I have an 05 F-250 SC FX4 and I'm getting a camper that has a dry weight of 4134lbs, a GVWR of 6310, and a dry hitch weight of 532 lbs. The camper dealer is telling me I don't need the WD hitch but everyone on the camper forum is telling me I should have one. I'm not quite sure who to believe anymore. I figured I'd better ask the group of guys with the same trucks rather than the group of guys with the same camper but different trucks!

 

I towed a heavier camper without one no problem. What length camper?

 

It's a 24 ft camper.

 

The determining factor is going to be how the trailer sits when loaded on tour truck! If it lifts the front suspension due to excessive tounge weight then a W/D hitch will be nessecary. Hope this helps!
Jim...& fat Monty

 

Thats not a whole lot of weight but that is dry and not loaded for a trip...depending on how much water you can carry in the trailer it adds up fast how much extra weight you can add for a trip! I think water is about 7lbs per gallon...mine holds 100 gallons. thats alot of extra weight!plus the weight of everything you throw in for your trip. my buddy has a trailer similar to the one you describe and his holds 40 gallons...he also uses a WD hitch...
I would say to use one because it does help the rear sag and towing comfort. I have a 26' toyhauler when dry is about 6000 lbs and I will once and a while run back and forth from storage without it hooked up to the WD and I can tell when it's not there.
I would also look into a friction sway bay that connects from the trailer to the hitch, these help alot especially in the wind! keeps the tail from wagging!

 

I think this issue often gets confused with light weight trailers. Everything used to tow has a weight rating and the hitch on the truck typically has a with and without WD ratings as well.

Having said that, I have a devil of a time setting up 250s with lighter trailers as the instructions normally say to keep the squat at 1" or less and I often have less than that on the 250 without using the WD spring bars.

Calling the factory tech support which manufactured the WD system did not really clarify things because I was told I probably didn't need them. The group of techs I participate online with roundly chastised me for saying they may not be necessary.

So you have a hitch rating on the truck that says you need them, a truck that barely squats, if at all, and a WD manufacturer that says in that situation they may not be necessary.

I do think they give a small edge in terms of handling and, even towing with my dually, I can tell the difference with heavier trailers. Me? I'm Sally Safe and choose never to go over the published ratings of anything on my truck or tow system. I am somewhat surprised a dealer would say they were not necessary simply from a liability standpoint.

The reason for the confusion is it can be a confusing issue.

Steve

 

Well, my camper was a 30' and I didn't use a WD. No sag at all either. Sure, they might make it tow better, but it's not worth it for the weight and length you are at. I was about 1,500 lbs heavier too. When I had a 10,000 37' camper, I used a WD hitch...

 

On that size camper I do not even notice if I hook up the WDH or not. Over 27' starts to make a difference.

Another thing to consider the the sway control. If you have a slide out behind the rear axle or a fresh water tank behind the axle you will need sway control. Also some trailers just sway and need help.

Don't use a cheap adjustable height ball hitch. They ruin the ride comfort.

 

heck ive towed trailers long distances with the tougue weight being a good 1000 lbs with my f350 and i didnt need one,, but its up to you,