11 of the most common towing mistakes and how to avoid them

By Cheri Sicard
Towing an RV can be tricky, especially if you’re new to it. There are a lot of things that could go wrong if you aren’t careful. In the (graphic) video below, the team from Rollin’ With RVer highlights 11 common towing mistakes that can have disastrous results.

Common RV towing mistakes and how to avoid them

#1 Overloading your RV

Overloading your RV is a big no-no. It’s not just about cramming too much stuff into your rig. It’s a serious safety issue that can turn your road trip into a disaster. Every vehicle has weight limits, and they’re there for a reason. When you go over these limits, you’re putting yourself and others at risk. Let’s break it down:

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the maximum weight your vehicle can safely handle, including its own weight plus everything you load into it.
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): This includes your tow vehicle, the RV, and all the cargo in both.

Exceeding these limits is like trying to carry too many grocery bags at once. You might make it a few steps but, eventually, you’ll lose control. Know your limits and stick to them.

#2 Tongue weight tango—Finding the perfect balance

Tongue weight might sound like a term from a medical textbook, but it’s a critical factor in RV towing safety. Tongue weight is the downward force that the tongue of your trailer puts on the hitch of your tow vehicle. Get this wrong, and you’re in for a wild ride. If you’ve got too much weight at the back of your trailer, the tongue becomes too light. This can cause the trailer to sway or fishtail, especially at higher speeds or in windy conditions. It’s like trying to balance a broom on your finger—one small movement, and the whole thing goes haywire.

On the flip side, too much tongue weight isn’t good either. When the tongue is too heavy, it pushes down on the back of your tow vehicle. This lifts the front wheels, reducing traction and making steering difficult. It’s like trying to drive a wheelie—not exactly the safest way to travel.

The sweet spot for tongue weight is typically between 10% and 15% of your trailer’s total weight. So, if your trailer weighs 5,000 lbs., you’re looking at a tongue weight of 500-750 lbs.

#3 Unsecured cargo

We’ve all seen it: Debris flying off a vehicle on the highway, causing chaos for everyone behind. When you’re towing an RV, that debris could be your belongings if you haven’t secured them properly. It’s not just about keeping your stuff intact. It’s about preventing a potentially deadly situation for other drivers.

The solution is to think like a sailor preparing for a storm at sea. Use bungee cords, Velcro straps, or specialized RV organizers to keep items in place. Heavy objects should be stored low and close to the center of the RV. Lighter items can go in higher cabinets, but make sure those cabinet latches are secure.

Don’t forget about the outside of your RV. Bikes, kayaks, or any other gear strapped to the exterior need to be locked down tight. Use high-quality straps and check them regularly during your trip. A loose strap can quickly lead to a lost item or, worse, an accident.

#4 Skipping weight distribution and sway control

Towing an RV isn’t as simple as hooking it up and hitting the road. Without the right equipment, you could find yourself in a dangerous tug-of-war with your trailer. This is where weight distribution hitches and sway control devices come into play.

Think of a weight distribution hitch like a set of suspenders for your trailer. It spreads the load, keeping everything level and balanced. This improves your steering, braking, and overall stability. It’s not just about comfort. It’s about maintaining control of your rig in all conditions.

But weight distribution is only part of the equation. Sway control is equally important, especially for larger trailers. Trailer sway can be caused by crosswinds, passing trucks, or even small steering corrections. Once it starts, it can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation. Sway control devices work by creating friction between the tow vehicle and trailer, reducing the trailer’s tendency to sway. Some are built into weight distribution hitches, while others are separate components. Either way, they provide an extra layer of security and stability.

#5 Neglecting tire pressure

Get this wrong and you’re risking a blowout, poor handling, and even a rollover. Underinflated tires are a common issue. They can overheat, leading to a blowout. They also increase rolling resistance, which means worse fuel economy and more wear on your tires. Plus, underinflated tires can cause your trailer to sway more easily, compromising your control.

On the flip side, overinflated tires aren’t any better. They give you a harsher ride and can wear unevenly. More importantly, they have less contact with the road surface, reducing traction and increasing stopping distances.

Here’s a pro tip: Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold, meaning before you’ve driven for the day. Driving heats up the air in your tires, which can give you an inaccurate reading. And don’t forget to check your spare tire, too. You never know when you might need it.

#6 Inadequate braking systems

When you’re towing an RV, you’re not just doubling your vehicle’s length, you’re also significantly increasing its weight. That extra weight means you need extra stopping power. An inadequate braking system is like trying to stop a runaway train with bicycle brakes. It’s a recipe for disaster.

If your trailer weighs more than 3,000 lbs., which most RVs do, it needs its own braking system. This isn’t just a good idea, it’s the law in many states. Trailer brakes work with your tow vehicle’s brakes, providing the extra stopping power you need. You also need a brake controller in your tow vehicle. This device lets you adjust the trailer brakes’ intensity and timing. Without it, your trailer brakes are useless.

