Tires: Tire - Ply Rating, tongue weight, ford f150

Question
I have a 2003 Ford F150 4x4.  Although I only have 38,000 miles on the vehicle, one of my back tires (P265 70R17) is bad.  I pull a camper that weighes about 5200 lbs. empty.  My local tire dealer said these tires are not meant to be used pulling a camper, and that I need to replace my tires with new ones that have a 5 or 6 ply rating.  What are your thoughts on this, and where can I go to find a tire rating guide for my truck towing a camper?  Thanks for you help!

Answer
Jeff,

If the towing capacity of the vehicle is being followed - overall weight, tongue weight and the load being carried in the bed - then the tires as specified on the vehicle placard are adequate.

So your first step is to read the owners manual or contact Ford about the limitations on towing on your particular truck.  If you have exceeded those - well, you need a bigger truck.