Honda Ridgeline

For those that missed my previous post...this is Honda's 2016 statement on WDH's.

The Honda would be totally inadequate. A mid size PU would be a better option.

I had a 2008 Ridgeline for five years prior to getting my current F150. I absolutely loved it. I was pretty rough on it and it never failed and the resale value was incredible. I would say that it's strength is that it is so versatile. It does alot of truck things pretty well, but not as well as a half ton. I reached a point where I was pushing its limits in how much that bed can hold and the softer suspension started to reveal itself when the back would squat 3 inches with 1000lbs in it. I would recommend one for pulling a big pop-up in a second, but it is not the best choice for a 4500 tt. When traveling at 60 mph and getting passed by a big rig or going up or down big hills, things become clear that the more capable tv makes driving alot more pleasant and safe. With that said, i miss my ridgeline for daily driving.

ERW1209, As long as you dont exceed the 5000 lbs you will be fine. Ive had my Ridgeline since late 2007 its a 2008 RTX with tow package and prewired for trailer brakes from the factory "just add controller".

I pull a 02 rockwood 25ft tt. I have had no issues at all pulling it, with a W.D. hitch since day 1, just set it up correctly. Lots of people will give you funny looks and say its a car, it is a truck so no worries.

Head on over to www.ridgelineownersclub.com and do some reading about REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE not just a bunch speculation on the interwebs.

-Jason

IdaD wrote:

That's incorrect, or at least that's incorrect on the previous generation Pilot - I know cause I own one. On it, the heavy duty transmission cooler was a standard feature all models, and all AWD models were 4500 lbs and all FWD models were 3500 lbs. This may have changed on the new generation Pilot that was just released but it would surprise me. Honda is the opposite of what you see from domestic automakers - they generally have your options dialed down to just a few trim levels, as opposed to offering a seemingly endless combination of options.

I'm referring to the current Pilot, the Pilot that will share the same platform with the new Ridgeline.

bill-e wrote:

Weight Distributing Hitch
A weight distributing hitch is not
recommended for use with your
vehicle, as an improperly adjusted
weight distributing hitch may
reduce handling, stability,
and braking performance.

How is the Ridgeline different than any other vehicle? Not using a WDH could reduce stability and overload the rear axle. It's a non-factual reason to not recommend using a WDH which makes me think there are other non-disclosed factual/engineering reasons to not use one.

My 2006 Ridgeline came standard with a transmission cooler.

proxim2020 wrote:

atreis wrote:

The '16 Pilot is rated to tow 3,500 if it's a 2WD model and 5,000 if it's a 4WD model. 7,000 seems a bit high for even Honda's strong 6 banger. Wonder if they're introducing a turbo or something...

It's still 3,500 lbs on the AWD models unless you have the optional tranny cooler installed.

That's incorrect, or at least that's incorrect on the previous generation Pilot - I know cause I own one. On it, the heavy duty transmission cooler was a standard feature all models, and all AWD models were 4500 lbs and all FWD models were 3500 lbs. This may have changed on the new generation Pilot that was just released but it would surprise me. Honda is the opposite of what you see from domestic automakers - they generally have your options dialed down to just a few trim levels, as opposed to offering a seemingly endless combination of options.

Does the Ridgeline have a trans cooler option? Just something else I would think about.

One thing my dad got through my head when I was younger is "Everything works until it doesn't. It's the doesn't part you need to worry about" This was his answer to many of the goofy ideas I may have had as a teenager.
So to apply that knowledge, to this situation:
Something is bound to go wrong eventually; that goes with any tow vehicle/trailer combination. But what does that look like? With a true 1/2 ton and a 21 ft trailer, it could be a blown tire, or stability issues on windy days. On a smaller vehicle, like the ridgline, those issues could be the transmission prematurely giving out leaving you stranded, stability issues in the slightest of winds, etc...

Admittedly, I tend to overdo things. I usually have to much tool for the job. But it is about peace of mind for me.

One more thought before I end my rambling. If you are getting back into camping, you obviously like it and it is something that hopefully relaxes you and gives you an escape from the everyday stress of life. I would hate to see the thing that is supposed to bring you that relaxation cause you more stress/anxiety due to equipment failure that could have been prevented.

bill-e wrote:

atreis wrote:

bill-e wrote:
Cant use a weight distribution hitch.

Not true, 2009 onward.

I don't know that, here's an excerpt from the 2014 Ridgeline manual, page 295.

As I stated above, I believe it's mostly based on the fact that the Ridgeline is Front Wheel Drive.

Weight Distributing Hitch
A weight distributing hitch is not
recommended for use with your
vehicle, as an improperly adjusted
weight distributing hitch may
reduce handling, stability,
and braking performance.

Yep, as stated above - "as an improperly adjusted ..." - it's not recommended because one might set it up improperly, not because there's a frame or receiver issue. See front axle weight limitations above. Yes, those limitations come about as a result of it being a primarily front wheel drive vehicle.

BTW - unlike AWD vehicles the Ridgeline/Pilot uses a true 4wd system with a locking differential (computer controlled) between the front and rear. Not sure about the '16, but '09-'15 limits 4wd to 30mph and below (it's front wheel drive above that) and has a driver-operated switch that can be used to lock the differential at low speeds for traction in snow or mud. (I think the '16 uses the more advanced system developed for the Acura MDX. In that one the computer can lock each wheel separately in order to prevent a free-spinning wheel from getting all the power. Pretty interesting system.)

I like them. Unfortunately, they didn't become good until after I bought my Sienna. (At least Toyota didn't put that weird language in the owner's manual. :) )