Can the 2026 Honda Ridgeline tow a midsize camper near Fargo, ND?

Vern Eide Honda – Can the 2026 Honda Ridgeline tow a midsize camper near Fargo, ND?

For shoppers near Fargo who want one pickup that commutes comfortably during the week and confidently tows a small camper on the weekend, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline checks the right boxes. The key ownership question we hear is specific and practical: can it handle a typical midsize travel trailer or lightweight camper without feeling overworked on stretches like I-94 toward Detroit Lakes or across MN-34 into Maplewood State Park? Let’s walk through what the Ridgeline is built to do, how to choose the right trailer, and the features that make towing feel easier in real-world driving.

Why this towing question matters around Fargo

From lakes country day trips to weekend runs toward Itasca or Sheyenne National Grassland, drivers near Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo, and Dilworth often balance daily driving with towing duties. Road conditions vary from smooth interstate to rural two-lanes and gravel park approaches, and parking at trailheads or campground check-ins can be tight. That mix calls for a truck that tows with confidence yet remains easy to maneuver and comfortable when you’re not hitched up. That is exactly the mission of the 2026 Ridgeline.

Honda engineered Ridgeline for everyday usability first, then layered in capability to meet real towing needs. In other words, you don’t have to compromise ride quality or interior comfort just to bring a compact camper, a pair of personal watercraft, or a lightweight boat along for the trip.

What the 2026 Ridgeline offers for towing

Ridgeline combines a strong, refined powertrain with a confident all-wheel-drive system and smart trailering hardware. Here are the highlights most relevant to Fargo-area towing:

• Max towing rating: Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
• Engine strength: A 280-horsepower V-6 delivers responsive power for merging and steady highway pulls.
• Tow hardware: A standard integrated tow hitch with a 7-pin connector simplifies trailer hookup.
• All-wheel-drive confidence: The i-VTM4® AWD system works with Intelligent Traction Management modes for Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud.
• Hitching help: A standard rearview camera with dynamic guidelines offers wide, normal, and top-down views to line up the receiver and coupler.
• Stability and comfort: Unibody construction and fully independent front and rear suspensions help keep the ride composed while towing.

That 5,000-pound rating covers a wide range of real trailers commonly seen around the Red River Valley. Many single-axle fiberglass or aluminum fishing boats, small toy haulers with a modest load, teardrop campers, and shorter travel trailers can fit comfortably within the Ridgeline’s capability when you plan your weights correctly.

How to choose the right camper and calculate your real-world weight

The most important towing step happens before you hitch up: make sure the trailer you pick, when loaded for a trip, remains within the Ridgeline’s 5,000-pound limit. Trailer listings often show a dry weight, but what you actually tow is the fully loaded weight after adding water, propane, batteries, and gear. Use this quick method to make an informed choice:

1. Check the trailer’s GVWR: Find the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the trailer’s sticker or spec sheet. This is the max the trailer is allowed to weigh fully loaded.
2. Estimate trip load: Fresh water adds about 8.3 pounds per gallon, and don’t forget propane, batteries, food, clothing, tools, and outdoor gear.
3. Compare numbers: A good rule is to ensure your estimated loaded trailer weight stays at or below 5,000 pounds to match Ridgeline’s maximum rating.
4. Mind the details: Confirm your trailer plug matches the Ridgeline’s 7-pin connector and that your trailer brakes and breakaway system are in proper working order.

If you’re between trailer sizes, our team can help you review specs and choose a configuration that keeps your combination well within the limits, especially if you’re factoring in hills on US-10 or frequent stops on ND-18 through small towns.

Beyond the scale numbers, think about the type of towing you plan. Short weekend hauls to Buffalo River State Park demand different packing than a multi-day loop toward Bemidji. The lighter and better balanced your setup, the more relaxed and efficient your drive will feel behind the wheel.

Towing confidence features you feel on the road

Capability is one thing; confidence is another. Several Ridgeline features shine once you’re rolling with a camper or boat attached.

