I'm the OP on this thread. I ended up buying a Reese Strait Line 1,700 pound WDH for our new Open Range travel trailer. I didn't want to mess with installing the full hitch at the RV dealer so I towed it home with my F250 using just the ball. I only live 15 miles from the dealer and it's easy roads so I felt okay with it.
I could definitely feel the 1,300 pounds of tongue weight without a WDH. The front end felt really light and it was a windy day, 20 mph. It wasn't scary but I only drove 50-55 mph. I would not want to drive any length of time at 60+ mph without a WDH.
I installed the Reese WDH the day I got the RV home and then took it for a test drive on the freeway, cruising at 65 mph with a short stint at 70 just to feel it out. MUCH better and very comfortable. Thanks all for the advice on this thread. I think the 1,700 pound model was the right call. We're taking the TT out for its first trip this week at a nearby state park - this is our first RV so we're really looking forward to it.
