[Rhodes22-list] Towing with a Ridgeline?

[ROGER PIHLAJA]

The Honda Ridgeline has a 3.5 liter V-6 engine that puts out 280 bhp and 262 lb-ft of torque.  It has a pretty good 6 speed automatic transmission.  It comes standard with front wheel drive (FWD); but, all wheel drive (AWD) is available as part of more expensive trim options.  For towing something as big & heavy as your Rhodes 22, you definitely want AWD.  With AWD, it’s rated to tow 5000 lbs, which is plenty for your Rhodes 22.



Since we purchased it in 1987, we have towed our Rhodes 22 with a Ford Aerostar RWD minivan, an AMC Eagle AWD station wagon, a Chevrolet Astro AWD minivan, a Nissan AWD Murano SL, and 2 Toyota Sienna AWD minivans.  Of these vehicles, the Ford Aerostar was handicapped by RWD and the AMC Eagle lacked sufficient hp & torque for the job.  The rest were fine.  I am convinced there is just nothing like AWD or 4WD to get you up a wet, slimey launch ramp and won’t have a tow vehicle without this feature anymore.  Although we have towed our Rhodes 22 thousands of miles, towing represents a tiny fraction of the total service the tow vehicle will get.  I am of the opinion that you should purchase no more tow vehicle than you need.  Considerations of what it will be like to live with on a daily basis, reliability, safety, resale value, and fuel mileage should be more important than whether it’s the ultimate tow vehicle.



Roger Pihlaja

SV Dynamic Equilibrium



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________________________________
From: Rhodes22-list <rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org> on behalf of Lowe, Rob <rlowe at vt.edu>
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2018 11:04:33 AM
To: The Rhodes 22 Email List
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Towing with a Ridgeline?

Anyone towing their boat with a Honda Ridgeline?  Time to replace the old Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ridgeline's have my attention.  Some of the readings I've done suggest the Ridgeline is more car like than truck like and may not be up to the task.  Any feedback from anyone?  Thanks - rob
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