Towing a trailer might seem straightforward, but small mistakes can lead to major problems on the road. Whether you're towing a camper for a weekend getaway or hauling gear across state lines, one misstep could affect your safety, your trailer, or your vehicle.
From overlooked maintenance to poor load placement, even experienced drivers can fall into common towing traps. Fortunately, with a bit of planning and awareness, you can avoid the most frequent errors and enjoy smoother, safer travel. The right hitch system can also go a long way, especially one designed to eliminate sway and boost stability from the start.
That’s where the ProPride 3P® Hitch shines, offering unmatched control and confidence behind the wheel.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
Let’s dive in and drive smarter.
If your trailer feels like it’s dragging your vehicle instead of following it, weight distribution might be the issue. This is one of the most common—and dangerous—mistakes new and seasoned towers alike make.
Placing too much weight in the rear creates a “whipping” effect—your trailer sways unpredictably. Too much weight up front? You overload your hitch and reduce steering control.
A properly loaded trailer distributes about 60% of the total cargo weight toward the front half and 40% in the back, with the tongue weight making up 10–15% of the trailer’s full weight.
Bonus: The ProPride 3P® Hitch improves handling by virtually eliminating sway—perfect when your load shifts slightly during transit.
Trailer sway is not just a minor annoyance—it’s one of the leading causes of trailer-related accidents. And the worst part? It often starts small and escalates quickly.
Once sway starts, it’s difficult to regain control unless you’ve equipped your setup properly.
Neglecting routine checks is like towing on borrowed time. One loose bolt, one frayed wire, or one underinflated tire can turn a smooth ride into a roadside disaster.
Make a habit of walking around your trailer before every trip. A 2-minute inspection could save hours on the roadside.
No matter how short the trip, failing to properly secure your cargo can cause serious issues. Shifting weight mid-drive not only affects trailer balance but also increases the risk of swaying or tipping, especially in tight turns or sudden stops.
Even if it “feels secure,” double-checking your load can make all the difference between a smooth ride and a roadside mess.
Many drivers make the mistake of assuming any hitch will do, as long as it connects. But hitch choice directly impacts safety, control, and performance.
A basic hitch may attach your trailer, but it doesn’t account for sway control, weight distribution, or terrain challenges. That’s why choosing a premium system is a smart move for serious towers.
It eliminates sway at the source by projecting the trailer’s pivot point closer to the tow vehicle’s axle. This keeps the trailer locked in line with your vehicle—even in high winds, sharp turns, or emergency maneuvers.
Think of it like upgrading from “just good enough” to “built for every mile ahead.”
Here’s a quick breakdown of which towing mistakes most commonly affect different types of drivers. Use it to anticipate potential blind spots based on your own experience level.
|
Experience Level |
Most Common Mistake |
Why It Happens |
Quick Fix |
|
First-time towers |
Improper weight distribution |
Lack of load planning or understanding of balance |
Follow the 60/40 rule and use a tongue scale |
|
Occasional haulers |
Ignoring trailer sway |
Unfamiliar with road conditions or sway behavior |
Add a sway control system or upgrade your hitch |
|
Frequent RV owners |
Skipping maintenance |
Rely on past smooth trips without rechecking gear |
Perform pre-trip inspections before every drive |
|
Long-distance travelers |
Overlooking tire pressure and wear |
Forgetting extended driving strains tires more |
Check tire PSI and tread before each leg |
Towing a trailer safely is all about preparation, attention to detail, and the right equipment. By avoiding these common mistakes—improper weight distribution, ignoring sway, skipping maintenance, failing to secure your load, and overlooking the importance of a quality hitch—you dramatically reduce your risk on the road.
Taking these extra steps isn’t just about safety—it’s about driving with peace of mind. And when you're equipped with a premium sway-eliminating system like the ProPride, you elevate your towing game entirely. Confidence, control, and comfort come standard.
Before your next trip, revisit this checklist, make the right upgrades, and tow smarter every mile of the journey.
Towing often raises questions, especially for drivers looking to refine their setup. Here are answers to a few key questions that aren’t always covered in standard guides.
Use a tongue weight scale or a bathroom scale with a lever setup. Your tongue weight should be 10–15% of the total loaded trailer weight to ensure stable towing and proper vehicle handling.
Absolutely. Wind, rain, or icy roads amplify common mistakes like poor weight distribution or loose cargo. Always slow down, increase following distance, and double-check your load before heading into unpredictable conditions.
Ease off the accelerator—don’t slam the brakes. Hold the wheel steady and let your vehicle slow naturally. If sway continues, consider investing in a premium anti-sway system like the ProPride 3P® Hitch.
Generally, it's best to avoid cruise control on hilly or winding roads while towing. Sudden acceleration or braking from the cruise system can reduce control and worsen sway or load shifts during climbs and descents.
Yes. Both your vehicle and trailer tires should be inflated to their towing-rated PSI, not just their everyday driving levels. Proper tire pressure reduces blowout risks, improves traction, and supports even weight distribution.