[unclebilly]

Find out the laws in your state about what constitutes legal towing capacity before you listen to any out of state advise.

Where I live, legal towing capacity is determined by 2 things: axle weight and the registered towing capacity (you pay yearly registration based on this number you get to choose).

The idea is that every axle (beyond a certain weight 2000 lbs?) has brakes that x can stop that axle’s rated weight. What this means is that I can tow 16000 lbs legally with my 1/2 ton provided I registered my truck with a 22000 lb capacity (6000 truck + 16000 loaded trailer) and none of the axles (or tires) exceeds their rated weight.

Since I run farm plates, my 1/2 ton is considered a commercial vehicle and I have to run across the scales if loaded with farm stuff.