Can Honda Ridgeline Be Flat Towed – The Ultimate Guide To Safe

Picture this: You’ve got your RV packed, the kids (or dogs!) are ready for adventure, and your trusty Honda Ridgeline is waiting to be your daily driver once you hit the campground. But then the question hits you – can you bring your Ridgeline along for the ride without adding mileage or renting a separate car? It’s a common dilemma for many truck owners, especially those with unibody pickups like the Ridgeline.

You love your Ridgeline for its versatility, comfort, and rugged capability. The idea of leaving it behind, or worse, stressing over a potentially damaging towing setup, can put a damper on your trip planning. We get it. At FatBoysOffroad, we’re all about empowering you with the knowledge to tackle any automotive challenge safely and effectively.

That’s why we’re diving deep into the definitive answer for “can Honda Ridgeline be flat towed?” This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know, from specific model year compatibility to essential gear, step-by-step procedures, and crucial maintenance tips. We promise to demystify the process and help you hit the road with confidence. Get ready to learn the ins and outs of flat towing your Ridgeline like a pro!

The Big Question: Can Honda Ridgeline Be Flat Towed? (And Which Years!)

Let’s cut right to the chase, because this is often the make-or-break factor for many adventurers. The answer to “can Honda Ridgeline be flat towed?” is a resounding YES for specific model years and configurations, but it’s not universal across all generations. Understanding the distinctions is absolutely critical to avoid costly damage to your transmission.

Honda vehicles, particularly those with automatic transmissions, generally require specific procedures for flat towing, also known as “four-down towing” or “dinghy towing.” The key factor here is the transmission design and its lubrication system.

First Generation Honda Ridgeline (2006-2014)

Good news for owners of the original workhorse! Most sources, including Honda’s own owner’s manuals for these years, indicate that the first-generation Honda Ridgeline can be flat towed. This is typically due to the design of its automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system, which allows for proper lubrication even when the engine isn’t running.

Always consult your specific owner’s manual to confirm the exact procedure and any limitations.
Look for sections on “recreational towing” or “towing your vehicle behind a motorhome.”

Second Generation Honda Ridgeline (2017-Present)

Now, here’s where things get a bit trickier, and it’s a critical point for newer Ridgeline owners. For the second-generation Honda Ridgeline (2017 onwards), the general consensus and Honda’s official stance is that it cannot be flat towed. These models typically feature different transmission designs, often continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) or conventional automatics that rely on the engine running for proper lubrication of internal components.

Flat towing a 2017+ Ridgeline could lead to severe transmission damage due to a lack of lubrication.
Honda’s owner’s manuals for these years explicitly state against flat towing.
If you own a newer Ridgeline and need to tow it, a car dolly (two wheels on the ground) or a car hauler trailer (all four wheels off the ground) is the recommended and safe option.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, always default to your vehicle’s owner’s manual. It is the ultimate authority for your specific model year and trim. Don’t rely solely on forum posts or hearsay when dealing with something as vital as your transmission!

Understanding the “Why”: Why Flat Towing is a Big Deal for Your Ridgeline

So, why would you even consider flat towing your Honda Ridgeline? The benefits of can Honda Ridgeline be flat towed (if your model allows it) are numerous, especially for RVers and off-road enthusiasts who want their versatile truck with them without the hassle.

Convenience and Freedom

Flat towing offers unparalleled convenience. Instead of needing a second driver or relying on taxis, your Ridgeline is always there, ready to explore local towns, run errands, or hit those unpaved trails once you’ve set up camp. It’s about having the freedom to roam.

Saving Miles and Wear-and-Tear

When flat towing, your Ridgeline isn’t accumulating miles on its odometer, nor is its engine or transmission actively working. This saves on fuel, reduces wear on tires, brakes, and other components, effectively preserving your truck’s lifespan and resale value.

