TOP Fears For Trailer Towing
Smart Strategies for Safer Travel

What are your worst trailer towing fears?  Think about the big ones.  Yes, many fears are embedded in bad experiences, or things you have seen or heard from others with bad experiences.

Of course, some fears are irrational, but they too effect the trailer towing persona.  Yet, to enjoy all the benefits a trailer can offer, we need to get beyond the fear.

Statistically there are a few key issues that actually occur with some frequency.  We certainly need to be aware of those, and do what we can to avoid them.  Then there are another set of fears we worry about (with or without cause).  We can discuss them, then look at ways to reassure ourselves.

Solving the problem analytically may or may not dissolve the fears, but certainly knowing the analytical side will help with peace of mind.

Top Trailer Towing Fears (Ranked by Severity & Frequency)

Here are the top most common trailer towing fears.  Obviously there is room to argue about the list order for Severity and Frequency, so I welcome your input.  In the meantime, this is our perspective.

I see a different list from those new to trailer towing verses from drivers with experience.  Also, a difference for young people versus older (like me).  Let us know in the comments if you have something to add.  Thank you.

1. Trailer Sway (Jackknifing or Losing Control)

Explanation:  Trailer sway occurs when the trailer oscillates from side to side, often due to trailer imbalance, magnified by high speeds, crosswinds, or a passing truck. If not controlled, sway can lead to jackknifing or even flipping the trailer.

How Rational is This Fear?

Highly rational.  Trailer sway is a significant cause of towing-related accidents and fatalities.

The Root Cause:

While not always the case, improper weight distribution in the trailer is most often the cause.  Mostly this is the distribution of weight fore and aft with respect to the axle and tongue, but it can also be distribution vertically – like top heavy.

Other contributors include poor axle alignment, poor trailer attitude, road conditions (like a road with whoops), cross winds, and large side surface areas.  (Some say high speed is a cause, but I classify speed as an aggravating input because other things must be wrong before speed can make a difference.)

How to Prevent It:

The best way to prevent sway is through proper loading of the trailer.  We have a full article about sway, discussing a great video showing the effects.  We also have an article about proper distribution of weight – which includes proper tongue weight.

The next best preventative measure is adjusting your driving to the conditions.  Here is a quick list:

1. If you feel any kind of sway, stop, and redistribute the load.
2. If you can’t stop or redistribute at that moment, then slow down.  (A trailer with less energy (less speed) is much easier to control.)
3. In the moment of sway starting, apply the trailer brakes (NOT the vehicle brakes).  Do this with the trailer brake controller, but don’t depend on this technique.  It is an emergency help only, and you might have only a small window of time where it is effective.  The real solution is to figure out, and solve the cause.
4. If you are pulling a high profile trailer (tall with broad sides), if there are high cross winds, don’t drive.  Stop, park your trailer into the wind, and wait for the storm to pass.  – If that is too inconvenient, maybe you will find a massive crash and a hospital visit is more convenient?!?!

There are a lot of band-aid approaches that can temper trailer towing sway.  I find most of these deceiving because they give false confidence.

• A weight-distributing hitch certainly has an effect.  (Weight distribution hitches are good for what they do, but trailer sway is NOT the reason to use one.)
• Some people use anti-sway mechanisms (often integrated with weight distribution hitches, which only have a small effect).
• Some people claim that driving with both hands on the wheel makes a difference.  Crazy.  It gives an illusion of control.

Read the full article about trailer sway, and our great List of Towing Tips.

How To Get Peace of Mind:

A properly loaded and properly set up trailer will significantly reduce the risk of sway.  Experience towing and knowing what to “feel” for also gives confidence.

Each trip with your trailer, start your highway driving at a slower-ish speed, then gradually increase to the speed you want to travel.  Notice how the trailer feels as speed increases and as other large vehicles pass.  As you experiment you will start to “feel” how the trailer is doing.  If it feels stable, that should bring peace of mind.

