Can the 2026 Honda Ridgeline tow a camper for Ames, IA weekends?

Vern Eide Honda Sioux City – Can the 2026 Honda Ridgeline tow a camper for Ames, IA weekends?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is a strong fit for Ames, IA shoppers who want a comfortable daily truck that can also tow a small camper, utility trailer, fishing boat, or powersports trailer for weekend plans across central Iowa.

How much can the 2026 Honda Ridgeline tow?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, supported by a 280-horsepower 3.5L V-6 engine, 262 pound-feet of torque, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and a standard integrated tow hitch with a 7-pin connector. For many Ames-area owners, that rating covers the kind of real-world towing that comes up often: a compact camper, a pair of ATVs, a small boat, a utility trailer for home projects, or a trailer loaded with outdoor gear.

That capability matters because truck shoppers near Ames often need one vehicle to handle several roles. You may commute on I-35 or US-30, park around Iowa State University or downtown Ames, pick up supplies from a home improvement store, and then tow toward Saylorville Lake, Ledges State Park, the Des Moines River Valley, or a family property outside town. The Ridgeline is designed for that balance. It feels refined on the road, but it still gives you practical truck capability when the weekend calls for more than cabin cargo space.

Why Ridgeline towing feels different from many midsize trucks

A key reason the Ridgeline stands out is its unibody construction and fully independent front and rear suspension. Many shoppers look only at tow ratings, but the ownership experience also depends on how the truck feels when it is not towing. The Ridgeline’s structure is engineered for strength, ride comfort, and improved isolation from wind noise and vibration. Around Ames, that can make daily drives feel smoother whether you are crossing town on Duff Avenue, heading toward Boone, or taking a longer drive to Sioux City to visit us at Vern Eide Honda Sioux City.

When you do connect a trailer, the Ridgeline’s standard i-VTM4® AWD system adds confidence. This system works with Intelligent Traction Management, which includes Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud modes. That does not mean every trailer situation is the same, and owners should always follow the towing guidance in the owner’s manual. Still, for a driver who may tow from a gravel lane, a boat ramp, a campground road, or a rural driveway, having standard all-wheel drive and selectable drive modes is a meaningful advantage.

What should Ames shoppers check before towing a camper?

The most important step is matching the trailer to the truck correctly. A camper advertised under 5,000 pounds may weigh more once you add water, propane, food, tools, bikes, luggage, and other gear. The number to pay attention to is the loaded trailer weight, not just the empty or dry weight. Tongue weight, cargo inside the truck, passengers, and accessories also matter.

Here is a practical checklist we recommend for Ames-area shoppers comparing campers or utility trailers for the 2026 Ridgeline:

• Loaded trailer weight: Confirm the trailer’s real expected weight after gear, fluids, and add-ons are included.
• Tongue weight: Make sure the weight placed on the hitch fits within the vehicle and trailer guidelines.
• Passenger and cargo load: Account for people, pets, coolers, tools, and luggage inside the Ridgeline.
• Trailer brakes and wiring: Use equipment appropriate for the trailer and confirm compatibility with the standard 7-pin connector.
• Route planning: Consider highway speeds, elevation changes, fuel stops, parking space, and campground access before leaving Ames.
• Owner’s manual guidance: Review Honda towing instructions for weight distribution, maintenance, and safe operating practices.

That list may sound detailed, but it is exactly how confident towing starts. At Vern Eide Honda Sioux City, we can help shoppers talk through the kind of trailer or camper being considered, how often towing will happen, and which Ridgeline trim best fits the way the truck will be used. We take a transparent, no-pressure approach because our goal is to help each customer choose the right vehicle for everyday driving and long-term ownership.

Features that make towing and loading easier

The Ridgeline is not only about the tow rating. Honda also builds in thoughtful features that help when you are hitching, loading, securing, and organizing. The standard rearview camera with dynamic guidelines offers wide, normal, and top-down views, which can make lining up with a trailer hitch easier. The 9-inch Display Audio touch-screen also keeps key controls and smartphone features within easy reach through wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility and wireless Android Auto™ compatibility.

For cargo, the Ridgeline adds versatility that many owners appreciate once they live with it. The Dual-Action Tailgate opens down like a conventional tailgate or swings to the side for easier access to the bed and the lockable In-Bed Trunk®. The truck bed is UV-stabilized and scratch-resistant, and the lay-flat design helps maximize usable space. If you are towing a camper from Ames and want to keep smaller gear secure, the In-Bed Trunk® can be especially useful for items you do not want sliding around in the bed.

