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10-23-2016, 09:30 AM
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#41
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7,916
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My ole '05 Dodge just rolled over 165k....if it doesn't go another 100k+ somebody is gonna hear about it.
Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
__________________
2017 Puma 297RLSS
2005 Ram 2500 4X4 diesel SMOKER!!
I love puns, irony and tasteless jokes...
born in Texas.... live in Arkansas
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10-23-2016, 01:48 PM
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#42
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 26
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A 2007 sport trac turning 278,000 miles. still looks and runs like new.
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10-23-2016, 02:08 PM
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#43
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 496
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'01 Superduty 7.3l. Just under 94,000 miles.
__________________
2001 Ford F250 7.3l converted to F350 specs
2014 Flagstaff 8528RKWS
2006 model year Border Collie
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12-06-2016, 05:10 PM
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#44
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 42
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMMH
Last Train, I am really interested in your towing experience with the Ridgeline. My S-I-L ordered a new 191T Surveyor and wants to pull it with the Honda. She loves the truck and there is no talking her out of it. The weight ratings are OK but pretty close to the max. She'll have a WD hitch and sway control, Michelin LT tires but I still worry. Thank you in advance for any input.
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Sooo sorry for not noticing your question before now. Many apologies! Hope it is not too late to offer some observations, but here you go . . .
Understand that we own what is called in Ridgeline owner circles, a "Gen 1" truck; i.e. one manufactured from 2006-2014. Honda stopped building the truck for two years to retool and reinvent their "sports utility truck" and then released its new version in June of this year as a 2017 model. It is referred to as the "Gen 2" Ridgeline. So my question for you is what model Ridgeline does she own? I can go ahead and offer some comments on our 2011 RTL trim, and if she owns a Gen 1 Ridge then you can perhaps gain some insight from that. If not, I have done lots of research on the Gen 2 truck, but most of my information is anecdotal (I did sit in and examine a Gen 2 in a dealer showroom, but that doesn't help in this instance!).
We have owned two of these truck's - a 2009 RTS and our current 2011 RTL. We bought the first upon the recommendation of our independent mechanic who knew we needed an efficient tow vehicle for our 20' boat. We liked that one so much that upon hearing rumors that Honda was going to stop building them, we bought our current one. Only later on did we step in to the world of towing a travel trailer, so we did this sort of backwards according to the common wisdom; i.e. buy your trailer first, then purchase your tow vehicle.
That said, we put lots of research into settling on our Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS. That included LOTS of research on the Ridgeline as a tow vehicle. He bottom line to all of this is that we discovered that, contrary to lots of uninformed opinions, Gary Flint (Honda's lead design engineer for the Gen 1) over-engineered and under-rated this truck to be a solid and stable towing platform if one stays within its limits. It was designed and manufactured to be stiff and tough and tight, and that supports its success as a towing platform. We have about 125,000 miles on our truck, and there is not a single rattle or squeak in the thing whether towing or not.
Some of the reasons the Ridgeline can tow well are: (1) its all wheel drive system; it is front end biased for economy, but the system dynamically engages the rear wheels as needed for ultimate traction and pulling power (I can certify that from years of yanking a 3800 lb boat and trailer up slick ramps either on one of our bays or an area lake-while other fisherman are waiting their turn); (2) VSA or vehicle stability assist that immediately senses wheel slippage and compensates to prevent a skid; (3) factory equipped transmission and power steering coolers and a very efficient air induction system; (4) prewired to install your choice of an electronic brake controller; (5) its unibody frame and cross members were based on the Acura MDX platform then beefed up considerably to handle truck type duties while enjoying an outstandingly comfortable ride. Another huge misconception is that the Ridgeline was designed from the Pilot or even the Odyssey. That's just not true and is information available to anyone who has the desire to actually research the truck.
