I just bought a Passport 153ML....my 2013 Honda ridgeline states "We don't recommend using a weight distribution hitch"max towing is 5000lbshitch weight with all my passengers is rated for 550-600lbstrailer is single axle(4500 GVWR)hitch weight states 395Any advice out there for this?My concerns are the possibility of frame bending with a weight distribution on a uni-body frame the Honda has Vs. this floor plan with primarily a front area with all the storage...there's very little storage areas in the rear.Wont that really add to a big increase in hitch weight and make the steering in the Honda squirrely without weight distribution?I want to do all I can to protect my 2yr old that will be going with us.....thanks all....

Honda knows best, I would follow their recommendation. I would not want to tow far or at high speeds without a weight distribution list.Keep in mind the weights listed are as they come from the factory. Once you add your camping gear and clothes, etc., you will most likely find your true weights are higher. Make sure you also check the weight limit of the trailer's axle. There is a good chance that single axle is already at its limit.-Michael

mgirardo wrote:Keep in mind the weights listed are as they come from the factory. Once you add your camping gear and clothes, etc., you will most likely find your true weights are higher. Make sure you also check the weight limit of the trailer's axle. There is a good chance that single axle is already at its limit.-MichaelYa, that's what I'm worried about...Main storage is the full front pass-thru and closets at the front corner bed....The only rear storage is interior and under the dinette....No doubt I'm going to have to scale this once fully loaded.(I'm going to have to find where the black/grey/fresh are now thinking on this further)Thank you for the input...Hoping to hear more.

Copy paste the whole statement from Honda and you'll understand what their intention was. It was NOT to restrict use of a WDH.In fact, today's Pilot and Ridgline owners manuals have revised statements, making it more clear WDH's can be used...just make sure their adjusted properly. I used a WDH on my 2012 Honda Pilot for 3 seasons towing a 4000lb low profile TT. It was a MUST for towing...not an option.Get 800-1000lb bars....dont bother with 600lb.

Not saying you should or should not use a WD hitch. I will say, if I had a Ridgeline, I would use a WD hitch, and ensure it is correctly set up, by verifying all weights at the CAT scale.Ridgeline/Pilot is actually a pretty darn capable towing platform for an appropriately sized trailer.

Found this.Its from a Ridgeline forum and has some good info it seems.Nice trailer BTW, like the floorplan. Looks like it has a 4400# axle with around 1000# cargo capacity depending on options, not bad for a small trailer.

Weight distribution hitch question | Good Sam Community

mgirardo
Explorer
Oct 09, 2017
Honda knows best, I would follow their recommendation. I would not want to tow far or at high speeds without a weight distribution list.

Keep in mind the weights listed are as they come from the factory. Once you add your camping gear and clothes, etc., you will most likely find your true weights are higher.

Make sure you also check the weight limit of the trailer's axle. There is a good chance that single axle is already at its limit.

-Michael
DR1VENbyCAMPING
Explorer
Oct 09, 2017
mgirardo wrote:

Keep in mind the weights listed are as they come from the factory. Once you add your camping gear and clothes, etc., you will most likely find your true weights are higher.

Make sure you also check the weight limit of the trailer's axle. There is a good chance that single axle is already at its limit.

-Michael

Ya, that's what I'm worried about...Main storage is the full front pass-thru and closets at the front corner bed....The only rear storage is interior and under the dinette....No doubt I'm going to have to scale this once fully loaded.(I'm going to have to find where the black/grey/fresh are now thinking on this further)

Thank you for the input...Hoping to hear more.
RinconVTR
Explorer
Oct 09, 2017
Copy paste the whole statement from Honda and you'll understand what their intention was. It was NOT to restrict use of a WDH.

In fact, today's Pilot and Ridgline owners manuals have revised statements, making it more clear WDH's can be used...just make sure their adjusted properly.

I used a WDH on my 2012 Honda Pilot for 3 seasons towing a 4000lb low profile TT. It was a MUST for towing...not an option.

Get 800-1000lb bars....dont bother with 600lb.
gmw_photos
Explorer
Oct 09, 2017
Not saying you should or should not use a WD hitch.

I will say, if I had a Ridgeline, I would use a WD hitch, and ensure it is correctly set up, by verifying all weights at the CAT scale.

Ridgeline/Pilot is actually a pretty darn capable towing platform for an appropriately sized trailer.
GWolfe
Explorer
Oct 09, 2017
Found this.

Its from a Ridgeline forum and has some good info it seems.

Nice trailer BTW, like the floorplan. Looks like it has a 4400# axle with around 1000# cargo capacity depending on options, not bad for a small trailer.
braindead0
Explorer
Oct 09, 2017
Usually tongue weight quoted by TT manufacturers does not include battery or propane bottle weight.. nor does it include the weight of a WD hitch. all of those are considered 'dealer add-ons'.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Oct 09, 2017
DR1VENbyCAMPING wrote:
I just bought a Passport 153ML....my 2013 Honda ridgeline states "We don't recommend using a weight distribution hitch"

Forum member Last Train tows a Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS with his Ridgeline and has much experience with this combination ... I'd suggest you PM him for his thoughts on the matter.
ScottG
Nomad
Oct 09, 2017
The Ridgline doesn't have a full frame so I would follow their WDH recommendations to the letter.
bobndot
Explorer II
Oct 09, 2017
Expect your loaded up TW to be a quite bit more than what's posted. Towing at near full gross using a non full frame TV doesn't work for me, been there .

IMO, there is a reason for Honda to post such a restriction.

If you read the Ron Gratz WDH post on rv.net, it will (in detail) explain the forces applied during the use of a WDH.
I would think the lack of a full frame at the same time overloading the front axle will be the restriction.

from Ron Gratz:
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/14265335.cfm
DR1VENbyCAMPING
Explorer
Oct 09, 2017
SoundGuy wrote:
DR1VENbyCAMPING wrote:
I just bought a Passport 153ML....my 2013 Honda ridgeline states "We don't recommend using a weight distribution hitch"

Forum member ***Link Removed*** tows a Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS with his Ridgeline and has much experience with this combination ... I'd suggest you PM him for his thoughts on the matter.

Thank you SoundGuy...VERY much...I will.

And others...Thank you for the input as well.

I went back and noticed the fresh tank is under the front of the coach.....Black and grey are behind the axel.

I'm putting 2 6v batteries on it, it has dual propane tanks, and with the front storage I'm getting concerned a bit to not do bars...additional research and comments here(Thank you again) have assured me as long as installed properly does not void truck warranty so its allowed.

Going with 800lb equalizer hitch and friction sway...I'm going to be averaging 550+ from the looks of things now especially with the front pass-thru as the main storage...If water tank is even only half filled(Will of course try to travel without), That alone is 160 additional.....At least its equipped with a class III receiver standard...