Thanks for the replies guys
I have towed various boats, trailers etc around the 2000lb range with the 4runner with no issues. I believe it's rated to tow 5000lb. However navigating the coquihalla etc I would not wnat to be anywhere near the max rating. As Lyall stated around 2500lb would be about the higest one would want to go and that seems reasonable. Several off road trailers I've been checking out are in that 2500lb range.
I hear what you guys are saying about dealer vs. private sale. I would like to shell out a few extra bucks and buy from a dealer, however I would consider a private sale. We are definitley not looking for a new one at this time.
HOOK, yeah we do the day trip thing from base camp all the time. My wife's family has a cabin on Pressy Lake with is near-ish Bridge Lake (70 Mile turnoff). Some of the lakes we 4x4 into are around 2hrs to get though from the cabin. We are used to the day trip scene but it would be really nice to stay the night and not have to TENT it, which we almost never do now that we are older. A tent trailer would be a huge comfort upgrade...ahh...electricity, shower (even if outside), fridge, etc. It would also be nice to have a tow trailer to take on random road trips etc.
Anyways I'll be doing more research on brands, features, weights.
Last question: obviously it is not that hard to check if the applicances etc all work in a trailer. How does one check if a roof leaks on a sunny day? Could you get someone to spray the roof with a wide fog on a garden hose?