WDH Really Needed?

No

No, most trucks are around 60/40 weight bias. The best handling vehicle is a 50/50 weight bias.

The closer you get to that number the better. When you achieve a 50/50 weight bias all 4 tires will brake the same and all will do equal work in the handling department.

This is why race car designers build 50/50 cars and people in the know put sand bags or a big plate in the bed of their trucks. They are trying to achieve a 50/50 weight bias.

This a also why trucks want to come around in the snow or rainy or slick weather. Not enough weight bias in the rear.

If you own a diesel it is much worse. If you own a Cummins it is even more worse. Those engines are REALLY heavy!

All that being said, it's always best to scale your truck to find out the weight bias of your truck and get as close to a 50/50 deal as you can.

As far as sway goes. I have towed 10's of thousands of miles with many different trailers and never, and I do mean never has a well handling trailer just "decided to sway." I've towed a few that wanted to kill me, but they did it from day one and they were ALL a poorly designed trailer with less than 10% TW.

Bottom line is this. A 3/4 ton truck can handle 4 or 500 lbs TW no problem.

Also you should have 500 to 750 lbs TW for 5000 trailer weight if that is actual sCale weight.

Only needed if you want design weight on the steering axle which helps prevent sway. It's not only about rear end squat.

No, but a sway controller would be very helpful. My setup is like what you describe, but my trailer is longer and heavier. See sig. My trailer has GCWR of 7,650 pounds. Way too light for my truck. However, I do have WDH and I use it for long trips.

Yes.

Not really needed...most of the time that is...but for that day Mr Murphy crosses
your path...you either have the right stuff or not spot on at that time...nor
will there be time to re-adjust the setup...

Like a seat belt or air bag...most of the time it is NOT needed...

Your TV, regardless of which class (lowest half ton to the largest dually) will
handle better when Mr Murphy crosses your path...

I tow an 18-foot 3,200 lb camp trailer with a 2000 Excursion with a WDH. Works great tracks like we are on rails, it helps the Excursion track better and no hint of sway, ever. This is especially important here in central WA with the constant winds. I wouldn't tow without it.