Honda Ridgeline weight considerations - [discussion taken from TM Wanted section]

[trailbiker]

We have a 2011 Honda Ridgeline and a 2027 SL. We tow mostly in New England including Acadadia National Park. I have never had a problem towing and do not have WHD because Honda does not recomend using one. Never had a problem with sway but it does raise the front end little, but doesn't seem to be a problem. The headlights are little higher but that has not been an issue. We tow a a tandem bike and tandem kayak on the roof of our vehicle.

[Peds109]

Originally Posted by trailbiker

We have a 2011 Honda Ridgeline and a 2027 SL. We tow mostly in New England including Acadadia National Park. I have never had a problem towing and do not have WHD because Honda does not recomend using one. Never had a problem with sway but it does raise the front end little, but doesn't seem to be a problem. The headlights are little higher but that has not been an issue. We tow a a tandem bike and tandem kayak on the roof of our vehicle.

This was extremely helpful as it sounds nearly identical to what I hope to do. A couple addition questions if I may:

1 - have you ever weighed in? If so, where did you end up for tongue/hitch weight?

2 - why did you choose the SL? I like the idea of a living area and some “open space” but I don’t know if I could get by without a 3rd sleeping area. Was that not a factor for you or have you found a way to do it with the SL?

[Bill]

How old are your kids?

Bill

[Peds109]

Originally Posted by Shane826

From an ESTABLISHED member? Maybe. But we get a lot of drive-by For Sale posts here. Also shipping isn’t as easy (or as cheap) as you’d imagine. I looked into buying a 3124KB in Montana (I’m in western NY) but the cost to ship was prohibitive. Do a search here, shipping has been talked about a bunch of times.

Shane & Bill - I did read through that entire thread on shipping and it seems like “The OC Family” lucked out... though much of the concerns and objections from others are how I feel so I suppose I’m a bit more risk averse.

One thing suggested did catch my eye as I was thinking something similar: having someone familiar with TM look at any potential purchases. As a newbie, even if I saw one in person and had a checklist, I would still never come close to knowing as much as an experienced owner/servicer.

There’s a guy in CT that owns a mobile RV service business where he comes to you... and claims he’s very familiar with TM. I’m wondering if for a small fee I could get him to help look at anything I find locally?

In the event I completely strike out locally, has anyone ever done anything like this a bit further away? Paid a small fee to a local, knowledgeable person to provide an independent inspection before traveling further to purchase it? Or possibly ship if cheaper?

I know this thread has taken on a life of its own... but this is the time of year for me to get input and research so I’m not scrambling when the season comes. Very much appreciate all the input

[Bill]

One other thought on shipping. Once you pay for the unit, you own it. You should insure it yourself, before the journey begins. Don't trust the shipper's insurance! I've had real bad luck relying on a shipper's insurance, and will never do it again. If you decide to rely on the shipper's insurance anyway, get a copy of his policy and read it in detail. You may find that it has more holes than a buckshot boat.

Bill

[rmHaar]

You'll be fine weight wise. I pull a 3023 with an 18 ridgeline RTL E. With no problems but the nose is a bit high. Weight around 4k loaded. I used to tow a 2720 with an 06 ridgeline that was about 3800 loaded with no issues or squat. I'm trying to find an airbag kit to address the squat but noone makes one yet for the Ridgeline.

Load light the first time and try to put heavy items behind the cab and in the tub to try and level the weight.

[Peds109]

That’s about as helpful as I could ask for, much appreciated!

[Larryjb]

Originally Posted by rmHaar

...that was about 3800 loaded....

You obviously didn't pack like my wife!

[tentcamper]

Larry, I think my wife took lessons on packing from your wife. Our 3023 is about 4500, but we do travel with water in the water heater.

But we do tow with a highlander.

[Bill]

Art -

Not to hijack the thread (which has wandered well off-topic already), but are you comfortable towing a 4500-pound trailer with your Toyota Highlander? Toyota gives the 2012 model a tow rating of 5000 pounds "when properly equipped", so by the time you and your wife get seated in the vehicle, you are very near the (pre-SAE J2807) tow rating of 5000 pounds, before you add any load in the truck. If I can ask, do you do most of your towing in the relatively flat areas of the midwest?

Just collecting experiences ...

Bill