Cost-Effective Alternative

Renting a car at each destination can quickly add up. Flat towing your Ridgeline is a one-time investment in equipment that pays for itself over many trips. It’s often more economical than dolly towing, which requires purchasing or renting a dolly and can be more cumbersome to store and maneuver.

Access to Off-Road Adventures

For the FatBoysOffroad crew, this is a big one! Your Ridgeline is a capable vehicle for light to moderate off-roading. Flat towing allows you to bring your adventure rig directly to trailheads or remote camping spots that an RV alone might struggle to reach, opening up a world of exploration.

Essential Gear for Flat Towing Your Honda Ridgeline

If your Ridgeline is flat-towable, you’ll need the right equipment to do it safely and legally. Think of this as your can Honda Ridgeline be flat towed guide to gear. Investing in quality components is paramount for safety and peace of mind.

1. Base Plate Kit

This is the foundation of your towing setup. A custom-fit base plate bolts directly to the frame of your Ridgeline, providing secure attachment points for your tow bar. Brands like Roadmaster, Blue Ox, and Demco are popular choices. Ensure it’s specific to your Ridgeline’s model year.

2. Tow Bar

The tow bar connects your Ridgeline’s base plate to your RV’s receiver hitch. They come in various styles (e.g., A-frame, self-aligning). A good quality tow bar should have a suitable weight rating for your Ridgeline (which typically weighs around 4,500-5,000 lbs). Self-aligning tow bars make hook-up much easier.

3. Supplemental Braking System

This is not optional; it’s a legal and safety requirement in most states and provinces when towing a vehicle over a certain weight (usually 1,500 lbs). Your Ridgeline is well over this. A supplemental braking system applies the Ridgeline’s brakes in sync with your RV’s brakes, preventing the towed vehicle from pushing the RV, reducing stopping distances, and enhancing control. Common types include:

Proportional Systems: Apply the Ridgeline’s brakes proportionally to the RV’s brakes.
Breakaway Systems: A mandatory safety feature that automatically applies the towed vehicle’s brakes if it separates from the RV.

4. Safety Cables or Chains

These are secondary connections between your RV and Ridgeline, providing a failsafe in case the tow bar fails. Always cross them underneath the tow bar to create a cradle, which helps prevent the Ridgeline from breaking free completely if the primary connection fails.

5. Tow Vehicle Wiring & Lighting Kit

Your Ridgeline’s tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals need to function in conjunction with your RV’s. A dedicated wiring harness or diode kit integrates your Ridgeline’s lighting system with your RV’s. Magnetic tow lights are an alternative but can be less reliable and require careful placement.

6. Battery Disconnect (Optional but Recommended)

Flat towing can sometimes lead to battery drain in the Ridgeline, especially if the braking system draws power or if accessories remain active. A battery disconnect switch (either manual or automatic) can prevent this. This is part of can Honda Ridgeline be flat towed tips for avoiding headaches.

Step-by-Step: How to Flat Tow Your Honda Ridgeline Safely

Once you have all your gear, the actual process of hooking up your Ridgeline requires precision and attention to detail. This section is your practical guide on how to can Honda Ridgeline be flat towed with confidence, focusing on can Honda Ridgeline be flat towed best practices.

