Should I get 16 ply steers even though I don't do anything heavy duty?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by PermanentTourist, May 2, 2023.

  1. PermanentTourist

    PermanentTourist Heavy Load Member

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    I just do very basic boring dry-van, legal weight OTR.

    Should I spend the extra for 16-ply michelins? Do they last longer? Or maybe are more blowout proof?

    Or is it just a waste of money if I never have more than 12K lbs on my front axle?
     
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  3. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    How heavy is your tractor? My big Volvo with a big bull bar has eaten every tire I've put on it but Michelins. I almost have no choice but to run them but I do love them, just not the price. I pull boring dry van too but my truck likes that tire.
     
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  4. TruckerPete1990

    TruckerPete1990 Road Train Member

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    get 16 ply and run 115 PSI
     
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  5. thaistick

    thaistick Road Train Member

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    Get 16 ply and run them 10 over the psi listed on the sidewall....
     
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  6. mtoo

    mtoo Road Train Member

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    Short thread, but I agree with every answer so far. You can't beat "top shelf"
     
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  7. TruckerPete1990

    TruckerPete1990 Road Train Member

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    True you can do that but 115 has been a perfect number on my steers. Then again im never over 12k on steers last set ran for 200k before i replaced em
     
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  8. thaistick

    thaistick Road Train Member

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    10 over is Mike Beckett's recommendation and as far as I'm concerned, it's gospel!
     
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  9. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    14 ply for me. Never had an issue. If you got the money, go for it. Peace of mind “for you”……
     
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  10. Snailexpress

    Snailexpress Road Train Member

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    Check the cab sticker for what weight rated truck front axle. With 14 ply you can load front only to 12250. Once in a while trailer can be loaded such you need to put more on steers and DOT officers are smart to check and compare tire rating with weight with axle rating. And 16 ply last longer.
     
  11. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    America, if 14 ply is good, surely 16 ply must be better. Not sure about the "over" inflation, some swear by it, I'd have to think an over anxious inspector checking tires might object, however.
     
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