BillyBob58
Tupelo, MS
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Joined: 05/27/2008
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Hello RVers,
I'm not sure if this is the area where I should post this or not: if it is in the wrong area maybe a mod can move it to the right area.
I am a complete newby about to get into using a camper trailer. I have an 08 Honda Ridgeline RT, which I realize is not a very big tow vehicle, but it will have to do for now. It is rated for 5000 pounds max, and we will probably be getting a camper of less than 4000 lbs.
My first question is: should I use the factory Honda class 3 hitch and wiring harness? It is $529 installed. I called U-haul, and they quoted me $198 installed for the class 3 hitch, plus $30-$100 for the wiring harness- they said they would have to see the vehicle first.
Does anybody know if there might be some advantage to the Honda hitch? Being specifically designed for the Ridgeline and all and sometimes coming hooked up from the factory on a different trim level ( the RX). I guess I'm wondering if it might cause less loss of clearance/departure angle or something.
Or, would all of these class 3 hitches be pretty much the same and the U-Haul, or maybe some others, as good as the Honda?
Then the next thing I've got to find out about is trailer breaks, which are required by the Honda above 1000 lbs.
Thanks in advance for any help
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Kenneth
Washington, the state
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Joined: 03/20/2001
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Cequent makes the U-Haul hitch receiver, and also makes Draw-tite, Reese, and Hidden Hitch. The only difference is the label sticker. They're good.
I'd suggest snooping around parking lots or dealerships and take a good look at receivers on Ridgelines. You'll probably find both Honda and Cequent, and you can compare. Any idea who Honda hires to make their receivers for them?...could be Cequent as well.
No question about brakes...you NEED an electric trailer brake controller (except for the few pop-up trailers with hydraulic surge brakes). There is no question about what kind of controller to get...get a proportional one. Get either Tekonsha P3 or Teknosha Prodigy or identical Draw-Tite IntellaStop Ultra, Valley Odyssey or identical Husky Excursion, or Hayes Genesis...or the pricey but excellent Brakesmart or Hensley. Don't even consider getting anything else.
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All men over age 50 should get an annual PSA blood test. Mine had a low reading, but the yearly jump was significant. The biopsy showed cancer just entering the aggressive stage. Dr. Hackenslash removed it.
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havedreamwilltravel
Southern California
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Joined: 08/15/2006
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To get a better answer you might want to ask it in the Ridgeline Owners forum. It's been linked many times when people have been asking about towing with a Ridgeline. Click here
And....you will definitely want to keep your trailer GROSS weight at 4000#'s - which means around 2500#'s dry weight (need to allow for propane tanks and battery) and then your stuff which can weigh as much as 800+ pounds.
Honda's have notoriously weak transmissions so lighter is better for your Ridgeline. Think along the lines of pop-ups, trailmanors, smaller funfinderX and eco travel trailers.
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Equalizer Hitch, Prodigy Brake Control
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Intheloonybin
Twin Cities, Minnesota
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If the U-haul price ends up being accurate for the wiring to the rear of the vehicle, I would go with it.
I know a couple of people that have had hitches installed through U-haul and are satisfied with them.
And you will need trailer brake and a controller for a trailer of that weight.
Buy a prodigy controller right off the bat. You can usually find them for about $100-120 somewhere. Maybe bring it with to U-haul and have them wire that too.
Good luck!
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kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
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Joined: 05/27/2005
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Quote:you will definitely want to keep your trailer GROSS weight at 4000#'s I strongly second this advice, as well as the recommendation for good trailer brakes and to keep your trailer small & light, such as popups, hybrids, or very small enclosed trailers. Do NOT go by "dry weight" or UVW of the trailers, as those will be unrealistically low figures, and you'd likely end up overloaded.
Depending on what kind of trailer you want, you may want to consider a hitch with sway control - not likely you'll need that for a popup, but you might with other kinds of trailers. And I'd recommend getting a hitch rated up to 5000#, to give you a cushion of safety for your proposed 4000# (gross weight  ) trailer.
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wayne_tw
South Dakota/Georgia
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Joined: 07/21/2007
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The U-Haul product may be good, and I have done business with U-Haul for many years, but without exception, I have found their staff to be inept and uncaring. I would find a business that installs and sells hitches as a primary function of their business model. You are much more likely to find a skilled staff at such a business.
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BillyBob58
Tupelo, MS
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Wow, lot's of quick, useful answers! Thanks, folks. And I will check out that Honda RL owners forum.
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grakgrp
Ontario,Canada
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Joined: 06/30/2007
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We just bought a Honda Odyssey and the inlaws a 2007 Ridgeline at the same time. The Honda Dealership recommended we shop around at one of the after market dealerships for our hitch, coolers and brake controllers, with their recommendation for one. They said that there was no advantage to purchasing it from Honda other than you are going to pay more for the same thing. There was no effect on the new vehicle warranty. After the installations, we went back to the Honda dealership and had them inspect the work, all was fine.
The Ridgeline got a Reese/Hidden Hitch Class 3 tow bar and a Prodigy brake controller and saved $200 from the dealer price and got a brake controller and a 7 pin connector.
The Odyssey was quoted $1450 (CND) for the Class 3 hitch, Tranny and Power steering coolers, 4 pin connector and wind scoop in the front grill. For the same money ($1395 CND) from a reputable trailer dealership, Class 3 weight distribution hitch by Reese, Prodigy Brake controller, 7 pin hook-up with power to the trailer, Tranny cooler and free set-up with the trailer. The Power Steering cooler was not required, but recommended from Honda.
Just ask the Honda dealer who they would use and recommended to install the towing components.
Just my experience. No problems to date and we have done lots of miles/kms since.
It pays to ask and shop around.
Hope this helps.
Grakistgrp
Dad, Mom(better half), 2 girls, 2 boys + the travel bug 
2006 Honda Odyssey - Canada
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webhannet
Southern Coastal Maine
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Joined: 08/09/2004
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I agree - U-Haul has the best pricing and good hitches. The "talent" is another thing. My muffler was left hanging, and the description of what the installer intended to do to my wiring was pretty bad.
I suggest finding a high volume U-Haul dealership with more experienced workers - mine was "small town" and hacks.
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shutdown
In The Dog House
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Joined: 03/13/2008
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The price from Uhaul isn't bad. The hitch sells for about $150 uninstalled.
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