Please read the Ridgeline Owner's Manual section regarding towing a trailer. One of the things you should note is the specific recommendation against using a weight distributing hitch with the Ridgeline. I realize that is counter-intuitive to the vast majority of conversations on towing. However, I researched this point considerably and arrived at the decision not to use a wdh. I discovered a quote on a Ridgeline Owner's Forum validating this decision (apologies for the length, but this is an important issue that deserves real knowledge applied to the tow vehicle):
"This last post from the Administrator on the Ridgeline Owner’s forum - quoting an inside, unnamed source from Honda:
Honda has a staff of engineers that specialize in vehicle dynamics. There are members with advanced degrees including a specialist with a PhD vehicle dynamics. (This is the same group that developed the cooperative chassis control on the SH4WD system for the 2007 MDX.) These are the experts that have judged a WDH hitch as potentially dangerous device and should not be used. Even if these devices are set-up on a perfectly level surface, the moment that is produced on the tow vehicle is not constant and is a function of the gross profile of the road surface you are driving. You will experience a dynamic load condition that constantly varies during your trip depending on the road profile you are driving over. If a WDH is set properly, with a minimum amount of load removed from the rear axle (to avoid dynamic instability), a WDH hitch can reduce the amount of “sag” on the tow vehicle. The primary problem with these devices is they are specifically promoted for this purpose. Most users attribute the improved stability from these devices which results from the damping nature they produce from the yaw friction induced due to their design. The tendency for the non-technical user is to set the WDH hitch up to achieve a level visual appearance on the tow vehicle. This may remove too much weight from the rear axle and cause the stability issues which may result in a crash. The Ridgeline Front and Rear GAWR were designed, engineered and tested to handle the necessary towing loads without a WDH. Further, the rear brakes are appropriately sized for the increased braking forces caused by a load on the bed or a large tongue load created by towing a trailer. Increasing the front axle loading with a WDH for braking purposes is completely unfounded and unnecessary. The origin of WDH dates back to the late 60’s and early 70’s when most American families were towing recreational vehicles with passenger cars. Passenger cars lacked the proper brake sizing, front to rear brake proportioning, and Rear GAWR to handle a large travel trailer. The WDH allowed people to compensate for these weaknesses and tow larger trailers with their full size station wagons and passenger cars.
Honda’s WDH recommendations were made by engineers – not by lawyers. The owners manual is a legal document due to our litigious country and political climate. The owners manual is drafted by a group of professional writers that are usually better linguists than a band of engineers that usually can’t spell. A legal staff also reviews the owners manual because they have a technical background in law and they are familiar with the legal wording and potential liability issues represented by a band of opportunist looking to make a quick fortune. The wording in the Ridgeline owners manual is the result of a team of individuals that came together with a collective agreement that a WDH is extremely easy to miss-set and is therefore a dangerous device. This whole discussion validates this concern. If this appears too cautionary, then perhaps the language should be re-worded to be more clear about the potential pit-falls. However, it is difficult to anticipate the hundreds of potential set-ups on the market without targeting a specific piece of hardware.
The fact of the matter is the Ridgeline was properly designed to tow the rated trailer without the use of a WDH. If you wish to ignore this recommendation by a staff of technical experts in vehicle dynamics and formulate your own guidelines based on your personal experiences – proceed at your own risk. However, please do not encourage others to follow your path without equal cautionary sensitivity for their safety."
Consequently, we only use a friction sway bar, and towing our trailer in all kinds of crosswinds, headwinds, wet conditions, etc. has never presented anything approaching instability. With a yardstick, I have measured a 2" drop on our rear bumper when we are completely loaded and ready to head out. No issues with steering or braking or stability. Our tongue weight is typically 460-520 lbs.
Finally, we've towed our trailer for almost 5,000 miles over the last 15 months and have averaged 9.02 MPG. We use premium fuel when towing per Honda's advice.
This is probably way more than you wanted to hear or read, but it is an important decision affecting your sister's safety and that of others. Hope this helps.
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12-06-2016, 05:15 PM
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#45
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 42
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMMH
Last Train, I am really interested in your towing experience with the Ridgeline. My S-I-L ordered a new 191T Surveyor and wants to pull it with the Honda. She loves the truck and there is no talking her out of it. The weight ratings are OK but pretty close to the max. She'll have a WD hitch and sway control, Michelin LT tires but I still worry. Thank you in advance for any input.
