It depends, how heavy is the trailer? Almost any popup trailer does not have enough hitch weight to need weight distribution, and the frame is not strong enough to handle the stress that weight distribution puts on the hitch coupler. Yet a travel trailer with a 2-5/16" ball probably has enough hitch weight that you are exceeding the "Average" hitch weight rating on the pickup of 500 pounds deadweight. Sure it will not damage the hitch for a while, but sooner or later, you will find out that the hitch is not strong enough.
The rating on your hitch might read 5,000/500 deadweight and 10,000/100 hitch when using a weight distribution system.
So if the trailer is over 5000 pounds total weight, or over 500 pounds on the hitch when loaded up for camping, then you need the weight distribution system.
1st thing to check when deciding on the need for a WD hitch.... check the label on your hitch. It should tell you how much weight it is rated for with and without weight distribution. If the tongue weight of your trailer is greater than the rated weight of your hitch without using the weight distribution, you need it.
KK4PFX
2010 Chaparral 322RLTS
2004 Chevrolet 2500HD D/A CCSB 4x4
Days camped in 2011: 22
Days camped in 2012: 34
Days camped in 2013: 6
The Jayco 23B is actually tongue light. You'll need to find a way to load heavy stuff forward to get at least 10% of the weight on the ball. This trailer definitely needs sway control because of the poor weight distribution.
If loaded right this trailer should have at least 500 pounds on the ball. Open the tailgate and get a couple of your college football buddies to sit on it and note the suspension compression.
-- Chuck
'06 Roo 23SS behind '07 Expedition out of Cleveland Our Photo pages
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2 Boys UW & Bellevue College
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