Handling differences with more weight on the front is an affirmative.
I can "park" the K-boom behind the cab in a figure 4 position or drive with the boom extended over the bed.
Parked in the figure 4 position it adds 650 lb to the load on the front axle for a total of 7,900 lb. When it's extended over the back, the load on the front axle is 7,250 lb. Numbers confirmed on a scale with my old bed.
Steering is harder, particularily off-road, so I keep the boom over the bed most of the time. With cargo, which sometimes overhangs the bed in the rear, the folded boom can act as a counterweight.
For extra traction for the front tires, I swing the boom forward over the bumper.
Lots of options, but if I can notice 650 lb of extra weight up front, the towbar plus winch will have a greater effect for sure. Tire wear will be worse too.
At highway speeds, the loading of the front tires must be considered (1100 tires is an advantage here).
My two cents.