Honda Ridgeline pulling Orbit ultra lite

[Orbit]

I have a question about pulling my TT.

The TT is well within the weight 3,000 lbs. When I started the reccommendation was NOT to use a weight distribution hitch. However I'm questioning that because the rear tires seem slightly flattened and the ride of the Ridgeline seems like most of the springs are used up.

I have measured the clearence from the top of the tires to the top of the wheel well loaded and unloaded and there isn't a lot of difference. The rear tires decrease by about 2 inches while the frount ones stay about the same.

The hitch on the Ridgeline and the TT match well horizontally.

Any comments would be appreciated.

[TXiceman]

Welcome to iRV2. Why would you NOT want to use a WD system. I would get a basic Reese system and a friction sway control. You will find the tow vehicle rides better.

ken

[Orbit]

Hello Ken,

The reason(s) I did not (have not) used a HD hitch:

The "Hitches R Us" how installed the brake, pickup ball & hitch said that a HD was not reccommended by Honda. I also called Honda and they told be the same thing. Saying that the main thing was to stay within the weight limitation.

I am looking for what you described; a better ride in the tow vehicle.

I totally ignorant about selecting the "basic Reese unit" and adjusting it. I am also newly retired and need to make every dollar count. So I was thinking of starting my search with a second hand RV parts shop here in Phoenix.

Any further thoughts about purchasing the proper hitch and adjusting it would be appreciated.

Thanks
Fred

[RedRocket]

I understand that the information you are referring to for no W/D on a Ridgeline is also in the User Manual and the reason for no W/D is because of the suspension the Ridgeline uses. I just can't believe a 2" drop in the back with 0 drop in the front can feel very safe.

Does the front end feel too weightless when you are steering or trying to maintain a straight line?

Have you searched on any Honda forums, specifically in a Ridgeline section, to see if anyone else is using W/D?

[RedRocket]

Here are a couple of links to a Ridgeline forum specifically talking about adding W/D.

ridgelineownersclub.com - Giving in WDH

ridgelineownersclub.com - Do you use a WDH

[Orbit]

Thanks for the links and comments,

I'm concerned about the 2" drop also. Although I don't notice handling problems or have just gotten used to them.

This last 3,000 miles I noticed a slight "flatness" in the rear tires. I have not changed the pressure from the reccommended psi on the door panel. I guess I should boost it to max?

The Orbit is shaped like a parachute and is affected by wind however with a sway bar it is mostly a vibration and not a control issue. Also even at 3,000lbs the tongue weight seems high. (I have not weighed)

I am thinking about a WDH stronger after checking the links. I'm wondering what kind of hitches (make and model) owners found to be good. It seems like a big concern is putting to much hitch in action.

I'm checking some local resources here in Phoenix....so far only one option.

[TXiceman]

I would talk to them at Reese about the Reese Hitch Products
Mini 350.

It is meant for smaller trailers.

Next the probably reason that Honda does not recommend a WD hitch is that the Ridgeline does not have a conventional frame...it is monocoupe construucted. This is fine for a car, but not for a truck.


Ken

[Yellowreef]

Ive been towing a similar weight trailer with my Ridgeline with no problems. What's the hitch weight?

[I want my ac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellowreef Ive been towing a similar weight trailer with my Ridgeline with no problems. What's the hitch weight?

08 Ridgeline owner here. We made our first towing trip 1 of our trailers last week. Used a WDH and she pulled flawlessly 150 mile there, and 150 miles back. I don't have the WDH set to hold a lot of the weight, but, it does take pressure off on big bumps etc.............trailer we weighed on scale, fully loaded at 4958#'s