Tread pattern gets all the attention in off-road tires—but Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels is shining a light on what’s occurring inside the sidewall. In a newly released video, the company explores the science of its sidewall constructions and how crucial these inner buildings are to durability, handling, and strength.
Constructions Aligned with Specific Needs
Nick Roberto, Mickey Thompson’s assistant product manager, explains how a single design cannot address all of the requirements being placed on modern SUVs and trucks. For lighter-duty trucks or trucks that prioritize ride comfort, the non-light truck Baja Boss A/T is available with a standard two-ply radial construction intended for comfortable ride quality.
For drivers who need a combination of toughness and ride comfort, tires like the Baja Legend EXP feature high-tensile body plies. The structure is reinforced without adding weight, resulting in better fuel efficiency and on-road comfort.
PowerPly Technology: Reinforcing Performance
For more aggressive applications, Mickey Thompson employs its proprietary PowerPly technology—a three-ply construct with a twist. The third ply is fitted at a bias angle, which adds strength to the sidewall and raises puncture resistance. This setup also enhances on-road stability and offers quicker, more responsive handling.
PowerPly XD: Built for Extremes
The highlight of Mickey Thompson sidewall technology is its PowerPly XD buildup, used in the Baja Boss M/T and A/T tires. It utilizes a third ply 50% heavier in denier weight for maximum durability and sidewall integrity for the toughest off-road excursions—yet it is street-legal.
Roberto’s meltdown points out Mickey Thompson’s inside-out tire construction. Whether comfort, all-around strength, or maximum off-road longevity is the desire, the company has sidewall technology to answer it.
For serious off-roaders, it’s a reminder that whatever goes on inside the tire is just as vital as the outside tread design.