Parts Needed to Tow With 2011 Honda Ridgeline

Question:

I now have a 2011 Honda Ridgeline...tows 5,000 pounds. It has a receiver but nothing else. I am waiting for a Primetime Avenger LT 17FQS travel trailer. What would you recommend for making the truck ready to tow...e.g., weight distribution, ball, brake controller, etc. AND... Is this equipment stuff that I can install myself or would it take a trailer service tech? What would be your price? Thanks...really appreciate your help.

asked by: Fred L

Expert Reply:

Since your 2011 Honda Ridgeline already has a trailer hitch receiver like the Draw-Tite # 75280, there are just a few other parts you'll need in order to tow. For a wiring harness you will need to add the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118491.

To add a brake controller you will need a 7-way, which you can get with the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7.

After that for a brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195.

The P3 has the best combination of ease-of-use, display, and delivery of smooth braking, making it the best option for a brake controller. And in regards to a ball mount like you asked about, that will depend on some measurements you need to take and I've added a link to a help article which goes over what you'll need to do, as well as a link to our selection of ball mounts.

In regards to a weight distribution hitch for your 2020 Prime Time Avenger LT 17FQS, based on my research this trailer has a GVWR of 3,855 lbs. You will want to verify that but if so, you should have a total tongue weight in the 500 lb range, and the weight distribution hitch I recommend is the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution with 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-0600.

The Fastway is ideal because it because this system uses 2 points of sway control via friction in the spring bars to ensure you never have to worry about your trailer swaying. It is also a much better value than similar systems, so you are getting a lot of value for its price. It comes with everything you need to install but for the hitch ball, which will depend on the size of your trailer's coupler. It'll be either 2-5/16" Hitch Ball # EQ91-00-6100 or more likely 2" Hitch Ball # EQ91-00-6080.

I have added links to video reviews for you and as far as installation this is something that people can do themselves, though it just depends on how comfortable you are with things like wiring for the brake controller. Otherwise, local mechanics can certainly do it or your trailer dealer may be able to as well.