Top Trailer Towing Truths to Help You Unhook the Myths

Trailer towing is one of those things that everyone seems to have an opinion on, especially the bloke down the road who reckons he’s been towing since before you were born. But while confidence is good, bad advice can cost you in a big way. At Big Man, we’re all about helping you tow safely, sensibly, and without stress. So let’s bust a few of the most common myths about trailer towing and get to the truth.

Myth 1: Tongue Weight Doesn’t Matter

Wrong. Tongue weight is a critical factor in towing safety. If it’s too heavy, you’ll put pressure on the rear of your tow vehicle, making steering difficult. Too light, and the trailer can lift at the front, increasing your chances of losing control; hello trailer sway! The sweet spot? Keep your trailer’s tongue weight at around 10–15% of the trailer weight resting on the tow ball. Using a weight distribution system and keeping heavy gear properly secured over the axles helps maintain this balance.

A fully loaded trailer that’s improperly balanced puts everyone on the road at risk, especially when the loaded weight isn’t distributed evenly across the axles.

Myth 2: GCM and GVM are Basically the Same

They’re not. While they might sound similar, GCM (Gross Combination Mass) and GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) are two different limits, and both matter when you’re towing.

GVM is the maximum legal vehicle weight when fully loaded, including passengers, fuel, gear, and towball download. GCM is the combined weight of your vehicle and your trailer. These numbers are usually listed in your owner’s manual, and exceeding them can result in poor handling, voided warranties, and serious safety concerns.

Always check your vehicle’s towing capacity, the trailer’s tare weight (that’s its empty weight) and your gross trailer mass to ensure you can safely tow before you start hitching up, especially if you’re towing anything more than a small box trailer.

Myth 3: Any Tow Ball Will Do the Job

Hitch balls come in a range of sizes and need to match your trailer exactly. Using the wrong one is dangerous: it compromises the connection and increases the chance of the trailer coming loose. A mismatched hitch can’t be “fixed” with safety chains. Always use a properly rated tow bar and tow ball combination that suits your trailer and your vehicle’s setup. If you’re unsure what that is and want to avoid the tow trucks, check the vehicle manufacturer guidelines in the owner’s manual or online.

Myth 4: You Always Need Towing Mirrors by Law

Not quite. The legal requirement kicks in only if your trailer blocks your rearward view. If your standard mirrors give you a clear line of sight behind your trailer, you’re all good. That said, even if it’s not legally required, towing mirrors are a smart upgrade that will help keep you safe. One of the simplest towing tips we can give is this: better visibility equals better judgement, and safer towing, especially when you’re driving at or near the posted speed limit.

Myth 5: You Can’t Reverse with a Trailer

Does this one really need to be dispelled? Reversing with a trailer isn’t impossible, it’s just tricky. If you’ve never done it, it’ll take some practice (and probably a bit of colourful language). Whether you’re backing a small trailer into a tight spot or swinging a fully loaded trailer around at a job site, the key is to go slow, avoid sharp turns, and when in doubt, get someone outside the vehicle to help guide you. Start practising in an open space with plenty of room to stuff it up safely, and work your way up to tight spots later.

Myth 6: Trailer Bearings Take Care of Themselves

Nope. Trailer wheel bearings cop a lot of wear and tear, especially if you’re towing regularly or near salt water. They should be inspected, cleaned, and greased at least once a year. Neglecting them can lead to seizing wheels, damaged axles, and you stranded on the side of the road kicking yourself. A good trailer service will always include bearing maintenance, so don’t skip it.

Myth 7: Hitching a 5th Wheel is the Same as a Standard Trailer

5th wheels use a hitch in the ute tray rather than a tow bar mounted at the rear. Because of that, the loaded mass sits between the cab and the axle, not hanging off the back. This makes them ideal for bigger payloads, but only if you’ve got the right tow vehicle. And don’t forget: even 5th wheels need to stay within the aggregate trailer mass limit for your ute. Always check the towing rules in your state before setting off.

Towing Truth: Get the Facts Before You Hit the Road

From checking your maximum towing capacity and having an efficient braking system that can handle the load, to matching your hitch gear and following common-sense towing tips, there’s a lot that goes into getting it right, especially when you’re dealing with larger trailers designed for heavy loads or commercial use. Understanding your limits and sticking to the right setup is the foundation of safe driving when towing any trailer.

So next time someone offers up a bit of backyard wisdom, give it a second thought and check the facts. And if you’re still running a trailer that doesn’t pull its weight (literally or figuratively), it might be time to upgrade.

At Big Man, we’ve been building some of Australia’s toughest and most reliable trailers for more than a decade. With an extensive range of galvanised trailers, including tradie trailers, single axle trailers, hydraulic tipper trailers, and more, we’ve got something for everyone, no matter the job. Choose a Big Man trailer and get sorted with something that’s built to last!