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At least owe you a picture from a recent trip home from the Texas Hill Country:
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12-06-2016, 05:49 PM
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#46
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 2,024
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Additionally, Honda has the best QC on incoming raw materials of all the automakers.. I know, I dealt with them for years...
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12-06-2016, 11:58 PM
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#47
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: TEXAS
Posts: 218
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2006 GMC Duramax 2500 - 136,000 miles. Needs a new Turbo
__________________
2018 Refection 311BHS
2011 Wildcat 32QBT (SOLD)
2006 GMC 2500, Airsafe 20K hitch, Air Lift Loadlifter 5000 air bags with Air Lift WirelessONE compressor, EFI Live
Jack of all trades, Master on none
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12-11-2016, 11:26 PM
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#48
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 599
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain America
2006 GMC Duramax 2500 - 136,000 miles. Needs a new Turbo
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Ouch
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12-12-2016, 01:23 PM
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#49
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: TEXAS
Posts: 218
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kuba
Ouch
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Yep, started to randomly throw code for vanes sticking in turbo. After doing some research it's a common problem.
I'm going to drive it till the vanes completely stop moving or throws code everyday. Might be tomorrow or next year.
__________________
2018 Refection 311BHS
2011 Wildcat 32QBT (SOLD)
2006 GMC 2500, Airsafe 20K hitch, Air Lift Loadlifter 5000 air bags with Air Lift WirelessONE compressor, EFI Live
Jack of all trades, Master on none
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12-30-2016, 12:45 AM
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#50
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On the road again...
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 48
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Late reply
Thanks so much, Last Train, for your reply.
Well, we went to Ohio( 2500 mi) with the Ridgeline, ran great, 19mpg, and picked up the TT. I had read the Honda book so I made a hitch to use a sway control bar and also took a WDH.
At the Dealer I decided on the WDH because it would take time to set it up correctly and be a lot easier in their shop. If I didn't like the feel of it I would quickly switch it out.
Took a test drive locally and it felt good. I was relived. Next day we headed back and I couldn't believe how well it towed and handled! Gas mileage went to 7.5-8.2 and of course, acceleration was compromised. Came back the 2500mi with zero incidents. I usually was around 60mph and 3000rpm. It was doing a lot more work on the way home but it performed beautifully. The small gas tank required us to fill up about 3 times a day.
When I got home I saw your long post and wish I would have seen it sooner.
Now I don't know if the Honda was just forgiving of the WDH or if it contributed to the excellent towing experience. My S-I-L lives a few hours away so I can't just go test it. Her TT is a single axle and I see that you have a dual axle which would add some weight but make it tow better. The WDH I think relieved some porpoising on bad stretches of road but I will probably never know. I would love to try it without the WDH.
Anyway, thanks so much for all the info.
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12-30-2016, 01:55 AM
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#51
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GLCM Warrior
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 277
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Our 6.7l diesel F350 purchased 1/25/2014 currently has 21,766. We use it almost exclusively for towing so it usually sits a lot from late October until mid May.
__________________
2014 Wildcat 312QBX
2014 Ford F350 SD 4X4 CC LB 6.7L PSD
Bob & Debbie, USAF Retired
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12-30-2016, 09:33 AM
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#52
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Coachman 312BHDS
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 273
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And how does that fit on the high mileage thread? Sitting like that for so long is very hard on the truck.
__________________
2017 Open Range Roamer RF376FBH 42' fifth wheel
2016 F-350 Lariat SCrew 6.7L Turbo Diesel SRW - Extang Fold-up Hard tonneau cover - Husky 16k Fifth Wheel Hitch
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12-30-2016, 02:18 PM
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#53
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 42
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMMH
Thanks so much, Last Train, for your reply.
Well, we went to Ohio( 2500 mi) with the Ridgeline, ran great, 19mpg, and picked up the TT. I had read the Honda book so I made a hitch to use a sway control bar and also took a WDH.
