We have a GE washer and it keeps making the load unbalanced

Take the lid off and see if the weights, springs and shock absorbers are all fixed securely and working.

yes it depends on the size of the towels , try doing only 5

This sounds like a problem with an unbalanced washer or unbalanced load. Your washer has four leveling rubber screws underneath. To keep it from rocking make sure all four points are touching the floor at all times. Washer machine being level is a great plus. Also it could be the amount of clothes put into the washer. The more clothes you put in the less chance of your load being uneven.

Replace the "tub damping straps" on the unit. Here are the parts to order and the is a video on that same page to show you how to access it. I think there are 4 straps on that unit.

counterweight brick under the tub if it has broken the straps holding it in place it will make loud unbalanced tub sounds quick and easy fix

I'm not a repair professional. I am just a 78 year man who has done his own washer repair for about 50 years. You might have a bad lid switch that keeps the washer from spinning. You might have an unbalanced load in the machine which makes the noise. The unbalanced load might also be the cause of not spinning.

It is probably from an unbalanced load of clothes. Just move the clothes around so they are not clumped together.

it's off balance

Sounds like the suspension for the drum is having problems - there are usually springs holding the drum up and acting as shocks - one of the springs may have come off during an unbalanced load.

Towels are heavy so it likely became unbalanced and triggered a shutdown.
press the signal button for 10 sec