2. Something Will Happen, Then I Will Be Stranded

This is by far the most voiced fear I hear.  But it is not just one thing.  This fear encompasses a lot of possibilities, that can create headaches when towing.  It happens, so we will discuss some of the common causes individually.

2a. My Trailer Tire Will Pop!

Explanation:  Overloaded or underinflated tires can overheat and fail, leading to a situation that is certainly not pleasant.  In the worst cases, a blowout can cause a loss of control.  In most cases, however, it means stopping at an inconvenient location to deal with a flat tire – like on the side of a busy highway – hopefully not more than that.

How Rational is This Fear?

Highly rational.  Tire failures are among the most common mechanical failures, supporting these trailer towing fears.

We see a lot of trailers along the road with a wheel missing.  Sometimes the tire and sometimes the wheel.  Yes, this is a rational fear.

The Root Cause:

Tire care.  Modern tires are amazingly tough, but when we neglect them, or ask too much of them they will fail.  Overloading a trailer, or driving on underinflated tires are the most common causes.  Dry-rot and other age issues are often a contributor as well.  Driving at speeds above the tire rating will create problems too.  (Did you know tires have speed ratings?)  Read our full article about trailer tires.

How to Prevent It:

• Regularly check tire pressure and tire condition before trips.
• Inspect the tires looking for signs of aging or sun damage.  Replace the tires when they need it.  (Most trailer tires age-out, rather than wearing out.)
• Avoid overloading.  Maybe I should say that more emphatic?  Do Not put more weight on a tire than it is designed to carry.  Even though that sounds so obvious, people do it all the time.  Don’t be one of them.
• Choose your tires well.  We recommend tires that are rated for 15% capacity over what you need.  Choose tires with a speed rating that exceeds what you will drive.  Don’t push the limits, then the limits won’t find you.
• Some say to use trailer-rated tires (not passenger car tires).  I disagree, as you will see by following the link.

How To Get Peace of Mind:

Make sure the tires are in good condition, proper inflation, reasonable age, no serious dry rot.  Stay below the tire limits – both weight and speed.  (Do you know your tire speed ratings?)

Watch the road and try to avoid obstacles that can pop a tire.  It is not always possible, but awareness is a big help.

Carry a spare tire (make sure it is also in good shape) and know how to change one.  Also, carry the tools to change a tire.  If you do get a flat tire and you have both knowledge and tools, then it is a fairly minor inconvenience.

Modern tires are quite robust, so if yours are in good shape, you should rest easy.  While these trailer towing fears are quite rational, proper care makes these problems significantly less likely.  There are still things that can cause trouble, like hazards on the road, but tire incidents are rare when the tires a good, and treated well.

2b. A Wheel Will Fall Off The Trailer I’m Towing

Explanation:  Trailer wheels falling off?  It happens, usually because of poor maintenance, lack of checking, or bearing failures for the same overloading reasons for tire failure (mentioned above).

How Rational is This Fear?

We see a lot of trailers along the road with a wheel missing.  Sometimes the tire and sometimes the wheel.  Yes, this is a rational fear, but in most cases avoidable with easy steps of prevention.

The Root Cause:

Root cause for wheels falling off?  Most often abuse or neglect – Similar to tires.  Wheel lugs not tight.  Bearings not lubed properly.  Overloading.  To name a few.

I will say that trailer wheels seem to come loose more than automotive wheels.  I don’t have proof, but I think there are 2 things at play:  1)  The trailer has harsher suspension, therefore more and different vibrations.  2)  Many trailer axles are cheap, so are the wheels and axles.  Many are from China.  The wheels don’t fit as well, and the fasteners don’t thread as precise.  The combination of vibrations and cheap part quality means they are more susceptible to vibration loosening.