At the Dealer I decided on the WDH because it would take time to set it up correctly and be a lot easier in their shop. If I didn't like the feel of it I would quickly switch it out.
Took a test drive locally and it felt good. I was relived. Next day we headed back and I couldn't believe how well it towed and handled!
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Glad to hear the positive results and that some peace of mind was gained for your SIL. Don't know from where your trip to Ohio started, but for context a few years ago we drove our Ridgeline on a vacation to New England (not towing anything at the time). We live in SE Texas, and our total mileage was 5,500 miles round trip. Got around 20 mpg for the whole trip. Was comfortable as could be and actually felt rested up when we returned - sometimes unusual for a driving vacation. It really has been comfortable as our daily driver.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MMMH
Gas mileage went to 7.5-8.2 and of course, acceleration was compromised. Came back the 2500mi with zero incidents. I usually was around 60mph and 3000rpm. It was doing a lot more work on the way home but it performed beautifully. The small gas tank required us to fill up about 3 times a day.
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Our towing MPG experience has been a little better than that. I tow at or just above 60 mph and more often than not use cruise control to get the best mileage out of the drivetrain. We do use premium grade fuel - usually 93 octane - when towing (another bit of advice from Honda). The engine maps the shifting points on the transmission differently when using premium. And note that Honda engines are designed to run at higher rpms. 3000 rpm is very comfortable for that engine. That 6 cyl develops 250 hp and 247 lb/ft of torque - not all that great as tow vehicles go. However, the greater torque is generated in the upper rpm power bands, and that engine and transmission will sing along quite happily in those regions. And when you need acceleration, Honda's VTEC is your friend. Quoting from the "How Stuff Works" web site: "VTEC (which stands for Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) is an electronic and mechanical system in some Honda engines that allows the engine to effectively have multiple camshafts. As the engine moves into different rpm ranges, the engine's computer can activate alternate lobes on the camshaft and change the cam's timing. In this way, the engine gets the best features of low-speed and high-speed camshafts in the same engine." For instance, it's kind of fun to punch the throttle off the line and watch the rpms steadily climb . . . then really jump up when the VTEC kicks in. I know, I know, "don't try this at home!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by MMMH
When I got home I saw your long post and wish I would have seen it sooner. Now I don't know if the Honda was just forgiving of the WDH or if it contributed to the excellent towing experience. My S-I-L lives a few hours away so I can't just go test it. Her TT is a single axle and I see that you have a dual axle which would add some weight but make it tow better. The WDH I think relieved some porpoising on bad stretches of road but I will probably never know. I would love to try it without the WDH.
Anyway, thanks so much for all the info.
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Well, you already have more experience using a WDH with that Ridgeline than I do, and I'm glad that worked out. Over the years, I've read of other Ridgeline owners who have had good experiences with their WDH system. I just felt it prudent to trust Honda's admonition in the owner's manual. And, like I said, our experience without a WDH has been perfectly fine. Despite lots of varied road conditions we've never had any porpoising, for instance. The dual axle is a big help, I'll agree. Hope you get to try the rig out without the WDH sometime. One reason is that the weight of the WDH has to be considered in your overall weight calculations for your payload and tongue weight limits. You or others could help me out here, but it seems that 1/2 ton pickups often do not require a WDH if your towing weight is 5,000 lbs or less, anyway. Nevertheless, if you stay within the Ridge's tongue weight limits you should be good to go. I think I mentioned in my earlier "world's longest post" - apologies for that - that our bumper drops no more than 2" when our trailer and truck are absolutely fully loaded. The Ridgeline's suspension is designed for those loads. Keep us posted on her experience or PM me as things unfold.
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12-31-2016, 01:22 PM
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#54
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On the road again...
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 48
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We started from Santa Clara, CA and because of weather we went across on 40 and returned the same way. I thought it was a pretty good test for her rig, snow in Flagstaff, wind in New Mexico, Texas, etc. Big rigs had little effect on the stability much to my surprise.
I'm going to be near the SIL on the 5th of Jan so I might get an opportunity to hook up the rig and try it out sans the WDH. I will let you know how it goes.
