[Rhodes22-list] Towing with a Ridgeline?

[mweisner at ebsmed.com]

It is important to note that the Ridgeline underwent a major redesign in
2017, increasing the bed size and towing capacity.  The "Gen1" was a nice
small pickup with interestingly sloped bed walls.  The "Gen2" Ridgeline
(2017+)  depends more on technology ($computers$) and  composite materials
making it significantly lighter and more fuel efficient.  The claim is 27
mpg on the highway but the Honda club says that it is more like 22-24mpg.

I looked seriously at the new 2018 Ridgeline as a replacement for my 2005
Nissan Xterra with 221K miles.  Instead, I opted to purchase a certified
preowned 2015 Nissan Xterra.  My decision was based largely on maintaining a
true truck chassis in my tow vehicle (the Honda ACE body has yet to be
proven) and the fact that I really have little use for an open bed pickup
most of the time.  The 2015 Xterra only gets 20-21mpg but it is totally
enclosed.  I also preferred the 6-speed manual transmission option from
Nissan over the up/down shift hunting that was all too obvious in the Honda
6-speed automatic transmission at 30-35 mph.  The constant shifting drives
me nuts when towing using an automatic with poor hysteresis control.  It
can't be good for the tranny either.

The 2015 Nissan Xterra represents the last year of Xterra production.  The
Frontier shared the same design with an open bed and is still being
produced.  The Nissan plan appears to move to the Rogue chassis for future
"trucks."  I am happy with the 2015 Xterra decision.

Mike
s/v Wind Lass ('91)
Nissequogue River, NY



-----Original Message-----
From: Rhodes22-list <rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org> On Behalf Of ROGER
PIHLAJA
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2018 11:56 AM
To: The Rhodes 22 Email List <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Towing with a Ridgeline?

The Honda Ridgeline has a 3.5 liter V-6 engine that puts out 280 bhp and 262
lb-ft of torque.  It has a pretty good 6 speed automatic transmission.  It
comes standard with front wheel drive (FWD); but, all wheel drive (AWD) is
available as part of more expensive trim options.  For towing something as
big & heavy as your Rhodes 22, you definitely want AWD.  With AWD, it's
rated to tow 5000 lbs, which is plenty for your Rhodes 22.



Since we purchased it in 1987, we have towed our Rhodes 22 with a Ford
Aerostar RWD minivan, an AMC Eagle AWD station wagon, a Chevrolet Astro AWD
minivan, a Nissan AWD Murano SL, and 2 Toyota Sienna AWD minivans.  Of these
vehicles, the Ford Aerostar was handicapped by RWD and the AMC Eagle lacked
sufficient hp & torque for the job.  The rest were fine.  I am convinced
there is just nothing like AWD or 4WD to get you up a wet, slimey launch
ramp and won't have a tow vehicle without this feature anymore.  Although we
have towed our Rhodes 22 thousands of miles, towing represents a tiny
fraction of the total service the tow vehicle will get.  I am of the opinion
that you should purchase no more tow vehicle than you need.  Considerations
of what it will be like to live with on a daily basis, reliability, safety,
resale value, and fuel mileage should be more important than whether it's
the ultimate tow vehicle.



Roger Pihlaja

SV Dynamic Equilibrium



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10



________________________________
From: Rhodes22-list <rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org> on behalf of Lowe,
Rob <rlowe at vt.edu>
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2018 11:04:33 AM
To: The Rhodes 22 Email List
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Towing with a Ridgeline?

Anyone towing their boat with a Honda Ridgeline?  Time to replace the old
Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ridgeline's have my attention.  Some of the
readings I've done suggest the Ridgeline is more car like than truck like
and may not be up to the task.  Any feedback from anyone?  Thanks - rob
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