Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Towing a Vehicle (and How to Avoid Them)
Towing a vehicle might seem simple—hook it up and go—but it’s more complicated than it appears. Whether you're hauling a trailer, a broken-down car, or a camper, mistakes can lead to serious damage, accidents, or costly fines. If you're new to towing (or even a seasoned hauler), it's worth checking if you're guilty of any of these common errors.
Here are the top five mistakes people make when towing a vehicle—and how you can avoid them.
1. Ignoring Tow Ratings and Limits
The Mistake: Overloading a vehicle beyond its tow rating is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes. Every vehicle has a manufacturer-specified towing capacity, and exceeding it can stress the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension.
The Fix: Check your vehicle's manual or the manufacturer’s website for your exact towing capacity, and don’t forget to factor in the weight of passengers, cargo, and the trailer itself—not just the vehicle being towed.
2. Incorrect Weight Distribution
The Mistake: Improperly balancing the load—especially putting too much weight at the rear of the trailer—can cause dangerous trailer sway or jackknifing.
The Fix: Load the trailer so that about 60% of the weight is toward the front, centered over the axle. Use a weight distribution hitch if you're towing a heavy load with a lighter vehicle.
3. Skipping Safety Chains or Using Them Incorrectly
The Mistake: Not using safety chains at all—or crossing them incorrectly—is a big risk. If the hitch fails, your trailer could become a missile on the road.
The Fix: Always use safety chains and cross them under the hitch. This not only helps keep the trailer connected in case of hitch failure but also forms a cradle to prevent the tongue from digging into the ground.
4. Neglecting Brakes and Lights
The Mistake: Towing without functioning trailer brakes or lights is illegal in many areas and can be deadly. Many drivers assume their vehicle's brakes are enough.
The Fix: If your trailer exceeds a certain weight (usually 1,500–3,000 pounds depending on your location), trailer brakes are likely required by law. Also, ensure brake lights, turn signals, and running lights are properly connected and working before you hit the road.
5. Overconfidence on the Road
The Mistake: Driving as if you’re not towing anything is a recipe for disaster. Towing affects braking distance, acceleration, and turning radius. Many accidents happen when drivers take curves too quickly or misjudge stopping distances.
The Fix: Take it slow. Increase your following distance, take wider turns, and brake sooner than usual. Practice in a safe area before taking a long trip, especially if it's your first time towing.
Final Thoughts
Towing doesn’t have to be stressful or risky—but it demands respect. Understanding your vehicle’s limits, using the right equipment, and adjusting your driving style can go a long way toward ensuring a smooth, safe tow.
Whether you're hauling a boat to the lake or helping a friend with a broken-down car, take the time to double-check everything before you hit the road. A few extra minutes of preparation can save you from hours of headache (or worse) later.
To help you with your towing needs, visit the links below:
