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Old 03-17-2016, 10:43 AM   #21
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I have a pilot and that is what they told me also. I was looking it up on another forum and many just use an anti-sway bar no WDH on the ridgeline
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Old 03-17-2016, 10:46 AM   #22
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Found this thread from Ridgeline owners and didn't see any mention about not being able to use one. Folks were fairly split, some used one and some didn't but those who did said it made a world of differences. Can't believe this comment on the thread though "My feeling is that if you need one of those, you really just need a bigger truck." Ridiculous. We just upgraded to an Excursion and of course I'm going to continue to use our WDH.
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Old 03-17-2016, 10:51 AM   #23
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Having owned and towing with a Ridgeline, using the Equalizer Weight Distribution Hitch greatly helped the handling and balancing the weight load on my Ridgeline.

The Honda Ridgeline manual says - improperly adjusted WDH may reduce handling, stability, and braking - therefore not recommended. Literally, I read this as a improperly WDH is not recommended. I agree!

Another resource is the Ridgeline Owners Club forum. Many users there will confirm using a WDH and it improved handling as well.
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Old 03-17-2016, 02:41 PM   #24
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I know exactly what your talking about, urocav2001. It's called a Unibody construction frame and it does make the truck more rigid however at the same time does limit the ability of distribution to some degree. However after a lengthy conversation with Honda America it has been determined that the reservations of a weight distribution hitch due to the frames construction is not warranted unless you really exceed the weight ratings far into a dangerous zone. At that point you will actually pop the roof of the truck up .
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Old 03-18-2016, 02:52 PM   #25
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Brand new Roo 233S

Auto dealer tells you one thing about the tow vehicle you're buying, RV dealer tells you something else, manual says something different and tow guide too (and if you have a dimmer switch above the back passenger side door for the courtesy light - deduct 500lbs from towing weight capacity, etc) ... and everyone in between and after knows more than any of the aforementioned, but nobody can agree. That's my experience.

Figuring this stuff out while trying to find a practical vehicle that actually fits in your garage and keeping your sanity is nearly impossible. LOL!
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Old 03-28-2016, 12:47 PM   #26
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Fair enough. All great Intel!!! I'm stuck with the truck for now, but I will be looking into the weight distribution hitch. That sounds like a reasonable item until I can replace the Honda.
The good news... I'm not intending on driving very far with the camper this summer & we'll have the car with us for people & whatever else.
Huge Huge difference when using a weight distribution hitch. My 99 Durango barely makes the numbers but after putting the weight distribution hitch on, towing became much easier. Highly necessary!
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Old 06-02-2016, 09:21 PM   #27
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So I've got an update for everyone. We took the Roo up into the White Mountains of New Hampshire with the Honda Ridgeline. Yes, the truck struggled climbing the mountains, but it pulled it off and got us home with no problem. Everything worked perfectly and nothing over heated. The 233S was great, too. What a pleasure to back up, level, use. My only complaint... Counter space!!! WOW, it needs something more.
I guess I can't complain too much if that's my only gripe.
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Old 06-02-2016, 09:35 PM   #28
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Congrats! And good to hear the ridgeline could handle it


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Old 06-03-2016, 04:52 PM   #29
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looks nice there!!
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Old 06-04-2016, 07:54 AM   #30
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Counter space!!!! That's my ONLY complaint about our 233S. There is just nothing! I didn't really think about it when we bought it. I was blinded by the 3 bunks, which I love. We don't use the stove much so I usually put the cutting board from the sink on the stove top and use that. I've started doing most meal prep work at home or outside on the picnic table. Still better than the old popup!
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Old 06-04-2016, 01:52 PM   #31
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Adequate kitchen counterspace is rare in any trailer in the 23' and under range.
That was #1 feature for the DW.
So the 23SS was our choice.
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Old 06-04-2016, 02:21 PM   #32
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Adequate kitchen counterspace is rare in any trailer in the 23' and under range.
That was #1 feature for the DW.
So the 23SS was our choice.
X2 It was our choice as well, but its just the two of us. I'm sure younger/larger families may need the 3rd bunk offered by the 233ss.
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Old 06-04-2016, 02:42 PM   #33
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Do 2 people need a kitchen island? Probably not but DW said we did, so an ikss it is.
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Old 06-04-2016, 03:17 PM   #34
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I'm sure younger/larger families may need the 3rd bunk offered by the 233ss.
Just a minor point.
SS is for super slide, which the 3 bunk 233S doesn't have.

I agree that those with kids are drawn to the 3 bunk models.
But something has to be sacrificed when you have a limited amount of space.
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Old 06-04-2016, 05:48 PM   #35
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Here is what I have for counter space. Both closed & open. As you can see it's non existent. The stove actually works really good, so I found myself using it quite a bit. Unfortunately that turned into a counter that almost didn't hold my beverage.
I wonder if something similar to an ironing board mounted to the wall that folds down to use would help the situation?
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Old 06-04-2016, 07:40 PM   #36
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Nice!! I have a 2015, and love it.


No matter how bad it gets, just own it!
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Old 07-27-2016, 07:09 AM   #37
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Glad things worked out with the Ridgeline. I have a 2010 Toyota Sequoia and it tows just like a pick up truck. Downside is the cost, but I find the resale value holds better with a Toyota. I used to own a Zeppelin 19 and towed with a Trailblazer which had the same specs as your Ridgeline. It could to it, but would be the slow poke on the highway heading up into Adirondacks. If I still had to tow my 2013 233s which we bought a year ago, there would be no way it could tow the bigger trailer. Being outside the 10% buffer zone of the limits will make for easier, happier driving to get to where you are going. Interested to see what you end up going to.
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Old 07-27-2016, 08:09 AM   #38
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Quote:
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Here is what I have for counter space. Both closed & open. As you can see it's non existent. The stove actually works really good, so I found myself using it quite a bit. Unfortunately that turned into a counter that almost didn't hold my beverage.
I wonder if something similar to an ironing board mounted to the wall that folds down to use would help the situation?
I've seen where someone mounted a drop down table to the side of the stove. You can lose access to the exit though.
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Old 07-27-2016, 09:32 AM   #39
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For ours, we bought a cheap TV tray. We can fold it up out of the way when not in use, or move it around the camper as needed. Works great for additional counter space, although lower height, or for the kids to setup shop on the couch to eat / draw / whatever.
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Old 07-27-2016, 09:20 PM   #40
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Great choice, we bought a 2016 233s a few months ago.
I hail with a 2014 Nissan Armada with a heavy duty tow package with a WDH. The Armadas max TC is 9200lbs and max tongue weight is 900lbs. It hauls real well, only get around 400kms a tank, but it is a very comfortable and safe ride. I also use a P2 prodigy brake control.
It is great that you are doing your research, safety is key, and this form is so great. It has helped me so much.
Good luck and congrats!


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