Do we need weight distribution hitch?

MarkTwain wrote:
Towing without a distribution hitch is a high risk gamble.

I guess it is if you believe it is, and it always seems to be, but only on an RV board.

Personally I don't see the risk at all, and neither do plenty of contractors and others hauling larger and heavier trailers of the equipment flavor, than what is being discussed in this thread. A lot of them are using pintle hitches. Try and put WD on one of those.

camp-n-family wrote:
You’ll be well below the truck and hitch ratings so technically you don’t need one but you’ll probably want one. The key is that the trailer is properly balanced with sufficient tongue weight to prevent sway. This may be difficult with an empty trailer. Only way to know is to weigh it or go for a test drive. If it’s a 6 hour drive home and the test doesn’t go well then what are you going to do?

I have the same truck with a longer and slightly heavier tt. I have towed it several times without a wd hitch very comfortably and without sway. I still prefer to use a wd hitch since I had it anyways and it gives the extra safety in the event of an emergency maneuver.

X1, Towing without a distribution hitch is a high risk gamble. When you discover you need one after you are already on the road-----it is too LATE!!!

BE Safe not sorry! Pick up the trailer WHEN the dealer has your distribution Hitch in stock and agrees to install it WHEN you pick up the trailer. My choice is the Reese Dual cam distribution hitch.

You’ll be well below the truck and hitch ratings so technically you don’t need one but you’ll probably want one. The key is that the trailer is properly balanced with sufficient tongue weight to prevent sway. This may be difficult with an empty trailer. Only way to know is to weigh it or go for a test drive. If it’s a 6 hour drive home and the test doesn’t go well then what are you going to do?

I have the same truck with a longer and slightly heavier tt. I have towed it several times without a wd hitch very comfortably and without sway. I still prefer to use a wd hitch since I had it anyways and it gives the extra safety in the event of an emergency maneuver.

IdaD wrote:
The hitch rating is 1800 lbs, so tongue weight isn't an issue. I wouldn't be too worried about giving it a shot on a ball. Might find you don'd need a WDH and certainly front axle unloading isn't going to be a concern with that CTD sitting up front.

That's most likely 1800lbs with a weight distribution setup. You're probably ok because most hitches are about half that without the weight distribution. That would be around 900lbs hitch weight. My 7500lb trailer fully loaded is 1000lbs hitch weight and can reach 1100lbs so it would be best to keep your trailer empty without the weight distribution.

Yes, you absolutley do with that heavy of TT.

The hitch rating is 1800 lbs, so tongue weight isn't an issue. I wouldn't be too worried about giving it a shot on a ball. Might find you don'd need a WDH and certainly front axle unloading isn't going to be a concern with that CTD sitting up front.

As mentioned above, I would first call the dealer and see if he sells that particular hitch. If not, I would purchase it first and take it with me to have the dealer install it right there.

Even though the trailer will be empty for the drive home, the tongue weight will still be substantial enough to most likely exceed the receivers weight carrying rating. In addition, the ride home will be much more comfortable and safe.

I just traded in my 2016 Ram 2500 CTD and don't remember being able to find the receiver capabilities anywhere on the the hitch. I crawled around under the truck for some time looking for it. Without knowing the weight carrying capability I would definitely use the WD, even if you have to install it yourself in the dealers lot.
Barney

What's the weight limit on your receiver "without" weight distribution hitch?
Why not call the dealer and ask him if he has/can get the weight distribution hitch you want and set it up?

Safe to tow? Depends. Some trailers are better blalanced and tow better than others. Your truck probably wont care? Sway is your biggest concern. Personally I would move it 20 feet without a WD hitch. If you have something you specifically want, why not buy it now, take it with you, hitch up and go.