Do I need a weight distribution hitch?

I would say try it out.

If it feels comfortable while you tow it, then you are probably fine since you seem to be well within the ratings.

I tow my camper within ratings, without a WDH and have experienced zero issues, zero sway, zero drama. Adding a WDH would only cost me $$, add complexity and potentially create a towing issue that doesn't currently exist if I don't get it set up properly.

Under a different scenario a WDH might make perfect sense, but currently it does not.

Golden_HVAC wrote:
5,000 pounds is barely any load on the 3/4 ton pickup. Your front end is not going to pop into the air, like if the same trailer was being towed by a 1970's station wagon.

Weight distribution was designed for cars of the 70's towing 5,000 pound trailers. It is not needed when weight is less than 5,000 pounds and both axles can handle an additional 1,000 pounds of weight on them without exceeding the GAWR. In your case, the rear GAWR is probably 6,000 + pounds, and the rear axle weight empty is only around 2,900, loaded in this case might be 4,000 - 4,400 at the most.

However if you where to tow something over 5,500 pounds, and the hitch is rated at 5,000 pounds 500 deadweight, and you are exceeding either of those ratings, then the WD system is required to meet the higher 10,000 and 1,000 pound hitch weight rating While using a WD bar system.

Your hitch might be rated at 7,500 / 750 without the WD bars, but you should check it out on the load rating on the hitch.

Have fun camping!

Fred.

thanks for your reply. The hitch is rated 10,000/1,000

Waiting for the gotcha..... But apparently this was a serious question.

fla-gypsy wrote:
Some bad information floating around here. To the OP; you should be Ok if the total weight or actual tongue weight (not mythical published weight) does not exceed the limits of you receiver which should have a sticker with those numbers on it.

+1
Check the sticker on the receiver, it will tell you max carrying capacity with and without weight distribution.

5,000 pounds is barely any load on the 3/4 ton pickup. Your front end is not going to pop into the air, like if the same trailer was being towed by a 1970's station wagon.

Weight distribution was designed for cars of the 70's towing 5,000 pound trailers. It is not needed when weight is less than 5,000 pounds and both axles can handle an additional 1,000 pounds of weight on them without exceeding the GAWR. In your case, the rear GAWR is probably 6,000 + pounds, and the rear axle weight empty is only around 2,900, loaded in this case might be 4,000 - 4,400 at the most.

However if you where to tow something over 5,500 pounds, and the hitch is rated at 5,000 pounds 500 deadweight, and you are exceeding either of those ratings, then the WD system is required to meet the higher 10,000 and 1,000 pound hitch weight rating While using a WD bar system.

Your hitch might be rated at 7,500 / 750 without the WD bars, but you should check it out on the load rating on the hitch.

Have fun camping!

Fred.

thehippie wrote:

boogie_4wheel wrote:
My trailer is 6k-7k (depending on toys) with more tongue weight than what you've got. I do not use a WD hitch.

at 7000 lbs doesn't it put too much pressure to the rear axle and tires of your vehicle?

No way, not at all. My tongue weight is in the 650-800 range (depending on packing and toys that may be loaded in the back). Throw the generator in the bed of the truck, maybe a gas can, fire wood, tool box, and all the other misc junk, and I'm no where near the rear axle or tire rating (or the GVWR of the truck for that matter).

You've got plenty of truck for that trailer. It could easily be towed with an older half ton, or a bunch of SUVs.

Some bad information floating around here. To the OP; you should be Ok if the total weight or actual tongue weight (not mythical published weight) does not exceed the limits of you receiver which should have a sticker with those numbers on it.

thehippie wrote:

ugh wrote:
I had the same discussion about my 3/4 ton truck and the trailer weighted at 6,500 pounds empty. Most members said I did not need it. However, I negotiated with the dealer to include one for free. I towed both ways and I noticed no difference. Sway controller will be a benefit though.

I thought 6500 lbs is too hevy already without wd hitch

Not necessary for 3/4 ton truck. Tongue weight would be about 650 pounds and 3/4 ton truck tends to have much higher payload than 1/2 trucks or SUV.

boogie_4wheel wrote:
My trailer is 6k-7k (depending on toys) with more tongue weight than what you've got. I do not use a WD hitch.

at 7000 lbs doesn't it put too much pressure to the rear axle and tires of your vehicle?

ugh wrote:
I had the same discussion about my 3/4 ton truck and the trailer weighted at 6,500 pounds empty. Most members said I did not need it. However, I negotiated with the dealer to include one for free. I towed both ways and I noticed no difference. Sway controller will be a benefit though.

I thought 6500 lbs is too hevy already without wd hitch