Towing 4800lbs 3000 miles across America with a Honda Ridgleline - Part 1

Moving across America from Washington to Georgia. To do this great feat I utilized my 2018 Honda ridgeline RTLE. The weight of the load was roughly 4800-5000lbs and distance was roughly 2800+ miles. Follow along in this multiple part series as I tackle the long and difficult landscape of the United States.
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[@tomhockman6267]

I love seeing these kind of real world examples of the Ridgeline at work. It really shows a different side of the truck than the press event test drives for KZbin auto reviewers.

[@PapiDoesIt]

I regularly tow a 4200 pound trailer with my 2019 Ridgeline AWD. So far I have 13K miles on it and half of that is towing. I changed all my fluids earlier than the MM suggested. It does great.

[@814chappy]

Any transmission overheating issues ?

[@tatyanamotso3619]

I am glad you got to Georgia safely I miss you every much son ! Love you 😘

[@YuriyMotso]

Love you too.

[@estebanoures1]

@@YuriyMotso awwww hahah, great Vid 👍

[@stephendolak9293]

Great video! I own a 2023 RTL-E that I'll be using as a TV to haul a 21C Escape Travel Trailer with this summer. The trailers dry weight is at about 3,500lbs and I doubt I'll ever have a 1,000 extra pounds in her when towing. There are a few Escapees who use Ridgelines as their TV's and all have said the Honda performs flawlessly. Some recommend adding an additional transmission coooler and others run stock using a scangauge to monitor the transmission temp and change the fluid regularly after long hauls. I've owned almost every truck made from 1/2 ton, 1 ton and my other truck 2 ton Ram 5500 Cab Chassis with a CM Flatbed to haul my Northern Lite Truck camper, and have to say...The Ridgeline is my favorite truck by far and worth every penny I paid for her!

[@rah4822]

I tow 3 or 4,000 lb trailers all the time with my Ridgeline. Only complaint is fuel mileage. 60k miles now.

[@gw5479]

What year do you have? I am getting 26mpg on the highway unloaded on my 2017.

[@g7003041]

Yup, 100% agreed... Once you owned a Ridgeline... It's hard to looks elsewhere for other trucks that do what it meant to do. Its my long distance vacations vehicle too. Love it comfort and it available storage. I have a Subaru Ascent Touring... And still prefer the RL :)

[@YuriyMotso]

Awesome! im actually looking to upgrade my wife's vehicle right now as we have a second child on the way. considering the odyssey minivan, pilot, highlander or Sienna right now.

[@PapiDoesIt]

@@YuriyMotso My wife liked my Ridgeline so much she bought a Pilot. Almost identical vehicles.

[@YuriyMotso]

@@PapiDoesIt The pilot is nice but realistically having a minivan is more practical. I need to think much longer term now that we will be carrying many extra bodies for many years to come from now on.

[@DavidDiaz-nf2lr]

@@YuriyMotso you can't beat a mini van with kids. You will think you can until one of them throws the car door open and smashes the car next to you.

[@boghopper5463]

hi. if you are still around, can you comment on the ridgeline vs ascent for comfort, drivability, and utility for long distance road trips. we drive coast to coast in Canada at least once a year and it looks like that get a lot more frequent going forward. i love my outback 3.6 but we’ve alway got it loaded to the nines. going to be choosing between an ascent or a ridgeline next purchase.

[@cajazzbeartv]

Yes, I too experience a 1-2 mph difference when I use cruise on my '18 Sport 2WD. Also, like you, I am impressed with the towing and comfort of the Ridgeline. I towed a 5'x8' U-Haul trailer from Los Angeles to Seattle where I learned when to use D and D4 with no issues. When towing a 4'x8' U-Haul trailer from Washington to Tennessee I only noticed it back there when going thru Montana which included some snow. By the time I got East of the mountains, 80mph was no problem (in part to tail wind) and mpg was in the low-mid 20s with a payload of about 2,000. Keep with the updates!

[@conradjake777]

You and I basically got the same truck. I've done A LOT to mine tho. I'm soon gonna be putting a lift on mine.

[@YuriyMotso]

I too maxed out my trailer tires speed capabilities after I got comfortable with the truck and trailer about half way through. Hit as high as 84 but before pushing it further I researched the speed rating which was only rated for 81 MPH. I wish I saw low to mid 20s MPG. not even close. Could be in part to something I was doing which I will go into later in my wrap up video.

[@ManCaveGroove]

If i max out the towing trailer with 5000 lb, can i still add 1500 lb with payload in the bed?

[@roylee7193]

How to set up your tow hitch

[@jw8567]

Very interested in how your trip progresses. Bought the 2020 Ridgeline for towing 3500lbs trailer.

[@YuriyMotso]

I have the 2018 RTLE. Will try and have the next video up today or tomorrow.

[@jeffho1727]

Be interested how things work out for you. Got a 2009 and I tow my 3450lb TT this summer and she would definitely be working hard ( 4k rpm) on a few hills at highway speed (110kms=68MPH) . Im wondering how much better the 2020 is than my 5 speed transmission. I actually started bubbling my grill chrome where the top rad hose comes in!!

[@francoismarcil9242]

Should be better than my rav4 trail to tow 3500lbs over 7000km im doing ( and it does the job pretty.good ) nothing bad to say

[@tvracingparts]

Seating position is so important. I wish more people realize how poor the seats are in the Tacoma

[@ZDriver1996]

the seats and seating position are horrible in the Tacoma. That and the fact a tacoma still uses rear brake drums are deal killers for me personally. The Tacoma is an extremely reliable mid size work truck and its one of the best looking. But I couldn't live with it. Sitting in it is awful

[@markandrews5813]

Well I guess you found out about seats in Tacoma oh, well at least you won't go wrong you have a Honda Ridgeline and the Subaru.

[@richardjones1988]

I used to sell Hondas and led the district in Ridgeline sales several times. I did it by telling people that my family are all farmers and would never drive one because they need more. But for the rest of the country that just need a truck bed sometimes it's the perfect blend of comfort and utility.

[@1yehny]

Why wouldn’t farmers drive Ridgeline? I see many farmers here w Ridgelines.

[@66racer]

Wish I could get that mpg in my '16 Pilot towing a Travel Trailer! Haha. I'm in the Vegas area so we always have winds to deal with. Each trip I only have moments of no wind and have seen how easy it is but otherwise, the 20-35mph winds just beat up my mpg

[@markpeterson7153]

I never use CC when towing due to that it doesn’t hold the speed and when going up hills the rpm seems higher than when I’m controlling the speed. It’s way more comfortable over the taco.

[@buickgn1897]

What octane transmission fuel do you use? 😂

[@alexanderbelov4604]

God bless your trip Yuriy!

[@YuriyMotso]

Thank you. I have made it safely thank God.

[@douginNC28139]

I've too experienced the variation in speed with the cruise control. I've found deactivating the VCM helps to keep the speed steadier. Are you maintaining a speed of 62 MPH or less as recommened in the manual for towing? Can you tell us more about the remote trailer brake controller you are using?

[@YuriyMotso]

So actually the manual says 55mph for a loaded cargo, camper trailer and 62mph for trailer which is probably like a flat bed or something short. I started at 55mph and over the course of the trip I pushed the truck and the cargo tires to their limits. I was very surprised at how well it handled the higher speeds of over 80mph. I’ll do a video on the break controller here soon.

[@go5582]

Hi handsome. Great channel and product review. What tow hitch hardware are you using? Did you consider going on a cat scale? Why and why not?

[@cpas2525]

I don’t have an issue with cruise control holding the set speed when not pulling a trailer. I have not used cruise control when pulling my trailer.

[@mikeladuca289]

Yes my 2019 also holds 1 mph less than the set cruise control.

[@pvquaglia]

I just bought a Ridgeline! What type of bed cover is that?

[@YuriyMotso]

The bed cover that I am using is called the truxedo sentry CT.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXfXdGpmaNqbkMk

[@pvquaglia]

Thank you! Still more of a headache than I would want. Just got my Ridgeline Saturday. Thinking the In bed trunk will be enough dry storage most of the time!

[@ldawson103]

Yes I have the same issue with the cruise control. I think it’s a fuel economy issues, it’s trying to staying in VCM as long as possible so it’ll drop below the set speed.

[@Quietriotou812]

Cool review. I am between ridgeline and tacoma but leaning towards ridgeline. What are your trailer measurements? I am a noob to towing.

[@YuriyMotso]

Trailer is a 12x5x10.5. 1450lbs atleast on the sticker. My dad had a Tacoma gen 3 and I am glad I bought the ridgeline. Much better truck imo. More practical as a family vehicle and fuel efficient. If you plan on heavy loads frequently then maybe get a bigger truck or capable truck but if you need to pull more than 5000 for short periods the Honda honestly can do it. But not recommend.

[@alexlin1717]

Definitely go with the Ridgeline, just bought mine(2020 RTL-E) about 2 weeks ago and couldn't be happier. I had a 2018 Tacoma Limited while it was a great truck IMO definitely lacking in terms of comfort and space compare to the Ridgeline.

[@Quietriotou812]

@@YuriyMotso thanks, great info.

[@Quietriotou812]

@@alexlin1717 thanks, appreciate the info.

[@djessen3]

What size trailer are you towing?

[@YuriyMotso]

The trailer is a mirage cargo trailer 12 x 6 x 10. 1450 lbs dry weight.

[@cdavey9563]

What's is the door hickey read out and where do I find one?

[@YuriyMotso]

Door hickey?

[@cdavey9563]

Doo hickey in the dash

[@YuriyMotso]

Not sure which one so here are a few maybe I answer your question. amzn.to/3La61po amzn.to/3v0lX7P

[@conradjake777]

Yes I would definitely say that true about it not staying at the speed limit you set it at on cruise control. I have a 2018 Honda Ridgeline sport 2WD & mine does the same thing in cruise control.

[@YuriyMotso]

Its quite frustrating because when your driving and just want to keep up with traffic it will slow down and then you have all these people behind you getting mad. Not a fan of this. sometimes it stays as far as 3 mph under I have noticed. I think this is unacceptable. 1 mph I can understand 2-3 mph is pretty bad in my opinion.

[@conradjake777]

@@YuriyMotso I agree 100% it is pretty bad. But this is my 1st vehicle to HAVE cruise control. So I'm happy with it, even tho it has that issue.

[@BengLang84]

Yuri, did you exceed the 1447 lbs payload of the Ridgeline when you towed this cargo trailer?

[@YuriyMotso]

No. I balanced the weight appropriately for maximum tongue capacity so that I can still maximize my payload. The truck sat flush and level because all parameters were met correctly.

[@BengLang84]

@@YuriyMotso Would you mind sharing on how you did it? I might learn a thing or two from it. Sorry for asking too many questions. We are first time owner of a travel trailer and have never experienced towing ever since. Whatever tips I could get really help a lot! 😀

[@EdBell12]

What tonneau cover is that? Do you recommend it? Thx

[@YuriyMotso]

This is a sentry ct tonneau cover. I have a few videos up about it. It’s a good solid cover. It’s one of the more beefy/study covers available that’s not a tri fold. If that is what you are looking for then this is a good choice. I prefer roll up tonneau covers to tri fold because they take up less space when rolled up and are lighter.

[@1964robw]

Yuriy, Thanks for this video. Your experience helped convince me to go with the Ridgeline. I am about to purchase a 3k lb trailer and I have run into needed the 7 pin connector. Did you convert yours to 7pin? And would you still recommend the bluetooth brake controller? Best, Robert Woodard

[@YuriyMotso]

Thanks Rob. I love my Ridgeline. It’s the truck I needed. I have an rtle and it is a 7 pin connector. Not sure what the lower trims have. Kind of surprised you don’t have 7pin. Weird. I still love my Bluetooth controller. I just used it to move my dad from Washington to my house in Georgia using his tacoma. He then continued using it for the remaining trips he took with his van. It’s a great tool. Just I would recommend Velcro instead of the rubber strap that’s supplied with the echo controller to hold it securely to the truck. Look at it this way. If you buy a $50 controller and don’t install it yourself, it will cost you $200 to have it installed. Might as well gain convenience with the echo brake controller.

[@1964robw]

@@YuriyMotso awesome thanks for that ! I have a 2020 Ryle came stock with a 4 pin. And they handed me a harness for a controller. Thanks for responding so quickly, I will buy the Bluetooth version. Keep making g vids I love em!

[@joal81]

Great video. I am preparing to complete a similar type of move with my ‘17 Ridgeline; did you rent your cargo trailer to move across country? If so, what company did you use to rent this trailer for a one-way move?

[@YuriyMotso]

No I purchased my own trailer. After doing the math. Was cheaper to buy a trailer and then sell it later after the move than to rent. If your looking for a cheap trailer then interstate has the cheapest new trailers on the market. You can also look around for used ones. All depends on how far you plan on moving. For me across country was just too expensive but if it was a few states over then renting would have been the way to go.

[@greynbluehoya630]

What size trailer was this?

[@YuriyMotso]

the trailer was 12' x 6' x 10.5'. Its a really big trailer.

[@qx4n9e1xp]

Good video 😊 I also seriously wanted a Tacoma. But the new 2021 Ridgeline is so enticing. I'm really after a mostly road-going vehicle with a bed, not a full 4x4 truck with bouncy ride & terrible fuel economy. I WANT a Tacoma for it's offroad-cred, but I really NEED a Ridgeline for its practicality & comfort.

[@YuriyMotso]

You hit it right on. Tacoma is the truck of the past. Today people buy Tacoma’s because of its history but what they really need is a Honda Ridgeline. I used to own Tacoma’s and before I bought a 3rd gen I test drive the Ridgeline and I was sold immediately. It’s a realistic vehicle and Tacoma is a theoretical vehicle for that one time a year trip to the sandy beach for most people. Lol

[@hunterblack6937]

The annoying lag when on cruise control is the cylinder deactivation transition. You can buy a harness module that disables the switch to 3 cylinder operation but you might lose 1-2 mpg... obvious benefit is your torque doesn’t fall off when engine runs FT on 6 cylinders.

[@Bamboosh00ts]

TFT: Transmission FLUID temperature, not transmission fuel temp... What's the average transmission fluid temp supposed to be?

[@YuriyMotso]

Yes I know. I don’t know why I was saying fuel. 🤦🏼‍♂️ I blame it on ESL. Lol 😂

[@YuriyMotso]

oh and operating temp seems to be around 170 degrees from what I see from my reading during normal operating conditions. But not sure what it should be from factory.

[@aronjohn84]

It's about average..your 👍good

[@babado88]

There is no way possible you got 260 miles on 13 gallons of gas towing 4800lbs, great video but I just not buying that.

[@YuriyMotso]

That’s fine, however, those are the recorded miles per fill up. Every single fill up was calculated and recorded. The number at the end was the average. You can follow all the videos and I say and show the fill ups multiple times along with miles driven. I don’t understand why you would think it’s fabricated? What would I gain by making up this claim?

[@davidshi6861]

I wish Toyota would make a version of this kind of unibody truck, based on Highlander.

[@YuriyMotso]

Toyota Tacoma now comes with an in bed storage compartment starting in 2021 on their premium lines.

[@rocketfuel5022]

Ridgeline in general has shitty gas mileage (with no loads). You must have the unicorn of gas mileage of Honda Ridgelines.

[@YuriyMotso]

I would disagree. I believe driving style has a lot to do with the fuel economy. I come from a world of fast cars and now I drive like a grandpa. Cruise control in the right lane at the speed limit. I have spared myself countless opportunities to get a ticket this way. However makes me think of a fuel economy video to compare different gas companies and see which one the Honda likes best. 🤔

[@jamesriley2327]

I know what I'm about to say is going to hurt a lot of people feelings. the Honda ridgeline is not a truck.

[@peterrican5665]

Sounds like the only feelings hurt are yours

[@trucker-d4161]

Hate to tell you this, no pickup is a truck.

[@DCSPORTSTER]

Well it’s definitely more of a truck then a Toyota Tacoma. That thing is useless as a pick up truck.

[@billzeitzmann6029]

Thanks for putting out that video I just bought a 2023 Ridgeline and was thinking about a small travel trailer to tow. Helps with Decision.

[@jacobduncan8875]

I love my 2019 ridgeline! Its all of the pickup/truck probably most people need! Its great! Took it to zion recently fully loaded and it did wonderfully!

[@YuriyMotso]

Right on! This really is more truck than most people will ever need.

[@Optimistprime.]

I bought a 2020 and have zero regrets. It's been really amazing so far. All I've hauled so far was a bedroom set and it did it beautifully. I'm so so happy I got this truck!

[@Mohini52]

I have a 2010 Ridgeline. I love it.

[@BengLang84]

Yuri, question why did you not use a Distribution hitch and sway bar when you towed this? Hoping to get your answer since we just got our camper. lt has a 3400 dry weight. We have a 2021 Honda Ridgeline. Do you think it is able to comfortably tow this camper? Thanks a lot! 😀

[@YuriyMotso]

I eventually want to make a video on this but simply put it’s not necessary. Anyone who says you need one first of all is doing a few things wrong. 1) first and foremost the manual says not to use one. The Honda is designed so you never need to use it because it’s independent suspension vs other trucks which are body on frame which have leaf springs. 2) proper tongue weight is critical. Do not over load your vehicles tongue capacity. This will require you to properly distribute the weight of the trailer or camper so that it’s not to front heavy. I drove across America and will say with 100% confidence that it’s not necessary and I put the truck to its limits. But I did set it up properly and that is why I can confirm Hondas statement.

[@BengLang84]

@@YuriyMotso When we say tongue capacity does it pertains to the Ridgeline's payload or tow rating? Our trailer has 400 hitch weight and 4700 GVWR and a dry weight of 3400.

[@seewhyem]

My 2017 holds the cruise control pretty well at where I set it.

[@felicelgato59]

I have a 2019 honda odyssey touring that does the same on cruise control, if I wanted to go 60 mph then I set it at 61 or 62. I don't called stragglers, is probably some safety reason. Honda is all about safety and performance

[@scotttalbott8852]

WHAT FLOOR MATS DO YOU HAVE IN THE RIDGLELINE

[@mandytuning]

Im a hardcore toyota fan and owner of 1st gen turbo 4runners,96tacoma,;02 tacoma,i have off-road and beat the hell of them with 500k on the 96 taco ,but now that i own i canam x3 for off-roading im seriously considering the ridgeline to pull the x3 and be my daily vehicle,i also own a tsx and rsx so i know how damn reliable those honda vehicle are.the seating of tacomas sucks for long trips. not considering the big 3 domestic trucks even if they shoot me.but keeping an eye on the new tundra if the price are not that far from the ridgeline.

[@patiooconnell9023]

I HAVE A 2017 TACOMA AND CANT STAND THE SEAT ALSO TOWING SNOWMOBILE TRAILER CANT SEE BACK THERE ON SIDES WOULD THE RIDGELINE BE A GREAT UPGRADE VS TACOMA THANX IN ADVANCE

[@YuriyMotso]

I towed with both Honda and Toyota across America and the Honda honestly better than the taco. I did overheat but I also did run it way hard on purpose. The Tacoma would experience the same issues as the Honda but I babied it because it was my dads truck. I would choose the Honda over the taco every day.

[@kostapaxinos8480]

Thanks for doing this series. I bought a used 2017 as my daily work truck and family truck. I am in love with it for all the reasons you state. Can't wait to watch the rest of the series!

[@YuriyMotso]

Awesome! Thank you for watching!

[@MidnightAspec]

Never experienced that cruise control behavior in my TLX nor my MDX.

[@cliffh8486]

So did you use the d or the d4 setting?

[@YuriyMotso]

I did not use D4 on this trip. I’m on vacation right now so next and video will be out soon.

[@dwaynedwayne1964]

You said 13 gallons after 260 miles? Are you trying to tell me you are getting 20mpg pulling a 5k trailer?

[@YuriyMotso]

So I just went over my records. Wow! I actually still have them. I made a mistake in saying 260miles. The actual distance traveled was 202.7 miles filled up for 13.41 gallons which resulted in a 16.7mpg average for that portion of the trip. That was actually my best MPG of the trip. That portion I was driving 55mph and a agilely easy stretch of road more down hill and flat than anything else.

[@dwaynedwayne1964]

@@YuriyMotso Slow or not that is still better than I would assume since that trucks MPG isn't that great to begin with. I mean it's no diesel. I wish Honda would put their diesel in it so you could do that trip again and get over 20 mpg pulling that trailer and in the 30's without a trailer. With all the BS about global warming I really would assume things got better MPG these days.

[@jesseseibold]

What kind of roll top cover is that, looks nice?

[@YuriyMotso]

Truxedo sentry ct. I have a video where I review it if you are interested to know more. 👍🏻

[@ricardobachmann6329]

Hey! Nice video. What do you think of towing heavier things on a farm? Will it do well? Cause it has no real chassis right? I Love love the ridgeline but that's something that I think a lot about

[@YuriyMotso]

Depends on how heavy it is and the terrain. I think the truck will tow much more than claimed but be aware anything over the limit can potentially void your warranty. I plan on doing a video in the future towing some heavier equipment.

[@ricardobachmann6329]

@@YuriyMotso nice. Thank you!

[@ericl3272]

Is that the awd or fwd?

[@YuriyMotso]

This is an RTLE so its AWD with the upgraded cooler.

[@DavidDiaz-nf2lr]

I pulled 3500lbs in a 5x10 trailer from Oklahoma to Montana in a 2008 RL. performed just as well as my Ford expedition did. Perfect city truck.

[@mjrchaos619]

My 2018 RTL does not properly hold the cruise control speed I set as well. It seems to slow about 1-2MPH. It was more noticeable to me when I drove from San Diego to the Grand Canyon in February. I’ve become accustomed to simply reaching a speed about 2MPH over my intended target speed then setting the cruise control now.

[@YuriyMotso]

That's what I'm leaning towards now. However Murphys law will be that the day I place it over the speed limit is the day I get a ticket lol.