Just joined the forum!

[gpascual]

Hello,

I just joined this forum, hoping to get ideas about eventually buying and owning an Airstream travel trailer. I have been doing some research and I am looking at the Sport 16RB. My tow vehicle is a 2018 Honda Ridgeline, and this is about as large a trailer it can manage comfortably. I'd appreciate any comments from members of the forum about their experiences with this particular model.

Thanks,
George

[GMFL]

No experience with that model but welcome.

[Wrangler]

Welcome, George.

We looked at the 16’. We decided that we liked the 19’ FC layout better. Fortunately my tow vehicle was adequate for the additional weight of the 19.

[dbj216]

Hello from Colorado: Always nice to have new folks join these Airstream Forums. You can learn all about the Sport 16' and what folks are using to tow it with. The new Ridgeline is more truck like than the earlier generation. I read it is rated for 3500 pounds with 2wd and 5000 with 4wd. I don't know what type of receiver is bolted to the back of the Ridgeline, but I would want a Cat 4 receiver with the standard 2" square shank mount. It also needs a 7 pin connector and a trailer brake controller. Maybe you already tow a trailer with this vehicle?

There are other factors to consider too. One is the "gross combined vehicle weight rating", the cargo weight rating, and the weight rating for the Sport. Airstream and others publish the "dry weight" of their trailers, but then you fill it with water and propane and a week's provisions and the weight is not several hundred pounds more. Same with the Ridgeline. So consider the "gross" weight ratings in your thought process. The tongue weight of the Sport might be up to 500 pounds that the Ridgeline has to carry.

Welcome here. You can search on the Sport model as will as the Honda Ridgeline and read some threads on what people's experiences are.

David

[gpascual]

David,

Thanks for the information. My Ridgeline is rated for 5000lb, and has a transmission cooler. I'm pretty confident that it will tow the 16RB and whatever I need to pack into it. The tow package was factory installed with a 2" hitch and 7-pin electrical connector.

Cheers!
George

[Isuzusweet]

If you have a talk with Andrew at Can-am RV in Ontario Canada, you'll will find that with some modifications to your hitch, your Honda Ridgeline will be able to tow a considerably longer trailer comfortably.

Give them a call first to get your options BEFORE you pigeon hole yourself into a trailer you may not like.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

PS He has Honda Odyssey's towing 34' tri axle trailers

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us. Your Ridgeline may do the trick. You will just have to try it and see. Since you already own the Ridgeline, you have nothing to lose.

You will need to purchase and install a trailer brake controller in your Ridgeline. This is an absolute necessity as the brakes on the trailer will not operate without this. You will also need to explore the various weight distribution/anti sway hitch systems. This is also something that you are going to want. Pulling a heavy trailer with a light tow vehicle can become quite uncomfortable without one.

Brian

[gpascual]

Tony & Brian,

Thanks for your recommendations, guys. I have reached out to Andrew at Can-Am RV, and will see what he has to suggest. As for the trailer brake controller, there appears to be several available for my tow vehicle. Any recommendations? I will definitely add any accessories necessary to make towing the trailer safer.

Cheers!
George

[HollyBee]

Hi George -

I just sent you a lengthy PM but I’m not sure it went through. I have a 2017 16’ Sport that I tow with a Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (after getting CanAm’s blessing Let me know if you get my PM OK?

Warm regards -

Holly