I know I can tow alot, but can I put a pallet of flagstone in the back of my Ridgeline? I'm guessing it weighs 2,000 lbs.

I know I can tow alot, but can I put a pallet of flagstone in the back of my Ridgeline? I'm guessing it weighs 2,000 lbs.

You'd be about 500 pounds over capacity.

A few pounds is probably not going to hurt anything, but that's a full 33% over the rated capacity, and you won't be doing your suspension and drivetrain any favors.

If you have a hitch, why not rent a utility trailer and haul it that way? I'm presuming this is something you don't plan to do routinely.

It'll cost you something, but a lot less than repairing your truck out of warranty (and damage from exceeding cargo capacity is not warranted, as it is a defined abuse of the vehicle).

make two trips...

I say, 2 trips if this is one time thing, but if you plan to do it on a regular basis, buy a trailer.

The rated capacity of the bed is 1100 lbs, evenly distributed.

Some people here on the ROC have put about your intended load in the back with no apparent comeuppance, but I would not recommend it.

The rated capacity of the bed is 1100 lbs, evenly distributed.

Some people here on the ROC have put about your intended load in the back with no apparent comeuppance, but I would not recommend it.

I'm curious where that number comes from Ian. I see that wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Ridgeline) shows the bed rated at 1500 lbs:
"The bed is integrated with the body, similar to the Chevrolet Avalanche. It is rated as having a 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) towing capacity (with dealer-installed or aftermarket hitch) and a 1,500 lb (680 kg) bed capacity"

But there's no guarantee of accuracy on that quoted number.

I don't recall seeing the bed being rated, just an overall weight capacity. But I could have easily missed it in the literature.

The rated capacity of the bed is 1100 lbs, evenly distributed.

I'm curious where that number comes from Ian. I see that wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Ridgeline) shows the bed rated at 1500 lbs:
"The bed is integrated with the body, similar to the Chevrolet Avalanche. It is rated as having a 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) towing capacity (with dealer-installed or aftermarket hitch) and a 1,500 lb (680 kg) bed capacity"

But there's no guarantee of accuracy on that quoted number.

I don't recall seeing the bed being rated, just an overall weight capacity. But I could have easily missed it in the literature.

It's a good question. The specification published on Honda's web site (http://automobiles.honda.com/ridgeline/specifications.aspx?group=exterior) for "Total Payload Capacity" shows 1,546 lbs (1,497 lbs. for the RTL, and 1,486 lbs for RTL with navi).

The literature published on their site (http://automobiles.honda.com/ridgeline/hauling.aspx) for "Hauling" states the 1,100 lb figure. They are referring specifically to the capacity of the tiedown cleats, and I can't state categorically that it's the weight capacity of the bed (but that seems to be the context).

But, I believe "Total Payload" includes passengers and anything else you add to the vehicle. So, for me and my tonneau cover, subtract something like 240 lbs. from that figure. Add a helper, and there's another 200 lbs. taken away from capacity.

I think Ian's figure is independent: even if I only add a svelte 120 lbs for myself to the payload, it does not follow that the bed capacity thus becomes 1,220 lbs. Correct?

I'll offer this:
Loaded a ton of pellets (40lbs. each) 40 bags in the bed, evenly distributed, then flipped up the rear seats and the last 10 went on the floor... no problem....

Matt, you beat me to it with the correct explanation: the 1500-ish lb figure is for everything, and the 1100 lb figure is for the bed.

Here is what it says on Page 260 of my 2009 manual:

"The maximum load for your vehicle is:
On vehicles without moonroof
1,530 lbs (690 kg)
On vehicles with moonroof
1480 lbs (670 kg)"

"These figures include the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer."

Then on page 263:

"The maximum allowable loading weight on the pickup bed is 1,100 lbs (500 kg)."

"Distribute cargo evenly on the pickup bed. Place the heaviest items n the bottom and as far forward as possible of the rear axle."

Matt, you beat me to it with the correct explanation: the 1500-ish lb figure is for everything, and the 1100 lb figure is for the bed.

Here is what it says on Page 260 of my 2009 manual:

"The maximum load for your vehicle is:
On vehicles without moonroof
1,530 lbs (690 kg)
On vehicles with moonroof
1480 lbs (670 kg)"

"These figures include the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer."

Then on page 263:

"The maximum allowable loading weight on the pickup bed is 1,100 lbs (500 kg)."

"Distribute cargo evenly on the pickup bed. Place the heaviest items n the bottom and as far forward as possible of the rear axle."

That entire section is well worth reading for anyone putting anything in their truck. It also includes capacity for the trunk and an optional roof rack.

A lot of the concern has to do with handling and center of gravity, reading between Honda's lines.

I have a hard time remembering that I have the PDF of the manual on my very computer. I've just linked it to a more prominent place in my sidebar.

