The Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which covers most lightweight travel trailers and small campers. In practice, you’ll be looking at RVs with a GVWR up to about 5,000 pounds, with tongue weights typically in the 500–750 pound range depending on the trailer’s design and load.
To understand how that translates into real-world options, it helps to know what the 5,000-pound limit covers, how payload and tongue weight factor in, and what kinds of RVs are commonly paired with the Ridgeline. The Ridgeline is designed for conventional (ball-h hitch) trailers and does not tow large fifth wheels or gooseneck trailers, so your options are focused on towable travel trailers, teardrops, and similar light campers.
How the 5,000-pound rating translates into RV sizes
The 5,000-pound figure is the maximum gross trailer weight (GVWR) that the Ridgeline can pull when properly equipped. It assumes you are within the vehicle’s payload limits (passengers, cargo, and the trailer’s tongue weight all count toward the payload). The actual usable weight may be lower if you regularly carry a full crew or heavy gear onboard.
Common RV classes and sizes that typically fall under or near the Ridgeline’s limit include:
- Lightweight travel trailers with GVWR up to about 5,000 pounds (approximately 20–28 feet, depending on construction and design).
- Ultra-light travel trailers with GVWR around 3,500–4,500 pounds (roughly 15–25 feet).
- Teardrop trailers and small hybrid trailers often ranging from 1,000–3,000 pounds GVWR (roughly 12–20 feet).
- Pop-up campers and small campers typically between 1,500–3,500 pounds GVWR (around 10–25 feet).
For context, tongue weight is usually about 10–15% of the trailer’s GVWR. So a 5,000-pound GVWR trailer might place 500–750 pounds on the hitch. That weight must be supported by the Ridgeline’s payload capacity in combination with passengers and cargo. Always verify the specific trailer’s GVWR and tongue weight and compare them to your vehicle’s payload rating before towing.
Note: The Ridgeline uses conventional towing rather than a gooseneck or fifth-wheel setup. That means you’ll be choosing traditional bumper-pull travel trailers or similar campers rather than larger “went-on-top” or steer-by-superstructure RVs. Always consult the owner’s manual and your dealer for the exact configurations and limitations of your trim.
Practical considerations when choosing an RV
Beyond the trailer’s GVWR, you’ll want to account for your payload (passengers and cargo) and ensure the tow hitch and braking setup meet safety requirements. The following guidelines help ensure you stay within safe limits while maintaining control on the road.
Before choosing a trailer, consider the following:
- Check the Ridgeline’s payload rating and ensure the combined weight of passengers, gear, and the trailer’s tongue weight stays within that limit.
- Know the trailer’s GVWR and tongue weight. Tongue weight is typically 10–15% of GVWR.
- Confirm braking requirements. Trailers heavier than about 3,500 pounds GVWR usually require trailer brakes; a brake controller is often needed for reliable stopping and to meet legal requirements in many regions.
- Use a properly rated hitch and consider a weight-distribution hitch if your trailer’s tongue weight is substantial or you plan long highway hauls.
- Practice safe towing: check tire pressures, balance load, and drive with extra distance for stopping and turning compared with solo driving.
With the right setup, you can confidently tow a sizeable lightweight RV. However, always verify the exact weights of both your Ridgeline (payload and towing package) and the trailer (GVWR and tongue weight) before purchasing or towing.
Summary: A Honda Ridgeline is best suited for lightweight to mid-range travel trailers, teardrops, pop-ups, and other RVs with GVWR up to 5,000 pounds. Pay careful attention to tongue weight and payload, and don’t assume you can tow larger fifth wheels or gooseneck trailers. Proper equipment, weight verification, and safe towing practices are essential for a smooth experience.