JimBinMI, proper trailer towing is almost as complex a topic as tractors. All the pickup manufacturers have charts showing maximum "recommended" trailer weights, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), axle weight ratings, Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR - truck and trailer), and it's based not only whether it's a 1/2 ton, 3/4, or 1 ton, but the combination of engine size, which transmission, differential gear ratios, heavy duty suspensions, heavy duty cooling, auxilliary transmission coolers, load distributing hitch platforms, 5th wheel hitches, brakes, battery and alternator capacities, etc., etc. The last I knew, the federal recommendation was to have trailer brakes for any trailer that weighs 40% or more of the towing vehicle's weight. Like most topics, pretty simple after a little time and experience, but not so simple for a novice. And if you ever buy a truck for towing, you'll find that the salesmen frequently know very little about the topic. The worst I found was a young salesman showing me a new pickup truck and when I asked which engine it had, he said it was a V-8. When I asked which one, he didn't know Ford made more than one.
Bird