New Ridgeline debuts in Detroit

[Raz]

The second generation Honda Ridgeline is being introduced at the Detroit auto show. Not a lot of detail but the trunk is still there as is the unibody construction and the two way tailgate. Gone are the flying buttresses Raz

2017 Honda Ridgeline Release Date, Price and Specs - Roadshow

[Mikmay]

I will be going to the auto show to specifically check out the new ridgeline as that has been my daily driver for the past six years and have been very pleased with its performance and versatility.The new ridgeline is also supposed to get much better mpg,s as its the one thing that disappointed me.

[WaltP]

One reason for the better gas mileage is the new one is front wheel drive instead of 4 wheel drive. I personally find the mpg okay in regular use for a pickup, but the drop in mpg under tow is atrocious.
I'll wait to see, but I'm thinking it'll no longer be an adequate TV, regardless of its mpg.

Walt

[Mikmay]

Originally Posted by WaltP

One reason for the better gas mileage is the new one is front wheel drive instead of 4 wheel drive. I personally find the mpg okay in regular use for a pickup, but the drop in mpg under tow is atrocious.
I'll wait to see, but I'm thinking it'll no longer be an adequate TV, regardless of its mpg.

Walt

Actually Walt it will be available in front wheel or all wheel drive and it is supposed to have a larger payload so I'm sure it will have attaquit towing capabilities

[WaltP]

Ah, that's good to hear. Thanks.

Walt

[DeanCHS1980]

Hey Raz,

COOL! Thanks for sharing the link. Looking forward to learning more.

Dean

[Jon in AZ]

The latest Pilot generation, which shares the same platform, upgraded their top tow rating from 4500 to 5000 pounds. Got to keep up with the Joneses... err... Highlanders. I'm sure the new Ridgeline will be at least that.

[WaltP]

The tow rating on my 2013 Ridgeline is 5000 lbs.

Walt

[Paul O.]

Originally Posted by P. Raz

..... Gone are the flying buttresses Raz

Now it could actually tow a Scamp 19 5th wheel, or such. Thumbs up for that.

[WaltP]

Agreed. The buttresses gave it a distinctive, attractive look, but are impractical and inconvenient. Thumbs up for retaining the two way tailgate too.
Now what I need to hear is a drive train better configured for improved tow mpg.

Walt

[Mikmay]

Originally Posted by Paul O.

Now it could actually tow a Scamp 19 5th wheel, or such. Thumbs up for that.

You could but you would lose the use of the very useful trunk.

[Paul O.]

That may be correct and it all depends on how they would allow the installation of the rails that support the Reese bracket with the 2" ball that you want above the axle. The Ridgeline certainly is not a conventional truck design (no frame). However, there must be some "hard points" available somewhere that could be used. I am just interested from the engineering point of view.

[WaltP]

Originally Posted by Mikmay

You could but you would lose the use of the very useful trunk.

Hmmm
Come to think of it, is it the buttresses that prevent the 5th wheel mount?
I thought it was the hinged lid for the trunk.

Walt

[Jon in AZ]

Here's an old thread about the first generation Honda Ridgeline and Scamp 19.

I'll be surprised if much has changed in regard to fifth wheel towing. The compact fifth wheel market is simply too small for Honda to bother about. The major design features of the first generation- unibody construction, composite materials, and in-bed trunk- remain. I suspect the change to a conventional bed rail profile is about gaining a more mainstream appearance to boost sales.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Paul O.

Now it could actually tow a Scamp 19 5th wheel, or such. Thumbs up for that.

I saw one with the buttresses in Panama City Beach last winter, towing a Scamp19. The hitch was a custom design which worked very well and still allowed access to the trunk.
The old Ridgeline is a nice car, just not for me. At least you will no longer confuse it with an Avalanche... Now you will just confuse it with every four door pickup on the market.

[Raz]

Despite the disparaging remarks as to its authenticity as a real truck, I've yet to meet an owner who didn't love their Ridgeline. Pricing was the biggest reason I didn't buy one in 2009. I recently bought a new CRV. Nicest vehicle I've ever owned. I hope the Ridgeline is equally well thought out. Raz

[WaltP]

My daughter drove me home in my Ridgeline after shoulder surgery last month, about 180 miles, combined interstate, local roads and town streets.
She commented she's never driven a pickup so comfortable and easy to drive.
My answer was 'cause it's really an SUV gussied up to look like a truck.
But I don't mean that disparagingly. It's quite a capable light truck and I love the unique trunk.

Walt

[brian m.]

I like some of the unique design features this new Ridgeline. But a full size truck gets the same gas mileage as this Honda.

[Paul O.]

Jon's link to the old thread led me to this one:
Fifth Wheel Towing - Honda Ridgeline Owners Club Forums
with a description of a 5th wheel setup installation. That guy also says he did hit the flying buttresses with his Scamp, resulting in an expensive repair.

We should remember that Scamp 19 and its ilk are flying completely under the radar as 5th wheel trailers. The conventional wisdom is that anything 5th-wheel is at least 10,000 pounds weight. My Tacoma user's manual also does not recommend towing a "5th wheel" trailer, but does not provide the reasons why. We could, of course, say that Scamp 19 is not a real 5th wheel...

[Jon in AZ]

Every time I drive through the parking lot at Walmart, I have to weave around the beds of so-called "full-size" trucks that stick out way beyond the end of the parking spot and impede traffic. A few months ago I passed one in which the entire 6' bed was in the traffic lane! I wish I had thought to snap a picture.

Whether it's a conventional body-on-frame RWD/4WD pick-up or an unconventional unibody FWD/AWD design like the Ridgeline, I'll welcome anything that fits into a parking space.