We're thinking of getting a Ridgeline so we can haul a thumper and a scooter when we tow our teardrop camper. I just wanted to know if anyone's done this, and if one or more bikes will fit in the bed. Cheers, Tom
well, I don't have a ridgeline, but in the commercial they show two CRFs in the back if I'm not mistaken. In my 150, I have fit 3 full size bikes and two pitbikes
I'll try to aviod having this kicked to Jo mamma....I have an '07 Ridgeline and it will haul 1500 pounds and tow 5000. Truck enough for me with Honda build quality. I didn't want or need a full size truck so it fits the bill. I love it. I think you would be fine hauling one bike, two would be very tight, but most of that depends on how you set the truck up with front wheel chocks, etc. You will need to leave the tailgate down in almost every circumstance. It is not a long bed for sure.
Friend hauls his KTM640, and a KLR650 in his at the same time. Has done TX to AR, NM, CO. Picked up his Multistrada when he got it. Not reported any problems.
measure the bed and tailgate and see if you're going to have enough room with the trailer attached to haul the bikes and be able to turn. Might have to put the bike in sideways. I know my crew cab tacoma I can't tow a trailer and have a fullsize bike in the bed
I've got an '06 Honda Pilot right now, and Honda requires an aux. tranny cooler and aux oil cooler to keep the warranty in force while towing. Mine is so equipped, and pulling a fully loaded landscape trailer - around 1500# - is no trouble. It runs in overdrive on the flats and downshifts to third on hills. No problem whatsoever, and gets 18-19 mpg doing so. The teardrop camper weighs just under 1000#, and with a thumper and a scooter in the bed - maybe another 600# - I think a Ridgeline would have plenty of ass to do the job. What I'm concerned about is whether bikes fit in the back. I've done the "real'" truck route with an F250, and was less than impressed for a number of reasons... Honda quality in bikes and cages is unsurpassed IMHO, but I don't want to turn this into a "What's the best truck" thread. Cheers, Tom
Yes,,, I do it all the time. Here she is with a R1150GS in the back (STEVERINO'S, not wrecked, just delivering) It will haul two dirt bikes snugly, but haul them it does! The Honda Ridgeline had input from the Honda Motorcycle Teams, it has both high and low cleats in the bed, spaced indentions in the face of the bed for the front tire and the "rails" in the bed floor are wide and spaced.
isnt the ridgeline built on honda's van frame...ie the same one they use for the oddessy <sp?> ?? this was the reason i went with the dodge dakota...
The Accura MDX, Honda Od, Pilot and Ridgeline are all based on the same frame, but they are not identical by any means. This is typical of Honda as it is with many auto manufacturers. The CRV was originaly based on the Civic platform, but they are far from identical. The Ridgline is heavily strengthened to work as a truck. One Ridgline model (RTX) comes standard with a hitch, they all come with a tranny and steering cooler standard. The Ridgeline was not designed, nor was it intended to ever compete head to head with a Ford F-150, Chevy, Dodge, etc. It is however a very capable truck for those who do not want or need a full size beast to drive arround in with Honda build quality and clever design to boot. I have loaded mine with #500 plus pounds of rocks and towed a trailer full of bark mulch at the same time and had no problems what so ever. I wouldn't hesitiate to put one or two bikes in the back or on a trailer and go. My Pilot loaded with luggage and four people on a mix of interstate and secondary highways up to 77 mph or so on the slab averages almost 23 MPG. I suspect my Ridgeline will do nearly as well when it is broken in.
As somebody said, measure the bike because I'm certain almost any will need you to have the tailgate down, which may interfere with the trailer. I had a '05 Screw which I sold when I sold the trailer. The ridgline fits the bill better for us as a driver and occasional trackbike hauler. Better mileage, ride, quality, price, etc. The screw beats the ridgeline hands down as a tow vehicle. Depends what you need. Or want.
I towed a trailer with 3 motorcycles, and a full load of camping gear and people with my Odyssey VAN through the Blue Mountains in the hot summer. I had to add octane booster and shift into 2nd on the hills. It was overloaded. I regularly tow the trailer with 2 bikes and enough gear for a day trip and that is NO PROBLEM. The Odyssey is rated for towing 2000 lb. Just guessing that the Ridgeline would pull your load OK. Not sure what else the bed in the Ridgeline could be used for....
I put an XR650R in the back of mine, no issues. Could easily hold two dirt bikes. The tail gate is fairly high, get a long ramp if you have a heavy bike. Great tie down anchors (6) and 4 bed lights, you know about the big trunk for gear. BTW, I only have 4500 miles on mine, but have no buyers remorse at all. I'd buy another one in a second. Quick review: Great vehicle for me, as I only need a pick up bed occasionally. It is mostly used as a family hauler (super safe for my little kids). Great ride/handling! Gas mileage could be better 15/16 city 20/21 road. These things are really versatile. They are enough of a "truck" for 90% of truck buyers. A bit plasticy on the interior, but I'm coming from an 1994 Mercedes, so most newer japanese cars seem that way to me. We just got back from a camping trip with the kids, worked perfectly. Probably not the most ideal vehicle for heavy towing, but your load sounds well within it's range for moderate useage. BTW It's true competitor is the Ford Sport Trac, not really F250's or Tundra's. Good luck
That kind of performance and economy is unimpressive and pretty ordinary. I guess what it comes down to is that I expect more from Honda and certainly a truck.
Hmmmm... Maybe I'm out of touch with the truck-SUV world, but I didn't think there were too many 8-passenger vehicles with a high level of refinement that get 22-23 mpg unloaded, and 17-19 while towing an admittedly light load. I'm looking at the Ridgeline because I have to drive it even when I'm not towing, and no full size domestic truck I've driven or ridden in can compare in build quality, ride quality, quietness, and comfort of my Pilot. Cheers, Tom
The Ridgeline is quiet and rides/handles very well. It really drives more like a car than a truck. It is almost "fun" to drive on bumpy, mountain, twisty roads (kind of like a dual sport, compared to a sport bike). No bouncing over bumps like most "real" trucks. It sounds like it might be a good fit for you. MPG is a bit lower than I expected, but that is really the only negative. I'd plan on 15 city/21 on the road (not towing!). It does weigh 4500lbs....or so. Some have reported better mpg, and maybe it will get better with more miles, but I''m not expecting it. I don't consider it an 8 passenger vehicle... maybe you meant 5. Three other factors sealed it for me 1) It's a Honda (reliable, resale, blah blah) 2) very high safety ratings. 3) It is an ULEV (ultra low emissions vehicle). I think I picked up mine for $24k OTD (base model). Again, I'd buy another if mine got wrecked/stolen whatever. Maybe check out the Ford Sportrac. That looks is a similar market vehicle, maybe cheaper. Cheers