Honda Ridgeline (2023 year). Manual in english - page 23

366

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Before Driving

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Driving Preparation

Driving

•

Be sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the 
seats.

u

They can interfere with the driver’s ability to operate the pedals, the operation 
of the seats, or the operation of the sensors under the seats.

•

Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.

2

Fastening a Seat Belt

 P. 40

•

Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start the 
vehicle, and go off soon after.

u

Always have a dealer check the vehicle if a problem is indicated.

2

Indicators

 P. 78

367

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Before Driving

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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.

1

Maximum Load Limit

3

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

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Before Driving

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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.

1

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.

2

Specifications

 P. 574

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

2

Specifications

 P. 574

3

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

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Before Driving

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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.

1

Maximum Load Limit

Towing a Trailer:
See Towing a Trailer to determine whether your 
vehicle is designed to tow a trailer.

2

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

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Before Driving

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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.

2

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

1

Carrying Cargo

3

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.

3

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.

371

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Before Driving

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Carrying Cargo

Driving

You can also support motorcycles on the pickup bed floor with the cleats.
The floor panel of the pickup bed is designed to hold motorcycle tires. Be sure to 
tighten motorcycles securely, with an approved tie-down or motorcycle strap, 
according to the motorcycle maker’s instructions.

When carrying motorcycles or any other cargo, do not spill any oil or fluid on the 
pickup bed. A spilled liquid may damage the pickup bed.

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

1

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

2

Vehicle Specifications

 P. 574

3

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

2

5,000 lbs (2,267 kg)

3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)

3

4,875 lbs (2,211 kg)

3,375 lbs (1,531 kg)

4

4,750 lbs (2,154 kg)

3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)

5

4,500 lbs (2,041 kg)

3,000 lbs (1,360 kg)

373

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Towing a Trailer

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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

Tongue Load

Number of 

occupants

AWD models

2WD models

2

600 lbs (272 kg)

420 lbs (190 kg)

3

585 lbs (265 kg)

405 lbs (184 kg)

4

570 lbs (259 kg)

390 lbs (177 kg)

5

540 lbs (245 kg)

360 lbs (163 kg)

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Towing a Trailer

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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.

2

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.

1

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

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Towing a Trailer

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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.

2

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

1

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

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Towing a Trailer

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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.

1

Trailer brakes

The 4-pin gray connector is located under the 
instrument panel near the top of the parking brake 
pedal.

377

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Towing a Trailer

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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.

2

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)

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Towing a Trailer

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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.

1

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

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Towing a Trailer

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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

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Towing a Trailer

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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.

1

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.

2

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.

2

VSA

®

 Operation

 P. 412

381

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Towing a Trailer

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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.

2

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 

(

D

 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

1

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.

1

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.