Towing a TT one last question.....

[Tigerb8t]

I hope I am not beating a dead horse here..... just trying to make sure I have not made a mistake.....

We ordered a 2008 Rockwood ROO 183 based on published dry weight of 3168-lbs. Just called Rocwood direct and they said the trailer will weigh in at 3510-lbs total weight including all options (A/C MW, Awning etc....)

We will not be doing any across country towing at this time. Most of our trips will be short = 60-100miles one way in some very moderate hills. We may take one trip a year to the beach - 450miles.

Also, will not load trailer to the max as I want to keep a good bit of headroom relative to max tow capacity. Will try to keep our added weight below 500lbs-total.

What do the experienced ridge owners think about this. We ordered based on a published weight of 3168lbs but find the true weight to be 3510lbs with all options we have added! (A/C, Awning, Double Door Fridge, etc....)

[5S Dude]

If all my buddies over at the RV.net site say you’ll be ok you should be good to go. I would personally weigh the rig gassed up with fuel, propane, food and water just for your own peace of mind and to know exactly what you’re hauling. Pack carefully, and enjoy you’re new camp mobile.

Happy Camping!

Photos please...........

[Tigerb8t]

Thanks 5... as you can see.... I am maybe being a little overly cautious.... don't want to do anything to hurt my new baby the Ridge!!! I really love this truck. Rides better than many cars I have been in lately.

[5S Dude]

Dude! Cindy and I we’re in your exact shoes just a short year ago and we can both totally relate to your dilemma. There’s no such thing as being “a little overly cautious” “Safety above all else” especially towing safety is paramount. Some additional FYI’s ; Propane=4.25 pounds per gallon, Water=8.3 pounds per gallon and Gas=6.3 pounds per gallon.
I think you’ll find that your new Ridgeline will do just fine. Congratulations on your new Roo!!! It is a very nice choice.

[Tigerb8t]

5 - have you ever weighed your rig loaded with everything when going camping with bikes (love that pic btw!) and all?

Here is what I am estimating:

TT Weight:
3510lbs TT Dry
600lbs camping gear (clothing, food, plates supplies)
125lbs (propane and 1/2 tank fresh water)
125lbs misc stuff (WDH)
4,360lbs

Ridgeline Weight:
500lbs passengers (2 kids, Wife and me)
150lbs fuel for Ridgeline
4550 curb weight of Ridge
5200lbs

total worst case weight = 9,560lbs

Max GCVWR = 10,085lbs - 9560lbs = 525lbs cushion in a max load rating.

Seem logical??

[5S Dude]

I have yet to weigh the truck and trailer which I have been meaning to do. Our C-191 advertised weight was 2851-lbs. which I thought was a little optimistic. On the truck scales at our metal supplier they have a drive on scale and the trailer weighs in right at 3750-lbs. this is with two full bottles of propane and our fresh water tank at half full. We also carry about 3-gallons in the black water tank. My CRF150 weighs in at 222 lbs. Her KLX125 weighs in at 176 lbs.

[5S Dude]

Hi Tiger, have you guys taken delivery of your Rockwood ROO 183 yet? Any photos?

[Tigerb8t]

5 - Have not taken delivery yet. Unit is being built and will not be ready until Sometime in early late Feb- early March. Will be sure to post a pic when it is loaded on the Ridge! :)

[Truckin']

You're going to love it! We have a Rockwood Premiere tent trailer that weighs over 3K loaded and the RL does fabulous towing it. We live at 4500 elevation and our camping trips almost always are into the mountains. Even if we drive to the desert, there are mountain passes to get there. It doesn't even feel like we have anything in tow.

[Tigerb8t]

thanks Truckin'!!! I have gotten a lot of positve feedback on the Ridge's prowess when towing. Seems to be better equipped for towing than other vehicles in the 5K tow rating class. I am sure hoping for good performance from the truck as we absolutely love it for everyday usage!!!!!!!

Honestly like the Ridge better than any truck I have ever owned.

[Jester179]

HI All. I am faced with the same dilema. I am ready to purchase a new Ridgeline and own a '03 26ft traillite 8261- 3615# dry weight tandem torsion axels, enclosed under carriage - Hensley Arrow hitch. I have towed with a 2000 Expedition and it was a dream, gave my son the expy when he returned from the middle east and now need a vehicle. I am new to Honda - purchasee a Fit '07 and am impressed so much I am really willing to try the Ridgeline. I'll do 90% flat towing with a once a year trip to the smokies. Only using the camper 4-5 times per year I really like the Ridgeline for everyday usage.
My trailer weight is in line with others posting here, it is just a few feet longer, but I do have the expensive hitch I used from a previous larger trailer and now use for the traillite since I had it and wind or trucks don't phase the trailer when towing.

[nolaridge]

Hello -- my apologies to those who have already seen my posts about my AK trip -- I towed this trailer (22ft, 4000lbs fully loaded) to Alaska last summer over all kinds of roads and up some quite steep grades (the trailer took a pounding!). I wouldn't have minded a little more power, but it was always adequate. The wind was more of a problem than hills. This picture is in Banff/Jasper National Park. As you can see I'm up in the mountains. If you look closely you can see the chock behind one trailer wheel. I didn't want it to roll away while I was in the bathroom. I used a WD hitch for most of the trip but also towed without it for a couple of thousand miles. For rough roads and in wind the WD hitch was helpful, IMHO. I'm not recommending this to anyone, this is just my personal experience.

[NorCalMike]

Here's my set up. The trailer is a Nash 17C that I tow with small amounts of water in the gray and black tanks and my stuff. Weighs in at 3480 pounds. I use an Equal-i-zer hitch and have it dialed in at 2600 pounds front axle, 2640 rear axle, 3480 trailer, and 8720 vehicle/trailer. Tows great. Absolutely ZERO sway, very little buckboarding. Ridgeline tows this set up just fine. As we all know, this set up results in constant visits to the gas stations but I'd take this set up over a smoke saturated motel room every time.

[Joanne]

Towed a Trailmanor camper cross country estimated weight 4400 lbs. Weight was not a problem unless we were above 6000 ft. The Trailmanor is a low profile camper that does not catch the wind, could set the cruise at 70 mph and the transmission would run in 5th gear unless climbing. I think you will be fine with your set up. From reading other postings you may find that wind resistance will make the engine and transmission work. I found that by keeping the rpms under 3000 gas milage was ok, at 4000 or more you can watch the gas gauge drop. I always use 91 octane gas when towing. Enjoy the truck and for the trips you are planning you will be fine.