Honda Ridgeline: Truck Camper Compatibility Explored

The Honda Ridgeline has a maximum payload capacity of 1509-1583 lbs, which means it can only carry the smallest truck campers, which typically weigh between 1,000 to 5,000 pounds. While the Ridgeline cannot handle a lot of weight, there are smaller truck campers on the market that are compatible with the vehicle. Some options include the Outfitter Apex 8, the Four-wheel camper flatbed hawk, and the Alaskan 7′ Cabover. Additionally, there are pop-up campers and custom-built options available for the Honda Ridgeline.

The Honda Ridgeline's maximum payload capacity

The Honda Ridgeline has a maximum payload capacity of 1,509-1,583 lbs. The exact capacity depends on the Ridgeline's trim level and year. For example, the 2022 Ridgeline has a payload capacity of 1,530 lbs, while the 2011 and 2012 models have a capacity of 1,486-1,546 lbs.

The Ridgeline's payload capacity is relatively consistent across different model years, but the baseline has increased in more recent models. The Ridgeline's payload capacity is also affected by the weight of passengers and cargo. For example, if you're carrying five passengers weighing an average of 170 pounds each, that only leaves you with about 700 pounds to carry a truck camper.

To increase the Ridgeline's payload capacity, you can consider upgrading the rear springs, adding coil-over shock absorbers, or extending the truck bed. However, these modifications will only add a couple of pounds to the truck's capacity.

When choosing a truck camper for the Honda Ridgeline, it's important to consider the weight of the camper. Most truck campers weigh between 1,000 to 5,000 pounds. The Ridgeline can only handle the smallest truck campers, such as the Outfitter Apex 8, Four-wheel camper flatbed hawk, or the Alaskan 7' Cabover. These campers weigh around 1,450 to 1,560 pounds, which is close to the Ridgeline's payload capacity.

Truck campers that are compatible with the Honda Ridgeline

Truck Campers Compatible with the Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline has a maximum payload capacity of 1509-1583 lbs, meaning it can only carry the smallest truck campers, which typically weigh somewhere between 1,000 to 5,000 pounds. Here are some options for truck campers that are compatible with the Honda Ridgeline:

Outfitter Apex 8

Weighing in at about 1,450 pounds, the Outfitter Apex 8 is a great option for the Ridgeline. While it comes close to the Ridgeline's payload capacity, packing light will ensure a comfortable camping trip. The Outfitter Apex is also equipped with cool features that will enhance your camping experience.

Four-Wheel Camper Flatbed Hawk

The Four-Wheel Camper Flatbed Hawk is another excellent choice, weighing approximately 1,325 lbs when empty. Its relatively lighter weight allows for more freedom in packing for your trip. Additionally, it is designed to be durable and long-lasting.

Alaskan 7′ Cabover

The Alaskan 7′ Cabover is a spacious option, weighing around 1,560 pounds, which is right at the payload capacity limit of the Ridgeline. It features a unique design that allows for more space by hanging slightly over the truck bed, and it also has ample storage areas.

EarthCruiser GZL-300

The EarthCruiser GZL-300 is a sleek fiberglass truck camper with a pop-up roof, full electrical system, shower, toilet, fridge, and propane cooktop. While it may be a tight fit, the EarthCruiser offers a range of amenities for a comfortable camping experience.

Scout Tuktut

The Scout Tuktut is a lightweight camper designed for midsize trucks, weighing only 634 lbs in its basic configuration. It attaches securely to the truck bed using a heavy-duty ratcheting system. While Honda has not officially approved the use of a camper on the Ridgeline's unibody frame, the Tuktut's weight is well within the Ridgeline's specs.

Go Fast Campers

Go Fast Campers is a company that offers ultralight, super-strong, American-made canopy campers. They are working on a pop-up model specifically for the Honda Ridgeline, which is expected to be available in the near future.

Pop-in campers for the Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline has a maximum payload capacity of 1509-1583 lbs, depending on the model year. This means that only the smallest truck campers will be suitable for the Ridgeline. Truck campers typically weigh between 1,000 to 5,000 pounds, so the Ridgeline will need to be packed light to accommodate a camper.

Phoenix Custom Ridgeline Camper

The Phoenix Custom Ridgeline Camper is a custom pop-up camper designed specifically for the Honda Ridgeline. It features a pop-up roof, allowing for increased headroom and ventilation. This camper is designed to allow the Ridgeline's tailgate to still close, maximising security and convenience.

EarthCruiser GZL-300

The EarthCruiser GZL-300 is a sleek fibreglass truck camper with a pop-up roof, full electrical system, shower, toilet, fridge, and propane cooktop. While it offers more amenities than the Phoenix camper, it is unclear if it has been specifically designed for the Ridgeline, so weight and dimensions should be carefully considered.

