If you truly are only pulling 1000lbs, just hook it up and go. Make sure it is loaded reasonably - at 1000lbs, you just be able to still pick up the weight of the tongue, but not easily (100-200lbs).

Your 4Runner will be fine, just do it (once you get that axle seal replaced). Keep the speed at 60-ish, enjoy the right lane. On the flats you can use 4th gear, but always turn of OD up hills (and down, if you want/need engine braking).

A used OEM hitch should be easy to acquire and rust free since you are in CA. If you were in SoCal, I'd have one to sell you cheap... Get a plug-n-play trailer wiring setup from etrailer.com (less than $50) - the OEM harnesses are not reliable anymore (I've gone through two stock ones).

(~3200lbs, surge brakes)


(~2000lbs, no brakes - not suggested!)


(~4000lbs, no brakes - really not recommended!)


-Charlie