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The Honda Ridgeline is a reliable and hardworking vehicle that many Americans own and trust to get from A to B as both a mode of transport and a utility vehicle!
With a decent tray and reliable components, if you own a Honda Ridgeline you more than likely use it for towing as well as lugging equipment and other personal things around.
If you’ve got a Honda Ridgeline and something that needs towing o rare wondering whether the Honda Ridgeline is an appropriate utility vehicle for you, we’ll cover in this article:
And plenty more. Let’s get started!
Although the towing capacity of the Honda Ridgeline is typically less than that of certain rival trucks, it should nevertheless be enough for many recreational and utility trucking jobs!
So, while it isn’t the premier towing truck, it is a truck that will reliably perform most day-to-day towing jobs.
The 2021 all-wheel-drive Ridgeline has a top-end towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, which means it will comfortably be able to tow boats, compact travel trailers, utility trailers, and anything else up to that weight.
Two-wheel-drive models, or earlier models, may have lesser towing capacity.
The Honda Ridgeline is a distinct pickup vehicle that blends the utility of a pickup with the comfort and flexibility of an SUV.
It differs from conventional body-on-frame trucks with its unibody design and independent rear suspension, which provides a smoother ride and better handling.
Understanding a vehicle’s capabilities and limitations is essential before towing to maximize performance, ensure safety, and prevent damage!
There are unique towing requirements for the Honda Ridgeline that must be observed.
To assist you in making wise choices while using your Honda Ridgeline for towing reasons, this article will address frequently asked questions concerning towing with the Ridgeline!
While the Honda Ridgeline is a capable towing vehicle in its own right, there are plenty of aspects you can investigate to get better performance out of your Ridgeline when towing.
These include different equipment that will help improve performance or techniques and methods that will help you get the most out of your Honda Ridgeline.
Selecting the appropriate hitch is fundamental to proper towing with a Honda Ridgeline!
Hitches come in various classes, each designed for specific towing capacities.
Class I hitches are suitable for lighter loads and will not perform well or may fail with heavier loads.
Class IV hitches are appropriate for heavier loads and will be much safer and more effective if you’re towing something weighty like a boat.
Ensuring that your chosen hitch is compatible with your Ridgeline’s towing specifications (like ball mount height and receiver size) and making sure that you are using the appropriate hitch for the weight of the job will be crucial to safer, more effective towing!
A trailer brake controller is a good idea when towing heavier loads.
A trailer brake controller ensures that the trailer’s brakes synchronize with the towing vehicle which is much safer and more reliable than desynchronized independent braking.
There are proportional and time-delayed brake controllers available, which have their advantages and are worth investigating based on the sort of towing you are likely to do with your Honda Ridgeline.
A weight distribution hitch improves stability and control, especially when towing larger trailers.
The weight distribution hitch redistributes the tongue weight more evenly across the towing vehicle and trailer axles, which prevents issues like swaying. This helps improve your vehicle’s handling.
Safely loading your trailer is key to getting the best towing performance you can.
Understanding weight distribution, firmly tying down your load, and not allowing any heavy loose items to shit about as you drive will not only make your drive more pleasant but will also make your towing experience much safer for both yourself and other drivers or road users!
The Honda Ridgeline is still a capable and tough vehicle, despite not being as tough as other classic body-on-frame pickups.
Its unibody design offers a stable towing platform, and the independent rear suspension guarantees a smooth ride.
The Honda Ridgeline stands out as a great midsize towing vehicle.
There are plenty of trucks that are far worse for towing than the Ridgeline and others that are better. Here, we’ll compare the Honda Ridgeline with its competition to see where it stands.
The Honda Ridgeline’s towing capacity is about 5,000 lbs, which is plenty of towing capacity for most regular towing while being less than something like the Toyota Tacoma.
Choosing between the Toyota Tacoma or Honda Ridgeline depends on your individual requirements and preferences.
Although the Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 lbs more than the Ridgeline, the Ridgeline delivers a smoother, more pleasant ride and superior handling.
Which option is best for you will depend on how important towing capacity is compared to ride quality and handling!
The Honda Ridgeline comes with a lot of strong advantages that recommend it as a daily towing vehicle, including:
Smooth Ride: The Ridgeline is known for its car-like ride quality, and a more comfortable driving experience compared to some of its truck counterparts.
Innovative Features: The Ridgeline features a unique in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate. These features can be particularly appealing for those who use their trucks for both work and play.
All-Wheel Drive System: The Ridgeline comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system, hugely beneficial for towing.
Comfortable Interior: The Ridgeline’s interior is very comfortable, perfect for longer journeys, whether towing or not.
Among Honda’s current lineup, the Ridgeline has the greatest capacity for towing.
The maximum towing capacity of other Honda models like the Pilot and Passport (which also have these capabilities) is lower than those of the Ridgeline.
Depending on the model year and trim level, the payload capacity of the Honda Ridgeline varies (though it typically runs from 1,400 to 1,600 lbs).
Another plus is the bed’s capacity, which is enhanced by a special in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate that offer lots of storage and convenient access.
Can I tow a boat with a Ridgeline?
If the combined weight of the boat and trailer does not exceed the Honda Ridgeline’s towing limit, then the answer is yes!
While pulling a boat behind a Ridgeline, it’s crucial to take into account variables including tongue weight, boat length, and the right towing gear.
5th-wheel trailers cannot be towed by the Honda Ridgeline.
Higher towing capacities and a body-on-frame vehicle with a large payload capacity are often needed for fifth-wheel trailers to accommodate the hitch weight.
The Ridgeline’s unibody design and bed configuration also prohibit the attachment of a fifth-wheel hitch.
When properly equipped, the Honda Ridgeline can pull travel trailers that weigh up to 5,000 lbs.
It’s crucial to take into account details like trailer length, tongue weight, and optimum weight distribution when towing a travel trailer.
To guarantee safety and the best performance, make sure the loaded weight of your travel trailer is within the Ridgeline’s towing capacity and that the appropriate towing equipment is constantly used.
How many MPG does a Ridgeline tow?
The fuel economy of a vehicle can be dramatically impacted by towing.
Although the EPA estimates the Honda Ridgeline to get 18 to 21 mpg in the city and 24 to 26 mpg on the interstate, these figures are probably lower when towing!
The actual fuel efficiency while towing will vary depending on the terrain, driving conditions, and trailer weight.
Because of its unibody design and V6 engine, the Honda Ridgeline has a pickup truck fuel efficiency that is competitive.
It’s crucial to plan ahead and be ready for lower MPG on towing trips since it’s critical to keep in mind that fuel efficiency will fall when towing.
Tongue weight (how much weight the trailer places on the car’s hitch) is an important consideration for secure towing.
Depending on the model year and trim level, the Honda Ridgeline’s maximum tongue weight normally ranges from 300 to 500 lbs.
For the best towing performance, always check that the tongue weight of your trailer is within the Ridgeline’s specs and that the weight is evenly distributed throughout the trailer!
Make sure your Honda Ridgeline is properly equipped with the required towing accessories, such as an appropriate hitch, wiring harness, and brake controller if necessary.
For recommendations on specific pieces of equipment based on your towing requirements, check your owner’s manual or speak with a dealer.
It’s crucial to carry out routine maintenance and check your Ridgeline for potential concerns before towing.
To maintain optimal performance and safety while towing, check tire pressure, fluid levels, brakes, and suspension parts.
You must abide by the towing laws and rules that apply in each state and nation!
Learn the regulations in the locations where you intend to tow, including any necessary permits or endorsements, speed restrictions, and requirements for trailer illumination.
Be aware of the fact that towing a heavy load can drastically impact your ability to control your vehicle and your response times should anything happen while driving. This is doubly true in poor weather like snow, rain, or heavy wind. Be aware of the conditions and drive accordingly to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
To sum up, the Honda Ridgeline is a versatile and strong pickup truck that can handle a variety of towing jobs!
Although it might not have the greatest towing capability in its class, many truck owners value the special combination of comfort, handling, and utility it provides.
You can tow safely and effectively with your Honda Ridgeline by being aware of its limitations and towing capabilities, as well as by utilizing the right tools.