Towing a travel trailer can be a thrilling way to explore the world on your own terms, but it also comes with great responsibility. If you’re new to towing or simply looking to refine your skills, ensuring a safe journey should be your top priority. A well-prepared driver can prevent accidents, reduce stress, and enjoy the adventure without unnecessary risks.
From choosing the right vehicle to managing trailer sway, here are 10 essential safety tips for towing a travel trailer that every traveler should know.
1. Understand Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity
Before you even think about hitting the road, you need to know whether your vehicle can handle the weight of your trailer. Every car, truck, or SUV has a maximum towing capacity defined by the manufacturer, and exceeding this limit can lead to dangerous handling, brake failure, and transmission damage. Your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) are key figures to check in your owner’s manual. The last thing you want is to strain your vehicle beyond its limits, putting both yourself and others at risk.
2. Choosing the Right Hitch Matters
Your hitch is the connection between your vehicle and your trailer, making it one of the most important components of safe towing. The right hitch depends on the size and weight of your trailer. For smaller trailers, a standard weight-carrying hitch may be sufficient, but for larger travel trailers, a weight distribution hitch can help balance the load, improving stability and reducing trailer sway. Safety chains should always be used and crossed beneath the hitch to provide backup security in case the hitch fails.
Check out our selection of hitch accessories to ensure a secure and hassle-free towing experience.
3. Properly Distribute Weight to Prevent Swaying
One of the biggest challenges drivers face when towing a trailer is managing sway. A properly loaded trailer makes a world of difference when it comes to handling. The golden rule for weight distribution is the 60/40 rule—about 60% of the total weight should be toward the front half of the trailer, with 40% distributed toward the rear. This setup helps maintain stability, reducing the chances of fishtailing or an out-of-control sway event. Inside the trailer, ensure that everything is securely strapped down to prevent items from shifting during transit.
4. Perform a Pre-Trip Inspection Every Time
Whether it’s your first time towing a trailer or your hundredth, a pre-trip inspection should always be part of your routine. Start by checking the tire pressure on both your vehicle and trailer—underinflated tires can cause blowouts, while overinflated ones can reduce traction. Make sure the brake lights, turn signals, and running lights are working correctly. Test your braking system to ensure the trailer’s brakes engage smoothly. Mirrors should be adjusted to provide clear visibility along both sides of the trailer, and towing mirrors may be necessary for longer rigs.
5. Adjust Your Driving Habits for Safe Towing
Towing a trailer changes the way your vehicle handles, making it essential to adapt your driving style. Slower speeds provide greater control, and many states even have lower speed limits for vehicles towing trailers. Keep a safe following distance, as stopping distances increase dramatically when towing. Avoid sudden acceleration or braking, as abrupt movements can lead to trailer instability. When making turns, go wider than usual to prevent the trailer from clipping curbs or other obstacles. If you’re traveling through steep areas, using lower gears can help reduce strain on the engine and brakes.
6. Be Prepared for Trailer Sway and How to Handle It
One of the most nerve-wracking experiences when towing a trailer is encountering trailer sway, especially in high winds or when passing large trucks. If your trailer starts to sway, the worst thing you can do is overcorrect by steering sharply or slamming the brakes. Instead, ease off the accelerator and manually apply the trailer brakes using the brake controller. Keeping your hands steady on the wheel and gradually slowing down will help stabilize the trailer.
7. Choose the Right Car for Towing a Trailer
Not every vehicle is designed for towing, and if you’re in the market for a car for towing a trailer, there are several factors to consider. A higher towing capacity is essential for larger travel trailers, and vehicles with higher torque perform better when pulling heavy loads, especially on inclines. Features like trailer sway control, integrated brake controllers, and a tow/haul mode can make towing significantly safer. While SUVs and pickup trucks are generally the best choices for towing, some crossovers equipped with a tow package can also do the job efficiently.
8. Plan Your Route and Consider Road Conditions
Towing a trailer means you can’t take every road you normally would in a smaller vehicle. Some roads, especially those with sharp turns, steep grades, or low bridges, can be challenging or even impossible to navigate with a trailer in tow. Before heading out, use a GPS system designed for RVs and trailers to find the safest routes. Be mindful of weather conditions as well—strong crosswinds, heavy rain, or icy roads can significantly impact your ability to control your trailer.
9. Take Regular Breaks and Stay Alert
Long-distance travel while towing a trailer can be exhausting, and fatigue is one of the leading causes of accidents. It’s a good idea to take breaks every two hours to rest, stretch, and inspect your trailer for any potential issues. During these stops, check the hitch connection, tire pressure, and trailer lights to ensure everything remains in good condition. If you start feeling tired behind the wheel, pull over at a rest area and take a break or switch drivers if possible.
10. Know the Legal Requirements
Towing regulations in Canada vary by province, and understanding these laws is essential to ensure both compliance and safety. If you’re planning a road trip across provincial borders, knowing the specific rules for trailer weight limits, brake requirements, and speed restrictions can help you avoid fines and unnecessary risks.
In Canada, most provinces require trailers over 1,360 kg (3,000 lbs) to be equipped with independent braking systems to improve stopping power and prevent strain on the towing vehicle. Additionally, safety chains are mandatory across all provinces, ensuring the trailer remains connected even in the event of hitch failure.
Before setting off on a long journey, it’s a good idea to check provincial regulations for towing weight limits, brake laws, mirror requirements, and insurance policies. Each province may have unique requirements, so a little research can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and legal towing experience in Canada.
Plan an Enjoyable Trip & Safe Towing
Towing a travel trailer is more than just hitching up and hitting the road, it’s a skill that requires knowledge, preparation, and patience. Whether you’re new to towing or a seasoned traveler, understanding your vehicle’s towing capacity, properly loading your trailer, and making smart driving decisions are key to ensuring a safe and smooth journey.
We provide a wide selection of high-quality travel trailers designed to enhance your road trip experience. Plus, our team of experts is always ready to guide you through the safe towing process, ensuring you have the right setup for your journey.
You can also check our trailer inventory here!
