How big of a boat can a Ridgeline tow?
The Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which covers many common boats carried on boat trailers. The actual usable capacity depends on boat weight, trailer setup, payload in the truck, and how the load is distributed. Always verify the exact rating for your specific vehicle in the owner’s manual and on the door-jamb towing label.
Understanding the 5,000-pound limit
Below are the key considerations that shape what “5,000 pounds” means in real-world towing with a Ridgeline. The following list explains how the rating is defined and what factors can shrink or expand your practical tow capacity.
- Maximum trailer weight: Honda’s official guidance places the top towing limit at 5,000 pounds for a properly equipped Ridgeline. This figure accounts for the combined weight of the boat, trailer, and gear.
- Payload and configuration: The amount you can tow is affected by how many passengers and how much cargo are in the truck. Exceeding the payload can reduce the available tow rating.
- Tongue weight: A typical trailer-to-load ratio is about 10–15% of the trailer weight as tongue weight. For a 5,000-pound trailer, that could be roughly 500–750 pounds on the hitch.
- Braking and hitch setup: Trailers over certain weights require proper braking systems and a suitable hitch. Using a braking trailer and a weight-distributing hitch can improve control and safety.
In practice, this means the Ridgeline can handle many mid-sized boats with trailers, but the actual boat-and-trailer combination must stay within the 5,000-pound limit while also respecting payload and tongue-weight considerations.
How to estimate whether your boat fits
To determine if your specific boat and trailer will stay within the Ridgeline’s towing limit, follow these steps. This approach helps ensure you’re operating within safe, manufacturer-approved boundaries.
- Calculate the total trailer weight: Find the boat’s dry weight and add the trailer’s weight, along with any gear, fuel, and accessories you typically carry.
- Compare to 5,000 pounds: If the combined boat-and-trailer weight approaches or exceeds 5,000 pounds, you’ll need a lighter setup or a smaller boat.
- Account for payload: Subtract the load you carry in the Ridgeline (passengers, ice, gear) from the remaining payload capacity after considering the tow weight.
- Check braking requirements: Some jurisdictions require trailer brakes above certain weights; ensure your trailer is properly braked and wired.
By following these steps, you can avoid overloading the Ridgeline and maintain proper control, braking, and handling on the road and at the ramp.
Typical boat types and approximate weights
Here are common boat categories and the weight ranges you’ll typically see when mounted on trailers. Actual weights vary by model, engine, and added gear, so use these as rough benchmarks rather than exact figures.
- Bass boats and small runabouts (roughly 18–22 ft): commonly around 2,000–4,000 pounds total with trailer depending on engine and gear.
- Mid-sized center-consoles and ski boats (roughly 20–26 ft): often in the 3,500–5,000 pounds range loaded, with some fully equipped models approaching the limit.
- Smaller crafts and light boats (under 20 ft): frequently well under 3,000 pounds, offering a comfortable margin for towing.
These ranges illustrate why many everyday boats can be towed by a Ridgeline, while heavier or fully-equipped rigs may exceed the limit. Always confirm the exact boat-and-trailer weight before attempting to tow.
Safety, compliance, and best practices
To tow safely and within legal and manufacturer guidelines, keep these practices in mind. A structured checklist helps ensure a smooth and safer towing experience.
- Always verify your specific Ridgeline’s tow rating for your trim and configuration using the owner’s manual or the door-jamb label.
- Use a suitable hitch system and ensure the trailer has functioning brakes and proper lighting; a weight-distributing hitch can improve stability for heavier loads.
- Perform pre-tow checks: confirm tire pressures, hitch connection security, and proper load distribution on the trailer.
Following safety best practices minimizes risk on the road, helps maintain control during turns and braking, and protects your investment in both vehicle and boat.
Summary
The Ridgeline’s towing ceiling is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which accommodates many mid-sized boats on trailers. Real-world towing depends on boat weight, trailer weight, payload, and weight distribution. Always verify the exact rating for your vehicle, calculate the total load carefully, and adhere to safe towing practices to ensure a secure, compliant tow.
