Stupid Question - 5th Wheel

[GaryT41]

Here's a stupid question...

A friend asked me if the Ridgeline could haul a 5th wheel? I never haul anything with mine so I didn't know so that is why I am asking my stupid question.

[Lingered_I]

In a word, no.

[RIDGID]

sure it could.

[cdepuydt]

I am not sure where I read it, but if I remember right, Honda advises against towing 5th wheels with the RL.

[Lingered_I]

Originally Posted by RIDGID

sure it could.

There are several reasons why it couldn't.

Firstly, the bed itself is composite and fastened to the frame with 4 pretty light weight bolts. I'm not sure how well it would stand up to shear loads so you would have to reinforce the fixing of the bed to the frame, and also provide some additional plating under the bed to anchor the 5th wheel to, or more likely figure out a way to directly bolt that to the frame too, but the spare wheel and then the fuel tank are probably in the way as they are underneath that part of the bed, along with the rear differential and suspension subframe.

Secondly, and this is probably the deal breaker. The inbed trunk would require that the 5th wheel be placed too close to the cab, where the bed sides are also at their highest, both of which severely impact turning capability. Whatever you're towing would have to have a pretty long hitch extension to set it away from the cab and high enough to clear the sides, or be high enough to clear the roof of the truck.

Thirdly, the Ridgeline only tows 5000lbs. That really limits your options regarding a 5th wheel trailer. The dry weight of most decent sized trailers exceeds that.

[rvsixer]

Just to set the record straight, the RL is only rated to tow 5,000 lbs at sea level with (2) 150lb. people aboard, and 30lb. total baggage (see true RL tow/payload ratings at Payload/Towing Question)

Once you start adding real world people and cargo weights to it, and start going up into the mountains, the rated tow capacity falls rapidly (in my own case, 600lbs of people aboard going up to 8,000' MSL ,the maximum rated tow capacity is around 3,300 lbs).

The hitch pin weight alone of most 5th wheels would exceed the maximum RL total payload and bed ratings (don't believe the manufacturer's hitch/empty weights, they are grossly understated by leaving off important things like propane tanks and batteries and mattresses during weigh in) .

Heavy pop-ups or light travel trailers are it for the RL. Those here posting they are towing 4000lb ~25' trailers here with 4 people and stuff onboard all over the Rockies with their RL, and thinking they are within all specs, are in for a surprise when Honda finds out about the antics on a warranty claim .

All imho ymmv etc.

[BlueRidge06]

Another stupid question: How can a vehicle have a fifth wheel? Wouldn't it be six wheels???

[craig anderson]

It appears that the location for the 5th wheel ball would be over the spare tire. Do not think that would allow an adequate location to access the frame if the spare was to remain in the factory tray.

[crimsonaudio]

Originally Posted by BlueRidge06

Another stupid question: How can a vehicle have a fifth wheel? Wouldn't it be six wheels???

http://www.myairhitch.com/Hitch_sign..._mount_004.JPG

It's a large hitch.

[OhioJeffro]

5th wheel is the type of trailer. Trailer's that have a "Gooseneck" hitch. Never work in a Ridge, and this is an ancient thread.