Can Weight Distribution be Used to Tow a Trailer with a 2012 Honda Ridgeline
Updated 09/17/2018 | Published 09/16/2018
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 2012 honda ridgeline rtl with navigation. I visited the honda dealer today and was told my truck has the towing package. I recently went to an rv show and want to purchase a travel trailer approx 20foot long with a gvwr of 3890lbs. It has a dry weight of 3164lbs. I have learned the honda ridgeline has a unibody frame and should not use a weight distribution hitch. Friends with towing/camping experience have told me a weight distribution hitch with sway control is necessary. Is there a safe way to tow a trailer this size with my vehicle?
asked by: Glenn F
Expert Reply:
According to he owner's manual for your 2012 Honda Ridgeline the reason a weight distribution system is not recommended isn't because of the frame. It states:
A weight distributing hitch is not recommended for use with your vehicle, as an improperly adjusted
weight distributing hitch may reduce handling, stability, and braking performance.
It doesn't say that you can't use one and what they do say is true for any vehicle not just the Ridgeline. If you would rather not use a weight distribution system you can use sway control only if you want. You would just need 1 friction sway control bar # 83660 and one bracket # RP26003 and you will at least have the benefits of sway control.
If you experience rear end sag when the trailer is coupled then you can add rear suspension enhancement # CSS-1168R for 2-wheel drive models with the stock tow package.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Weight Distribution System - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- Trunnion Bar
- Shank Not Included
- Top-Mount
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Requires Disconnection
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Wireless Brake Controller Recommendation for 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness
- Q&A: Best Flush Bar Roof Rack For 2024 Hyundai Tucson With Flush Rails
- Q&A: Is Onan Cummins QG Generator 4000i Actually Better than Previous Generation
- Q&A: Recommended Weight Distribution System for a 7,000 lbs Big Tex 70DM Car Hauler
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: Which Sway Control Hitch is Right For Your Trailer?
- Q&A: Replacement Head and Shank for a Weight Distribution System
- Q&A: Will Spring Bars Rated Above Trailer Tongue Weight Make for a Stiff Ride
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
- Q&A: Old Reese V-5 Weight Distribution System Compatibility
- Article: 5 Tips to Confidently Choose Your Weight Distribution Hitch
- Article: How to Install a Weight Distribution Hitch (With Pictures & Video)
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)