When choosing an off-road tire, most people focus on the tread pattern. But what’s inside the sidewall is just as critical for strength, handling, and durability. Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels recently released a video breaking down the different sidewall constructions they use in their light truck tires, explaining that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for the variety of demands placed on modern trucks and SUVs.

Foundational Designs of Mickey Thompson Tires

In the video, Nick Roberto, assistant product manager of Mickey Thompson, explained that the company offers several distinct constructions. For lighter vehicles or those prioritizing comfort, some tires like the non-light truck Baja Boss A/T use a standard two-ply premium radial construction for the best possible ride.

For a balance of strength and efficiency, tires like the Baja Legend EXP use a high-tensile body ply design. “This tire utilizes high-tensile body plies that not only gives it extra strength, but also helps to keep the weight down,” Nick noted, which improves both ride quality and fuel economy.

The PowerPly Advantage

For more demanding applications, the company uses its exclusive PowerPly technology. This unique three-ply design is what makes their heavy-duty tires unique from other tires in the market.

“Now, where our trick is is the third ply,” Nick said. “We lay the third ply at a bias angle.” This angled third ply reinforces the sidewall, which increases puncture resistance, improves on-road stability, and provides a quicker, more responsive steering feel in emergency situations.

Maximum Strength: Mickey Thompson Tires PowerPly XD

Mickey Thompson tires and wheels takes this concept a step further with its PowerPly XD technology, found on their flagship Baja Boss M/T and A/T tires. This is their most robust construction for street-legal tires.

“What we’ve done with the Powerply XD, this actually features a 50% heavier denier third ply,” Nick explained. This denser and stronger third ply results in a tire with maximum sidewall durability and puncture resistance, built for the most extreme conditions while still being drivable on the road.

Engineered for a Purpose

Nick Roberto’s breakdown shows how Mickey Thompson engineers its tires from the inside out. The choice between a smooth-riding two-ply, a strong three-ply PowerPly, or the extreme PowerPly XD allows customers to choose a tire specifically built for their needs.

It proves that for truck owners, especially those who have an off-road setup, what’s inside the sidewall matters just as much as the tread on the outside.