Factory Hitch

[Lohmeb2]

Hi all,

Just bought my 2008 Ridge in October and so far just love the truck. We've also purchased a 2008 Jayco 197 with a GVWR of 4200 pounds that wil be delivered in February. My truck came with the factory hitch but I noticed that the sticker only gives the weight carrying numbers and not the weight distribution values. Am I ok using w/d with this hitch? I know many of you do not use one but from past experience driving other truck/trailer combo's through the Rockies of British Columbia (where I live) I would just feel safer. I've looked through this thread but haven't seen this one addressed and just looking for clarification. Thanks for your help.

[MikeT]

Hi all,

Just bought my 2008 Ridge in October and so far just love the truck. We've also purchased a 2008 Jayco 197 with a GVWR of 4200 pounds that wil be delivered in February. My truck came with the factory hitch but I noticed that the sticker only gives the weight carrying numbers and not the weight distribution values. Am I ok using w/d with this hitch? I know many of you do not use one but from past experience driving other truck/trailer combo's through the Rockies of British Columbia (where I live) I would just feel safer. I've looked through this thread but haven't seen this one addressed and just looking for clarification. Thanks for your help.

Honda recommends against using a a weight distribution hitch. As for why, try using keywords like "hitch", "weight", and "distribution" or check the towing threads. Lot's of comments on WD hitches on or off the Ridge!

[ToyTruck]

Lohmeb2 -- Unless you have a huge tongue weight you most likely won't need one. Lots of posts on this. I towed my 17 Hi-Lo (3200 lbs) with the WDH setup since I use a friction anti-sway bar, but I left the tension on the WDH bars virtually off (barely tight) since it seemed to tow better that way. Just didn't need it. Felt kind of squirrelly when I tensioned it up like I did on the RAM, but my trailer tongue weight is only around 245#. I can say that towing through the narrow 2 lane mountain roads of the south, was a breeze, and passing rigs on interstates was no problem. You'll find the independent rear suspension brings a whole new way of towing--the Honda Ridgeline is simply not like your other trucks. Good luck and enjoy your new setup.