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geraldsmith · 02-17-2015, 02:56 PM

My 2014 Honda Ridgeline (fyi-Honda no longer makes the Ridgeline) is rated at 5,000 lb towing capacity. My 19' FC weighs 4,500 lbs wet. Being a lifelong Honda fan, I thought I could make the razor thin margin work. Until I got the new Ridgeline home and read the owners manual. For every 1,000 feet in elevation gain, the truck's performance, thus the towing capacity, reduces by 2%. Since I drive out west, this reduction means 8-12% reduction in towing capacity. As far as I know, this performance reduction is not in any of Honda's literature and the salesmen sure don't tell you. A nasty and expensive surprise for sure. Just be aware.

dkottum · 02-17-2015, 03:04 PM

A reduction in performance does nor equate to a reduction in towing capacity, otherwise, what about headwind, hills at near sea level, an Airstream or box trailer . . .

It's just a reduction in performance. Hook up, shift down as needed, and go camping.

mojo · 02-17-2015, 03:04 PM

Have you actually tried driving in the mountains to see how it handles? Seems we have heard from others who are satisfied with the performance.

**Stefrobrts** · 02-17-2015, 03:05 PM

You might still be very happy with it 99% of the time, and just find yourself going up hills a little slower.

BoldAdventure · 02-17-2015, 03:06 PM

Could of been fine with that rating, but sadly that engine was never going to work out besides on a flat surface. To little power.

247 @ 4300 RPM

srpuywa · 02-17-2015, 03:22 PM

I thought my silverado (5.4) was a little sluggish in the hills towing a FC19, I kept it in tow mode.
(both sold)

now thinking about finding a basecamp to tow behind a Toota FJ Cruiser

scamp · 02-17-2015, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srpuywa

I thought my silverado (5.4) was a little sluggish in the hills towing a FC19, I kept it in tow mode.
(both sold)

now thinking about finding a basecamp to tow behind a Toota FJ Cruiser

You must mean 5.3 liter engine , the older ones had less power , the newer ones are good somewere around 346 hp not sure on torque plus newer ones have a six speed trans ,putting the engine in the right rpm range for power or fuel economy as mine been a 2012 has 326 hp and that's lots for towing a 5000 pound trailer. 19 foot airstream.

Don

KJRitchie · 02-18-2015, 09:22 AM

There is a user pulling a 22ft AS somewhere on this forum that seems to be pretty happy with his Ridgeline and he tows around the west.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...ml#post1541850

Kelvin

rostam · 02-18-2015, 10:06 AM

The performance degradation due to elevation is not Ridgeline specific. ALL vehicles experience that -- Turbo engines less than naturally aspirated ones. I trust Honda with their 5000# ratings.

rostam · 02-18-2015, 10:08 AM

Also a redesigned Ridgeline will back for 2016.

paiceman · 02-18-2015, 11:15 AM

I would not worry about it, if you like the truck and the door sill plate says you can tow what the left side plate on the AS says and you are comfortable with the set up, go for it. We loose just a little power in our F350 Dual Turbo Diesel, a gas engine will lose a little more, but again, if you like it, keep it and go.

srpuywa · 02-18-2015, 01:03 PM

oops 5.3 engine

Road Ruler · 02-18-2015, 01:52 PM

Thinking you don't have any issues. The 3.5 is a strong engine. A few years ago we camped beside a couple who had a Ridgeline and a 27'. They seemed to like the way it towed. Note it was a pro set up.

Ahab · 02-19-2015, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

There is a user pulling a 22ft AS somewhere on this forum that seems to be pretty happy with his Ridgeline and he tows around the west.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...ml#post1541850

Kelvin

That be me. Been doing it for 7 years. Got 120k miles on it, half of that towing. Been over many passes over 10,000' without a problem and never held anyone up. Hoping to get another 100k out of it then buy a new one.

AlbertF · 02-22-2015, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoldAdventure

Could of been fine with that rating, but sadly that engine was never going to work out besides on a flat surface. To little power.

247 @ 4300 RPM

You've quoted the torque number, not power. Hp is 250@5700.

It seems low compared to a V8 pickup, but the final drive ratio is 4.533:1, combined with an engine that should be happy to rev. Yes, there are stronger tow vehicles but I would have no reservations about towing a 4500 lb Airstream anywhere with a Ridgeline. I would guess that it would climb a near 10% grade (before correcting for elevation

) in 2nd gear at close to 50 mph/4000 rpm.

Ahab · 02-23-2015, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoldAdventure

Could of been fine with that rating, but sadly that engine was never going to work out besides on a flat surface. To little power.

247 @ 4300 RPM

Pure nonsense......

Ron A · 02-23-2015, 08:09 AM

I have a 16' sport and a 2013 Ridgeline. A comfortable towing speed for me is 60 to 63 MPH. Nice to hear that the Ridgeline can pull larger travel trailers. I have enjoyed my Ridgeline and would likely buy another one.

Ron
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

phbarnhart · 02-23-2015, 11:40 AM

There's a new Ridgeline coming late this year as a 2016 model. I am curious to see if Honda will adopt the SAE standard for tow ratings. After the crazy reduction the Sequoia got when Toyota adopted the standard I really don't trust any numbers that aren't done according to J2807.

SHalim88 · 10-02-2017, 06:25 AM

Hello!
I've a 2006 Honda Ridgeline with less than 60K mileage, am the original owner bought in August 2005. I'm thinking to purchase a new FC20, will it be okay? Or should I just get a lighter weight Sport 16 or 22? Thank you in advance.

AlbertF · 10-03-2017, 07:02 AM

Some will say no because of the FC20's 5500 lb gvwr. I'd say yes because you and your truck are not likely going to be able to tell the difference, at least compared to the 22fb.

The Honda has plenty of power and payload capacity.

Of course, proper setup is essential. That's another conversation.