How to Prevent It:

• Regularly check the wheel lugs, especially – check them yourself after a tire or brake service – just in case the mechanic missed tightening things.  After you have some history with them, you will know if they are going to come loose constantly or not.
• Grease the bearings.  Grease will dry out, especially if it is not used, so check or replace it every year or couple years.  This is especially true for trailers that sit for long periods, and for boat trailers where the wheels go down in the water.
• Avoid overloading.  Like with the tires above, Maybe I should say that more forcefully?  Bearings are awesome, up to their limit, then they disintegrate.  (Oh, and the limits are much, much lower with insufficient lubrication.)
• Like above, don’t push the limits, then the limits won’t find you.

How To Get Peace of Mind:

Stay below the weight limits.  Make sure the bearings are properly lubricated.  If you check the wheel lugs and know they are tight, then you can calm the trailer towing fears around that.

Personally, when I stop for gas, I like to look around.  I look at the wheels, look at the hitch, look at the load.  Put my hand on the tire, then on the wheel hub to see if they are hot.  A little warm is not a problem, but if they are hot, find a place to get service.  Knowledge is power, and in this case, peace of mind.

2c. Trailer Detachment

Explanation:  A trailer coming unhitched on the road is a terrifying thought, though highly preventable.  There have been terrible accidents because of detaching, so the fear is not unreasonable.

What makes this worse is the liability that comes with it.  You are responsible for your trailer, even (or especially) if it comes detached.  Yes, I know, that thought just amplifies the trailer towing fears, but it does not have to be that way.

How Rational is This Fear?

This is up for debate.  If you are the type of person that runs around not paying much attention, then yes, this fear is rational.  However, it is mostly irrational if proper hitching procedures are followed.

Hitches these days are good.  However, the weak point is the human.  If the hitch is not connected, it will not do the job.

How to Prevent It:

• Use a properly rated hitch, then make sure when you set the hitch on the ball, you ALWAYS tighten it.  Some people will set the hitch on the ball, intending to come back and tighten things, but forget.
  My friend always puts his keys on the hitch when getting ready so that he has to go back there and check the hitch (and safety chains) before he can drive the truck.  Whatever gimmick works for you – do it.
• Then, if you do fail to hitch it properly, there are safety chains – but we do not want to ever rely on that, because there will be damage.
• Check that the hitch is latched and locked before driving.
• Use a breakaway system that activates trailer brakes if the connection becomes detached.

How To Get Peace of Mind:

A simple pre-trip check ensures the trailer is secure.  A deliberate second look to assure yourself will eliminate most risks.

One trick I use:  When hitching the trailer, I let the jack down so the tongue rests on the ball, then after connecting the hitch, I jack the trailer tongue back up, to see if it lifts the vehicle.  If it does, then the hitch connection is solid.  Lower the jack and put it into drive position.  That gives peace of mind.

I had an incident where the hitch was not connected.  The coupler was on the ball, and the latch was latched, so it looked right.  However, as I was driving out of the parking lot, I felt a clunk that was not right.  I stopped, then inspected – and found the hitch was not all the way on the ball.  So glad I was paying attention.  Attention – Just like Taxes – pay your attentions, because the penalties are severe.

Simple tricks that work for you are an excellent way to manage trailer towing fears.

3. Brake Failure (or other inability to Stop)

Explanation:  Towing a trailer increases stopping distance.  Brakes may overheat or fail, especially on steep descents or in emergencies.  Unfortunately, brake failures can be catastrophic.

How Rational is This Fear?

Very rational, but largely preventable.  Brake failures, and increased stopping distances can contribute to serious accidents.

How to Prevent It:

There are several preventative measures.  I put them in order of both effectiveness, ease of doing, and significance for calming trailer towing fears.

1. Increase following distance when towing.  Super easy, and super effective.
2. Slow down well in advance of stop lights and other things.  Slow down before going down hills.  When pulling a trailer we have to change the way we drive – in my case, I have to be a lot more patient.
3. Downshift and use engine braking on steep descents to reduce brake wear.
4. Ensure trailer brakes are properly maintained and adjusted.  (When did you last check your trailer brakes?)
5. Use an electronic brake controller, and adjust it specifically for your trailer, for improved braking control.

