2013 HONDA RIDGELINE Owners Manual

µµ
µ The best way to confirm that all
loads are within limits is to check
them at a public scale (see
page ).
To help ensure a saf e drive to a scale,
or if you cannot get to a public scale,
we recommend that you estimate
your total trailer weight and tongue
load as described.
Add the weight of your trailer (as
quoted by the manuf acturer) with
everything in or on the trailer. Then
check the tables on page to
make sure you do not exceed the
limit f or your conditions.
The maximum
allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo,
and the tongue load is 6,050 lbs
(2,745 kg).
The maximum
allowable weight on the vehicle axles
is 3,105 lbs (1,410 kg) on the f ront
axle, and 3,245 lbs (1,475 kg) on the
rear axle.
The maximum
allowable weight of the f ully loaded
vehicle and trailer is 10,088 lbs
(4,575 kg) with the proper hitch.
The GCWR must be reduced 2
percent f or every 1,000 f eet (305
meters) of elevation.
The weight that the tongue of a f ully-
loaded trailer puts on the hitch
should f ollow the recommended load
guidelines (see page ). Too
much tongue load reduces f ront-tire
traction and steering control. Too
little tongue load can make the
trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
293 291
293
Towing Weight Limits
Estimating Loads
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GA WR)
Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR)
To Estimate the Total Trailer Weight
Tongue Load
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µµ
ÎÎÎ
Î
ÎÎNumber of
Occupants 2
3
4
5 Max. T railer Weight
Max. T ongue Load
Towing Weight Guidelines
293
Total Trailer Weight and Tongue Load Guidelines:
Recommended tongue load should be 5 15% of the total trailer weight for boat trailers, and 10 15% of the total trailer weight for all other
trailers. The corresponding weight limits assume occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back, each occupant weighs 150 lbs (70 kg),
and each has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cab, pickup bed, or In-Bed Trunk. Any additional weight, including cargo or accessories, reduces
the maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue load. Never exceed the gross axle weight ratings (see page ). 292
5,000 lbs (2268 kg)
4,750 lbs (2155 kg)
4,750 lbs (2155 kg)
4,500 lbs (2041 kg)600 lbs (272 kg)
600 lbs (272 kg)
570 lbs (258 kg)
516 lbs (234 kg)
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To accurately check your loads at
the public scale, the vehicle and
trailer should be fully loaded,
and all occupants should stay in the
vehicle while the attendant
watches the scale.Check the f ront gross axle weight.
Limit: 3,105 lbs (1,410 kg) Check the gross vehicle weight.
Limit: 6,050 lbs (2,745 kg)
Check the weight of the hitched
trailer. Write this number down. Check the gross combined weight.
Limit: 10,088 lbs (4,575 kg)
Remember, maximum gross
combined weight should be
decreased 2% f or every 1,000 f eet
(305 meters) of elevation.
If you cannot weigh the rear axle
directly, you can calculate the rear
gross axle weight by subtracting
the weight in step 1 from the
weight in step 2.
Limit: 2,945 lbs (1,335 kg) Check the rear gross axle weight.
Limit: 3,245 lbs (1,475 kg)
1. 2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Checking L oads
Towing a Trailer
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Check the weight of the unhitched
trailer. Limit: See page.Towing generally requires a variety
of supplemental equipment. To
ensure the best quality, we
recommend that you purchase
Honda equipment whenever possible.
Discuss any additional needs with
your trailer sales or rental agency,
and make sure all equipment is
properly installed, maintained, and
also meets state, f ederal, province,
and local regulations. Your dealer of f ers trailer packages
that include a ball mount, hitch plug,
and hitch pin. A wiring harness kit is
also available from your dealer. Read the trailer manufacturer’s
instructions, and select the
appropriate draw bar f or the height
of the trailer you will be towing.
A weight distributing hitch is not
recommended for use with your
vehicle, as an improperly adjusted
weight distributing hitch may
reduce handling, stability,
and braking performance.
Calculate the tongue load.
Subtract the weight in step 6 f rom
the weight in step 7.
Limit: See page .
Recommended: see page .
Range: 5-15% f or boat trailers 10-15% f or other trailers
7.
8.
293
293 293
CONT INUED
T owing Equipment and
A ccessoriesHitch
Weight Distributing Hitch
Towing a Trailer
295
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There are two common types of
trailer brakes: surge and electric.
