. They are typically cheaper than their 8-ply counterparts and costlier than 4-ply ones.
As for strength, resistance, and load capacity, they offer more than 4ply options and less than 8-ply options. They’re also lighter, which can improve acceleration. However, they don’t offer as much traction or protection from punctures as 8-ply tires.
Pros:
- Perfect for ATV trailers
- Stronger sidewalls for safe ATV trail riding with heavy loads
- Increased traction than 8-ply tire
Cons:
- Not suitable for towing purposes
8-Ply Tires
8-ply tires are made of 6-8 layers of tire materials and are designed for more aggressive riding and provide better traction and puncture resistance than 6-ply tires. They’re also heavier, which is good for towing vehicles but can affect acceleration, and are more expensive than the 6ply tires.
Pros:
- Heavier load capacity and puncture resistance
- Suitable for towing performance
- Sidewalls strong than 6ply tires
- Strong enough Safe and successful transportation
Cons:
- Add additional weight to your ATV
Comparison Table of 6ply & 8ply ATV Tires
For a better understanding of the differences between the two said ply ratings, see the table below made by Tires Lover.
| Features | 6 Ply ATV Tire | 8 Ply ATV Tire |
| Ply Rating | 6 | 8 |
| Number of Layers | 4-6 layers | 5-more |
| Load Range | C | D |
| Max Air Pressure | 50 psi | 65 psi |
| Best for | Max load for trail riding | Heavier Loads and Towing |
6 ply vs. 8 ply ATV Tires: Which is Right for You?
As said already, several factors should be considered when deciding which ATV tire ply number or load range is best for your machine and the terrain you’ll be riding on.
You might have favored the 8-ply ATV tire, judging them by their improved capability to fight puncture, terrain challenges, and load-hauling strength. It will be too hasty to assume 6-ply tires are inferior to 8-ply tires. They offer several advantages over their tougher counterparts. For one, they’re lighter, making your ATV easier to handle on the trail. They also tend to provide a smoother ride thanks to their increased flexibility.
Which type of tire is right for you? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use your ATV. If you’re mostly riding on smooth and little rugged trails, then 6-ply tires may be all you need. However, if you often tackle challenging terrain or ride in rugged conditions, then 8-ply tires may be a better option.
So for starters, 6-ply ATV tires are lighter and have a lower profile than 8-ply tires. This can make them better suited for racing or other high-performance applications where weight and agility are important factors.
8 ply tires, on the other hand, are designed for more heavy-duty usage. They’re generally tougher and more resistant to punctures and damage than their 6-ply counterparts. This makes them a better choice for off-road adventures or any other situation where you might encounter rougher and rocky terrain.
As is already said, deciding which type of tire to choose comes down to what you’ll be using your ATV for most. If you’re mostly sticking to relatively smooth trails and surfaces, then a set of 6-ply tires should suffice. But if you anticipate serious off-roading, it’s probably worth investing in a set of 8-ply tires.
ATV tires credited with higher ply ratings are costlier as they require more materials, but that should count when opting for ply ratings. The purpose and level of ATV adventure should be the deciding factor. When you are off to challenge the most rugged and toughest terrains, you must opt for 8-ply tires because 6-ply tires are not the bet in this regard.
Conversely, suppose you’re a starter yet to master the capability to face the challenge of rugged terrain or even when you are past the novice level and have started riding semi-rugged terrains and participating in ATV racing. In that case, you need not invest in top-quality 8-ply tires. In this case, your bet is 6-ply tires. This video can offer a clear understanding of the argument.
ATV Tire Ply, Load Range & PSI Chart
Here is an ATV Tire ply chart showing the corresponding ply rating, load range, and the max air pressure a specific ply rating and load range can withstand.
| Ply Rating | Load Range | Max PSI |
| 4 ply | B | 35 |
| 6 ply | C | 50 |
| 8 ply | D | 65 |
| 10 ply | F | 80 |
Is an 8 ply tire better than a 6-ply?
When choosing the right ATV tire, we know that the ply rating is an important factor to consider. Confusion becomes acute when to favor one between two consecutive ply numbers- 2 ply vs 4 ply or 4 ply vs 6 ply or 6 ply vs 8 ply. Deciding factors for any of the pair are identical but one thing is common that the intended use of the tire is the key consideration.
