10 Common Towing Mistakes to Avoid
10 Common Towing Mistakes to Avoid
Posted on June 9, 2025
Towing a trailer or another vehicle can be incredibly useful, but it’s also a task that comes with its challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time tower, some mistakes can make towing dangerous or inefficient. Avoiding these mistakes is essential for keeping yourself, your vehicle, and others on the road safe. In this blog, we’ll explore ten common towing mistakes and how you can steer clear of them, ensuring your towing experience is smooth and safe.
1. Not Checking Your Trailer’s Weight Limits
One of the most common mistakes made by those towing trailers is not checking the weight limits. Each vehicle and trailer has a specific towing capacity. Exceeding this capacity can damage your vehicle and create dangerous driving conditions. Always check the manufacturer’s towing specifications for both your towing vehicle and your trailer. Remember that your vehicle’s towing capacity includes the weight of the trailer and its cargo.
When loading your trailer, keep an eye on how much weight you’re adding. This is especially important when towing heavy items like RVs or boats. It’s not only important for safety but also the longevity of your vehicle.
2. Improper Hitching and Securing the Load
Another mistake many people make is not properly hitching their trailer or securing their load. This can lead to swaying or even the trailer coming loose while driving. Make sure your hitch is properly installed and locked in place. The trailer should be level with your towing vehicle. Always use the appropriate hitch for the size and weight of your load.
Additionally, ensure that the load in your trailer is properly balanced and secured. Use tie-downs, straps, and any other necessary equipment to make sure nothing shifts while you’re on the road. Unsecured loads are a serious safety hazard, not just to you, but to everyone around you.
3. Neglecting to Check Tire Pressure
Tires are one of the most critical components when towing. Over or under-inflated tires can increase the risk of a blowout or loss of control. Make sure to check the tire pressure of both your towing vehicle and your trailer before hitting the road. It’s also a good idea to inspect the tires for any wear or damage. Tires that aren’t in top condition can cause serious issues, especially when you’re hauling a heavy load.
Remember that trailers may need different tire pressure than your towing vehicle. Refer to the trailer’s manual for the correct tire pressure, and always check before each trip.
4. Ignoring Trailer Brake Requirements
If you’re towing a larger trailer, you may need a separate braking system for the trailer. Not every vehicle is equipped to handle the added weight and force of a large trailer, and some trailers are required by law to have their brake systems. Make sure that your trailer’s brakes are functioning properly and that your towing vehicle has the necessary equipment to control the trailer's braking.
Failing to use trailer brakes can lead to dangerous situations, including longer stopping distances and reduced control, especially when driving downhill.
5. Not Using the Right Towing Gear
Using the right towing gear is essential to ensure both your safety and your vehicle’s efficiency. For instance, the wrong size ball mount or hitch can lead to instability or unsafe towing conditions. Always ensure that the gear you’re using is rated for the weight of your trailer. Also, consider using towing mirrors if your trailer obstructs your rearview.
Towing with inadequate gear, such as underperforming straps or incompatible hitch systems, is a mistake that can cause serious problems on the road.
6. Neglecting to Adjust Your Driving Habits
Towing requires adjustments to your driving habits. One of the biggest mistakes is driving as if you’re not towing anything at all. When towing a trailer, you need to account for the added weight, length, and turning radius of your vehicle. Make wider turns, take slower speeds when braking, and always leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Remember, the trailer behind you can affect your vehicle's handling, so you should drive more cautiously and with more patience.
7. Failing to Maintain Proper Trailer Lighting
Your trailer’s lights are crucial for safety, yet they are often overlooked. Broken, disconnected, or malfunctioning lights can cause accidents, especially at night or in low visibility conditions. Always ensure your trailer’s lights are functioning properly. Test the brake lights, turn signals, and running lights before each trip. Make sure that all the connections to your towing vehicle are secure and intact.
Proper trailer lighting is a simple yet essential safety measure that can prevent accidents and costly fines for non-compliance.
8. Overloading Your Vehicle’s Tow Capacity
Your vehicle’s tow capacity is there for a reason. It’s important not to exceed it, as this can lead to engine strain, suspension damage, and overall vehicle wear. Overloading your vehicle can also affect your fuel efficiency, increase braking distances, and even cause the vehicle to overheat.
When loading your trailer, make sure that the combined weight of the trailer and its cargo does not exceed the vehicle’s recommended tow capacity. If you need to tow more than your vehicle can handle, consider upgrading your vehicle or using a more suitable towing vehicle.
9. Driving Too Fast for Conditions
Driving too fast while towing can be incredibly dangerous, particularly in bad weather or on uneven terrain. The extra weight of a trailer means it takes longer to stop and can sway more easily, especially at high speeds. It’s important to adjust your speed to the conditions and always obey posted speed limits for towing vehicles.
In windy conditions, you should reduce your speed to minimize the risk of the trailer swaying. On rough or uneven roads, take it slow to avoid damaging your trailer and making your vehicle harder to control.
10. Not Performing Regular Maintenance
Many people forget that trailers need regular maintenance just like any other vehicle. Failing to maintain your trailer can lead to mechanical issues that cause accidents or breakdowns. Inspect your trailer regularly, checking the lights, brakes, tires, and hitch. Ensure that all components are working properly before each trip. If you notice anything unusual, take the time to fix it before heading out.
Regular maintenance also extends to your towing vehicle. Keeping it in top condition ensures that it can handle the extra load efficiently and safely.
Ensure Safe and Efficient Towing Every Time
Avoiding these common towing mistakes is essential to having a safe and smooth towing experience. By following these tips and ensuring that both your towing vehicle and trailer are properly prepared, you’ll be able to enjoy your towing tasks with confidence. For all your towing needs, from trailers to towing equipment, visit Edmonton Trailer Sales & Leasing Ltd. in Acheson, AB. Our expert team can help you select the right equipment and give you additional tips for safe towing.