Depending on how you plan to use your Ridgeline, these features can support a wide range of ownership needs:

• Standard integrated tow hitch: Helps simplify setup for compatible towing needs.
• 7-pin connector: Supports common trailer electrical connections when properly matched.
• Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines: Helps with backing up and aligning near a trailer hitch.
• Dual-Action Tailgate: Opens down or to the side for easier bed access when loading around a trailer.
• Lockable In-Bed Trunk®: Provides 7.3 cubic feet of secure storage and includes a drain plug.
• Composite truck bed: Offers a standard UV-stabilized, scratch-resistant surface for tough everyday loads.
• Available truck-bed power outlet: Provides 150-watt/400-watt capability for compatible tools or electronics.

These details are valuable for drivers who need the Ridgeline to do more than tow. A camper trip may also involve bikes, folding chairs, recovery straps, cookware, extension cords, or sports equipment. The easier it is to organize everything before leaving Ames, the smoother the trip feels once you are on the road.

Which Ridgeline trim makes sense for towing and weekend travel?

Every 2026 Ridgeline trim includes the i-VTM4® AWD system, the 280-hp 3.5L V-6 engine, Dual-Action Tailgate, and In-Bed Trunk®, so shoppers do not have to move up the lineup just to get the core truck capability. The Sport trim gives you the essentials, while the RTL adds comfort features such as a leather-trimmed interior, power front seats with driver memory seat, a one-touch power moonroof, and heated front seats.

For shoppers who want more rugged style and added confidence on rougher roads, the TrailSport brings TrailSport styling, an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and all-season floor mats. If your camper or trailer plans regularly take you onto gravel access roads, campgrounds, or rural property lanes, TrailSport is worth a closer look. Black Edition and Black Edition Two-Tone trims add distinctive design elements, including Black Edition exterior trim and a premium cabin appearance, while keeping the same practical Ridgeline foundation.

Safety and driver-assist technology also factor into towing confidence and daily commuting. Honda Sensing® is standard and includes features such as Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). Available Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with Cross Traffic Monitor can also assist during lane changes and while backing up. Driver-assistive features do not replace attentive driving, especially while towing, but they can add helpful support in normal conditions.

Why shop with Vern Eide Honda Sioux City from Ames?

Vern Eide Honda Sioux City is located at 4625 Singing Hills Blvd in Sioux City, IA, and we proudly serve drivers across Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and nearby communities. For Ames shoppers, we know the drive to a dealership should feel worthwhile. That is why we focus on clear communication, a helpful sales process, competitive financing options for a variety of credit situations, and long-term support through our service and parts departments.

We are part of an employee-owned dealership group, which means our team has a personal stake in creating positive ownership experiences. Our approach is built around honesty, accountability, and earning relationships that last beyond the sale. From online inventory shopping and trade value tools to finance applications, service scheduling, and Genuine OEM Honda Parts, we aim to make the process simple whether you are buying your first truck or replacing a vehicle that has handled years of central Iowa driving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can the 2026 Honda Ridgeline tow a small camper for Ames, IA weekend trips?

Yes, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which can work well for many small campers. Shoppers should confirm the camper’s loaded weight, tongue weight, passenger load, and required trailer equipment before towing.

Does every 2026 Ridgeline come with all-wheel drive?

Yes, the 2026 Ridgeline includes the i-VTM4® AWD system, which works with Intelligent Traction Management and offers Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud modes.

Is the 2026 Ridgeline comfortable enough for daily driving around Ames?

Yes. The Ridgeline’s unibody construction and fully independent suspension help deliver a smooth, quiet, and controlled ride, making it a strong choice for daily commuting as well as weekend towing.

Can Vern Eide Honda Sioux City help compare Ridgeline trims for towing needs?

Yes. We can walk through towing goals, cargo needs, comfort preferences, and available Ridgeline trims so Ames-area shoppers can choose the truck that fits everyday driving and weekend use.

If your ideal truck needs to commute comfortably around Ames, tow a properly matched camper or trailer, and offer smart cargo solutions for everyday life, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline deserves a close look. Contact Vern Eide Honda Sioux City to explore current Ridgeline availability, schedule a test drive, or start your shopping process online.

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