2021 HONDA RIDGELINE weight

369
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 (GVW R) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.1 Maximum Load Limit
Towing a Trailer:
See Towing a Trailer to determine whether your
vehicle is designed to tow a trailer.
2 Towing a Trailer P. 372
Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load 1,477 lbs (670 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo Weight
1,177 lbs (534 kg)
Example2 Max Load 1,477 lbs (670 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs (68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Cargo Weight
727 lbs
(330 kg)

370
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. 367
•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 c ould 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.

372
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 towing guidelin es. 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 fro nt of the vehicle to the back
• Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg)
• Each occupant has 17.6 lbs (8 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 av ailable, 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. 574
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 (2,267 kg)3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)
34,875 lbs (2,211 kg)3,375 lbs (1,531 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)

373
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)
3585 lbs (265 kg)405 lbs (184 kg)
4570 lbs (259 kg)390 lbs (177 kg)
5540 lbs (245 kg)360 lbs (163 kg)

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
374
Driving
■How to weigh the trailer lo ads using the public scale
Check each weight in the order indicated as shown.
Refer to the table on the right for each we ight’s limit except for the tongue load.
2Tongue load P. 373
•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 av ailable, 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 axle3,042 lbs
(1,380 kg)3,131 lbs
(1,420 kg)
Gross vehicle 5,710 lbs
(2,590 kg) 6,019 lbs
(2,730 kg)
Rear gross axle3,086 lbs
(1,400 kg)3,263 lbs
(1,480 kg)
Gross combined 8,245 lbs
(3,740 kg) 10,031 lbs
(4,550 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
376
Driving
■Weight distribution hitches
Your vehicle is designed to tow without the need for a load distributing hitch. If you
wish to use one, please consult your trailer maker for proper installation and set-up.
Improper set-up could degrade the handlin g, stability, and braking performance of
your vehicle.
■Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
■Trailer brakes
Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more:
There are two common types of trailer brake s: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
If you choose electric brakes, be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not
attempt to attach trailer brakes to your ve hicle’s hydraulic system, as it will lower
braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.
The 4-pin gray connector installed in your vehicle has all of the circuits required to
install most electric trailer brake controllers.1 Trailer brakes
The 4-pin gray connector is located under the
instrument panel near the top of the parking brake
pedal.

381
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Continued
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer
• Have the trailer properly servic ed and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2Towing Load Limits P. 372
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the tra iler so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressure of the trail er tires, including the spare.
• Turn off the Auto Idle Stop syst em using the Auto Idle Stop OFF button. The
trailer weight can affect your vehicle’s brake effectiveness if Auto Idle Stop is
activated on a hill wh ile towing a trailer.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits fo r vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Operating speed when towing a trailer must not
exceed 62 mph (100 km/h).
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.
When towing a trailer, we recommend that you carry
a full-size spare wheel and tire for both your vehicle
and trailer. If you use the compact spare tire that
came with your vehicle, it could adversely affect
vehicle handling.
Remember to unhitch the tra iler before changing a
flat tire. Ask the trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer’s spare tire.
1 Towing Speeds and Gears
When towing a fixed-sided trailer (e.g., camper), do
not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h).
At higher speeds, the trai ler may sway or affect
vehicle handling.

486
Driving
Fuel Economy and CO2 Emissions
Improving Fuel Economy and Reducing CO2
Emissions
Achieving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions is dependent on several
factors, including driving conditions, load weight, idling time, driving habits, and
vehicle condition. Depending on these and other factors, you may not achieve the
rated fuel economy of this vehicle.
You can optimize your fuel economy with proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Always maintain your vehicle in accord ance with the messages displayed on the
multi-information display.
• Use engine oil with the viscosity recommended.
2 Recommended Engine Oil P. 499
•Maintain the specified tire pressure.
• Do not load the vehicl e with excess cargo.
• Keep your vehicle clean. A buildup of snow or mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and increases wind resistance.
■Maintenance and Fuel Economy
1Improving Fuel Economy and Reducing CO2 Emissions
Direct calculation is the recommended method to
determine actual fuel consumed while driving.
In Canada, posted fuel economy numbers are
established following a simulated test. For more
information on how this test is performed, please visit
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca and search for “fuel
consumption testing” in the search field at the top of
the page.
Miles driven Gallons of
fuel Miles per
Gallon
100 Liters of
fuel Kilometers
driven L per 100 km