Weight Distribution Hitch

[Webwader]

It is curious why they would not recommend a weight distributing hitch and it would have been nice of them to provide their reasons.

If you will refer to your owners manual, you will see that they did provide the reasons.
"....an improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch may reduce handling, stability, and braking performance."
I agree with their reasoning.

[blconnection]

Yea I did read that. I was thinking of something deeper than that. To be a little sarcastic to make a point improper operation of the steering wheel will cause crashes. Do they think that setting up a weight distributing hitch is too hard for the general public or is there a trick that weight distributing hitch is more difficult on the Ridgeline? I know that unless one of the designers are on this forum we will never know the fundemental reason for their statement. I do know that the statement that Honda made has been noted by several owners and I hope it is not needlessly keeping owners from using the correct hitch for their comfort and use.

[Brent]

Down the line I expect to tow something. I can get all the info I need as to "rated" but once I fill it up how do I find out how the weight is distributed? How to measure tongue weight? My bathroom scales don't go that high. I don't intend to overload so am prepared to make realistic estimates. ie., 320 pounds in the front seats, 400 pounds in the bed etc. But actual tongue weight? And distribution? I have done a fair bit of totally blind ignorant towing just eyeballing and gut feeling and have been luckey so far. I am past the point of ignorant luck and want to do it right this time around. Is there a simple Towing 101 manual around?

[blconnection]

Yes there are a lot of 101 sites out there. A quick search out there for towing 101 will find a bunch.

Here are a couple of sites for weighing the rig. Don't say a bathroom scale will not be useful (see second reference at e-trailer):

http://www.rvtowingtips.com/how-to-weigh.htm

http://www.etrailer.com/faq/trailer-towing-tips.asp

For the bathroom scale note the need to keep the trailer at the normal height. If a heavy tongue keep the dolly wheel down in case it falls off the post or rig that you use to support the ball coupler.

The Ridgeline owners manual is also pretty good. Take a look from about page 212 to 226 (my 2007 book) section towing a trailer. I do not know if the 2006 book used the exact same page numbers.

[blconnection]

I am thinking that I did not answer a previous post very well and may have left the wrong impression.

The point that I was trying to make is I do not understand why Honda would ever make any statement to the effect of we do not recommend X because it will not work if not correctly used. I do also agree with their reasoning if you do the setup wrong but why would you assume the setup will be done wrong. I have read several posts that have presumed that this is Honda lawers doing a CYA bit.

One of my concerns is reading posts where it is being assumed that you cannot use a weight distributing hitch on a Ridgeline for any reason even when setup correctly. I know that is not always true since I have also seen photos on this forum that have Weight Distrubuting hitches in them.

[brandont]

I agree - it is like saying that driving with an improperly loaded trailer can cause steering and braking problems. A properly adjusted WD hitch will improve response and braking by making the weight more 'stock-like' across all 4 tires. If you truely cranked on it, you could lift the rear wheels off the ground in theory - and effect braking. But a mild lift will not make a difference. The more equal your weight on all 4 tires are - the more traction you have.

And about measuring the tongue weight - get a scrap 4x4 about 2-3' long. Buy 2 cheap bathroom scales that go to 300lbs or more. Put the 4x4 across both scales then lower your trailer jack onto the 4x4. Add both scale readings together for the tongue weight of your trailer. Make sure the trailer is LEVEL when you do this - a grade can greatly effect the outcome.

[Webwader]

The best way to measure tongue weight is to tow the trailer, loaded for normal use, to a public scale and measure the axle weight of the trailer when it connected to the RL. Then disconnect the trailer on the scale and measure its total weight, which you should be aware of anyway.
Total weight minus axle weight equals tongue weight.

If you think that everyone knows how to set up a trailer correctly, start watching the ones you go by on the highway.

The more equal your weight on all 4 tires are - the more traction you have.

If you tow a trailer within the recommended limits, that is exactly what occurs with the RL due to its 58/42 weight distribution, but if you want a WDH, have at it.

[Nailing Malarkey]

The draw-tite lists their 75280 hitch as a class IV and on the Ridgeline specific install and use instruction says 6000 lbs with a WD package.

I might not want to take that on the freeway at 75 MPH but towing my 5,200 lb tractor in for a tune up is not a problem to me. Does someone with a draw-tite hitch know if the hitch placard says 6000 lbs? Just in case some eager beaver badge wants to know?

[vecjr]

Yes... the Draw-Tite hitch by that part number is labeled as 5,000lbs weight carrying (also Hidden Hitch part number 70754)and 6,000lbs weight distributing. Curt Manufacturing also makes a 2" receiver, part number 13385 rated the same. Here's the deal... The hitch is rated to pull 5000lbs (Maximum), with 500lbs tongue weight without equalizing bars. Neither of these specifications should be exceeded. Remembering the old adage of "Everything in Moderation," usually if you exceed 4000lbs it is a good idea to heed a bit on the safe side and use an equalizing hitch. This distributes the load more evenly accross the vehicle, because any tongue weight you put on the rear of the vehicle tends to take weight off the front wheels. The weight distribution counters this returning control back to the driver. On a sunny day you may not notice these things, but in wet whether it is more obvious. Honda probably objects to this because the Ridgeline is actually of Uni-body construction rather than full frame construction, which really means that even though you can pull 6,000lbs, take it easy... you won't be doing it for long. On the topic of brakes... Here in Ontario, Canada the law requires brakes on anything over 2,500lbs. I hear many people ask what they can pull, but very few ever ask what they think they can stop with in an emergency situation. I think it is always best to stay "safe." I ordered my Ridgeline and look forward to it's delivery in a few days and I have really enjoyed the input I have had from this website! I hope my info helps.

[kermit777]

I thought I saw a frame underneath my truck