There are two main types of brake controllers: time-delayed and proportional. Time-delayed controllers apply the trailer brakes at a preset rate when you hit the brake pedal. Proportional controllers, on the other hand, sense how hard you’re braking and apply the trailer brakes accordingly. While both work, proportional controllers generally provide smoother, more responsive braking.

It’s crucial to adjust your brake controller correctly. If it’s set too light, your trailer won’t slow down enough. Set it too heavy, and you risk your trailer’s brakes locking up, potentially causing a skid or jackknife situation.

Don’t forget about maintenance. Your trailer brakes need regular checks and adjustments. Brake pads wear out, especially when carrying heavy loads. And remember, your tow vehicle brakes are working harder, too. They might need more frequent servicing when you’re regularly towing.

#7 Poor mirror setup

Standard vehicle mirrors often don’t provide adequate visibility when towing an RV. You need to be able to see the entire length of your trailer and the traffic behind you. Invest in quality towing mirrors that extend your field of view. These can be clip-on extensions or replacements for your existing mirrors.

You should be able to see the sides of your RV and the road behind you. A good rule of thumb is to adjust your mirrors so you can just see the edge of your trailer in the innermost part of the mirror.

Consider adding convex mirrors to your setup. These provide a wider field of view, though objects in them appear smaller and farther away than they actually are. Some RVs also install backup cameras for additional visibility when reversing.

#8 Tailgating

When you’re towing an RV, your vehicle’s stopping distance increases significantly. The heavier the load, the longer it takes to come to a complete stop. Many accidents occur because drivers fail to account for this increased stopping distance.

Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 1 second of following distance for every 10 feet of your vehicle’s length, then add an extra second for speeds over 50 mph. In poor weather conditions, increase this distance even further.

Anticipate stops well in advance. Begin slowing down earlier than you would in a regular vehicle. This gives you more time to react to unexpected situations and reduces the strain on your braking system. Watch for brake lights far ahead of you, not just on the vehicle immediately in front.

Remember that your stopping distance will be even longer on wet or icy roads. In these conditions, reduce your speed and increase your following distance accordingly. If possible, avoid towing in severe weather conditions altogether.

#9 Maneuvering mishaps

Maneuvering a large RV requires a different approach to turning. Turning too sharply can result in your trailer hitting the curb, a sign, or even another vehicle. It can also lead to jackknifing, where the trailer swings around toward the tow vehicle. On the other hand, swinging too wide can put you in the path of oncoming traffic or cause you to clip objects on the outside of your turn. Finding the right balance is crucial for safe maneuvering.

The key is to start your turn later than you would in a regular vehicle, using the space to make a wider arc. Keep an eye on your trailer and your mirrors as you turn. With practice, you’ll develop a feel for how your moves go. Remember the tail swing. The rear of your trailer will swing out in the opposite direction of your turn. Be aware of objects or vehicles on the inside of your turn that could be hit by this swing.

When approaching a turn, slow down more than you think is necessary. It’s better to take a turn too slowly than too quickly. If you realize you’ve misjudged a turn, stop and back up if safe to do so. Never try to force a turn if it doesn’t feel right.

#10 Ignoring clearance heights

Many RV owners have learned the hard way that not all bridges, underpasses, or gas station canopies are tall enough for their rigs. Hitting a low clearance can cause severe damage to your RV and create hazardous situations for other drivers.

Know the exact height of your RV, including any roof-mounted equipment like air conditioners or satellite dishes. Keep this information readily available in your tow vehicle. Consider writing it on a sticky note and placing it on your dashboard.

Pay attention to clearance signs and plan your route in advance to avoid low bridges or underpasses. Use RV-specific GPS devices or apps that can alert you to low clearances along your route.

Be especially cautious in areas without posted height limits, such as tree-lined roads or older neighborhoods. Overhanging branches or low-hanging wires can cause significant damage to your RV’s roof. If you’re ever in doubt about a clearance, don’t risk it. Find an alternate route or get out and measure if necessary. It’s better to spend a few extra minutes checking than to risk a costly and dangerous collision.

#11 Skipping the pre-trip inspection

A thorough pre-trip inspection can prevent many problems before they occur on the road. Develop a checklist and go through it before every trip, no matter how short. This might seem time-consuming, but it’s far less inconvenient than dealing with a breakdown or accident on the road.

Start with a visual inspection of your entire rig. Walk around your RV and tow vehicle looking for any obvious issues like low tires, loose connections, or damage. Check all your lights, including brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. Have someone help you verify that all lights are working correctly. Don’t forget to check your electric brake connections if your trailer is so equipped.

Inspect your tires for proper inflation and signs of wear. Remember to check your spare tire, as well. Look for cracks, bulges, or objects embedded in the tread. Verify that your hitch is securely connected and all safety chains are properly attached. Double-check that your breakaway switch is connected and functioning correctly.

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