Honda Ridgeline Towing & Payload Capacity

Honda Ridgeline Towing & Payload Capacity

Light-duty trucks are capable and versatile on the interstate, which is why the Honda Ridgeline towing capacity is significant. With a tow rating of 5,000 pounds,1 this pickup is an efficient partner for DIY home projects, family trips to the beach, and even camping with your own trailer in the woods near Fairfax, VA. Ready to unlock excellent, durable trailering proficiency with a well-equipped midsize pickup? Let's explore the Honda pickup truck at DARCARS Honda Fairfax and see why its towing capacity may be perfect for you.

Towing Capacity of Honda Ridgeline Models at a Glance

  • The Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds,1 which is enough for smaller trailers.
  • For payload, the Ridgeline is good to hold up to 1,583 pounds,2 depending on the trim.
  • Some model years only have 3,500 pounds of towing capacity with their standard FWD configuration.1
  • You'll handily tow small vehicles, teardrop campers, and some utility structures, though you must be careful not to overburden your model.
  • The tow capacity of the Rigdeline is similar to the Honda Pilot towing capacity.

What Is the Honda Ridgeline Tow Capacity and Payload Limit?

The Honda Ridgeline towing capacity of 5,000 pounds1 has been a staple of the lineup since its creation in 2006. All Honda Ridgeline trucks can tow this much when equipped with AWD and its standard hitch. The Honda Ridgeline load capacity, however, is not necessarily universal, as different trim levels and add-on packages may alter what you can carry in the bed.

Honda Ridgeline Towing & Payload Capacity by Model Year

Ridgeline Year Max Towing Capacity1 Max Payload Capacity2
2026 5,000 lbs 1,583 lbs
2025 5,000 lbs 1,583 lbs
2024 5,000 lbs 1,583 lbs
2023 5,000 lbs 1,583 lbs
2022 5,000 lbs 1,583 lbs
2021 5,000 lbs 1,583 lbs
2020 5,000 lbs 1,580 lbs
2019 5,000 lbs 1,580 lbs
2018 5,000 lbs 1,580 lbs
2017 5,000 lbs 1,584 lbs
2014 5,000 lbs 1,546 lbs
2013 5,000 lbs 1,546 lbs
2012 5,000 lbs 1,546 lbs
2011 5,000 lbs 1,546 lbs
2010 5,000 lbs 1,546 lbs
2009 5,000 lbs 1,546 lbs
2008 5,000 lbs 1,558 lbs
2007 5,000 lbs 1,558 lbs
2006 5,000 lbs 1,550 lbs

While the current Honda Ridgeline payload rating is 1,583 pounds,2 that's only for the base Sport trim. The other levels for the new Honda Ridgeline are as follows:

  • Sport: 1,583 pounds2
  • RTL: 1,544 pounds2
  • TrailSport: 1,521 pounds2
  • Black Edition: 1,509 pounds2

The TrailSport also comes in a special variation with HPD wheels and the Black Edition can be configured in a two-tone model; both of these carry the same payload capacities as their counterparts listed above.

What Can the Ridgeline Tow?

How does 5,000 pounds of towing capacity1 translate into what you can handle on vacations, camping trips, and more? When you sign any of our Honda Ridgeline lease deals, you can readily tow most of the following trailer types:

  • Canoe/kayak trailers
  • Jet Ski haulers
  • Motorcycle haulers
  • Smaller fishing boat trailers
  • Tow dollies
  • Small open (and some closed) utility trailers
  • Teardrop campers
  • A-frame campers
  • Pop-up campers
  • Small travel trailers

Like with many of our new Honda vehicles, careful driving is critical to maintaining the maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.1 If you have any questions about hitching up, tow modes, or driving with heavy trailers, please contact us at DARCARS Honda Fairfax.

What Can the Ridgeline Tow?

Who Is the Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity For?

You should consider one of our Honda trucks if you are a person:

  • Who needs to do lighter work: A 5,000-pound tow rating1 is perfect for specific sites and projects. With a Honda Ridgeline payload capacity of over 1,500 pounds,2 this truck can carry a substantial amount in its bed.
  • Who needs a family truck: The Ridgeline is a perfect family vehicle, offering up to 109.7 cubic feet of volume for five passengers across two rows.
  • Who wants a vacation vehicle: If you just want a truck to get your campers or small vehicles to the water, the Ridgeline is excellent. No worrying about low MPG ratings, an unresponsive engine, and a cumbersome size.

How Will the Honda Ridgeline Tow Rating Upgrade Your Day-To-Day Life in Fairfax, VA?

So, you've decided on the Honda Ridgeline; how can you put it to work around Fairfax? Let's explore some of the locations you could venture to and enjoy.

  • Hitch to an A-frame camper and drive down to Lake Fairfax for their clean, simple campground.
  • Park at Lake Accotink with everyone's canoes in tow for an afternoon on the water.
  • Put some fishing gear in a boat and head down to Burke Lake Park for an unforgettable weekend.
  • Want to do some home renovation? Tow a dolly behind you for heavy-duty equipment, or bring a utility trailer with the necessary tools to make the job easier.

Making use of your Honda Ridgeline towing capacity for weekend escapes is perfect, but don't doubt its ability as a work truck and project enabler. These Honda trucks are engineered with durability and reliability in mind to ensure you and your family can make the most of your travels near Fairfax.

How Will the Honda Ridgeline Tow Rating Upgrade Your Day-To-Day Life in Fairfax, VA?

Shop Honda Trucks at DARCARS Honda Fairfax

Come to our dealership in Fairfax, VA, and meet with a team who will listen and understand your truck needs. Our mechanics can give you an overview of how to hitch, load, and drive with a larger trailer, while an experienced representative will happily walk through all features and trims of the Ridgeline. Let's discover or custom-build your dream truck together.


Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a Honda Ridgeline tow?

The Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, although some model years can only tow 3,500 pounds with FWD.1 Similar to the Honda Passport towing capacity, the 5,000-pound max towing strength1 is capable enough for light campers or small vehicle trailers, but it is important to understand the weight of your add-on before you hitch up.

Is the Honda Ridgeline a good truck for towing?

The Honda Ridgeline is a good truck for towing light loads, such as teardrop trailers or ATV haulers, thanks to its ease of maneuverability and integrated Class III trailer hitch with seven-pin connector. However, due to its towing capacity of 5,000 pounds,1 it may not be the primary choice for large loads, like livestock or large travel trailers.

Can you pull a camper with a Honda Ridgeline?

Yes, you can pull small campers, such as teardrop, A-frame, or pop-up campers, with a Honda Ridgeline. These smaller loads are ideal for a light-duty pickup, allowing you to carry most essentials with room to spare. Larger trailers, such as RVs, are outside the scope of the Ridgeline. If you have questions about whether the Ridgeline works for your camper, our DARCARS Honda Fairfax team can help.

Featured Customer Review

Robbie Lynn

8/22/2025

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Had a great buying experience with Parsa today, who sold me a nice 2025 Honda Ridgeline. Great customer service. I had an unfortunate mishap (nail in tire) on the way home from the dealership that day. Obviously no way to tell where or when that happened. I took it back to the dealership the same day, and they replaced it (the tire) at no charge. TREMENDOUS customer service there!!! Thank you to DARCARS Honda Fairfax for a great buying experience!


1Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

2Max payload varies based on accessories and vehicle configuration.