1st time TT owner, with questions

dani24 wrote:

We do have the 4x4. Would it be cumbersome mostly from a standpoint of needing to set it up each time? Or is there something else that would make it a pain to have, if we didn't really need it?

Well, if you have the 4x4, you likely have the heavier axle, too, at least according to page 20 at the towing guide link . A quick look at the door panel will confirm that (or not)

If so:

You'll be towing two thousand pounds under the max for the vehicle. Per tongue weight, 10% of your vehicle max is 530 pounds, nearly two hundred pounds over the likely max nose weight of the trailer. The trailer itself weighs far less than the half of tow vehicle gross weight rating commonly considered to be a break point for W/D in this case just seems unnecessary to me unless you've got a TON of people/gear in the Explorer when traveling.

Absent that scenario and assuming the bigger axle, I'd be surprised if the trailer squats the back of the rig at all when sitting on a simple ball.

You might find the following E-trailer discussion of W/D useful Link. Explains all the ins and outs real well, and includes the following simple instructions for determining whether or not one actually needs W/D.

E-Trailer wrote:
When Is Weight Distribution Needed?


You would likely benefit from a weight-distribution system if:

-Your trailer weight (GTW) is more than 50 percent of your vehicle's weight (GVWR)
-The rear of your tow vehicle sags when the trailer is hooked up
- You experience trailer sway
-Your tow vehicle headlights point upward
-You find it difficult to steer or stop your rig
-You want to tow to the highest capacity allowed by your vehicle's trailer hitch setup

Per the above: Again assuming the heavier axle, which increases tug GVWR to 10,000 pounds, the trailer you're getting is far below half that weight.