While the BFG does have one more ply in the sidewall, the AT2 has 'more' plys in the tread area. The BFG has 3ply poly and twin steel belts(5 total), while the AT2 has 2ply nylon, 2ply poly and twin steel belts(6 total)-some sizes do not have the additional 2ply nylon, but the 285/60-18 does...