Position the Vehicles: Park your Ridgeline directly behind your RV, ensuring they are as straight as possible. This makes connecting the tow bar much easier.
Attach the Base Plate & Tow Bar:
- Connect the tow bar to the base plate on your Ridgeline. Ensure all pins and couplers are securely locked into place.
- Attach the other end of the tow bar to your RV’s receiver hitch. Again, double-check all connections and safety pins.
Connect Safety Chains/Cables: Attach the safety chains or cables from the RV to the Ridgeline’s base plate. Remember to cross them under the tow bar to form a cradle.
Install Wiring & Lighting: Plug in your Ridgeline’s tow vehicle wiring harness to the RV’s receptacle. Verify all lights (running, brake, turn signals) are working correctly by having someone operate them from the RV.
Install Supplemental Braking System: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific braking system. This usually involves placing a unit in the Ridgeline’s driver’s footwell or connecting an air line. Test its functionality according to the system’s guide.
Prepare the Ridgeline for Towing (Crucial!):
- Start the Ridgeline’s engine.
- Shift the transmission through all gears (P, R, N, D, L/low gears) and then place it firmly in Neutral (N).
- Turn the ignition key to the “ACC” or “OFF” position (depending on your model and if it locks the steering wheel). For models with push-button start, you might need to leave it in an accessory mode to keep the steering unlocked but without the engine running. Consult your manual for exact instructions on leaving the steering unlocked.
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the Ridgeline’s battery. This prevents battery drain and potential electrical issues while towing. A battery disconnect switch makes this much easier.
- Ensure the parking brake is fully disengaged.
Final Safety Check:
- Walk around both vehicles. Are all connections tight? Are safety chains properly crossed?
- Are lights working? Is the breakaway system connected?
- Is anything dragging or loose? Are tires properly inflated on both vehicles?
First Drive: Drive slowly for the first few miles. Stop and re-check all connections after a short distance. This is a critical step for any towing setup.

Safety First: Always prioritize safety checks before and during your journey. A properly set up flat tow should feel stable and predictable. If anything feels off, pull over immediately and investigate.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting When Flat Towing a Ridgeline

Even with the best preparation, you might encounter a snag or two. Knowing the common problems with can Honda Ridgeline be flat towed setups can help you troubleshoot quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime on your adventure.

1. Battery Drain

This is perhaps the most frequent complaint. Even with the engine off, some systems in your Ridgeline (like the supplemental braking system or certain electronics) can draw power, leading to a dead battery upon arrival.

Solution: Always disconnect the negative battery terminal of your Ridgeline before towing. A quick-disconnect switch makes this simple. Some advanced braking systems have a trickle charge feature from the RV.

2. Steering Wheel Lock

Older Ridgelines might have an ignition system that locks the steering wheel when the key is removed or in the “OFF” position. This is a huge no-no for flat towing, as the vehicle needs to track freely.

Solution: Consult your owner’s manual for the specific procedure to leave the steering unlocked while the engine is off. This often involves leaving the key in the “ACC” position or a specific sequence for push-button starts.

3. Transmission Issues (If Towed Incorrectly)

For compatible Ridgeline models, failing to follow the exact transmission procedure (e.g., not putting it in neutral, not disconnecting the battery if required) can lead to severe transmission damage. For non-compatible models (2017+), any flat towing will likely cause damage.

Solution: Strictly adhere to your owner’s manual for the flat towing procedure. If your Ridgeline is a 2017 or newer model, do not flat tow it; use a dolly or trailer instead.

4. Lights Not Working

If your Ridgeline’s brake lights or turn signals aren’t syncing with your RV, it’s a safety hazard and illegal.

Solution: Check all wiring connections, fuses on both the RV and Ridgeline, and the integrity of the wiring harness or diode kit. Corrosion is a common culprit.

5. Excessive Wear on Ridgeline Tires

Improper tire pressure or alignment on the Ridgeline can lead to uneven tire wear when flat towed.

Solution: Ensure your Ridgeline’s tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure before each trip. Consider having the alignment checked periodically, especially if you notice unusual wear patterns.

Maintaining Your Ridgeline for Sustainable Flat Towing

Just like any vehicle, your Ridgeline needs regular care, especially when subjected to the rigors of towing. A robust can Honda Ridgeline be flat towed care guide ensures longevity and safe operation. Embracing sustainable can Honda Ridgeline be flat towed practices means being proactive with maintenance.

Transmission Fluid Health

Even though your Ridgeline’s engine isn’t running while being flat towed, the transmission still experiences some internal movement. For compatible models, maintaining optimal transmission fluid levels and quality is paramount.

Check regularly: Periodically check your transmission fluid level and condition.
Scheduled changes: Adhere to Honda’s recommended transmission fluid change intervals. Fresh fluid ensures proper lubrication and cooling.

