2017 Honda Ridgeline
01-13-16 | 06:46 AM
#91
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,763
Likes: 6
From: TX
I forgot to mention the trunk in a car. This is a trunk in the bed.
It should last.
Last edited by chikoo; 01-13-16 at 08:05 AM.
01-13-16 | 04:26 PM
#94
If I remember correctly, the Gen1 Ridgeline was advertised as being a Pilot with a bed. I have no doubt that this new Ridgeline and Pilot (and MDX) all share a common, basic platform, even if the Ridgeline has an integral ladder frame. Does this Gen2 model still have the integral frame, as the Gen1 model did?
Platform sharing means that they share many common components (usually the unseen, greasy bits); it does not necessarily mean that they share a common floorpan.
No problem with Honda selling such a "truck". Obviously, there are enough buyers out there who agree so that there is enough demand to make it economical for Honda to continue selling with a new model. I would not want to tow with the FWD model though, nor would I want to put too much stuff in the bed; I would not want to take too much weight off the front axle.
Platform sharing means that they share many common components (usually the unseen, greasy bits); it does not necessarily mean that they share a common floorpan.
No problem with Honda selling such a "truck". Obviously, there are enough buyers out there who agree so that there is enough demand to make it economical for Honda to continue selling with a new model. I would not want to tow with the FWD model though, nor would I want to put too much stuff in the bed; I would not want to take too much weight off the front axle.
You want to avoid even weight distribution on all 4 tires?
01-14-16 | 08:37 AM
#96
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,891
Likes: 12
From: Virginia
This is the buying mindset of all of America. I want to be ready for that 0.0000001% use case scenario. And we tend to buy by the pound, or in this case, how much truck for the buck.
01-14-16 | 09:34 AM
#97
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,592
Likes: 28
From: TN
Well in the case of fuel economy, it makes sense to buy the bigger truck. Little known fact, but when the Ridgeline was on sale, a 4wd Chevy with the 5.3 V8 was actually more fuel efficient.
01-14-16 | 10:07 AM
#98
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,309
Likes: 31
From: Canada
01-14-16 | 10:50 AM
#99
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,891
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From: Virginia
I'm certain this is taken under consideration when they set the independent tow and payload ratings for the two drivetrains. So as long as you're operating within those, you will be fine in terms of the load/driving traction.
01-14-16 | 11:53 AM
#100
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,592
Likes: 28
From: TN
Didn't think about it, but its opposite wisdom of putting weight in the bed of a RWD truck increases traction. With a heavier load you could potentially unload the front tires and have way less traction in the rain/snow or going up a slick boat ramp. Hopefully Honda engineers have accounted for this.
01-14-16 | 12:13 PM
#101
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,891
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From: Virginia
Didn't think about it, but its opposite wisdom of putting weight in the bed of a RWD truck increases traction. With a heavier load you could potentially unload the front tires and have way less traction in the rain/snow or going up a slick boat ramp. Hopefully Honda engineers have accounted for this.
01-14-16 | 12:16 PM
#102
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,624
Likes: 89
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Didn't think about it, but its opposite wisdom of putting weight in the bed of a RWD truck increases traction. With a heavier load you could potentially unload the front tires and have way less traction in the rain/snow or going up a slick boat ramp. Hopefully Honda engineers have accounted for this.
01-14-16 | 12:20 PM
#103
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,309
Likes: 31
From: Canada
Didn't think about it, but its opposite wisdom of putting weight in the bed of a RWD truck increases traction. With a heavier load you could potentially unload the front tires and have way less traction in the rain/snow or going up a slick boat ramp. Hopefully Honda engineers have accounted for this.
A FWD pickup truck is fine, as long as you remember that it is a FWD pickup truck.
01-14-16 | 03:11 PM
#105
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,891
Likes: 12
From: Virginia
That's why I mentioned it. If the average Joe buys this instead of a real truck (to save fuel, because it's a Honda...) then forgets it's FWD, loads up the bed at the Home Depot on a snowy day, only to lose traction on the way home...
A FWD pickup truck is fine, as long as you remember that it is a FWD pickup truck.
A FWD pickup truck is fine, as long as you remember that it is a FWD pickup truck.
The Ridgeline is a well executed vehicle, it won't win over staunch Full size pickup or hard off road enthusiasts, nor is it meant to. It successfully performs its intended function.