Berner,
First, Get the TV weighed a scrap yard, grain bin or truck stop. With the kids and dog. Now you know how close you are to GVW.
Before you do anything rash, look at what you find available in the TT market. Used will save you a lot, but used with water damage may cost you a lot more. Even if the seller says the water leakage was repaired, there can be very serious damage to any of the stick and staple boxes in short order. If it close to where I think you will be. You will want to add both a Load Equalizing Hitch and a brake controller for the trailer brakes. While these may be expensive, we are still way below the cost of any motorhome worth having. (And inspections and emissions and registrations..)
The most important part of any towing gear is between the drivers ears. If you are going to two any where, have a plan and never push the weather.
When (ok-if) you get a TT and get it set up to tow, Find a large lot and practice backing the trailer into a slot. When that gets really boring, take the trailer home and camp at least one night in your driveway. You will instantly learn a lot.
Matt