I appreciate your Honda knowledge. I pull a CRV behind my Class A so that is the extent of my Honda experience. The SIL likes mid-grade gas so that's what we used. I'll suggest premium when she's towing. Gas is pricey here in CA so I'm sure that has something to do with it. I liked the gas prices in TX, BTW.
The dry wt. of her TT is 3358 with a cargo wt. of 1478 and a hitch wt of 436.
She added a second battery and I'm sure when she loads it up the hitch wt. will be way over 500lbs. which I think is near the limit for the Ridgeline. Like I said, I was concerned but it really towed great.
I really liked the pictures you posted so I'm going to try to post one of the SIL rig. I've never done it so here goes!
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12-31-2016, 10:34 PM
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#55
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 42
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMMH
We started from Santa Clara, CA and because of weather we went across on 40 and returned the same way. I thought it was a pretty good test for her rig, snow in Flagstaff, wind in New Mexico, Texas, etc. Big rigs had little effect on the stability much to my surprise.
I'm going to be near the SIL on the 5th of Jan so I might get an opportunity to hook up the rig and try it out sans the WDH. I will let you know how it goes.
I appreciate your Honda knowledge. I pull a CRV behind my Class A so that is the extent of my Honda experience. The SIL likes mid-grade gas so that's what we used. I'll suggest premium when she's towing. Gas is pricey here in CA so I'm sure that has something to do with it. I liked the gas prices in TX, BTW.
The dry wt. of her TT is 3358 with a cargo wt. of 1478 and a hitch wt of 436.
She added a second battery and I'm sure when she loads it up the hitch wt. will be way over 500lbs. which I think is near the limit for the Ridgeline. Like I said, I was concerned but it really towed great.
I really liked the pictures you posted so I'm going to try to post one of the SIL rig. I've never done it so here goes!
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Apologies to all in that neither MMMH nor I intended to hijack this thread. So to put things a little back on track . . . our 2011 Ridgeline is now approaching 127,000 miles - not a squeak or rattle in it. And it does indeed, tow our travel trailer very well. But though Hondas in general have had a reputation for longevity, nothing lasts forever. So we've thought a little about trading/selling it for our next tow vehicle. Just don't know "how long the fuse is" on our truck! Any other high mileage Ridgeline truck owners out there who are still towing? We would appreciate your feedback.
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12-31-2016, 10:53 PM
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#56
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2007 WildCat 32QBBS
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: NJ
Posts: 2,349
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168,000mi+ and going strong. I'll have it at least until it rolls 200g or more. It does a great job, is in great shape, and owes me nothing.
__________________
*Current: 2005 Ford F350 Crew Cab Dually 6.0 diesel 4x4*
*Retired: 1987 F350 Crew Cab Dually 6.9 turbo diesel
2007 Forest River WildCat 32QBBS
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01-01-2017, 09:07 AM
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#57
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SE Iowa
Posts: 628
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214,980 on my 98 silverado k1500 fram truck and that truck has been used and abused and pulled more than its fair share of trailers and still goin strong has the snow plow on it now
but only 39,000 on the 2013 3500 dually that pulls the 5ver
__________________
2016 SANDPIPER 35ROK
2013 Silverado Duramax 3500HD DRW LB
Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey
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01-01-2017, 10:36 AM
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#58
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Virginia`s Eastern Shore
Posts: 283
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116,000 on my 2004 Chevy 2500 HD Crew Cab with 6.0 and 4.10 rear.
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02-05-2017, 07:34 PM
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#59
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Howell, Michigan
Posts: 66
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259,000 on my 05 f150 5.4 v8 3v.
__________________
Paul, Dawn, Brennan & Blake Kurek
2013 Coachman 292BHDS
2005 F150 Lariat SuperCrew 4x4
1 spoiled lab and 1 even more spoiled boxer
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02-05-2017, 10:16 PM
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#60
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: NW Missouri
Posts: 94
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206,000 on our 2003 Ford Excursion Limited. Just getting broken in good.
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