Surge brakes are common f or boat
trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
If you choose electric brakes, be
sure they are electronically actuated.
Do not attempt to tap into your
vehicle’s hydraulic system. No
matter how successf ul it may seem,
any attempt to attach trailer brakes
to your vehicle’s hydraulic system
will lower braking ef f ectiveness and
create a potential hazard.A f actory installed, 4-pin gray
connector is located under the
instrument panel near the top of the
parking brake pedal. This connector
has all of the circuits required to
install most electric trailer brake
controllers. A jumper harness to
adapt your electric trailer brake
controller to the vehicle is included
with the optional Genuine Honda
trailer hitch kit. To obtain a trailer
hitch kit, see your dealer.
Have a qualif ied mechanic install
your trailer brake controller
f ollowing the trailer brake controller
manuf acturer’s instructions. Failure
to properly install the trailer brake
controller may increase the distance
it takes f or you to stop your vehicle
when towing a trailer.Use this illustration to identif y each
terminal in the trailer brake
controller connector.
Honda recommends that any trailer
with a total trailer weight of 1,000 lbs
(450 kg) or more has its own brakes.
Seeyourtrailerdealerorrental
agency f or more inf ormation on
installing electric brakes.
Trailer Brakes
Towing a Trailer
296
BRAKE
(20A)
(BLUE)
ELECTRIC BRAKE
(BROWN/WHITE)
GROUND
(BLACK) STOP
(SKY BLUE)
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Always use saf ety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let the
chains drag on the ground.When towing a trailer, we
recommend that you carry a f ull-size
spare wheel and tire for your vehicle
and trailer. See page f or proper
tire size, page f or how to store a
full size wheel and tire, and page
f or inf ormation on changing a
flat tire.
Remember to unhitch the trailer
before changing a flat. Ask your
trailer sales or rental agency
where and how to store the
trailer’s spare tire.
This device is recommended if your
trailer tends to sway. Your trailer
dealer or rental agency can tell you
what kind of sway control you need
and how to install it.
Many states and provinces require
special exterior mirrors when towing
a trailer. Even if they don’t, you
should install special mirrors if you
cannot clearly see behind you, or if
the trailer creates a blind spot. 350
364
359
Saf et y Chains
Sway Cont rol Spare Tires
Trailer Mirrors
Towing a Trailer
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´
Trailer lights and equipment must
comply with f ederal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Check trailer light requirements f or
the areas where you plan to tow, and
use only equipment designed f or
your vehicle.Ref er to the above illustration f or
wiring information.
We recommend that you have your
dealer install a Honda wiring harness
and converter. This harness has
been designed f or your vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with a
trailer lighting connector.
Your vehicle is equipped with a
connector to install an optional trailer
lighting connector that mates with
your vehicle. You can get this
optional connector f rom your dealer. Since lighting and wiring vary with
trailer type and brand, you should
also have a qualif ied mechanic install
a suitable connector between the
vehicle and the trailer.Except RT and U.S. Sport models
On RT and U.S. Sport models
Trailer Lights
Towing a Trailer
298
TAILLIGHTS
(GREEN/BLACK) ELECTRIC BRAKE
(BROWN/WHITE) RIGHT TURN SIGNAL
AND BRAKE LIGHTS
(GREEN/RED)
GROUND
(BLACK)
B CHARGE
(GREEN)
LEFT TURN SIGNAL
AND BRAKE LIGHTS
(GREEN/RED)
BACK-UP LIGHTS
(BLUE)
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CONT INUED
Insert the connector securely into
the socket.
Hook the retaining tab on the
inner side of the lid against the
retaining tab of the connector to
prevent disconnection during
operation.
Your vehicle has a class 3 trailer
hitch as standard equipment. Make sure the connector and the
socketarefreeof dirt,moisture,
or other f oreign material.
Open the socket lid by pulling it up.
Also see page f or trailer-related
inf ormation.
The 7-pin trailer connector is needed
f or the trailer lights. To connect the
connector:
1.
2.3.
4.
295
Except RT and U.S. Sport models
Towing Equipment
Towing a Trailer
Connect ing t he T railer Connect ors
299
TRAILER HITCH
7-PIN TRAILER CONNECTOR
7-PIN TRAILER CONNECTORLID
RETAINING
TAB
SOCKET RETAINING TAB
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