The Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Towing Heavy Loads

The Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Towing Heavy Loads

SCOTT MCCUSKEY @ July 31, 2025

Stay Safe, Stay Smart, and Protect Your Gear

Towing is more than just hooking up and heading out. Whether you're pulling a utility trailer, a camper, or heavy-duty equipment, there’s a lot riding on your setup—literally. A single mistake can lead to damaged cargo, unsafe driving conditions, or even accidents.

At Patriot Hitches, we believe knowledge is just as important as quality equipment. So let’s break down the top 5 towing mistakes we see all too often—and how you can avoid them.

1. Ignoring Your Tow Vehicle's Limits

This might seem obvious, but it’s a common one. Many people focus only on the trailer or the hitch and forget to check what their vehicle can actually handle.

Every truck or SUV has a maximum towing capacity. That number isn’t just a suggestion—it’s calculated based on your brakes, suspension, transmission, and frame strength. Exceed it, and you’re putting your vehicle (and safety) at risk.

Pro Tip: Always check your owner’s manual before loading up. And remember, tongue weight (how much weight the trailer puts directly on the hitch) is just as important as total weight.

2. Using the Wrong Hitch Setup

Not all hitches are created equal. Using the wrong size, class, or mount can result in a poor connection—or worse, a failure while on the road.

That’s why adjustable hitches like The Major from Patriot Hitches are so popular. They give you flexibility in height and ball size, so you’re always towing level and secure.

What to avoid:

• Mismatched ball sizes and couplers
• Non-adjustable hitches that cause uneven trailer alignment
• Hitch ratings lower than your trailer’s weight

A properly matched hitch is your first line of defense.

3. Skipping the Safety Chains

We get it—if everything feels solid, safety chains might seem like overkill. But here’s the truth: things can go wrong. Safety chains are your backup plan if the coupler ever disconnects from the ball.

Chains should cross under the hitch in an X pattern, creating a cradle that can catch the tongue of the trailer. They should also have enough slack to allow for turns—but not so much that they drag.

It’s one of those details that takes just seconds, but could save your trailer (and your day) if something fails.

4. Not Balancing Your Load Correctly

Load distribution is everything. If your trailer is nose-heavy or tail-heavy, you’ll feel it while driving. It could cause:

• Swaying or fishtailing
• Poor braking performance
• Excess stress on your hitch and vehicle

As a general rule, 60% of the weight should be in the front half of the trailer. Keep heavier items low and centered, and double-check with a tongue weight scale if needed.

Need more tips on load balance? We talk about it in our blog: How Much Can Your Hitch Really Handle?

5. Forgetting Routine Maintenance

Your hitch may be tough—but it's not invincible. Skipping basic upkeep like greasing the ball mount or checking for rust can cause long-term damage.

At Patriot Hitches, we build products with powder-coated, rust-resistant finishes and anti-rattle systems, but we still recommend:

• Cleaning your hitch regularly
• Lubricating moving parts
• Inspecting pins, locks, and welds every few trips

Even the best gear needs a little love to keep performing its best.

Why These Mistakes Matter

Towing is about more than just strength—it’s about safety, confidence, and control. One overlooked detail can lead to stress on the road, or even danger.

By avoiding these five common mistakes, you’re setting yourself up for smoother, safer hauls—whether it's for work, camping, or cross-country travel.

Looking for a Smarter, Safer Hitch?

At Patriot Hitches, we offer rugged, adjustable towing solutions that adapt to your lifestyle. Whether you’re switching trailers or adjusting for different heights, our hitches give you the flexibility and durability you need—with a lifetime warranty to back it up.

Explore our lineup:

View All Patriot Hitches