<< We have the braking package, but it hasn't been installed (another grrr). >>

THIS is a major problem, assuming that you're referring to unit that controls the electric brakes on the trailer. No way I"d haul without that, except down to the shop (empty) to get it put on.

A half-ton is definitely sub-optimal, but if you've got a load-leveling hitch and the trailer brakes work, it'll get the job done. Heck, BO where I used to board pulled a 4 horse head to head with a half ton Dodge for years. Her hubby blamed that for the truck's demise, but the rest of us noticed that it was fine until HE started using it to drag around heavy construction equipment....