Hi,
I want to buy a dump trailer, and am trying to find out if I will have any problems first. I will be towing with a 1998 Chevy 2500 Turbo Diesel. I would like to get a 12,000 dump trailer. I don't know the tow rating for this vehicle. Can it tow 12,000 lbs.? Does the vehicle need any special registering to tow 12,000 lbs? I've heard PA is getting tough with towing laws. If my truck can't tow 12,000 lbs, can it tow a trailer that is rated for 12,000 lbs? Is there anything I need to know about?

First thing you'll want to find out is your truck's Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or CGVWR. This will be listed in your manual. Subtract 7,000 pounds or the actual weight of your truck and that's the limit of the loaded trailer your truck may tow.

Several other states require a license endorsment for trailers over 10,000 pounds.
You'll have to check with your state DMV.

I appreciate the response. That was helpful. One more question though. If I have a trailer that is rated at 12,000 lbs., but my truck is rated at 8,000 lbs., can I still pull the trailer if I keep it under the 8,000?

Short answer.. Yes... Your truck can't read the trailer's nameplate. It only cares that it's Combined Gross weight isn't exceeded. The engine and suspension will be able to start, stop and turn the load within acceptable limits. Now, the police can read the nameplate. If you need a different license to pull a trailer rated over 10,000 pounds, you're toast...