2018 HONDA RIDGELINE Owner's Manual (in English)

415
uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
Driving
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load 1,323 lbs (600 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo Weight
1,023 lbs (464 kg)
Example2 Max Load 1,323 lbs (600 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs (68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Cargo Weight
573 lbs
(260 kg)

416
uuBefore Driving uCarrying Cargo
Driving
Carrying Cargo
Your vehicle can carry a large amount of cargo in the pickup bed.
However, the pickup bed is not intended for carrying passengers.
People who ride in the pickup bed can be ve ry seriously injured or killed in a crash.
• When loading and unloading cargo, make sure all passengers or any objects are
clear of the tailgate before opening or closing it. The tailgate should be closed
securely before driving when it is not used as the extended pickup bed.
• The maximum allowable loading weight for the trunk is 300 lbs (136 kg).
Do not exceed this weight limi t, or you may damage the trunk.
• The maximum allowable loading weight on the pickup bed is 1,100 lbs (500 kg).
Do not exceed the load limit.
2 Maximum Load Limit P. 413
•Distribute cargo evenly on the pickup bed. Place the heaviest items on the bottom
and as far forward as possible of the rear axle. Tie down and secure all items that
could be thrown out of the vehicle during a crash or sudden stop.
• If you stack items higher than the bed si des, tailgate, or back window, secure
them with a net or cover.
This will reduce the risk of items being thrown out of the pickup bed during a
crash or sudden stop.
• When the tailgate is dropped open, it can be used as an extended pickup bed.
The maximum allowable weight on the tailgate while driving is 300 lbs (136 kg).
Exceeding this limit could damage the tailgate.
• Carrying heavy cargo in the pickup bed will raise your vehicle’s center of gravity.
This can affect handling and performance. Drive more slowly and cautiously, and
allow extra time and distance for braking.
■Carrying Cargo in the Pickup Bed1 Carrying Cargo
3WARNING
Allowing passengers to ride in the pickup
bed or on the tailgate can result in death or
serious injury in a crash.
Make sure all passengers ride in a seat and
wear a seat belt properly.
3WARNING
Never let passengers ride in the pickup bed,
in the trunk space, or on the bed rails. This
could cause very serious injuries or death.
No one should ride in any position on your
vehicle that is not eq uipped with seats and
seat belts.
Exceeding load limits or improperly loading
cargo on the vehicle can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously injured or killed.
Load the cargo carefully before starting to
drive.

417
uuBefore Driving uCarrying Cargo
Driving
You can also support motorcycles on the pickup bed floor with the cleats.
The floor panel of the pickup bed is designed to hold motorcycle tires. Be sure to
tighten motorcycles securely, with an ap proved tie-down or motorcycle strap,
according to the motorcyc le maker’s instructions.
When carrying motorcycles or any other cargo, do not spill any oil or fluid on the
pickup bed. A spilled liquid may damage the pickup bed.

418
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the to wing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
weight of the trailer, cargo, and everything in
or on it shown in the table.
Towing loads in excess of this can seriously
affect vehicle handling and performance and
can damage the engine and drivetrain.
Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
• Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back
• Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg)
• Each occupant has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area
Any additional weight, cargo or accessori es reduce the maximum trailer weight and
maximum tongue load.
■Towing Load Limits1 Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and then
measure the tongue load with an appropriate scale or
tongue gauge or estima te it based on cargo
distribution.
Refer to the trailer owner’s manual for additional
information.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer duri ng your vehicle’s first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information 2 Vehicle Specifications P. 600
3WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a
crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Total Load
Number of
occupantsAWD models2WD models
25,000 lbs (2,268 kg)3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)
44,750 lbs (2,154 kg)3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
54,500 lbs (2,041 kg)3,000 lbs (1,360 kg)

419
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Continued
Driving
■Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately:
Boat trailers: 5 – 15% of the total trailer
weight
Other trailers: 10 – 15% of total trailer weight
Tongue LoadTongue Load
Number of occupantsAWD models2WD models
2600 lbs (272 kg)420 lbs (190 kg)
4570 lbs (259 kg)390 lbs (177 kg)
5495 lbs (224 kg)360 lbs (163 kg)

420
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
■To estimate the tongue load
Excessive tongue load reduces front tire traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
You can estimate the tongue load by meas uring the trailer hitch height from the
ground in the following steps:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the trailer hitch.
3. Connect the fully loaded trailer to the hitch.
4. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the trailer hitch
again.
5. Subtract the second measurement from th e first measurement, then refer to the
following table.
If the difference becomes more than indicated in the table, distribute the load or
remove cargo as needed.
If the difference isAWD models2WD models
1 inches (2.5 cm)150 lbs (68 kg)
1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm)250 lbs (114 kg)
2 inches (5.1 cm)350 lbs (159 kg)
2 3/8 inches (6.0 cm)450 lbs (205 kg)—
2 5/8 inches (6.7 cm)500 lbs (227 kg)—

Continued421
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
■How to weigh the trailer load s using the public scale
Check each weight in the order indicated as shown.
Refer to the table on the right for each weight’s limit except for the tongue load.
2Tongue load P. 419
•If you cannot weigh the rear axle, subtract 1 from 2.
• The maximum gross combined weight (4) decreases by 2% for every 1,000 feet
(305 meters) of elevation.
• To calculate the tongue load, subtract 5 from 6.
• Refer to the trailer owner’s manu al for additional information.
1How to weigh the trailer loads using the public scale
Fully load the vehicle and trailer. An attendant who
watches the scale is needed as all occupants should
stay in the vehicle.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and then
measure the tongue load with an appropriate scale or
tongue gauge or estima te it based on cargo
distribution. Weight limit for 2WD models AWD models
Front gross axle2,734 lbs
(1,240 kg)2,855 lbs
(1,295 kg)
Gross vehicle 5,545 lbs
(2,515 kg) 5,842 lbs
(2,650 kg)
Rear gross axle2,921 lbs
(1,325 kg)3,097 lbs
(1,405 kg)
Gross combined 8,025 lbs
(3,640 kg) 9,755 lbs
(4,425 kg)
1. Front gross axle weight.
2. Gross vehicle weight.4. Gross combined weight.
3. Rear gross axle weight. 5. Hitched trailer weight.
6. Unhitched trailer weight.

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
422
Driving
Towing generally requires a variety of supplemental equipment.
To ensure the best quality, we recommend that you purchase Honda equipment
whenever possible.
Your vehicle has a class 3 trailer hitch as standard equipment. The jumper harness
and trailer brake fuse are stored in the glove box.
2 Trailer brakes P. 423
Open the lid of the socket (located next to the
trailer hitch) to expose the 7-pin trailer
connector.
■Hitches
Read the trailer manufacturer’s instructions , and select the appropriate draw bar for
the height of the trailer you will be towing.
■Towing Equipment and Accessories
Models with AWD1 Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and lo cal regulations.
Consult your trai ler maker for prope r installation and
setup of the equipment.
Improper installation and setup can affect the
handling, stability, and br aking performance of your
vehicle.
Consult your traile r sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of tra ilers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qua lified technician.
Trailer packages and products:
•Ball mount, hitch plug, hitch pin etc.•Wiring harness kit
•Trailer hitch kit (jum per harness included)
Are available at a dealer.
7-Pin trailer connector
Lid Trailer hitch