A good rule of thumb is to match the trailer weight fully loaded to the tow vehicle weight..equal or heavyer on the tow vehicle..as far as trailers go i only buy an use HAULMARK or a WELLS CARGO both are build heavy an strong..also only use 8 lug on every wheel 10 ply tires not 6 ply thats on your 1/2 ton an the biggest brakes they make...with a 6 speed trans in a HD 2500 chevy pulls the show like there is nothing behind it...also pulls west vir mountains well both up an down the mountains....also remember a perfect setup is level truck an level trailer..