Weight distribution hitch required?

[GeneO]

I recently purchased a 2021 Sol Dawn trailer. I pull it with a 2017 Toyota 4Runner with a 5000 lb tow rating.
I am struggling with whether I need a weight distribution hitch. I have found that a WDH can bend the aluminum frame under certain conditions. Even Intech is not a supporter of WDH hitches.
I am told maybe add a sway control for safety.
The original owner did not use a WDH.
Does anyone have an opinion on this subject?
Thank you.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

How much squat in the truck.

 

[GeneO]

How much squat in the truck.

The truck hitch dropped app 3” with the trailer attached. I flipped the 2” drop receiver and ball over and now I am 20.5” ground to top of ball with the trailer connected .5” lower than the Intech spec of 21”. Before the flip I was 17” with the trailer connected.

 

[Rosy]

Double check your owner's manual. My 2020 Tundra recommends a WDH for any trailer over 5000 lbs.

If you do get one, the way to avoid bending the frame is to get one that's rated as close as possible tothe actual loaded weight of your trailer, rather than letting the salesman talk you into the strongest one they have. Buy it from a reputable hitch shop (not an RV dealership) and have them install it for you when your truck and trailer are fully loaded as if for a camping trip.

 

[RobertE]

That's not a huge amount of drop and I don't know if a weight distribution hitch help. You won't know until it's installed. I can only tell you with my truck and trailer I do not see much difference in squat.

That said, I see a lot of people pulling trailers with SUV's and I always wonder about the prudence unless it's a full size SUV. The GVWR of your trailer is 3500. 10% hitch weight and 2 full propane tanks you're probably looking at ~ 360 # of hitch weight. That seems like a lot for your vehicle. I'm surprised it only dropped 3". Do you have helper springs?

You can throw that 5000# rating out the window. Manufacturers always over rate towing capacity, sometimes massively. I figure 1/2 of what they say. For that vehicle and the specs on that trailer I think you're maxed out or probably even over.

There are other things to consider like engine, transmission (coolling for both) and brakes. You don't find out about that until you have a problem.

Sum it up, a WDH will help with stability and a little bit with hitch weight but it's purpose is to spread the weight out toward the axles of both the vehicle and the trailer. I feel the main advantage is stability.

If I'm more concerned with squat I'm looking at suspension aids like air bags.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

That said, I see a lot of people pulling trailers with SUV's and I always wonder about the prudence unless it's a full size SUV. The GVWR of your trailer is 3500. 10% hitch weight and 2 full propane tanks you're probably looking at ~ 360 # of hitch weight. That seems like a lot for your vehicle. I'm surprised it only dropped 3". Do you have helper springs?

Already have a problem! For the poster, I wanted to point this out.

The tongue weight should be a total,not an add one, as described here. Proper loading includes the propane, batteries, and anything you would be putting on the tongue. That weight should fall between the 10%-15% of trailer weight. Less weight causes the tail to wag the dog. To much can break or bend the tongue, and create handling issues.

A typical step bumper will tow 2000 lbs and that's because it can only handle 200 lbs of tongue weight. Even if the bumper was on a dually.

5000 lbs=500 lbs toung weight. 1/4 ton. The sqat is fine, but loading will be key. The next question will be, how much lift on the front suspension when loaded and ready to go? This can be dealt with, by distribution of load.

WDH simple, when used properly, distributes weight to the front suspension for better handling. Your efforts in loading, trailer, and vehicle, will always make the ride and handling better. The advantage to bigger trucks is the effect the extra weight of that truck build has over the smaller one.

The owner/operator can load with less attention to detail. (I am still talking about a 5000 lbs trailer).