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You see them on the highways, back roads, lakes, coastlines, and worksites every day: trucks with attached trailers. However, many a driver will make embarrassing and potentially destructive errors while towing a trailer. Still, you can stay ahead of these problems by using these tips when towing your trailer with your truck, SUV, or sufficiently torquey car. 

Making any of these five mistakes could spell disaster for even the most typical instances of towing a trailer

Knowing the ins and outs of towing a trailer may not be necessary for every driver. However, for workers and good-timers alike, being able to hitch a trailer up to a truck and pull a boat, load, or car is indispensable. 

  • Overloading your trailer or neglecting to keep your trailer in working order
  • Using an incompatible hitching setup 
  • Forgetting to keep hitching surfaces lubricated and tight
  • Improperly loading a vehicle or vehicles on your trailer
  • Not checking your surroundings when backing or tightly turning with your trailer

Most drivers with access to a pickup truck and trailer know they shouldn’t overload their vehicle’s towing capacity. However, overloading your trailer is also a major no-no. The weight on your tongue should be no more than 15% of your trailer and load’s mass. Failing to do so can result in catastrophe. 

Tragically, some trailer towing situations don’t even begin due to an improper hitching setup. Ensure that your trailer and tow hitch are compatible and you use safety chains to further secure your trailer.

Beyond overloading and neglecting to hook up properly, drivers interested in towing a trailer must keep their coupler and hitch lubricated to avoid premature wear. It might not be as essential as other guidelines, but it’s imperative for the health of your trailer. 

Moreover, not entirely dissimilar to overloading, drivers must make sure their load is properly secured and distributed. Not doing so could, at best, result in a bumpy ride or loss of your payload. Finally, use towing mirrors to stay aware of your surroundings to avoid striking cars, obstacles, and curbs.

Source: Bulletproof Hitches, Complete Trailers

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).