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Jeff, There are several factors involved. Manufactured trailers will have weight ratings listed on or near the ID (serial number) tag. Also, it is what your tow vehicle is rated for. Check your owner's manual for trailer towing info., recommended trailer weights and maximum tongue weights. There will also be a GCWR (Gross combined weight rating) listed for the tow vehicle. You can usually find that on a tag inside the driver's door jamb. This will give you the maximum weight that the vehicle will handle - loaded trailer, combined with the weight of the loaded tow vehicle. The hitch and even the ball on the tow vehicle will also be rated. You should not exceed this rating, even if the tow vehicle and/or trailer is rated for more. Laws vary state to state regarding trailer brakes (electric vs surge), lights, reflectors, etc., so it would be advisable to check with the local authorities when it comes to this. If you plan to build a trailer, I would definitely check with them before I started. Now, keep in mind that I come from the Peoples Republic of Connecticut, where you can't go catch a fish without getting a permit, so maybe where you live it may be different. ....and you thought this was going to be easy!
Good luck!
Scott
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