Tire Inspection and Rotation

Tires are your Ridgeline’s only contact with the road, even when being towed. They bear the brunt of the load and travel.

Pressure check: Always ensure tires are inflated to the correct PSI before each trip.
Tread wear: Inspect for uneven wear, cuts, or bulges. Rotate tires regularly to promote even wear.
Spare tire: Don’t forget to check the pressure and condition of your spare tire!

Brake System Check

Your Ridgeline’s brakes, especially when augmented by a supplemental system, are crucial for safety.

Pad and rotor inspection: Regularly check brake pads for wear and rotors for scoring or warping.
Brake fluid: Ensure brake fluid levels are correct and that the fluid is clean. Bleed the brake lines if necessary.
Supplemental system: Test your supplemental braking system before each trip to ensure it’s engaging properly.

Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections

A quick visual inspection can catch small issues before they become big problems.

Before towing: Check all connections, lights, and ensure the Ridgeline is properly prepared (neutral, battery disconnected).
After towing: Inspect the tow bar, base plate, and wiring for any signs of wear, damage, or looseness. Look for any fluid leaks under the Ridgeline.

By following these maintenance tips, you not only ensure your Ridgeline is always ready for its next adventure but also contribute to a more eco-friendly can Honda Ridgeline be flat towed experience by extending the life of your vehicle and its components.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flat Towing a Honda Ridgeline

What’s the difference between flat towing and dolly towing?

Flat towing (four-down towing) means all four wheels of the Ridgeline are on the ground, and it’s connected directly to the RV via a tow bar. Dolly towing involves placing the front two wheels of the Ridgeline onto a two-wheel dolly, with the rear wheels remaining on the ground. Flat towing is generally preferred for convenience, as it’s quicker to hook up and doesn’t require storing a dolly.

Do I need a supplemental braking system for my flat-towed Ridgeline?

Absolutely. In almost all jurisdictions, if the towed vehicle exceeds a certain weight (typically 1,500 lbs), a supplemental braking system is legally required. Your Ridgeline is well over this. This system ensures the Ridgeline’s brakes engage in sync with your RV’s, significantly improving stopping power and safety.

Will flat towing void my Honda Ridgeline’s warranty?

If your specific Ridgeline model year is explicitly approved for flat towing by Honda (as stated in your owner’s manual) and you follow all procedures correctly, it should generally not void your warranty. However, if you flat tow a model not approved (e.g., 2017+ Ridgelines) or fail to follow the instructions, any damage resulting from towing could indeed void relevant warranty coverage. Always refer to your owner’s manual and, if uncertain, consult with a Honda dealership.

How often should I stop to check my flat tow setup?

It’s best practice to stop and visually inspect your entire flat tow setup after the first 10-15 miles of driving, and then every time you stop for fuel, food, or rest. Check all connections, lights, and ensure nothing has come loose or is dragging. This vigilance is a key part of can Honda Ridgeline be flat towed best practices.

What if my Ridgeline’s steering wheel locks when the key is off?

If your Ridgeline’s steering wheel locks, it cannot be safely flat towed. The wheels must be free to turn to track behind the RV. For compatible models, your owner’s manual will detail the specific steps to leave the steering unlocked while the engine is off. This might involve leaving the ignition key in a specific accessory position.

Ready for Adventure?

For those lucky owners of compatible Honda Ridgeline models, flat towing opens up a world of possibilities, bringing the comfort and capability of your truck along for every RV adventure. It’s a game-changer for convenience, exploration, and making the most of your trips.

Remember, success in flat towing boils down to three things: knowing your vehicle’s capabilities, investing in the right high-quality gear, and meticulously following proper procedures and safety checks. Don’t cut corners when it comes to safety and protecting your valuable vehicles.

Armed with this comprehensive guide, you’re now ready to tackle the road with confidence. So, get your gear, follow the steps, and prepare for countless memorable journeys with your Honda Ridgeline in tow. Stay safe and stay comfortable out there!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.