How much weight can a Honda Ridgeline carry in bed?
The Ridgeline can carry about 1,500 pounds of total payload, which includes passengers and bed cargo. If you’re loading mostly in the bed with no people in the cab, you can approach roughly 1,400–1,600 pounds of bed payload depending on the model year and trim.
Understanding payload and bed capacity
Payload is the total weight a vehicle can carry, including people, cargo, and accessories. The Ridgeline’s payload ratings typically sit around 1,400–1,600 pounds, with the bed capable of carrying most of that load when the cabin is unoccupied. Always verify the exact numbers on the door sticker for your specific vehicle.
Key terms you should know
GVWR stands for gross vehicle weight rating; curb weight is the weight of the vehicle without any cargo or passengers; payload = GVWR – curb weight. Knowing these helps you calculate how much you can put in the bed while staying under limits.
Payload by generation
Payload varies by generation and trim. Here is a rough guide by era:
- First generation (2006–2014): roughly 1,400–1,500 pounds of payload.
- Second generation (2017–present): about 1,580 pounds of payload, with minor trim-to-trim variations.
Overall, most Ridgelines fall in the 1,500-pound ballpark. Verify the exact rating for your VIN.
Bed-only loading guidelines
When loading primarily in the bed, use these guidelines to stay within safe limits:
- Make sure the total payload (cab plus bed) does not exceed the GVWR as listed on the door jamb sticker.
- If you have occupants in the cab, subtract their weight from the payload to estimate how much you can safely put in the bed.
- Secure cargo with all appropriate tie-downs and anchor points; distribute weight evenly along the bed.
- Avoid loading extremely heavy items near the tailgate; consider using a bed extender or wheel chocks for balance and safety.
In day-to-day use, plan for less than the maximum when passengers are aboard, and always err on the side of caution by packing lighter and redistributing weight as needed.
Practical tips for safe payload use
Beyond the numbers, consider practical steps to maximize safety and payload efficiency:
- Check the owner’s manual and the door sticker for the exact GVWR and payload numbers for your specific Ridgeline.
- Distribute weight evenly along the bed’s length and width to avoid handling issues.
- Use proper tie-downs and secure loads to prevent shifting while driving.
- Be mindful of height and braking when carrying heavy loads; longer stopping distances may occur.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance and consult a dealer if you’re unsure about a specific load.
Summary
The Honda Ridgeline typically carries about 1,500 pounds of total payload, with bed capacity of roughly 1,400–1,600 pounds depending on year and trim, assuming minimal occupant weight in the cabin. Always verify your exact numbers on the door sticker and load safely with proper distribution and tie-downs.
How much weight can I put in the back of my Honda Ridgeline?
The weight you can put in the back of a Honda Ridgeline is determined by its payload capacity, which varies by trim level but is generally between 1,509 and 1,583 pounds. This capacity includes all passengers and cargo in the bed and cabin, so the maximum weight in the bed alone will be less once you factor in the weight of the occupants.
Payload capacity by trim (2025 models)
- Sport: 1,583 lbs
- RTL: 1,544 lbs
- TrailSport: 1,521 lbs
- Black Edition: 1,509 lbs
Important considerations
- Payload vs. bed capacity: The payload capacity is the total weight limit for both the truck's bed and the cabin. You must subtract the weight of any passengers from the payload capacity to find out how much is left for cargo.
- Maximum tailgate load: The maximum allowable weight on the tailgate while driving is 300 pounds.
- Check your owner's manual: Always consult your owner's manual for the most accurate payload capacity for your specific model year and trim.
How much weight can you put in the bed of a Ridgeline?
Payload is what you can put in the truck bed and cabin. Towing capacity is what you can pull behind the truck. The Ridgeline offers 1,580 pounds of payload capacity across all models.
Can you fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Honda Ridgeline?
It's interesting that a lot of full sized trucks can't lay a 4x8 sheet flat between the wheel wells but my midsized Honda Ridgeline can. The Ridgeline is 50 inches between the wheel wells and has 1 inch on each side to spare.
How much weight can a Ridgeline hold?
The Honda Ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds for most all-wheel-drive (AWD) models, while two-wheel-drive (2WD) versions typically have a limit of 3,500 pounds. The payload capacity, which is the maximum weight the truck can carry in passengers and cargo, varies by trim but ranges from about 1,509 to 1,583 pounds.
Towing capacity
- Maximum: 5,000 pounds for most AWD models.
- 2WD models: Up to 3,500 pounds.
- Included equipment: Most models come with a standard Class III trailer hitch and seven-pin connector, making them ready for towing.
Payload capacity
- Ranges by trim: Varies depending on the specific trim level.
- 2025 Sport: Up to 1,583 pounds.
- 2025 RTL: Up to 1,544 pounds.
- 2025 TrailSport: Up to 1,521 pounds.
- 2025 Black Edition: Up to 1,509 pounds.
- Important note: The payload capacity includes the weight of all passengers and cargo in the bed and cabin, not just the cargo in the bed.
