Should I use a weight distributing hitch?

I have a 3600lb travel trailer. When we first purchased it I towed it around with my Tacoma using a weight distributing hitch. Now that I have the Tundra, should I still use the WDH? Are there any negatives to using the WDH, even if the truck can handle it with a normal hitch?

Here are the specifications of my trailer:
2020 Sunset Trail SS-186BH
Dry Weight: 3618
Exterior Length: 22' 6"
Carrying Capacity: 1080
Hitch Weight: 390

 

Not because of the weight, but because it's a giant wind sail, it'll never hurt you to have it. Particularly if your WDH has anti-sway to it. I looked hard at Andersen for the simplicity of setup and the creative chain usage as well as being anti-sway.

 

doesnt the manual say anything over 3500 lbs needs it? or is it 5000 now?

 

Use a WDH it is good insurance, if you have to think about it just use it.

 

Pretty sure it is 5000 now.

Just use the WDH, especially if you already have it. It will handle better with it.

 

It's 5000 on my 2.5 gen.

 

3600 lbs plus 700-1000lbs in gear, water, etc ya I’d probably get a weight distribution hitch. My wife pulls a 2500lb horse trailer plus two horses making it around 4500lbs and it squats her 2022 CC SB 1794 quite a bit with a normal receiver.

 

The manual and/or hitch on the truck likely says >500lbs tongue/5000 trailer needs WDH

Even though the trailer is 3600 lbs i wouldnt be surprised if the tongue is up near 500 lbs. I would just do it.

 

WDH and sway bar is the way. Perfect with my 4.7L Sequoia, just a lovely with my Tundra. Even if you have a more powerful truck, don’t stop using a WDH and sway bar: they keep the trailer from swaying or drifting, and tracking straight

 

^^
You may not need it but using one will just make things better and help reduce the squat. Mine squatted over 2 inches with the trailer on and no WDH bars attached. My truck sits level with the WDH turned up and dialled in. Also, reducing the sway just makes for a more comfortable ride with less to worry about. My trailer weighs about 4,100 lbs and has a tongue weight of 500 lbs. The truck has no trouble pulling this trailer but the TRD Offroad suspension appears to be a bit soft to maintain level without help from the WDH.

It sits pretty level here.

 

Like others have noted, I agree it's needed ... I think for all but little light utility trailers. In big scheme of trailer and truck costs, WDH with sway control is a fairly cheap insurance setup. I plan to setup for two horse trailer behind new2me 21 tundra 1794.

I will admit that will miss just dropping gooseneck onto ball in bed, connect chains and electrical, and go.

 

I have a similar sized single axle camper. I find that it rides like crap without the WDH bars. The WDH is not necessary for load balance, but the ride is way smoother

 

Thanks for all the replies, I will stick with the wdh.

 

Recommended WDH for a TRD Pro frequently hauling a 4000lb 6x10 trailer?

 

I use an Anderson WDH with my 2024 Platinum 6.5 and a 6000 trailer. Pulls like a dream and would not change a thing.

 

I tried an Anderson with my 8k trailer - it was lacking. You realize 6k is only half what the Tundra is rated at, right? So far airbags and the factory anti-sway system works well, but I'm wondering if the factory system will wear out the brakes quickly?

 

When Anderson was asked whether their red polymer springs can withstand very cold temps, they refused to answer. We chose another WDH.