Abstract: A trailer load limit protection system limits operation of a vehicle when towing a trailer having a weight that exceeds a maximum allowable weight limit for the vehicle. The protection system limits operation of the vehicle when it determines an actual acceleration of the vehicle when towing the trailer is less than a predicted vehicle acceleration for the vehicle when towing a trailer having a weight equal to a maximum allowable trailer weight for the vehicle. Vehicle operation is also limited when it is determined that an actual transmission shift point is occurring before a predicted transmission shift point for the vehicle when towing a trailer having a weight equal to a maximum allowable trailer weight for the vehicle. Vehicle operation is limited by controlling a maximum allowable speed of the vehicle or preventing the transmission on the vehicle from being shifted from a park position to a drive position.