Honda Ridgeline

Campfire Time wrote:

IdaD wrote:
Which is why most half tons are good at towing light to medium size travel trailers but they struggle above that - they're primarily designed as people haulers.

OK, that's just a silly statement. Whoever said that a 1/2 should tow more than what it's rated for? The weight limits don't make it a "people mover". Right tool for the right job. Do you use a Sawzall to cut a piece of plywood? Of course not. Like trying to use a flat head screw driver as a pry bar. Might work, but you know right off there are limitations. That doesn't make the screw driver a lesser tool. Just means that maybe you're expecting more out of it than it was designed for.

It's not a silly statement at all. If anything it's just another way of stating your analogy of matching the tool to the job. I was trying to convey to OP that he might have an inaccurate perception of half ton trucks - in truth they are as comfortable as a modern crossover vehicle these days but they can perform better as tow vehicles within their wheelhouse (that's the small to medium travel trailer part of my statement).

IdaD wrote:
Which is why most half tons are good at towing light to medium size travel trailers but they struggle above that - they're primarily designed as people haulers.

OK, that's just a silly statement. Whoever said that a 1/2 should tow more than what it's rated for? The weight limits don't make it a "people mover". Right tool for the right job. Do you use a Sawzall to cut a piece of plywood? Of course not. Like trying to use a flat head screw driver as a pry bar. Might work, but you know right off there are limitations. That doesn't make the screw driver a lesser tool. Just means that maybe you're expecting more out of it than it was designed for.

Truthfully, if you or your wife haven't driven a current model year half ton you might be surprised. They aren't really any "truckier" than crossovers anymore - the ride and handling characteristics are very similar. Which is why most half tons are good at towing light to medium size travel trailers but they struggle above that - they're primarily designed as people haulers. But with a smaller travel trailer, the size, wheelbase and available higher power output would all make for a better tow vehicle than a Ridgeline.

If she does not like a truck how about a Suburban or Expedition for a small trailer?

If it were me, I would look for a more capable vehicle. Trying to get back into camping, I wouldn't choose a vehicle that's just barely capable of the task at hand. It will just lead to headaches and uncomfortable situations down the road. Really pop ups are the safe range for this vehicle. A more capable vehicle will give you a lot more options in choice of trailer and how much gear you can bring with you.

sounds like we need more feedback from OP to help further.

Campfire Time wrote:
What is it about 1/2 ton PUs that your wife doesn't like? Size? Mileage? Get her to test drive one and she'll want it.

Mileage is the same if not better in a full size, and the full size if FAR more capable, not to mention roomier and more comfortable. A 21' trailer will really push the capabilities of a Ridgeline.

It has nothing to do with Honda and everything to do with rated capacities.

It's about towing comfortably.

An intelligent reply from someone who clearly understands the advantages of towing with a 1/2 ton. :B

jerem0621 wrote:

The Ridgeline is a great vehicle but it is not rated for weight distribution hitches which you will need.


Jeremiah

This is the misinformation I spoke of. This is 100% WRONG.


#1 - Honda NEVER said not to use WDH. They recommended not using one due to improper set up, could lead to issues.

OLD statement:


#2 - They have since changed their wording to better clarify the use of a WDH.

NEW Statement:

When I had a boat, the Ridgeline was on my research list for a new vehicle. I did a lot of on line research but never actually drove one. The biggest knock I found was Trailer Boat magazine did a review and really slammed the V6 for towing, but people really liked the other features.

What is it about 1/2 ton PUs that your wife doesn't like? Size? Mileage? Get her to test drive one and she'll want it.

We have a 21' hybrid, 4750# GVWR. My Sierra pulls it without effort. I pulled it with a mid-size full frame SUV that had comparable specs to the Ridgeline. It was OK, but in the end the experience compared to towing with full size and a V8 is night and day.

The Ridgeline is OK for a small trailer (16/17 ft) or a pop-up. Having owned mid-size SUVs I can tell you that I will never go back mid-size. Mileage is the same if not better in a full size, and the full size if FAR more capable, not to mention roomier and more comfortable. A 21' trailer will really push the capabilities of a Ridgeline.

RinconVTR wrote:
You wont find many who "approve" of towing with any Honda. Mostly because they assume too much and have never tried. And there is A LOT of misinformation about Honda's towing...

2012 Honda Pilot towing a 23ft TT that weighed 4300lbs fully loaded. More typical weight, was 4100lbs. Not one...single...issue.

It has nothing to do with Honda and everything to do with rated capacities. I have knowingly towed close to my rated capacities with 2 entirely different TV/trailer combos. Sure, no "issues", and it was safe. That's not what's in question here. I can tell you from experience that there is a night and day difference towing the same trailers with a TV that has plenty of reserve capacity. It's about towing comfortably.

Just like you think there is misinformation about towing with your TV, I'm betting you've never towed with a vehicle, like a 1/2 ton PU or large SUV, that has reserve capacity. My point is what do you have to compare your experience with?