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Assuming the 9K refers to the trailer axle capacity, i.e, 9,000 lbs, the total weight of trailer & load can't exceed 9,000 lbs on the trailer axles plus whatever the tongue weight carried by the tow vehicle is. Since I suspect that 3K tongue weight would put the pickup over its gross weight limit, you should never exceed the 12K towing capacity of the truck. Total weight for the trailer is the axle capacity plus whatever tongue weight the pickup is carrying. Total weight for the pickup is the tongue weight of the trailer, plus the weight of the truck itself, plus whatever other passengers, junk, fuel, etc., you may be carrying. There are typically three weights of concern. The first two should be in your pickup manual. GCWR: Gross combined weight rating. The total of the pickup, load, & trailer as rated by the manufacturer. Basically determined by engine, transmission, suspension & brakes. GVWR: Gross vehicle weight rating. The maximum weight carried on the pickup axles. When towing a trailer, the combination of the truck itself, fuel, driver & passengers, luggage, etc., plus whatever portion of the trailer weight the truck is carrying. Trailer Axle Rating: The total weight the trailer axles can safely carry. Weight of the trailer itself plus whatever load is on the trailer, minus the tongue weight carried by the tow vehicle. Licensing requirements vary depending on what you're using it for and what state you live in. Here in Colorado, truck plates are not required for personal vehicles regardless of the weight (may change at 26K, never checked). My F-350 crew cab dually has the same type of plates as my car. If I were using the truck to make money, I'd have to have truck plates on it & would be subject to whatever CDL requirements apply at the combined weight of truck & trailer. On the other hand, when I lived in California, they registered all pickups as commercial vehicles, even the little tiny import ones. As far as I could tell, it was just a way to charge more money for registration. Some states also have special rules and exceptions for farm vehicles. Your state DMV probably has a web site with either the registration rules posted. Keith
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