10 Common Trailer Towing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Redline Rentals
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
Towing a trailer isn’t difficult once you understand the basics, but small mistakes can quickly turn into serious problems on the road.
Whether you’re hauling equipment, moving furniture, transporting a vehicle, or completing a weekend project, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing how to properly tow a trailer.
At Redline Rentals, we want our customers to have a safe and successful rental from pickup to return. Here are 10 common trailer towing mistakes—and how you can avoid them.
1. Towing More Than Your Vehicle Can Handle
One of the biggest mistakes is assuming that because a truck or SUV has a hitch, it can safely tow any trailer.
Every vehicle has specific towing limits.
Before hooking up, check your vehicle’s:
Maximum towing capacity
Payload capacity
Maximum tongue weight
Hitch receiver rating
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
Remember that you need to account for the loaded trailer, not just its empty weight.
How to Avoid It
Check your owner’s manual or manufacturer specifications before renting. Know approximately how much your cargo weighs and select a trailer that works with your tow vehicle.
Trailer couplers are designed for a specific hitch ball diameter.
Common sizes include:
1-7/8 inch
2 inch
2-5/16 inch
A hitch ball that is too small may appear to connect but can potentially allow the coupler to separate from the ball.
How to Avoid It
Look at the size stamped on the trailer coupler and make sure it matches your hitch ball exactly.
Also verify that the hitch ball and ball mount have sufficient weight ratings for the loaded trailer.
3. Forgetting to Lock the Coupler
Placing the coupler over the hitch ball isn’t enough.
The coupler needs to be fully seated, latched, and secured with the appropriate safety pin or lock.
How to Avoid It
After connecting:
Lower the coupler completely onto the ball.
Lock the coupler latch.
Install the safety pin.
Raise the tongue jack.
Verify that the coupler is securely attached.
Take a few seconds to physically inspect the connection before leaving.
4. Connecting Safety Chains Incorrectly
Safety chains provide a backup connection between your vehicle and trailer.
A common mistake is leaving them too loose, allowing them to drag, or connecting them improperly.
How to Avoid It
Cross the chains underneath the trailer tongue and attach them securely to the tow vehicle’s designated safety-chain connection points.
Leave enough slack for the trailer to turn without allowing the chains to drag on the pavement.
5. Loading Too Much Weight at the Rear
Improper weight distribution is one of the most dangerous trailer towing mistakes.
When too much weight is placed behind the trailer axle, there may not be enough tongue weight on the tow vehicle.
The result can be severe trailer sway.
How to Avoid It
Place your heaviest cargo over or slightly ahead of the trailer axle and aim for approximately 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight as tongue weight unless the trailer or vehicle manufacturer specifies otherwise.
Never try to make the trailer easier on your truck by intentionally putting the heavy cargo at the back.
6. Failing to Secure Cargo Properly
Cargo doesn’t stay in the same place simply because the trailer is moving smoothly.
Hard braking, potholes, turns, and rough roads can cause unsecured cargo to shift.
When the load shifts, your trailer’s weight distribution can change instantly.
How to Avoid It
Use properly rated:
Ratchet straps
Axle straps
Chains
Appropriate tie-down points
Secure heavy cargo in multiple directions whenever appropriate.
After driving the first few miles, stop somewhere safe and inspect your straps again.
7. Ignoring Trailer Tires
Trailer tires are easy to overlook because they’re not part of the vehicle you drive every day.
But an underinflated or damaged tire can quickly turn into a roadside problem.
How to Avoid It
Before leaving, inspect:
Tire pressure
Visible cracking
Bulges
Tread condition
Embedded objects
Lug nuts
Check tire pressure when the tires are cold and inflate them according to the trailer or tire manufacturer’s specifications.
8. Forgetting to Test the Lights and Brakes
Your trailer needs to communicate with drivers behind you.
Before entering traffic, verify that the trailer’s:
Brake lights
Turn signals
Running lights
Hazard lights
are operating correctly.
If the trailer has electric brakes, verify the braking system and brake controller are functioning correctly before beginning your trip.
How to Avoid It
Have another person stand behind the trailer while you test each light.
It only takes a minute.
9. Driving Like You Aren’t Towing Anything
Your vehicle behaves differently with several thousand pounds behind it.
You’ll need more room to:
Stop
Accelerate
Change lanes
Turn
Merge
Sharp steering inputs and sudden braking can also make a trailer unstable.
How to Avoid It
Slow everything down.
Increase your following distance, brake earlier, take turns wider, and make gradual steering corrections.
Your goal should be smooth, predictable driving.
10. Skipping the Final Walk-Around
You’ve loaded everything. You’re running late. Everyone is ready to leave.
That’s exactly when something gets forgotten.
A final 60-second inspection can catch problems before they become dangerous.
Before Leaving, Check:
Hitch ball matches coupler
Coupler is completely locked
Safety pin is installed
Safety chains are crossed and attached
Electrical connector is plugged in
Trailer lights work
Tires look good
Cargo is properly secured
Ramps are stored and secured
Doors and gates are latched
Tongue jack is fully raised
Make this inspection a habit every time you tow.
BONUS: What Should You Do If Your Trailer Starts Swaying?
Trailer sway can happen when a trailer becomes unstable and begins moving from side to side.
If you experience trailer sway:
Stay calm and avoid sudden steering movements.
Gradually reduce speed while keeping the vehicle pointed straight. Avoid abrupt braking unless necessary.
Once you’re safely stopped, inspect the trailer before continuing.
Pay particular attention to:
Cargo placement
Tongue weight
Tire condition
Tire pressure
Hitch connection
Don’t simply continue driving if the trailer repeatedly becomes unstable.
A Safe Trip Starts Before You Leave
Most trailer towing problems are preventable.
Knowing your towing capacity, using the correct hitch, properly distributing the load, securing your cargo, and performing a pre-trip inspection can dramatically improve your towing experience.
At Redline Rentals, our goal isn’t simply to hand you a trailer—we want to help you get your project completed safely.
Whether you’re moving furniture, hauling equipment, transporting a vehicle, or tackling a weekend project, we’re happy to help you choose the right trailer for the job.
We proudly serve Sanger, Denton County, Gainesville, Valley View, Pilot Point, Aubrey, Krum, Decatur, and surrounding North Texas communities.
Need a Trailer for Your Next Project?
Redline Rentals offers convenient local trailer rentals for a variety of hauling needs.
Call or text: 940-284-7664
Book online: rentalsredline.com
Rent Local. Tow Safe. Get the Job Done.
