Know Before you Tow: Five Myths About Towing

There are a variety of misconceptions about towing, and several myths have bubbled up to the surface over the years

Here's the scenario: you need to rent or borrow a trailer, and you've never towed before. Millions of Americans have gone through this, and there are a variety of things that you need to do - even before you agree to rent (or borrow) that trailer. You must ensure you have the right vehicle, with the proper setup, and one that is in good condition - before you proceed. You can always rent something that can tow, if needed.

For the uninitiated, towing can look intimidating. Yes, there are safety concerns, but the actual act is relatively straightforward. Whether you’re towing a rental trailer or a car on a dolly, the fundamentals are similar. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation about what’s needed (and what’s not) to tow safely. Here are the top five myths about towing.

5. Electric vehicles cannot tow - False.

While some EVs aren’t rated for towing, many are. Each has a manufacturer-specified towing capacity you must know. Some, like the Hyundai Kona EV, are rated at just 1,500 lbs, while others, like the Chevrolet Silverado EV, can pull over 12,000 lbs - when properly equipped. Keep in mind, towing will sharply reduce your range; as a rule of thumb, expect about half your normal range unless your vehicle automatically compensates.

4. Towing will ruin your vehicle - False.

Unless you push your vehicle past its limits, occasional towing shouldn’t be a problem -provided it’s in good condition. Ensure your vehicle is healthy, follow the automaker’s stated towing capacity, use the proper setup, keep within weight limits, and you should be fine. One crucial point: driving a steady pace, minimizing stressful braking and ensuring good load-weight distribution can genuinely help.

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3. You need a special license to tow - False.

Unless you're towing a commercially-rated load, you would be surprised at what you're permitted to tow. Some states differ, but generally, you do not need a CDL if the combined weight of your truck and trailer (loaded) is less than 26,001 pounds. That's what's known as your Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). I'm not saying to slap a 20,000-lb trailer behind your vehicle right away, but the legalities are easy enough to research and understand. Each state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) also offers several resources that you can tap into.

2. You need a pickup truck (or SUV) to tow - False.

There's a caveat to this, as using a vehicle with a frame is preferred when pulling larger trailers, but it's not always necessary. Structural strength with many modern cars allows unibody and integrated subframe designs to pull impressive loads. I caution some folks on the results because having a frame often isolates a lot of the movement the trailer makes, along with the vibrations felt throughout the cabin. This is why many who tow prefer a pickup truck with a beefy frame underneath. Even towing lighter loads with a frame-based vehicle is often easier on the car and the driver.

1. You need training before towing for the first time - True or False.

If you've never pulled a trailer before, it's a good idea to (at the very least) check out some safety videos that help with the basics. While there is no certificate or course required by law for basic trailer towing, some tutelage is prudent. Given that U-Haul is one of the largest trailer rental companies in the United States, I am using their information for your reference. U-Haul offers a series of "Safe Trailering" videos to educate customers on the proper and safe way to tow trailers. These videos cover various aspects, including basic introduction, hooking up a trailer, loading and securing the load, backing up, and driving with a trailer. Additionally, if you know anyone with towing experience, and they are willing to help out, a few lessons in an empty parking lot can truly help. That's even true with towing tiny trailers.

Final thoughts

It's vitally important that you cover the basics before towing. Things like maintaining the proper towing and payload ratings are vital, as is ensuring you have the correct braking system. You may need to add mirror extensions to your vehicle if your trailer limits too much of your rear view. Once again, a lot of this can be easily addressed with a bit of research. If you can remember to keep your speeds reasonable, refrain from overtaxing your vehicle, and follow a few rules, towing can be pretty straightforward. Once you get used to it, you'll find it a valuable tool for both its sheer utility and potential for outdoor adventure fun.

This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.