Honda Ridgeline (2022 year). Manual in english

367

Before Driving

Maximum Load Limit

Continued

Driving

Maximum Load Limit

The maximum load for your vehicle is 1,444 lbs (655 kg).

The maximum load for your vehicle is 1,400 lbs (635 kg).

The maximum load for your vehicle is 1,543 lbs (700 kg).

The maximum load for your vehicle is 1,477 lbs (670 kg).

See the Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver’s
doorjamb.

This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -

(1)

Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle’s placard.

Maximum Load Limit

WARNING

Overloading or improper loading
can affect handling and stability
and cause a crash in which you
can be hurt or killed.

Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.

2WD without moonroof models

2WD with moonroof models

AWD without moonroof models

AWD with moonroof models

Label Example

Before Driving

Maximum Load Limit

368

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.

Specifications

P. 574

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

Specifications

P. 574

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.

369

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.

Towing a Trailer

P. 372

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)

370

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.

Maximum Load Limit

P. 367

•

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.

372

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 weighs 150 lbs (68 kg)

•

Each occupant has 17.6 lbs (8 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

Vehicle Specifications

P. 574

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)

4,875 lbs (2,211 kg)

3,375 lbs (1,531 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)

373

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)

585 lbs (265 kg)

405 lbs (184 kg)

570 lbs (259 kg)

390 lbs (177 kg)

540 lbs (245 kg)

360 lbs (163 kg)

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

374

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.

Tongue load

P. 373

•

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

3,086 lbs

(1,400 kg)

3,263 lbs

(1,480 kg)

Gross combined

8,245 lbs

(3,740 kg)

10,031 lbs

(4,550 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.

Continued

375

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

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.

Trailer brakes

P. 376

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

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

376

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.

377

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

Continued

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.

Engine Compartment Fuse Box Type B

P. 564

Electric Brake
(Brown)

Ground
(Black)

+B (Light
Green) (20A)

Stop
(Violet)

Trailer brake controller
connector’s terminals:

Electric Brake
(Brown)

+B (20A)
(Blue)

Ground
(Black)

Brake Lights
(Sky Blue)

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

378

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):

379

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):

380

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.

Driving Safely with a Trailer

P. 381

Trailer towing sway is caused by:

•

Crosswinds

•

Improper towbar down load

•

Excessive speed

The VSA

system indicator blinks during the trailer

stability assist operation.

VSA

Operation

P. 412

381

Towing a Trailer

Driving Safely with a Trailer

Continued

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.

Towing Load Limits

P. 372

•

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 pressure of the trailer tires, including the spare.

•

Turn off the Auto Idle Stop system using the Auto Idle Stop

OFF

button. The

trailer weight can affect your vehicle’s brake effectiveness if Auto Idle Stop is
activated on a hill while towing a trailer.

•

Drive slower than normal.

•

Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.

•

Use the

(

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.

Towing a Trailer

Towing Behind a Motorhome

382

Driving

•

Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the

mark, turn off the 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.

When retrieving a boat from the water, we recommend using the sequential mode

(

to utilize the transmissions lower gears.

Towing Behind a Motorhome

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

Emergency Towing

P. 568

■

Driving in Hilly Terrain

■

Retrieving a Boat

Driving in Hilly Terrain

If the automatic transmission fluid temperature
exceeds the specified limit, the transmission will also
automatically up shift, even in the sequential mode.

Honda Ridgeline (2022 year). Manual in english - page 23