One of the most common problems motorists encounter while towing a trailer is the trailer fishtailing, as motorists accelerate to highway speed.
If this occurs, take your foot off the accelerator and allow the vehicles to slow. This should stop the fishtailing. If the oscillation resumes as you increase speed, pull off the road and stop.
There are many reasons a trailer may fishtail, but the most common is an improperly distributed load. Check your load to make sure it is distributed evenly from side to side. Also, make sure you do not have too much weight in the back of the trailer. Experts recommend that 10 to 15 percent of the trailer weight be on the hitch.
Avoid overcompensating by placing too much weight in the front of the trailer. This will increase the hitch weight to make the tow vehicle squat in the rear. A tow vehicle that rides low in the rear will not steer properly and the additional weight on the rear axle, hubs and tires could cause damage.