I'll offer this:
Loaded a ton of pellets (40lbs. each) 40 bags in the bed, evenly distributed, then flipped up the rear seats and the last 10 went on the floor... no problem....

You brought 20% of your load forward of the pickup bed, thus transferring it more toward the center of the truck.

And presuming you brought that load straight home and weren't a maniac about driving with it, sounds cool for a short haul.

Hope those pellets keep you warm as the next Arctic blast hits us! :)

But the OP's load is different: flagstone on a pallet would be static, relatively high, and because of the way the bed is situated, the load would be directly over the rear wheels. I still would find a way either to split it up or trailer it.

Where the load is on the vehicle makes a big difference.

Very good Ian. I finally found it in my OM on page 194.

http://i.imgur.com/YloUU.png

http://i.imgur.com/EahY7.png

Thanks, all! This is a one time load of pavers I'll need, so I'll just pay to have it delivered.

The rated capacity of the bed is 1100 lbs, evenly distributed.

But what if he has an odd number of pavers? :act060:

But what if he has an odd number of pavers? :act060:

Even if he did, that would be an odd problem. :act027:

But what if he has an odd number of pavers? :act060:

Even if he did, that would be an odd problem. :act027:

Both of you are unbalanced! :cheerleader:

Both of you are unbalanced! :cheerleader:

No, just odd. :act027:

No, just odd. :act027:

Okay. Guess we're even. :act027:

Can't top that!

Can't top that!

What are the "odds" that I could?:act047:

Thanks, all! This is a one time load of pavers I'll need, so I'll just pay to have it delivered.

This is definitely the best solution. Probably the same price as renting a trailer and no wear/tear on the Ridgeline.

~SB

You brought 20% of your load forward of the pickup bed, thus transferring it more toward the center of the truck.

And presuming you brought that load straight home and weren't a maniac about driving with it, sounds cool for a short haul.

Hope those pellets keep you warm as the next Arctic blast hits us! :)

But the OP's load is different: flagstone on a pallet would be static, relatively high, and because of the way the bed is situated, the load would be directly over the rear wheels. I still would find a way either to split it up or trailer it.

Where the load is on the vehicle makes a big difference.


That is correct.

Maniac days driving, with a load of anything, are over.....
Typically, a ton of pellets are shipped on a standard size pallet.
I knew I would far exceed the weight limit if I were to place the pallet inside the bed with the entire ton, also did not want such a high center of gravity to deal with when driving it home.
Therefore I opted to loose the pallet and chuck the bulk in the bed and the rest in the cab.
Picking up another 1/2 ton today to see if I can stretch 'em to March..

Be wary of having too much weight in one spot. I carried a hoist in the bed of my ridgeline, it was about 700lbs but all the weight was concentrated in one area and it actually bent the bed liner because it doesn't rest on the frame but is "floating". The bed buckled about 1/4 inch dip in center above where the spare tire would be. It didn't bother me much but keep in mind, the bed is "floating" not sitting on the frame.

Be wary of having too much weight in one spot. I carried a hoist in the bed of my ridgeline, it was about 700lbs but all the weight was concentrated in one area and it actually bent the bed liner because it doesn't rest on the frame but is "floating". The bed buckled about 1/4 inch dip in center above where the spare tire would be. It didn't bother me much but keep in mind, the bed is "floating" not sitting on the frame.

I be curious to see a picture of this 'dip'. This would cause a few other problems, wouldn't it?
How is the weather tight seal for the trunk?
How well does the trunk open now? The hinges are right underneath when you say you have damage.

I've seen the video of the 'Rock Drop' in the back of the RL and there was no damage done to the box.

Call me a skeptic. Like I said post up a pic.

Well my trunk issues aren't really meant for this topic but since you asked, yes I do have trunk problems. The weather seal is still decent but no where near as good as it was when new. I've had a few leaks in the trunk over the years, luckily the trunk has the drain plug. The first time I noticed the problem was about a month after the dip occured so rain water made my tool belt and hard hat liner musty.

Then that winter I put some sand in the back for traction on our icy roads but I didn't take into account that the sand would "leak" down into the creases of the trunk and the moisture in the sand froze which made it expand. In the spring it took me a while to open the trunk because the latch was under pressure from the "expanded" sand in the trunk creases. I used a thin knife to scrape out some of the sand and a rubber mallet to vibrate the sand around so I could open it. I had to re-adjust the hinges to make the trunk latch close better as the hinges had been "stretched" while under pressure. The trunk works good enough for me but it's nowhere near like-new.

That's too bad my friend. Something to keep in mind for sure. At least most loads are streched out and not concentrated in one area like yours was.

Thanks for the heads up on this! :act035:

Some people here on the ROC have put about your intended load in the back with no apparent comeuppance, but I would not recommend it.

probably the same clowns who then cry about blown struts, shocks, and other issues later on down the line and blame Honda. :act010: