Towing 101 – Terms You Should Know

Before purchasing a tow-ready Honda, you need to understand max towing capacity and other key towing terms. This will help you choose the right vehicle for your needs.

Apple Honda is the right place to shop for a new Honda. Our dedicated team will discuss any concerns you have with towing, including the equipment and accessories you may need. As you travel in and around Riverhead, NY, in your Honda, you can have peace of mind that your vehicle is up to the task of towing and any other daily duties you have.

Basic Towing Terms

Max Towing Capacity: Regardless of the make and model of the vehicle you purchase, it will have a limit on how much it can safely pull. This is known as the maximum towing capacity. Exceeding this number can damage the vehicle.

Be aware of how much the vehicle you are pulling weighs and how much cargo is inside it. For your reference, the new Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Meanwhile, the Honda Pilot full-size SUV can tow as much as 5,000 pounds if you purchase the Elite or TrailSport trims.

Payload Capacity: Trucks and large SUVs are also handy for hauling materials inside. The Ridgeline has a bed capable of handling a wide variety of items totaling up to 1,583 pounds. The weight a vehicle can carry inside is called the payload capacity.

Tongue Weight: In towing, the tongue weight is a critical term to know. It is the amount of force the trailer applies to the towing ball. Usually, the tongue weight makes up between 10% and 15% of the trailer’s total weight.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The gross combined weight rating is the combined weight of the towing vehicle, cargo, passengers, and trailer. Never exceed the GCWR; otherwise, the drivetrain can fail.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The gross vehicle rating comprises the weight of the vehicle in addition to the weight of the cargo, passengers, and other materials in the vehicle.

Curb Weight: If you measure the weight of only the vehicle, it refers to the curb weight. The curb weight also accounts for the fluids inside the vehicle, such as oil, gas, and coolant. Be advised that this weight does not include that of the passengers and any cargo you may have.

Tow Bar: A tow bar is an important component in towing. This device connects the two vehicles, in a manner similar to a trailer hitch connecting another vehicle to the one you are driving.

Hitch Types

When you visit Apple Honda, our team will help you select the right towing hitch for the duties you need. Different types are available, depending on the size of your vehicle and what you are towing.

Don't forget to check out our Towing Terms to Know page.

• Bolt-on Trailer Hitch: This hitch attaches right onto the frame of the truck or SUV. This type is suited for light or medium-size hauling duties, which the Ridgeline and Pilot can handle.
• Fifth-Wheel Hitch: For heavy-duty towing jobs, the fifth-wheel hitch is the right solution. It is mounted to a reinforced part of the truck bed and provides extra stability and strength. This is the hitch you would need for a large RV or boat.
• Gooseneck: Like a fifth-wheel hitch, a gooseneck mounts on the bed of a truck. It can pull oversized vehicles and farm equipment.

Find a Honda for All Your Towing Needs in Riverhead

Stop by Apple Honda in Riverhead, NY, if you are shopping for a Honda truck or large SUV. The Ridgeline and Pilot, in particular, can tow light and medium loads and handle moderate hauling duties. Our team will walk you through some key towing information so you can make the right choice and tow safely. Stop by our showroom today.