How To Get Peace of Mind:

Test the brakes before trips and know how they will respond under load, and with emergency stops.  Maintain the brakes regularly.

Funny how so many of these items for peace of mind come down to maintenance and testing.  It is true for trailer brakes too.  Trailer towing fears are so often exaggerated by what we see or hear, yet they should be calmed by knowing you have prepared the trailer for success.

4.  Backing Up and Maneuvering

Explanation:  There are many ways to get into a maneuvering pickle when towing a trailer.  Many drivers struggle with reversing a trailer, fearing jackknifing or hitting obstacles.  Others drive over curbs, or hit safety bars at the gas station.  Some even get stuck on hairpin corners unable to go forward or back.

While there are a lot of ways this can manifest itself, for purposes of this article we will group them all together.  Because, the solution is basically the same.

How Rational is This Fear?

Moderate.  It is a common challenge, and often increased anxiety and frustration, but it rarely leads to serious accidents.

Of the many trailer towing fears we discuss in this article, this is the one that can surprise even seasoned towers.  By not thinking about the trailer, it is pretty easy to end up in a bit of a pickle.  However, if your skills are there (because you have practiced), then there is usually a reasonable way out.

How to Prevent It:

• Practice.  Use an open lot to build confidence.  Put out some cones or boxes to drive around.  Practice backing up, long back ups.  Practice turning wide (and not wide enough) – simulating turns that can lead to hitting curbs, poles, or other vehicles.
• Use a spotter when reversing in tight spaces – not just in practice.  They can watch things from the back that you cannot see.
• Add a back-up camera to the rear of your trailer.
• Go slow.  Use slow, small steering inputs.
• Know before you go.  Choose a route that avoids the things that will get you into a maneuvering pickle.  For instance, choose places and routes that let you drive straight through, without tight turns.  Small parking lots are a good example.  If you can’t see an easy in and out, then don’t go in.  Avoid drive-thru restaurants and places that can get tight.
• Don’t allow others to frustrate you when they are impatient.

How To Get Peace of Mind:

Repetition builds skill, and backup cameras or mirrors make it easier.  Taking time to practice teaches skills – because knowledge is power – so you know what to do and how to do it.  You will quickly learn what you can do, where you can go, and where to avoid.

5.  Conditions That Cause Trailer Towing Stress

Explanation:  With a trailer in tow, there are a lot of conditions that become a little more tricky to handle.  Things like this list:

• Driving on Steep Grades – Going up or down steep hills brings worries about braking, overheating, and maintaining control.
• Difficulty Merging or Changing Lanes – The added length makes finding a safe opening in traffic much harder.
• Low Bridges and Overhead Clearance – Many drivers fear hitting a low overpass, gas station canopy, or other structure.
• Crosswinds and Passing Trucks – Strong winds or large vehicles can create dangerous trailer sway.
• Bad Weather – Rain, snow, or ice can make trailer towing fears significantly more intense, and potentially more dangerous.
• Misjudging the Extra Length –  Similar to Merging above, some drivers worry about length issues for parking or cutting off other vehicles.
• Trailer Theft – When you need to leave your trailer like at a restaurant or hotel.  More of a concern for open trailers, or those carrying attractive expensive toys.

How Rational Are These Fears?

I suppose most of these are rational fears, but all of them are diminished by patience, practice, and preparation.

How to Prevent It:

• The 3 P’s again.
• Patience – like approaching your driving a little slower and with more awareness for things around.  Also being more forgiving of other people that may be impatient, or even rude.  Also, being willing to sit it out if the weather turns particularly bad.  The consequences of impatience are amplified by the size of a rig.
• Practice – makes (almost) perfect.  Time driving with your trailer, especially a large trailer, in an open lot around obstacles will build both skill and confidence.
• Preparation – because you know what is coming.  For instance, having a vehicle that will pull your trailer up the steep hills you will encounter.  Having good brakes on both your tow vehicle and your trailer to handle whatever steep down hills are in your path.  Knowing the height and length of your whole system.
• Preparation – like having the right tools, the right knowledge, and the right skills.

