Puncture resistance of various 4-ply tires

[jblc]

I read that the stock Dynapro AT-M are "known" to puncture/pop frequently on rocks that other tires won't puncture on.

It's not clear if those comparisons are comparing 4-ply Dynapro AT-M to (say) 10-ply Wildpeaks.

Is the puncture resistance of various 4-ply tires about the same, or do certain other 4-ply tires -- like Falken Wildpeaks AT3 or Toyo Tire Open Country A/T III or Firestone Destination AT/2 -- have a higher puncture resistance?
If so, why are they more resistant if they're about the same thickness at 4-ply equivalent?

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[slowmachine]

I think that you could chase your tail on this for a long time. Tire plies used to be a real thing, counting the number of layers of material in the tire. Now, they are only mentioned as an approximate equivalent to load-range ratings. There is no standardized testing for puncture-resistance, but as you say, some tires seem to gain a reputation one way or another. I would take it with a grain of salt. Tire performance in extreme off-road conditions has more to do with driver skill and route selection than anything else. Inflation pressure is often reduced off-pavement, and has a huge effect on the longevity of tires.

 

[Frenchy]

I can't say too much except the fact when I had my 2016 Nissan Frontier with the Dynapro ATM I had very bad luck with picking up nails along the way. Yes they are not the greatest for puncture resistance but most other tires on the market will do better. It really comes down to what you prefer. After the factory tires and snow tires I went to Bridgestone Dueler Revo 3's and they were ok. Now i have Firestone Destination XT'S ON MY TRUCK and work van. With all the places I have been i have not had a puncture what so ever. Whether or not that is pure lucky or something else I can't say but I can say I'm impressed.

 

[Joeiconic]

The Dynapro is about the lightest AT tire you can buy. It rides great and will get you good MPG’s, but it’s light weight will limit its toughness.

 

[AutobotXJ]

I took my Ranger to some rocky areas here on my first weekend. I thought the tire did better than expected. Gripped the lava rocks well, sand and dirt. But, while washing it the next day, I noticed chunks missing. No puncture though and lava rocks are notoriously sharp. So, I feel with mild offroading, the tires will do fine. I ended up upgrading to wildpeaks.

 

[Superdannyboy]

KO2'S in load range E are tough as nails.
Got a nail in my stock duelers soon after buying the truck, never had an issue with my KO2'S.

 

[9zero1790]

now and then almost any tire can get a puncture. what concerns me is side blow outs, instant pressure loss and peeling of the "cap". those can cause deadly accidents. i had a set of kumho a/t on my older ranger and i think they had magnets in them. four out of four had plugs from nails. to be totally fair, my area did have some bad storms during that time frame so roofers and construction was all over meaning more nails on the road. the dynapros are not a "bad" tire. but i would not call them a tough tire. good year was pimping the kevlar in some of its tires but i dont know if it made any real difference as far as punctures go.

 

[jblc]

The Dynapro is about the lightest AT tire you can buy. It rides great and will get you good MPG’s, but it’s light weight will limit its toughness.

I think this is the crux of my questions. 4-ply is a rating for toughness (I know it's not literal plys anymore). Wouldn't other aftermarket 4-ply tires also have the same limited toughness?

 

[slowmachine]

I think this is the crux of my questions. 4-ply is a rating for toughness (I know it's not literal plys anymore). Wouldn't other aftermarket 4-ply tires also have the same limited toughness?

The number of plies doesn’t relate to “toughness,” only an antiquated standard for load-carrying capacity.

 

[jblc]

The number of plies doesn’t relate to “toughness,” only an antiquated standard for load-carrying capacity.

Ah -- thanks. I thought load-carrying capacity was related to toughness, ie the higher the load capacity, the stronger the tire needs to be (and so it's more puncture-resistant). Thanks for clarifying my misconception

 

[Frenchy]

I think this is the crux of my questions. 4-ply is a rating for toughness (I know it's not literal plys anymore). Wouldn't other aftermarket 4-ply tires also have the same limited toughness?

It really comes down to the manufacturer and the tire design. As we all know not all tires are made equally. For example there are the BFG K02 and the General Grabber ATx. The grabber is simply a knockoff of the K02. It is also heavier. Wich is better between the two? Most likely the K02 due to better tread design and being lighter(same size and load class of course).

 

[slowmachine]

Two quick explanations of the origins of tire ply ratings

https://www.lesschwab.com/article/tire-ply-ratings.html

https://www.tirebuyer.com/education/tire-ply-rating

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