Do I need a weight distributing hitch for 3,400 pounds?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Andy B

Full Access Members
Joined
Aug 25, 2016
Posts
282
Reaction score
133
Location
Redding, CT
This year I am upgrading my "tent on a trailer" to a better RV. The RV will be 3,000 - 3,400 lbs GROSS vehicle weight max.

I have a 2023 Limited SPP with the tow package. Would I need/want a weight distributing hitch for a trailer under 3,500 pounds? The trailer has brakes and a 7 pin connector.
 

tuckr2

Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2025
Posts
7
Reaction score
4
Location
Washington
While you don’t specifically need it, the ride may suffer if you overload the trailer/suv. Typical hitch weight should be 10/13% of the trailer gross weight for best handling.
 

LG_123

Full Access Members
Joined
Nov 1, 2019
Posts
145
Reaction score
69
Location
Toronto
You likely won’t notice it either way at that weight but if you have heavy stuff in the trunk like water jugs, fuel, or cans/bottles, I’d use weight distribution.
 
OP
OP
A

Andy B

Full Access Members
Joined
Aug 25, 2016
Posts
282
Reaction score
133
Location
Redding, CT
I just gotta know what "RV" (a pretentious name for camper ;) ) has a GVWR of 3400 pounds. Heck, my 12' popup camper trailer weighed 3500. And I did use a WDH with it mainly for the sway control (and I was towing with an Explorer).

-- Chuck


Fair enough. I am considering an Aliner Evolution 15

Dry weight 2,400 lbs
GVWR 3,500 (I doubt I would pack 1,000 pounds in it!)

Two beds, stove, microwave, toilet, heat, ac, and even a shower.



1748288204449.png
 

Johnathan M

Full Access Members
Joined
Aug 8, 2016
Posts
100
Reaction score
47
Location
Klingerstown, PA
I have a car hauler trailer that I've pulled with our BMW 328i Xdrive on it. Total weight WAY over 3,400 lbs (probably 5,500 - 6k lbs) I don't own a weight distribution hitch and it pulled great. So, no, I wouldn't bother with a WDH for your size camper. I do have air suspension, so it keeps the vehicle level no matter the load. Don't know if that make a difference in handling, but just mentioning it in case it's relevant.

I've also hauled 4,000 lbs of concrete mix bags (50 - 80lb bags) split between the Expy (13 bags in the center of the Expy) and my 6x12 cargo trailer (37 bags) and it pulled fine without a WDH.
 

Fasttimes

Full Access Members
Joined
Jul 26, 2018
Posts
265
Reaction score
111
Location
Miami
Fair enough. I am considering an Aliner Evolution 15

Dry weight 2,400 lbs
GVWR 3,500 (I doubt I would pack 1,000 pounds in it!)

Two beds, stove, microwave, toilet, heat, ac, and even a shower.



View attachment 84834

Andy, help me understand why people choose an Aliner over a traditional pop-up? I now have a 30' travel trailer with dual slides, but I miss my pop up with twin king beds and a slide out for 3500 pounds. For me, having a slide is a huge plus to open up the interior of a camper.

No hating on Aliners having never been in one, but just tying to understand their appeal?
 

BlackBetty

Full Access Members
Joined
Feb 1, 2021
Posts
377
Reaction score
143
Location
Surprise, AZ
I had a 2016 EL with a towing capacity of 9200lbs if I remember correctly. Purchased an RV with a dry weight of 3600lbs’ish. Decided to get the WDH w/ anti-sway just because…

When they brought the rig around I was shocked. The sag was ridiculous!!! Thought that’s what I was getting the setup to prevent. Told them to take it back inside to readjust!!!

Come back out approximately 1-2in higher. Frustrated at this point because I wanted to get on the road; bought it in Florida and was working in Alabama at the time.

I’ve since gotten rid of that SUV, and bought a pickup. Thought it would do way better… nope as much as I had hoped. It sagged a bit on the way back home to Arizona.

Once I got home I got the big tools out… readjusted everything. To include flipping the WDH 180° making sure the ball sat appropriately 2in above the trailer hitch.

With both the tow vehicle and trailer empty you might be fine. It’s when you start loading things up later that you’ll realize you might need it.

Got some people I know towing a trailer larger than mine with a midsized GM SUV (Trailblazer sized)… they’ve already overheated the transmission, then almost wrecked from trailer sway.

Mentioned vehicle size/ capability and the need for anti-sway. I was shunned off. Oh well.
 
Top