• i-VTM4® AWD logic: Power is actively managed side to side in the rear to help with traction when pulling away from a launch or on loose surfaces near trailheads.
• Intelligent Traction Management: Selectable modes for Snow, Sand, and Mud help tailor throttle and drivetrain response to surface conditions on unpaved access roads.
• 9-speed automatic: Smooth, decisive shifts support steady-state cruising and help with confident passing when you see your opening on I-94.
• Driver assistance tech: Honda Sensing® features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), and Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) provide driver support on long stints.
• Visibility assists: The available blind spot information system (BSI) with cross traffic monitor helps when changing lanes or backing near campground traffic.

Hitching is easier too. The rearview camera with dynamic guidelines gives a top-down look you’ll appreciate when you’re solo and need to align the ball and coupler precisely in a busy storage lot or driveway.

When you arrive at your site, the Ridgeline’s Dual-Action Tailgate and Lockable In-Bed Trunk® add convenience that traditional pickups simply don’t offer. Open the tailgate to the side for quick access to tie-downs, chocks, and leveling blocks stowed in the In-Bed Trunk®, which includes a drain plug for wet gear. If you need power for campsite gadgets, an available 150-watt/400-watt truck-bed outlet makes it simple to plug in select devices. Just verify your device’s wattage draw before use.

And because you still live with your truck the other five days of the week, the Ridgeline balances all of this with the comfortable cabin, quiet ride, and easy maneuverability that make it feel right at home from downtown Fargo errands to a commute across the river to Moorhead.

Real Fargo-area examples that fit the Ridgeline

While every trailer is different, here are practical scenarios we routinely discuss with shoppers near Fargo. These reflect the kinds of towing the Ridgeline is tailored to handle when properly equipped and carefully loaded.

• Lightweight travel trailers: Many compact campers and teardrops, when packed for a weekend around Detroit Lakes, can stay safely within the 5,000-pound limit.
• Fishing boats and PWC: Single-axle setups for aluminum fishing rigs or a double PWC trailer are common pairings for day trips to area lakes.
• Small toy haulers: A modest cargo trailer with bikes or lighter powersports equipment can be a great match for trail adventures near Maplewood State Park.

If you’re cross-shopping different trailer types or debating between floorplans, bring your short list to us. We’ll help you assess published weights, talk through packing habits, and outline a plan that keeps your Ridgeline-and-trailer duo well matched.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How much can the 2026 Honda Ridgeline tow?

When properly equipped, the 2026 Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds. That limit should reflect your trailer’s estimated fully loaded weight, not just its dry weight.

Does the Ridgeline come with a hitch and trailer wiring?

Ridgeline includes an integrated tow hitch with a 7-pin connector, making it straightforward to connect to trailers that use a 7-pin plug. If you have wiring questions or need accessories, our team can help you choose the right setup.

Is AWD helpful for towing around Fargo and nearby lake roads?

The i-VTM4® AWD system can enhance traction when pulling away from stops or on loose surfaces like gravel approaches to ramps and campsites. It also works with Intelligent Traction Management, which offers Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud modes you can select by the push of a button.

Can I store towing gear out of sight?

Yes. The Lockable In-Bed Trunk® is ideal for stowing hitch accessories, straps, chocks, gloves, and a compact toolkit. It includes a drain plug, so you can toss in wet gear without worrying about the rest of the bed.

What features help on longer towing drives?

Honda Sensing® technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), and Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) can reduce fatigue and add peace of mind. The rearview camera with dynamic guidelines is also a big help for precise hitching and positioning.

Can the Ridgeline power small devices at a campsite?

The available 150-watt/400-watt truck-bed outlet lets you plug in select tools or devices. Always check your device’s wattage and follow the owner’s manual for safe operation.

In short, if your camping or boating plans around Fargo involve trailers that stay within the Ridgeline’s 5,000-pound capacity when loaded, this pickup is an excellent, confidence-inspiring partner. It blends a refined drive with smart towing hardware, traction technology for varying surfaces, and thoughtful storage solutions that make setup and tear-down easier.

If you’d like help matching a specific camper or boat to a 2026 Ridgeline, contact our team at Vern Eide Honda. We’ll review trailer specs with you, walk through accessory options, and set up a test drive so you can experience how composed and capable the Ridgeline feels on the roads you drive near Fargo and beyond.

Request more 2026 Honda Ridgeline information