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Honda Ridgeline (2019 year). Manual - part 27

Before Driving

Maximum Load Limit

416

Driving

(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers

that will be riding in your vehicle.

(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers

from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and

luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)

(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being

loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.

(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will

be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.

Maximum Load Limit

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load.

2 Specifications P. 602

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.

2 Specifications P. 602

WARNING

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 equipped
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

Before Driving

Maximum 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.

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. 420

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)

418

Before Driving

Carrying 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 very 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 limit, 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. 415

• 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 sides, 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 Bed

Carrying Cargo

WARNING

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.

WARNING

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 equipped 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.

419

Before Driving

Carrying 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 approved tie-down or motorcycle strap,
according to the motorcycle 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.

420

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 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 accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight and
maximum tongue load.

■

Towing Load Limits

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 estimate it based on cargo
distribution.

Refer to the trailer owner’s manual for additional
information.

Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600
miles (1,000 km).

Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information

2 Vehicle Specifications P. 602

WARNING

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

occupants

AWD models

2WD models

5,000 lbs (2,267 kg)

3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)

4,750 lbs (2,154 kg)

3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)

4,500 lbs (2,041 kg)

3,000 lbs (1,360 kg)

421

Towing a Trailer

Towing 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 Load

Number of

occupants

AWD models

2WD models

600 lbs (272 kg)

420 lbs (190 kg)

570 lbs (259 kg)

390 lbs (177 kg)

495 lbs (224 kg)

360 lbs (163 kg)

422

Towing a Trailer

Towing 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 measuring 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 the 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 is

AWD models

2WD 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)

—

Continued

423

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

Driving

■

How to weigh the trailer loads 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.

2 Tongue load P. 421

• 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 manual for additional information.

How 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 estimate it based on cargo
distribution.

Weight limit for

2WD models

AWD models

Front gross axle

3,042 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 axle

3,042 lbs

(1,380 kg)

3,219 lbs

(1,460 kg)

Gross combined

8,201 lbs

(3,720 kg)

9,987 lbs

(4,530 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.

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

424

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. 425

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 AWD

Towing Equipment and Accessories

Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.

Consult your trailer maker for proper installation and
setup of the equipment.
Improper installation and setup can affect the
handling, stability, and braking performance of your
vehicle.

Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.

The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.

Trailer packages and products:

•

Ball mount, hitch plug, hitch pin etc.

•

Wiring harness kit

•

Trailer hitch kit (jumper harness included)

Are available at a dealer.

7-Pin trailer connector

Lid

Trailer hitch

Continued

425

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

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 handling, 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 brakes: 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 vehicle’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.

Trailer brakes

The 4-pin gray connector is located under the
instrument panel near the top of the parking brake
pedal.

426

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

Driving

Have a qualified mechanic install your trailer
brake controller following the trailer brake
controller manufacturer’s instructions. Failure
to properly install the trailer brake controller
may increase the distance it takes for you to
stop your vehicle when towing a trailer.

The trailer hitch harness is used to install the
controller for the electric trailer brakes.
Insert the trailer brake fuse into the engine
compartment sub fuse box.

2 Engine Compartment Fuse Box Type B

P. 593

Electric Brake
(Brown) (20A)

Ground
(Black)

Brake (Light
Green)

Stop
(Violet)

Trailer brake controller
connector’s terminals:

Electric Brake
(Brown)

Brake (20A)
(Blue)

Ground
(Black)

Brake Lights
(Sky Blue)

Continued

427

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

Driving

■

Trailer light

Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.

We recommend that you have a dealer install a Honda wiring harness and converter.
They are designed for your vehicle.

Trailer light

The trailer lighting connector is located behind the
trailer hitch.
Even if you are planning to use the non-Honda trailer
lighting harness and converter, ask a dealer for the
correct connector and pins.

Left turn signal and
brake lights (White)

Electric brake (Brown)

Right turn signal and
brake lights (Red)

Back-up lights (Blue)

Ground (Black)

Tail lights (Black)

+B Charge (Green)

Pins’ wiring color codes and their purposes:

(For 2WD Vehicles Only):

428

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

Driving

The 7-pin trailer connector is needed for your trailer lights. When inserting the
connector to the socket, check if the connector and the socket are free of dirt,
moisture, or other foreign material.

The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type and brand. If a connector is
required, it should only be installed by a qualified technician.

■

Sway control

This device can be used if your trailer tends to sway. Your trailer maker can tell you
what kind of sway control you need and how to install it. Improper installation could
degrade the handling and stability of your vehicle.

■

Trailer mirrors

Many states, provinces and territories require special exterior mirrors when towing a
trailer. Install special mirrors whenever you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the
trailer creates a blind spot.

Pins’ wiring color codes and their purposes:

Tail lights
(Black)

Left turn
signal and
brake lights
(White)

Ground (Black)

+B Charge
(Green)

Right turn
signal and
brake lights
(Red)

Electric brake
(Brown)

Back-up lights (Blue)

1. Pull the socket lid to open.

2. Insert the 7-pin trailer
connector into the socket.

3. Hook the lid
retaining tab onto the
socket retaining tab.

Socket

(For Vehicles Equipped with Trailer Hitch Harness Only):

429

Towing a Trailer

Trailer Stability Assist

Driving

Trailer Stability Assist

Helps to stabilize the vehicle and trailer when the trailer severely sways.

■

How trailer stability assist works

When the vehicle and trailer become unstable while driving, trailer stability assist
determines the cause. If the trailer oscillation is detected as the cause, and the
swaying increases, the system applies the brakes or controls engine output to reduce
vehicle speed.
Both the vehicle and trailer brake lights come on automatically if you brake to
reduce vehicle speed.

Trailer Stability Assist

Trailer stability assist is not a function that prevents
the vehicle and trailer from swaying. Avoid high
speeds, abrupt steering, improper trailer load, and
sudden braking to keep the trailer from swaying.
When swayed too severely, the system becomes
ineffective, and you may lose control of your vehicle,
causing the trailer to roll over or get damaged.

2 Driving Safely with a Trailer P. 430

Trailer towing sway is caused by:

•

Crosswinds

•

Improper towbar down load

•

Excessive Speed

The VSA® system indicator blinks during the trailer
stability assist operation.

2 VSA® Operation P. 478

430

Towing a Trailer

Driving Safely with a Trailer

Driving

Driving Safely with a Trailer

• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.

2 Towing Load Limits P. 420

• Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while

driving.

• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare.

• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for 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

Driving 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 trailer before changing a
flat tire. Ask the trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer’s spare tire.

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 trailer may sway or affect
vehicle handling.

431

Towing a Trailer

Towing Your Vehicle

Driving

• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the

mark, turn off the heating

and cooling system

/climate control system

and reduce speed. Pull to the side of

the road safely to cool down the engine if necessary.

• Shift to the

position if the transmission shifts frequently.

If the vehicle tires slip when retrieving a boat from the water, keep the transmission
in

(

D. This prevents damage to the transmission.

Towing Your Vehicle

Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motorhome. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.

2 Emergency Towing P. 596

■

Driving in Hilly Terrain

■

Retrieving a Boat

* Not available on all models

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