Weight distribution hitch needed?

They make for a more stable ride. They certainly won't hurt anything, especially if you are new to pulling a big box behind your truck.

Thanks for the input, everyone. Lots of good food for thought. Still conflicted as to whether to get a WDH or not, but your responses have given us more to think about...and more options to look into.

If it was me, with weights like that, I would not bother with a WDH. If you have towing issues then you can start looking at options but really, at that weight i doubt it.

Your weights are probably right on the border or just under. I would try the combo first and see how it rides. If the truck sits nose high or does a lot of porposing while driving, you'll need the WDH. If it doesn't, life is much simpler not having to deal with a WDH.

I towed a 5500lb TT with an F-150 for 8 years and didn't have or need WDH.
I did install Timbrens on it though so it wasn't 100% stock.

Try it without one and if you feel you need a more stable setup go buy one or install Timbrens.

I didn't realize what a PITA a WDH was until I upgraded to a TT that did require one. I'm glad I got away from the WDH.

Will start off with saying I am new to the use of WDH's but installed one on my truck and I would reccommend it. My TT tongue weight fully loaded is 512# and it didnt cause the rear of my truck to sag very much at all, but went with the hitch after reading how highly recommended they are. I've made a 200+ mile trip without one and with one and after the trip with it installed I can say it was definetly worth the money. Truck handled better and I wasn't as nervous about being passed by several big rigs at once going down interstate since I now had sway control as well. I bought mine off etrailer.com and installed it myself, so if you feel capable and wanna save a few bucks you could check em out.

You will be better served and enjoy the journey more if you do. Don't forget to include sway control as well.

Look at equal-i-zer hitch 90-00-1000 ... I've had a few of these with various bar weights and they're excellent for making the tow vehicle and trailer move down the road as one. Easy to dial in for the ride and control you want.

I would try it out and determine how you feel about it.

From what I see the hitch weight is less than 400lbs dry which isn't a lot for your truck.I have a similar weight trailer and have been towing it for a couple seasons without a WDH on my Chevy Traverse.

I tried it out and decided against a WDH. It doesn't sag the back of the vehicle very much and it has towed completely fine on all different kinds of roads. It doesn't wiggle an inch when either passing or being passed by semis at highway speed.

Long story short, I don't see where I would gain anything by adding a WDH in my case. That said, what works for me, might not work for you.

I would usually say if you have to ask, the answer is yes.

At that weight, it's a bit iffy, but I would probably use a WD hitch with 600 lb bars. Sway control only if needed.