Dumb question about hauling [Archive] - Honda Ridgeline Owners Club Forums

: Dumb question about hauling


Molsonman
05-30-2006, 02:29 PM
OK I'm looking to upgrade my motorcycle trailer to something we can "LIVE" in at that track and at the races. Right now I tow a little 5x8 trailer. I was wondering if my RL would be able to haul something like this...?

http://www.a1warriortrailers.com/sx16.htm


Here are some of the specs...I know the RL can haul up to 5000 pounds. But If I could keep the gear/fluids to a low level would it be possible?

GVWR 6580 lb.
UVWR 3925 lb.
Dry Hitch 480 lb.
Dry Axles 3445 lb.

csimo
05-30-2006, 03:01 PM
With a UVWR at nearly 4000 pounds you will have a very difficult time keeping it under 5000. Most people underestimate the weight of the "goodies" they haul. I'd estimate that 80% of the travel trailers on the road are running above their GVWR.

Another consideration would be insurance and liability. If you were to have an at fault accident and the attorney of the injured party were to find out you were hauling above and beyond the design of the tow vehicle they will come after you with a vengeance. That's negligence and many insurance companies will do their best to abandon you.

I wouldn't do it.

bandit
05-30-2006, 07:00 PM
...I wouldn't do it.
I'd have to second that. The UVWR weight of 4k is already 80% of the max capacity of the Ridge - and that's dry. Add your "stuff" and a motorbike or ATV and you're going to go over. Personally, I think you should look for something where the GVWR is about 4k. That way you know that loaded the trailer will only come to 80% of the Ridge's capacity.

- Bandit

Bourgo
05-30-2006, 08:52 PM
I had my travel trailer weighed at a state certified scale with gear etc. Came in at 4200 lbs. I towed it this weekend and I must say that at 40 mph or less you could hardly tell it was behind you. Once above 40 mph I felt like the Ridgeline was working pretty hard to accomodate the towing capacity. I do have elec brakes and they worked very well with the Ridge. Also, check the owners manual, it does state what towing capacity will be with passengers.

Bottom line will the Ridge haul the 5k lbs, in my opinion yes it will, but you will know that it is behind you for sure.

Molsonman
05-31-2006, 06:23 AM
Thanks everyone for the quick responses. After giving it much consideration I've decided it's probably not a good idea to be "pushing it" with the total weight. I'd really like to upgrade my trailer to something like this but don't think I can find one under 4k dry.....Oh well. MIght have to wait for the new V8 Ridgeline to come out :)

RIDGID
05-31-2006, 07:17 AM
Wrong truck for what your looking to do.A 1/2 ton ford or chevy would work pulling that nice unit.6000 # in a crosswind is a big load.I'd prefer a diesel 3/4 even for this unit.You can buy a tandem aluminum car hauler trailer for about $3500 with brakes and sideboards.Fit that with a hi tech tent and awning that would fit on the trailer bed and you can do many things.Why put it on the trailer bed?Your off the ground,nice smooth floor,couple of cots and a table your set.The trailer will haul your toys economically.

I have pulled lotsa stuff and what gives me pleasure now is Hampton Inn camping.All that hot water,clean towels,paper,pool,free breakfast.Now that's roughing it!

I had to get pretty old to find out that simple is better.

Molsonman
05-31-2006, 09:31 AM
Wrong truck for what your looking to do.A 1/2 ton ford or chevy would work pulling that nice unit.6000 # in a crosswind is a big load.I'd prefer a diesel 3/4 even for this unit.You can buy a tandem aluminum car hauler trailer for about $3500 with brakes and sideboards.Fit that with a hi tech tent and awning that would fit on the trailer bed and you can do many things.Why put it on the trailer bed?Your off the ground,nice smooth floor,couple of cots and a table your set.The trailer will haul your toys economically.

I have pulled lotsa stuff and what gives me pleasure now is Hampton Inn camping.All that hot water,clean towels,paper,pool,free breakfast.Now that's roughing it!

I had to get pretty old to find out that simple is better.

I already have a 5x8 trailer. Like I said if I'm gonna spend the money I'd like to get a toy hauler with a shower and toilet in it. Anyone know of any toy haulers around the 16-18 foot range that weigh in less that 4000#?

RIDGID
05-31-2006, 12:54 PM
Don't believe there is a toy hauler of that weight,that is why I made those suggwstions.

Molsonman
05-31-2006, 04:12 PM
I think this is the closest thing I can find for a toy hauler in the RL's towing capapbility. http://www.aliner.com/page41.html

It would be small but again. I'm just looking for something that we can sleep/shower/ and SH*T in. That's about it. :)

bandit
05-31-2006, 05:16 PM
I think this is the closest thing I can find for a toy hauler in the RL's towing capapbility. http://www.aliner.com/page41.html

It would be small but again. I'm just looking for something that we can sleep/shower/ and SH*T in. That's about it. :)
I believe that ALiner may be a good compromise. The GVWR is 5k, but that is the max the trailer can weigh. It is, however, fairly aerodynamic, which means you're not plowing a flat surface through the wind like some other travel trailers. If you've got an ALiner dealer nearby, you might try taking it for a test pull with your Ridge.

Molsonman
05-31-2006, 05:36 PM
I believe that ALiner may be a good compromise. The GVWR is 5k, but that is the max the trailer can weigh. It is, however, fairly aerodynamic, which means you're not plowing a flat surface through the wind like some other travel trailers. If you've got an ALiner dealer nearby, you might try taking it for a test pull with your Ridge.

Yea I checked and see there's one about 30 miles away so I'll probably have to take it for a test pull. Thanks for everyone's help