Has Anyone Done any Serious Towing ??

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

I am looking at a Ridgeline but have not purchased one yet. A concern of mine is that I have a John Deere Compact Tractor and a small Dump Trailer that will come in at about 5000lbs +/- & I'm wondering how this Truck will handle that load. Has anyone done heavy towing yet & if so, your thoughts ??

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

jd4210guy wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")I am looking at a Ridgeline but have not purchased one yet. A concern of mine is that I have a John Deere Compact Tractor and a small Dump Trailer that will come in at about 5000lbs +/- & I'm wondering how this Truck will handle that load. Has anyone done heavy towing yet & if so, your thoughts ?? Welcome aboard John Deere Guy. No I have not done any serious towing with my Ridge. There is 11 pages in the Owner's Manual about Trailer Towing Guidelines (Seems there is alot of depends) I Quote from only Page 9
Number of occupants 2 Max Trailer Weight 5000 lbs Tongue load 600 lbs
" " " 3 " " " 3500 " " " 420 "
" " " 4 " " " 3000 " " " 360 "
" " " 5 " " " 2000 " " " 240 "
Occupants are based on 150 lbs and each occupant has 15 lbs of cargo either in the Cab or truck bed. Never exceed the gross axle weight ratings (see page 208) which says Front axle 3105 lbs Rear axle 3245 lbs. Would suggest you check with a Honda Dealer to get full details.
PS: Did read on an other forum were a member towed his 19 foot Airstream Trailer (4730 Lbs) tongue weight 470 lbs on an 100 mile test run just to see how it handled, he reported "Very Happy with Preformace"

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

Thanks for Info CR-V.....
Wondering if the bed would be able to handle a fith wheel hitch ?? Anything in the manual about that ?? Any feedback or experience from anyone, yet ?? Any Info would be appreciated.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

jd4210guy wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")Thanks for Info CR-V.....
Wondering if the bed would be able to handle a fith wheel hitch ?? Anything in the manual about that ?? Any feedback or experience from anyone, yet ?? Any Info would be appreciated.

I don't recall seeing any reference to a fifth wheel hitch in the owners manual. In looking at the bed, I'm not sure there is adequate room for a hitch forward of the "trunk".

:?:

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

My personal opinion I doubt it (but never under estimate you Yanks for a solution) that same question was asked on an other forum and the topic went dead, sorry I'am no help in that dept.Thanks colorider for your OM mine is the Ridge at the dealer for numerous add on options.

Oh-Boy the dealer gave me a 2005 Nissan Altima (2.5 liter 4 banger to come home in). Could that baby scat and what a fantastic sound when you pinned it. But 3800 rpms at 70 mph and 5500 rpms at 100 mph (got lucky no speeding ticket). A V/6 in that baby would be awesome, memories of the Datsun 240Z. Thanks dealer gonna stick to my Honda's.jd4210guy wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")
Thanks for Info CR-V.....
Wondering if the bed would be able to handle a fith wheel hitch ?? Anything in the manual about that ?? Any feedback or experience from anyone, yet ?? Any Info would be appreciated.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

JD4210GUY

You must be kidding !!!!

Pin weight on a 5er is ???? 1000-3000 lbs commonly / 25% of weight of fiver.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

AlbertaBear wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")JD4210GUY

You must be kidding !!!!

Pin weight on a 5er is ???? 1000-3000 lbs commonly / 25% of weight of fiver.

I never realized that tongue weight was so high on a fith wheel. :shock:
I suppose it might still work since the bed is rated at 1500# - but I would have concerns on how this is distributed. I honestly have no feel for how well the composite bed holds up to concentrated loads or how well the typical hitch spreads the load.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

The Ridgeline is not capable of handling a fifth wheel...

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

jauten1 wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")The Ridgeline is not capable of handling a fifth wheel...

Is this from Honda or "in your opinion"?

I have no intention to ever pull a fifth wheel - but others here might and it would be good to know what you source is.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

It's not an oppinion, however at the moment I do not remember my source. I keep finding references to it but no one will say where they are getting it. All you owners out there check your manuals please... I will see if i can find it so I can post it here.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

I stand corrected!!! :shock:

I called American Honda and asked about having a fifth wheel and they said that you could as long as you were below the 5000lb towing capacity...
Hopefully that helps. :?

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

Thanks for your input, folks. Still haven't bought one. The dealer called yesterday & told me that a silver LX will be in later this week, unfortunately I'm probably gonna pass because of the trailer towing capacity. I'm just too close & probably will be over the recommended weight. Looks like a Chevy Silverado at this point :(

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

sorry to see you go to the "dark" side, jk. but you are making a good choice in getting hte vehicle that is suited for you. the ridgeline isn't comparable to other trucks in towing of that size and that's fine. it rates higher in mpg and handling, etc.

often i see people with huge trucks and i know they tow NOTHING. what a waste. im not even talking about the environment, im just talking about a waste of money for them. they have this huge truck, and they most they ever load is probably a bag of groceries.

jd4210guy wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")
Thanks for your input, folks. Still haven't bought one. The dealer called yesterday & told me that a silver LX will be in later this week, unfortunately I'm probably gonna pass because of the trailer towing capacity. I'm just too close & probably will be over the recommended weight. Looks like a Chevy Silverado at this point :(

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

jauten1 wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")I stand corrected!!! :shock:

I called American Honda and asked about having a fifth wheel and they said that you could as long as you were below the 5000lb towing capacity...
Hopefully that helps. :?

Thanks for following up on this and posting back the results!!! Still seems like it would be a little tricky with the short bed and the trunk, but at least we now know it can be done!

:D

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

I am still confused as to how it does not interfere with the trunk... :?: