Here's some good info...
http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-brakes/Here's what they say for Tennessee, "Every trailer or semitrailer of a gross weight of 3,000 lbs. or more must be equipped with brakes that may be applied by the driver of the towing vehicle from the cab and must be of a design such that in case of an accidental breakaway of the towed vehicle, the brakes will be automatically applied."
So pulling even an enpty car trailer (because the GW is over 3000 lbs.) will require brakes and break-away system in your State.
I Maryland (my State) a trailer with no brakes must weigh less then 40% of the tow vehicles weight. So a 3,200 pound truck could tow a max trailer load (total weight of trailer and load) of 1,280 pounds without brakes.
Mike B
