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02-17-2015, 02:56 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
2018 30' Classic
Mannford
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 29
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Buyers remorse-Honda Ridgeline
My 2014 Honda Ridgeline (fyi-Honda no longer makes the Ridgeline) is rated at 5,000 lb towing capacity. My 19' FC weighs 4,500 lbs wet. Being a lifelong Honda fan, I thought I could make the razor thin margin work. Until I got the new Ridgeline home and read the owners manual. For every 1,000 feet in elevation gain, the truck's performance, thus the towing capacity, reduces by 2%. Since I drive out west, this reduction means 8-12% reduction in towing capacity. As far as I know, this performance reduction is not in any of Honda's literature and the salesmen sure don't tell you. A nasty and expensive surprise for sure. Just be aware.
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02-17-2015, 03:04 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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A reduction in performance does nor equate to a reduction in towing capacity, otherwise, what about headwind, hills at near sea level, an Airstream or box trailer . . .
It's just a reduction in performance. Hook up, shift down as needed, and go camping.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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02-17-2015, 03:04 PM
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#3
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Lost in America
2015 27' FB International
2006 25' Safari FB SE
2004 19' International CCD
Santa Fe
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,152
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Have you actually tried driving in the mountains to see how it handles? Seems we have heard from others who are satisfied with the performance.
__________________
This is the strangest life I've ever known - J. Morrison
2015 Airstream International Serenity 27FB
2017 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax Diesel
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02-17-2015, 03:05 PM
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#4
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Moderator
1968 17' Caravel
Battle Ground
, Washington
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,255
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You might still be very happy with it 99% of the time, and just find yourself going up hills a little slower.
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Stephanie
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02-17-2015, 03:06 PM
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#5
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Full Time Adventurer
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic
, USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
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Could of been fine with that rating, but sadly that engine was never going to work out besides on a flat surface. To little power.
247 @ 4300 RPM
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Family of 5 exploring the USA with a Ram Power Wagon & Airstream in tow.
OUR BLOG | INSTAGRAM
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02-17-2015, 03:22 PM
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#6
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3 Rivet Member
Puyallup
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 184
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I thought my silverado (5.4) was a little sluggish in the hills towing a FC19, I kept it in tow mode.
(both sold)
now thinking about finding a basecamp to tow behind a Toota FJ Cruiser
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02-17-2015, 03:55 PM
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#7
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4 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
ottawa (greely)
, Ontario
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 390
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Quote:
Originally Posted by srpuywa
I thought my silverado (5.4) was a little sluggish in the hills towing a FC19, I kept it in tow mode.
(both sold)
now thinking about finding a basecamp to tow behind a Toota FJ Cruiser
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You must mean 5.3 liter engine , the older ones had less power , the newer ones are good somewere around 346 hp not sure on torque plus newer ones have a six speed trans ,putting the engine in the right rpm range for power or fuel economy as mine been a 2012 has 326 hp and that's lots for towing a 5000 pound trailer. 19 foot airstream.
Don
__________________
2012 silverado ext cab 4x4 ,5.3 L , 6 speed trans,3:42 final drive,tow package standard box 6 1/2 foot . 2014 honda forza 300 scooter, #2 2015 honda crf 250 L (Dual sport)
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02-18-2015, 09:22 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2008 25' Classic
Full Time
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
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There is a user pulling a 22ft AS somewhere on this forum that seems to be pretty happy with his Ridgeline and he tows around the west.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...ml#post1541850
Kelvin
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02-18-2015, 10:06 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master
Vintage Kin Owner
N/A
, N/A
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 989
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The performance degradation due to elevation is not Ridgeline specific. ALL vehicles experience that -- Turbo engines less than naturally aspirated ones. I trust Honda with their 5000# ratings.
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02-18-2015, 10:08 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
Vintage Kin Owner
N/A
, N/A
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 989
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Also a redesigned Ridgeline will back for 2016.
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02-18-2015, 11:15 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2020 28' Flying Cloud
Upper St Clair
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,943
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I would not worry about it, if you like the truck and the door sill plate says you can tow what the left side plate on the AS says and you are comfortable with the set up, go for it. We loose just a little power in our F350 Dual Turbo Diesel, a gas engine will lose a little more, but again, if you like it, keep it and go.
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2020 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2021 F350 6.7 King Ranch
USAF Master Training Instructor (TI) & (MTI)- 68-72
Volunteer K9 Rehabilitator & Trainer
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02-18-2015, 01:03 PM
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#12
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3 Rivet Member
Puyallup
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 184
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oops 5.3 engine
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02-18-2015, 01:52 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
St. Catharines
, South Western Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,367
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Thinking you don't have any issues. The 3.5 is a strong engine. A few years ago we camped beside a couple who had a Ridgeline and a 27'. They seemed to like the way it towed. Note it was a pro set up.
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Airstreams..... The best towing trailers on the planet!
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02-19-2015, 08:44 AM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2008 22' Safari
Oracle
, Arizona
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,174
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KJRitchie
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That be me. Been doing it for 7 years. Got 120k miles on it, half of that towing. Been over many passes over 10,000' without a problem and never held anyone up. Hoping to get another 100k out of it then buy a new one.
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02-22-2015, 10:43 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2019 22' Sport
High River
, Alberta
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,190
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BoldAdventure
Could of been fine with that rating, but sadly that engine was never going to work out besides on a flat surface. To little power.
247 @ 4300 RPM
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You've quoted the torque number, not power. Hp is 250@5700.
It seems low compared to a V8 pickup, but the final drive ratio is 4.533:1, combined with an engine that should be happy to rev. Yes, there are stronger tow vehicles but I would have no reservations about towing a 4500 lb Airstream anywhere with a Ridgeline. I would guess that it would climb a near 10% grade (before correcting for elevation ) in 2nd gear at close to 50 mph/4000 rpm.
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02-23-2015, 08:00 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2008 22' Safari
Oracle
, Arizona
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,174
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BoldAdventure
Could of been fine with that rating, but sadly that engine was never going to work out besides on a flat surface. To little power.
247 @ 4300 RPM
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Pure nonsense......
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02-23-2015, 08:09 AM
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#17
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4 Rivet Member
2018 23' Flying Cloud
Huntsville
, Alabama
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 260
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I have a 16' sport and a 2013 Ridgeline. A comfortable towing speed for me is 60 to 63 MPH. Nice to hear that the Ridgeline can pull larger travel trailers. I have enjoyed my Ridgeline and would likely buy another one.
Ron
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
__________________
Ron
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02-23-2015, 11:40 AM
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#18
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4 Rivet Member
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Eugene
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 411
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There's a new Ridgeline coming late this year as a 2016 model. I am curious to see if Honda will adopt the SAE standard for tow ratings. After the crazy reduction the Sequoia got when Toyota adopted the standard I really don't trust any numbers that aren't done according to J2807.
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10-02-2017, 06:25 AM
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#19
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2 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Baltimore
, Maryland
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 26
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Hello!
I've a 2006 Honda Ridgeline with less than 60K mileage, am the original owner bought in August 2005. I'm thinking to purchase a new FC20, will it be okay? Or should I just get a lighter weight Sport 16 or 22? Thank you in advance.
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10-03-2017, 07:02 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2019 22' Sport
High River
, Alberta
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,190
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Some will say no because of the FC20's 5500 lb gvwr. I'd say yes because you and your truck are not likely going to be able to tell the difference, at least compared to the 22fb.
The Honda has plenty of power and payload capacity.
Of course, proper setup is essential. That's another conversation.
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