All of the above are amplified by the size of your rig.  The bigger the trailer, the bigger the tow vehicle, the more Practice, Patience and Preparation.

How To Get Peace of Mind:

When you have the 3 P’s, you will have peace of mind about all sorts of conditions that will cause other drivers stress when towing.

6.  Some Miscellaneous Trailer Towing Fears

Explanation:  I think it is important to mention these, if for no other reason than to acknowledge some things we need to do.

• Forgetting to Check Trailer Lights & Connections – A common concern that can lead to unsafe driving conditions.
• Losing Visibility in Blind Spots – Some trailers will create a major blind spot.  That hinders backing, seeing what is coming from behind you, and making lane changes.
• Getting Stopped by Police – because something is not exactly right.

How Rational Are These Fears?

Not quite irrational, but getting close.  You can make these real, or you can check things to be sure of yourself.

How to Prevent It:

The bigger the trailer, the bigger the tow vehicle, the more Practice, Patience and Preparation.  Certainly things like checking connections fits in the Preparation, as does worries about police.

The blind spot fears are definitely a concern.  Some ways people overcome these are with cameras.  A good wireless camera on the end of the trailer can go a long way to seeing things behind.  Other than that, Practice with the mirrors.  Practice using your signals.  Practice backing up with someone guiding you from off to the side.  And don’t forget to Prepare and Practice both verbal and hand signals so everything will communicate smoothly.

How To Get Peace of Mind:

When you have the 3 P’s, you will also have Peace of Mind with your trailer towing.

Additional Solutions To Trailer Towing Fears

When building a trailer you can make sure some of these fears go to the irrational side.  For instance, start with a solid trailer plan.  Our trailers are designed for the ways people use (and to a small extent, abuse) them.  They are not really overkill if you like safety and expect them to perform.  We know a lot of places make “lighter duty” trailers and sell them for use in conditions that are not acceptable to us, but that is their thing – not ours.

I see a lot of failures – even when the use is well within the specified conditions.  I have actually been helping one customer in this last week with a trailer rated for 24K, but has a hard time with even 18K.  Here is another story about a bent tongue.  That is NOT how we design things.

The idea of going a little overboard in certain areas is valuable.  The most common issues with trailers are the around the tires, hubs and bearings.  It is pretty cheap to buy the next heavier axle (because it has bigger bearings) and tires that are rated for more than ever expected.  Those 2 things will avoid a lot of problems because you are not running against the limits of component capability.

You can say the same thing about safety equipment.  When building a trailer, the hitch, ball, drawbar, and safety chains that are the next capacity up are only slightly more expensive, but will give you great peace of mind.  I say the same thing for the tongue jack.  If you never operate at the limits, then you will never have reason to worry about wearing out, or failure.

Key Takeaways:

While some trailer towing fears are exaggerated, most stem from a real concern that can be managed with knowledge, preparation, and experience.  If you are new to towing, a little caution is good – but no need to stress over things that are highly unlikely!

Some fears, like sway and braking issues, are very rational and require caution.  Others, like trailer detachment, are unlikely if your equipment is in good condition, and you check things properly.

The best way to reduce anxiety is with education – which includes learning, of course, but also Practice.

Pre-trip safety checks, proper equipment, and practice will significantly reduce the risks, and calm trailer towing fears.  Practice gives experience, which gives confidence, and gives peace of mind.

By understanding the fears – YOUR fears – and how to prevent them, you can have less anxiety, and less fear.  And, a safer experience. Always take the time to check your setup, then drive within your abilities.

Good luck with all your trailer towing!

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