An 8-ply tire typically has two more layers than a 6-ply tire, which can provide better load-carrying capacity and increased puncture resistance. It can withstand up to 65 psi of pressure compared to the 50 psi of air pressure range of 6-ply tires. However, it’s worth noting that not all 8-ply tires are superior to 6-ply tires in every way. Other factors, such as tread design and rubber compound, can also affect a tire’s performance.
Ultimately, choosing between an 8-ply and a 6-ply tire depends on your specific needs and usage habits. If you frequently carry heavy loads or drive on rough terrain with sharp debris, an 8-ply tire may be worth considering for its added strength and puncture resistance.
But most of your riding involves daily commutes on paved roads with minimal cargo loads. In that case, a high-quality 6-ply tire may be more than sufficient for your needs while offering better fuel efficiency and ride comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions-FAQs
Are 8-ply tires good for ATVs?
While 4ply and 6-ply tires are also popular choices for ATVs, they may offer less protection against punctures and other types of damage than 8-ply tires. Additionally, 8-ply tires have a longer lifespan than their 6-ply counterparts due to their increased durability. On the flip side, 8-ply tires may also be heavier and slightly less maneuverable than lower-ply-rated options.
If you prioritize speed and agility over durability, a lighter-weight lower-ply-rated tire better fits your riding style.
What are 8 ply ATV Tires Best for?
8 ply ATV tires are some of the most durable and rugged. They can handle heavier loads, rough terrain, and higher speeds without getting damaged easily. These tires are ideal for off-road conditions requiring maximum traction, stability, and protection.
One of the primary benefits of 8-ply ATV tires is their ability to resist punctures and cuts caused by sharp rocks or debris on rough trails. Their stiffer construction allows better control while driving around corners or muddy areas. So, while replacing ATV tire with an 8 ply one, you rest assured that these features make these types of tires suitable for heavy-duty applications such as farming equipment or hauling cargo over challenging terrain where safety is a top priority.
Are 8-ply tires good for towing?
8-ply tires are designed with eight layers of rubber and fabric materials, making them ideal for carrying heavy loads over long distances.
One of the main benefits of using 8-ply tires for towing is that they offer enhanced stability during transport. With more layers of material, these tires provide greater resistance to punctures, tears, or other damage caused by rough terrain or road debris.
This means you can tow your trailer/ATV without worrying about sudden blowouts or tire failure. However, it’s important to note that not all vehicles require 8-ply tires for towing purposes. Want to remove the ATV tire you are using now and replace it with 8 ply tires? No, if the existing one is 6 ply with extra load range.
How to recognize ATV Tire Ply?
ATV tires are designed for different types of terrain and riding conditions. The ply rating on an ATV tire indicates the strength of its construction, which is important in determining the tire’s load capacity and overall performance. To recognize the ATV tire ply, look for a number followed by “PR” (Ply Rating) on the tire’s sidewall as ATV tire size code, load rating, and other details are found inscribed on the sidewall.
For instance, if you see 8PR written on your ATV tire’s sidewall, it has an 8-ply construction. So, you can guess what 6PR stands for.
What is the importance of the right tire ply for off-roading?
When it comes to off-roading, the right tire ply is crucial. The ply rating refers to the number of layers of fabric within the tire’s casing. Off-road terrain can be harsh and unpredictable, so sturdy tires with a high ply rating are essential for optimal performance.
The higher the ply rating, the more durable and robust the tire. This means they can withstand sharp rocks, rough terrain, and other obstacles encountered while off-roading. Additionally, a higher ply rating provides better protection against punctures and blowouts.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, we can see both 6-ply and 8-ply ATV tires have advantages and disadvantages. For the best performance for your vehicle, it is important to choose the right tire based on your riding style, terrain conditions, and budget.
I hope this 6-ply vs. 8-ply ATV tire argument has answered many of your questions, and to this, nothing can be more complementary than the 4-ply vs. 6ply atv tire discussion.
Picking out the ideal tire for you should be fun now, given all the details presented before you.