Avoid These 7 Common Towing Mistakes

Avoid These 7 Common Towing Mistakes

Small errors add up on the road. Dodge these common pitfalls.

By Scott — Copper State Trailer Rentals • August 20, 2025 • 3 min read

The seven mistakes (and fixes)

1.Guessing on weight. Confirm GVWR/GAWR/GCWR and aim for margin.

See These Guides: How Much Trailer Can I Tow?Tow Guide Calculator – how much your specific vehicle can safely tow.

2.Too little tongue weight. Target 10–15%; move the load forward if sway starts.

3.Over‑tightening coil overs. Don’t compress suspension solid—use wheel nets or soft straps at control arms.

4. Skipping the recheck. Retighten straps after 5–10 miles and each stop.

5.Incorrect brake gain. Test at 20–25 mph; you want the trailer to help, not jerk.

6.Speeding in crosswinds. Slow down, steer gently, and let off throttle if sway starts.

7. Under‑inflated tires. Heat + low PSI = blowouts. Check before every trip.

Fix‑at‑a‑glance

Mistake

Guessing on weight.

Too little tongue weight.

Over‑tightening coil overs.

Skipping the recheck.

Incorrect brake gain. 

Speeding in crosswinds.

Under‑inflated tires.

What to do instead

Confirm GVWR/GAWR/GCWR and aim for margin.

Target 10–15%; move the load forward if sway starts.

Don’t compress suspension solid—use wheel nets or soft straps at control arms.

Retighten straps after 5–10 miles and each stop.

Test at 20–25 mph; you want the trailer to help, not jerk.

Slow down, steer gently, and let off throttle if sway starts.

Heat + low PSI = blowouts. Check before every trip

 If sway starts: quick response

• Ease off throttle—do not brake hard.

• Hold the wheel steady; small corrections only.

• If safe, apply manual trailer brake to straighten the rig.

• At the next stop, move load forward and reduce speed.

New to towing or just rusty? Book with us and get a free 5‑minute hitch, gain, and strap refresher at

Website: https://copperstatetrailerrentals.com/

Phone: (623) 624-6255

Author: Scott — Copper State Trailer Rentals. We are a customer service company… that just happens to rent trailers.

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