Truck Towing FAQ in Charlotte, NC

FAQ: Towing With Honda Pickup Trucks

Driving a reliable truck is handy, especially if you have big loads to transport. The dealership of Hendrick Honda Charlotte is the place to learn more about Honda pickup trucks and what they can do for you. The new Honda Ridgeline can handle light and moderate hauling duties, whether you have things to move for work or adventure. We can resolve your concerns and clear up any confusion about towing.

It’s important to understand how much the Honda Ridgeline can tow and what its limits are. Never exceed the maximum towing capacity of this truck. It can safely pull up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Several factors impact how much your Honda Ridgeline can effectively and safely tow. The tongue weight is a term you will often hear. It is the total weight of the trailer or vehicle you are pulling as it rests on the ball of the trailer hitch. You must consider the weight of the vehicle you tow after loading it. This total weight should not exceed 15% of the trailer’s total loaded weight.

The gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR, is the maximum weight of the vehicle, along with the passengers and cargo, in addition to the tongue weight.

The combined gross weight rating comprises the weight of the vehicle, the trailer you are pulling, and passengers and cargo. The gross trailer weight is the weight of the trailer and any cargo.

Lastly, the curb weight consists of the truck’s weight without any cargo or passengers. Higher ratings with all of these terms will allow for more towing capacity.

Another weight rating is the payload capacity, the total amount of allowable weight the truck can carry in its bed. It also includes the weight of the passengers. Trucks with a higher payload capacity will be able to tow more. The Honda Ridgeline has a maximum payload of 1,583 pounds.

If you tow in Charlotte, NC, or anywhere else, you should follow key safety guidelines. If you are cautious about how you drive, you keep yourself safe and others in your truck and on the road. You can also reduce the risk of accidents and mishaps with the trailer.

• Ensure that your truck is in good working condition before driving. Inflate the tires to the correct level. Inspect the brakes and make sure they are safe. You should also make sure you have topped off all vital fluids.
• Do not exceed the speed limit, especially when going down hills. Downshift before descending a steep incline. There should be plenty of space in front of you on the road, as it will take your truck longer to come to a complete stop.
• Take corners and turns carefully. Swing your truck wide as you do so. Check your rear mirrors and watch the trailer as you turn so it does not hit the curb or other objects
• Have someone help you back up your trailer when necessary. The Ridgeline’s backup camera can also assist you. Back up slowly and make sure no one is in the way.
• It’s best to use towing mirrors as you are towing with your truck. You should also use safety chains.

Before you pull a trailer or other vehicle, you need to load it properly. Poor loading techniques can result in unevenly distributed weight and damage to objects or the trailer. As you load, make sure you have parked on an even surface. Place a wedge or block against the trailer’s tires. Load about 60% of the cargo’s weight ahead of the axle and 40% behind it. Secure your belongings with straps or ropes.

Find Your Tow-Ready Vehicle in Charlotte, NC

To find out more about towing and how to safely tow your vehicle with your new Honda Ridgeline, let us help. Visit Hendrick Honda Charlotte, and we’ll give you tips on how to use your new truck for towing. We can help with all your towing needs, so come by our dealership in Charlotte, NC, today.