Outfitter Apex 8

The Outfitter Apex 8 is another option for the Ridgeline, weighing in at about 1,450 pounds. This camper comes with some great features that will enhance your camping experience, but it may require careful packing to stay within the Ridgeline's payload capacity.

Four-wheel camper flatbed hawk

The Four-wheel camper flatbed hawk is a relatively lightweight option, weighing approximately 1,325 lbs when empty. This camper is designed to last and provides a little extra freedom to carry additional gear in your truck.

Alaskan 7′ Cabover

The Alaskan 7′ Cabover is a spacious option, weighing around 1,560 pounds. This camper features additional storage space and hangs slightly over the truck bed, providing more headroom. However, it may be a tight fit for the Ridgeline's payload capacity, so careful consideration is required.

When choosing a pop-in camper for your Honda Ridgeline, it is essential to consider the weight of the camper, your gear, and your passengers to ensure you do not exceed the vehicle's payload capacity. Additionally, you may want to consider upgrading the rear springs, adding coil-over shock absorbers, or extending the truck bed to maximise the Ridgeline's capabilities.

Slide-in campers for the Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline has a maximum payload capacity of 1509-1583 lbs, meaning it can only carry the smallest truck campers, which typically weigh somewhere between 1,000 to 5,000 pounds.

If you're looking for a slide-in camper for your Honda Ridgeline, you have a few options, but you'll need to keep in mind the weight restrictions of your vehicle. Here are some suggestions for lightweight slide-in campers that may be suitable:

Outfitter Apex 8

Weighing in at about 1,450 pounds, the Outfitter Apex 8 is a great option for your Ridgeline. While it comes close to the limit of what the Ridgeline can carry, with careful packing, it should not be a problem. The Outfitter Apex is also equipped with some really cool features that will make your next camping trip easier and more enjoyable.

Four-wheel camper flatbed hawk

Another excellent choice is the Four-wheel camper flatbed hawk, which weighs in at about 1,325 lbs when empty. This camper's relatively lighter weight will allow you a little more freedom to carry extra gear in your truck. Additionally, the flatbed hawk is designed to last for a very long time.

Alaskan 7′ Cabover

This camper weighs around 1,560 pounds, which is right at the payload capacity of your Ridgeline. The Alaskan 7′ Cabover is designed to allow for more space by hanging slightly over the top of the truck, and it also has lots of other spaces to store things.

Scout Tuktut

The Scout Tuktut is a lightweight camper designed for midsize trucks, with a starting price of $16,500. It weighs only 634 lbs before options and attaches to the bed of your truck using a heavy-duty ratcheting system. While Scout Campers says it should work on a Ridgeline, it's important to note that Honda has not approved the use of a camper on the Ridgeline's unibody frame and has stated that it may negatively affect the stability of the truck.

Phoenix Custom Camper

Phoenix Pop-Up Campers offers custom slide-in campers for the Honda Ridgeline. They design their campers to allow the tailgate to close, and you can choose from a variety of wonderful fabrics and countertops for your home away from home.

Go Fast Campers

Go Fast Campers will soon be offering their pop-up model for the Ridgeline, with a base price of $7,700. Their campers are ultralight, super strong, and made in the USA.

When considering a slide-in camper for your Honda Ridgeline, it's important to keep in mind the weight restrictions and the distribution of weight in the bed of your truck. Additionally, some modifications to your Ridgeline, such as upgrading the rear springs or adding coil-over shock absorbers, may help improve its capacity to handle a slide-in camper.

Increasing the payload capacity of the Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline has a maximum payload capacity of 1509-1583 lbs, which means it can only carry the smallest truck campers. While there are no methods to significantly increase the payload capacity of the Ridgeline, there are some ways to add a little extra weight to what it can handle.

Upgrade the Rear Springs

The rear springs of your truck bear most of the pressure, as the vehicle's weight is distributed evenly across the four springs that support the suspension along each tire. Upgrading the rear springs can help maximise the Ridgeline's payload capacity.

Add Coil-Over Shock Absorbers

A good suspension system is designed to keep the truck level, but when the vehicle is at its peak load, it can be harder to stabilise. Adding coil-over shock absorbers to the rear suspension can help eliminate unsteady movements, making the ride more stable and comfortable.

Install a Longer Truck Bed

Extending the truck bed will not increase the payload capacity, but it will help maximise the existing capacity by evening out the weight distribution across the vehicle. This will give the truck more security when carrying anything close to its maximum capacity.

Upgrade the Tires

Upgrading to bigger tires can add some security and make the ride smoother, which will be especially beneficial when towing something close to the truck's capacity.

Decrease Load Size

The weight of the passengers and cargo inside the truck is included in what it can tow. Packing light or taking a second car can allow the Ridgeline to focus its power on carrying the truck camper.

Frequently asked questions