What am i looking for..? Softer bumps..help

[matolman1]

I love my 2007 RL. I simply feel every bump i go over and want to know what I can do to soften bumps? I have zero knowledge of auto repair/upgrade.

My 1994 Dodge Dakota kind of bounces over bumps and it feels a lot less stiff over bumps than my RL.

Any suggestions? if I add anything to my RL, will it void the warranty?

Thanks ye of knowledge and wisdom.

Ben

[Pizza Man]

Hi Ben and welcome to the ROC.

Your post doesn't mention how long you've had your RL. If it's new enough, just off the lot, then I ask if you checked the tire pressure?

Although tire pressure is supposed to be adjusted by the dealer, it doesn't always happen. Honda intentionally ships its vehicles with their tires over inflated. Supposed to eliminate tire flat spots during shipping. You may be riding on over inflated tires giving you a stiffer ride.

[matolman1]

My RL is a 2007 but it is only around 2 months old. Thanks for the help Pizza man. your making me hungry

[denvrfan]

But let's keep in mind that although the Ridgeline is very civilized and refined, it is still a truck. We're not driving a luxury sedan. Also, Honda has always "involved" the driver in the road conditions. That road feel is apparent on every Honda I've ever driven. Very little isolation and it's intentional. Finally, assuming your air pressure is high, your gas mileage will suffer at the expense of the potential of slightly improving your ride.

[goboilers]

Originally Posted by matolman1

I love my 2007 RL. I simply feel every bump i go over and want to know what I can do to soften bumps? I have zero knowledge of auto repair/upgrade.

My 1994 Dodge Dakota kind of bounces over bumps and it feels a lot less stiff over bumps than my RL.

Any suggestions? if I add anything to my RL, will it void the warranty?

Thanks ye of knowledge and wisdom.

Ben

I know what you mean. My RL doesn't take kindly to expansion joints on the interstate, they are not very well obsorbed. If your dakota was like mine it had miuch bigger tires with thicker side wall and I think that helps.

[OhioJeffro]

I personally find my RL smoother than my 2000 Accord, which I always thought was better than my old Odyssey (1996) and everything is smoother than my 3/4 ton Suburban (1990). Like has been said, remember its not a luxury vehicle. If you want to get a whole lot softer ride, you're going to be talking about putting in some $$.

[VoicesInMyHead]

Originally Posted by OhioJeffro

I personally find my RL smoother than my 2000 Accord, which I always thought was better than my old Odyssey (1996)

Yup. I drove a 2008 Accord from the dealer while my RL was getting work done. Rougher ride, and a LOT more wind noise! Compared to the wife's old 2004 Odyssey, I would agree better ride and more power. Couldn't wait to get the RL back!

[k757]

Originally Posted by matolman1

I love my 2007 RL. I simply feel every bump i go over and want to know what I can do to soften bumps? I have zero knowledge of auto repair/upgrade.

My 1994 Dodge Dakota kind of bounces over bumps and it feels a lot less stiff over bumps than my RL.

The only way I see this as slightly possible is if the Ridge's tires are WAY overinflated. Check the tire pressure, the 32-35 range will do you right.

Originally Posted by matolman1

if I add anything to my RL, will it void the warranty?

depends on what you add. What are you considering?

[matolman1]

I will check the tire pressure today. Thanks

[Pizza Man]

Originally Posted by k757

The only way I see this as slightly possible is if the Ridge's tires are WAY overinflated. Check the tire pressure, the 32-35 range will do you right.

When I had my alloy wheels swapped to the '08 machined wheels, the tire guys had overinflated my tires. I noticed a rougher than normal ride and found the tires to be in the 40+ psi range.