Do I need a WD hitch

"Need" and "benefit" are seperate. So while that setup may not need a weight distributing hitch, it may still benefit from using one.

Personally, I like the how the trailer tows when when I use the weight distributing hitch. I have a weight distribution rig for my flatbed trailer, and even when the trailer is empty and hitched to the heavy pickup I hook it up. It just pulls nicer.

I would weigh the TT and find out for sure. That small of a TT won't need much. If your numbers are right and it weighs 3800 loaded and your TW is around 10% or so at 380 then I wouldn't get a WD for it. 21' isn't very long. I towed a 22' TT at 4050 loaded with a 145" wb F150 and never had an issue. When your TV out weighs your TT by almost dbl then the TV will be in control. I would upgrade my trucks reciever before I would mess with a WD hitch for 380-500lbs on a 2500. But your reciever should be good for 500lbs w/o WD. But scale weights will be the determining factor.

beemerphile1 wrote:
The specs for a new Tahoe lite 21SD
GVWR 5,600 pounds
Unloaded tongue weight 350 pounds

Based on 13% of the GVWR you will possibly have a loaded tongue weight of 728 pounds.

Your hitch is probably rated for 500 load bearing and 1,000 with WD.

So I would say yes, you need a WDH.

Good answer but remember, traditional trailers range in tongue weight from 10% to 15% of GVWR when fully loaded and are NOT capped at 13% (which is merely the AVERAGE percentage weight).

Thanks the trailer is not new but a 1997 year model. I don't know if it makes a difference or not. It is a factory hitch, or I assume it is. Where can I find out the ratings for it?

The specs for a new Tahoe lite 21SD
GVWR 5,600 pounds
Unloaded tongue weight 350 pounds

Based on 13% of the GVWR you will possibly have a loaded tongue weight of 728 pounds.

Your hitch is probably rated for 500 load bearing and 1,000 with WD.

So I would say yes, you need a WDH.

if anything it would keep it from whipping in the cross wind but if it tows ok then no