Weight distribution hitch???

Hey everyone! Thanks in advance for any advice! I'm a life long Toyota owner, ALWAYS had Tacomas and this past fall I decided to upgrade to the 5.7 V8 Tundra and I LOVE it!!!! So here's my question, I bought a travel trailer, 3200lbs when loaded (not counting my gear, so figure another hundred or so lbs). The guy I bought the camper from said he'd NEVER tow it without a weight distribution hitch (he was towing with a newer ford f150 v6 with the turbo). Is this something I really need? The camper isn't even close to the trucks max towing limit and honestly the hitch seems like a pain in the ass to set up and get in the right position. So what do you guys think? Should I use the WDH? Personally as long as its safe I'd really rather not, but I wanted to see what you guys thought. Its a 22' starcraft Autum Ridge 18QB, single axel. I should also mention I have a leveling kit installed on the front of my truck so not sure if that makes a difference also. Thanks for the help!

 

Yes, use a WDH. There are easy to set up. I installed mine about 6 months ago. My trailer is 3400 lbs. You can definitely tell a difference with and without it. Properly set up, your max drop should be no more than 1 inch. This is the one that I have. I bought it on Amazon.

https://www.eaz-lift.com/collection...te-weight-distribution-hitch-kit-600-lb-kit-1

 

Yup.

Takes minutes to install.

You only tow 100 lbs of gear? I highly doubt it. Your propane tanks and battery(s) probably weigh more than that. Food, dishes, toys, toiletries, drinks, fishing gear, etc etc.

 

According to the owners manual, the 3200lbs is including both propane tanks full, as well as the fresh water holding tank full. I mean you're probably right thats its more than 100lbs, but its just clothes, bed sheets, basic dining set and a couple things for the dog so its not a HUGE amount of additional weight over the 3200lbs quoted in the owners manual. All i was trying to get at was i don't imagine I'm a crazy amount over the 3200lbs.

 

I recommend you use a WDH the Tundra will sag with even the smallest load attached to the rear. The WDH will also help with sway

 

I towed a 6K# with my 2001 Tundra and never used a WDH. Had 2" front lift and add-a-leaf in the rear it would squat the rear about 1 1/2" but never felt unstable. I tow 10K# with my 3 quarter ton work truck all the time with out a WDH also. That all being said 8 or 10 ply tires are a must.

 

Yep....I had quite a drop on mine without the WDH..about 3 and a half inches if I recall.

 

I definitely recommend a WDH with sway control. I ordered a Husky off Amazon, it’s rated 1200# hitch weight with 12,000# towing capacity. I know it’s overkill but I think the more the better since Im tow a tractor on a 20’ trailer. It make Night and Day difference in how my truck handles the and doesn’t feel Twitchy. But my next upgrade is going to be Airbags. When we buy a Travel Trailer I’ll just buy a extra set of trailer mounts since I like it so much.

 

Is it required? No. I tow my 6500lb Airstream to the storage lot or to the dealer without a WDH and it's fine. (But this is on country roads and no freeway travel. I wouldn't do long trips without it.) Your towing experience will improve with the WDH.

Thanks for that. Agree it's a good idea.

 

I’d recommend it. I’ve towed with mine for the life of my tundra. Once you set it up a couple times and get it dialed in it’s a breeze plus like everyone’s stated you’ll see and feel the difference hands down.

 

As others have stated, you don't need a WDH. Will your towing experience be improved with one, most definitely.