How much weight can a Honda Ridgeline bed hold?
A Ridgeline bed typically supports about 1,500 pounds of cargo, though the exact figure varies by model year, trim, and drivetrain. Always verify the specific rating on the vehicle’s door jamb sticker or in the owner's manual before loading the bed.
The Ridgeline is known for its practical, flat-bed design and integrated features like the lockable in-bed trunk. This article explains how much weight the bed can safely carry, what factors influence that limit, and how to verify the precise rating for your vehicle.
Bed payload: what you can expect by generation
Payload capacity is the maximum weight the bed can safely carry. For the Ridgeline, the typical range centers around about 1,500 pounds, with some variation between generations and configurations. The following overview provides a practical sense of what owners have historically seen.
- Second-generation Ridgeline (2017–present): approximately 1,500–1,580 pounds of bed payload, depending on configuration.
- First-generation Ridgeline (2006–2014): approximately 1,400–1,500 pounds of bed payload, depending on equipment and drivetrain.
Note: These figures refer to payload in the bed itself and do not include passengers or items in the cabin. For an exact value, consult the door jamb weight sticker for your specific VIN or the official owner's manual for your model year.
How payload is determined and how to use it safely
Payload versus GVWR
Payload in the Ridgeline is the difference between the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and its curb weight. In practical terms, it represents how much cargo the bed can carry in addition to any installed equipment. Heavier drivetrain configurations or added equipment can influence the available payload on a given truck.
Practical loading considerations
When loading the bed, distribute weight evenly, keep heavy items low and centered, use proper tie-downs, and avoid exceeding the published payload. Remember that tongue weight for towing and cabin occupants reduce the amount of cargo that can sit in the bed alone. If you’re carrying a lot of weight in the bed, factor in these other loads to stay within the overall GVWR.
What to check before loading
To ensure accuracy for your vehicle, check the door jamb sticker near the driver’s door for the exact payload figure and the GVWR. If you’ve added aftermarket equipment or run a different drivetrain configuration, re-check the rating to avoid overloading the bed.
Real-world loading tips and cautions
Users often repurpose the Ridgeline’s bed for home projects, camping gear, or transporting bulky items. With its 64-inch bed length and integrated trunk, it remains versatile, but payload limits still apply. Absent precise model-year figures, plan for roughly 1,500 pounds as a practical ceiling and verify your exact rating for any heavy load.
Summary
The Honda Ridgeline bed can typically carry around 1,500 pounds of cargo, with a range that commonly falls between about 1,400 and 1,580 pounds depending on the generation and configuration. Always confirm the exact payload on the door jamb sticker or in the owner’s manual, factor in any additional loads (including hitch weight and passenger weight), and load items safely with proper restraints. For heavy or frequent loads, err on the side of caution and plan around the documented rating to protect the vehicle’s GVWR and long-term performance.
