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I researched this to death when I sold my 10k Bri-Mar and bought a 14k Foster trailer in 2004. After many different answers from everyone in the business, as well as the oh so helpful MVA, I finally found the exact passage I needed for Maryland in the MD Motor carrier handbook. I carry it in my truck as well as a statement sent to me from the MVA (yes I went that far) in case I ever get checked. Bottom line, stay under 26,001 combined, you don't need a CDL. My truck is 10k, trailer 14k , no problem.
Just like Wisconsin(maybe nation wide?), it is totally nonsensical when it comes to a 10k trailer. Your trailer only counts if it is over 10k. So you can actually drive a truck with with a GVW of 26k and pull a trailer of 10k and not need a CDL. But, if you have a truck with a GVW of 12.5k, you would need a CDL for my 14k trailer even though the combined weight is 9,500 lbs less. I guess there's logic in there somewhere.
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