How much tongue weight can a Honda Ridgeline hold?
The Ridgeline can handle up to about 500 pounds of tongue weight when towing at its maximum rating of 5,000 pounds.
Key figures for towing with the Ridgeline
Understanding the official numbers helps you plan safe, stable tows. The Ridgeline’s primary figures come from Honda’s towing specifications and the owner’s manual.
- Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Maximum tongue weight: 500 pounds
- Typical tongue weight as a percentage of trailer weight: about 10% (generally not to exceed the 500-pound limit)
- Practical considerations: payload capacity and hitch rating influence how much weight you can carry at the hitch safely
In practice, you should design trailer loads so the tongue weight stays around 10% of the trailer’s gross weight and never exceeds 500 pounds. Always verify the exact figures for your model year and trim in the owner’s manual or with a Honda dealer.
Estimating tongue weight for your trailer
Use this method to gauge whether your setup stays within the Ridgeline’s limits before you tow.
- Determine the gross trailer weight (GTW) you plan to tow.
- Estimate the tongue weight (TW) as about GTW × 0.10 (roughly 10%), or GTW × 0.15 for trailers designed for higher tongue weight—only if that calculation stays under 500 pounds.
- Compare the estimated TW to the Ridgeline’s 500-pound limit.
- Check your Ridgeline’s payload capacity to ensure the hitch weight plus all cargo does not exceed the vehicle’s limits.
- Consider a weight-distribution hitch for heavier trailers and ensure all safety equipment and ratings match your setup.
If you’re unsure about the numbers for your exact model year, trim, or configuration, consult the owner’s manual or your Honda dealer for precise guidance.
Practical towing considerations
Beyond the raw numbers, several practical factors influence safe towing with a Ridgeline. Ensure your hitch is properly rated for the tongue weight, distribute weight carefully between the trailer and cab, and account for passengers, cargo, and fuel in the vehicle. Regularly inspect equipment and adhere to all towing guidelines to maintain stability on the road.
Summary
The Honda Ridgeline’s tongue weight capacity tops out at 500 pounds, tied to a maximum towing limit of 5,000 pounds. In most cases, aim for about 10% of the trailer’s weight as tongue weight, staying under the 500-pound cap. Always verify model-year specifics and consider payload, hitch rating, and safety equipment to ensure a safe, stable tow. For any doubt, consult the owner’s manual or a Honda dealer for exact guidance tailored to your vehicle.
