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esjay's avatar
esjay
Explorer
Jan 15, 2014

2 1/2" hitch drop with load

I hooked up my Casita trailer to my Honda Ridgeline for the first time yesterday. With me (150 pounds) standing on the bumper to simulate load carried in the truck, plus the approx. 400 pound tongue weight of the trailer, the hitch height dropped 2 1/2". It looked okay to me. My weight on the bumper may be a little extreme. Does this sound about right?
Tow Vehicles

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  • esjay's avatar
    esjay
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2014
    The Ridgeline has a regular Class IV receiver and is rated for 600 lb. tongue weight. I'm just guessing at the 400 lb. trailer tongue wt. Most Casita owners say it is less than that.
  • skipnchar's avatar
    skipnchar
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2014
    IF you''re loosing front axle loading the handling will be horrible. INstall a WD hitch designed for very small trailers and get the truck back to it's unhitched stance.
  • BigBaron's avatar
    BigBaron
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2014
    Bumper hitch? I thinks you need a class IV frame-mounted hitch.
  • RinconVTR's avatar
    RinconVTR
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2014
    Your max tongue weight is 500lbs, with you standing on back, you're over. Not a huge deal, but you need a WDH for sure. If Honda uses their typical scare verbiage using a WDH in your Ridgeline as they do other models, ignore it. Its foolish NOT to use a WDH at those weights, with that TV.

  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2014
    I would focus on how much the front axle goes up as an estimate for how much weight is removed from the front axle. That's more important and as such the purpose of a WDH. Does Honda recommend using one with the RL?

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