Towing without a weight distribution hitch

I am set to purchase my first travel trailer. It's a Gulf Stream 22UDL Envision, dry weight 3775 lbs. My question is this. I am going to the dealership to pick it up Saturday. They are trying to sell me the WDH for $595. I can get the same one for $295 from Amazon. But it most likely won't be here before Saturday. It's only an hour drive from my house. Has anyone had experience pulling a trailer this size with no WDH? I have a 2013 Taco with towing package (6500 lbs). I'm just trying to get it home (60 miles) and I'll put the WDH on then when it comes in.

 

Send it. That's what insurance is for

 

You will be heavy on the back, but you'll make it fine. I wouldn't run at 75 mph like that and allow plenty of time for braking. Don't be crazy and it'll all work out. You'll get a chance to experience how much better the WDH feels, especially if you have a short bed. I've run 4000# on my utility trailer (2nd gen DCSB) with no trailer brakes or WDH and it's no problem. Be looking way up the road.

 

Thanks bluz, I have the long bed and I already have the brake controller.

 

This weighs 3700 dry and I have towed it with and without a WDH. Much rather have the WDH. You should be OK for a one time short run but wouldn't want to do it to often.

 

Op which wdh are going to go with? Looking a TT’s right now myself.

 

Ditto, would like to know as well.

 

I have a TT thats about 4k. I've done both with and without the WDH; without the WDH truck sits a little lower, nothing crazy and the ride is a bit rougher, but with it its very smooth- both felt equally controlled. Have you installed a WDH before? I looked into doing it myself but it seems complicated

 

I would suggest the equalizer brand wdh. Buy once cry once. It's not super complicated to install you just need a flat surface and some big ass wrenches.

 

I was looking at the Husky Center Line. It doesn’t have the chains. Looks like a good system. But I’m new to all this so I’m no expert. I did get the unit home fine. The Tacoma was great. She pulled it with no issues. I ran about 55-60 mph.

 

Looks like it’s squatting pretty bad!!

 

Yeah it was just a one time pull like this to get it home. I live about 55 miles from the dealership I purchased it from. I’m going to get the WDH for future trips. That should level it up.

 

Wareaglederek what is the dry weight of that beast?

 

3775

 

The Husky center line has built in sway control and looks like a good choice. I use an Equalizer WDH with sway control which works well. Make sure you match the hitch to the weight your carrying. My TT weights in at 4K dry and around 5K loaded and I use the 6K Equalizer. The next step up is a 10K and the spring bars would be too stiff and the hitch would not perform correctly.

 

If you have the V6 towing package, Toyota says you only need a WDH if your trailer weight is over 5000lbs. I'd buy one no matter what, but you'll be fine without one on the trip home.

 

I had a Starcraft 18FB with a 350lb hitch weight and still used a WDH, anecdotally felt a lot better towing the camper.

 

I have a 21' Winnebago TT, 3700ish lbs. dry. Have a Blue Ox WDH. Tows like a dream and levels it out quite nicely. Without the hitch on the back end sits really low.