New Dark Cherry RTL on the way, Accessories?

[mschuck]

My new 07 RTL Dark Cherry Perl RL should be here in a week or two. Got it for about 30,900.00 through my auto broker.

I'm looking at accessors for it and I'm looking for opinions and prior experience with this stuff.

I know I need the towing package, that is a must, I've got 9 acres of woods in Oregon and I'm constantly hauling stuff with my trailer, not mention needing to haul my tractor around now and then.

I'm thinking I'll need either the running boards or the side steps to make it easier for the kids to get in out of the truck. I'm leaning towards the black Side Steps but I'd love to see them on this color of truck, are there any pictures out there of these on this color of truck? Did anybody else go with something else or have any opinions on running boards vs side steps, sliver vs chrome vs black?

I'm thinking of getting the fog lights since we get a fair amount of fog in the winter time, are they worth it?

I'm also thinking about getting the Moonroof Visor, is it worth it? Of course I live in Oregon so I could only have the moon roof open a few months out of the year but it might be nice to have.

I like the look of the brush guard and Front grill but I'm not sure if the looks are worth $500. Are they truelly just for looks or do they serve some functional purpose?

Any other strong recommendations on accessories?

On all of this stuff I'm debating buying through H-A and installing it myself or just having them installed by the dealer and wrapping the cost up in the loan. I'm leaning towards the DIY option, any recommendations? IMO the dealer installation fees are usually outrageous. H-A does appear to be cheaper but when you include shipping it seems like it isn't as much of a savings.

Thanks
Matt S.

[LATEOTT]

Congrats on your new purchase, Matt! Where are you in Oregon if you don't mind my asking?


Sounds like you are on the right track with accessories.

A hitch will be useful during your ownership and add value should you sell the vehicle later. The OEM hitch is simple to install (the harness is a little more complicated than the physical hitch itself), and I recommend you do that before it gets too muddy underneath.

Runningboards/sideboards/steps help entry and exit for small folks, but some of us find ourselves stepping over them and marking up our pants! I think black running boards are one of the best visual improvements you can make on a red vehicle. An additional benefit of running boards is they should help keep the sides of the truck a little more clean on sloppy roads (side steps may not have that benefit).

The 2006 models did not come with rear mud shields, so that was an accessory I bought and my wife installed (very easy to do.)

I can't speak for the grill/brushguard or MR visor as I haven't seen them in person.

Another popular accessory is a tonneau cover. There are several manufacturers to choose from. Benefits are protection of stuff (although none of the covers seem to be completely waterproof) and improved fuel economy. There are some that are more permanently installed (Retrax) and some that easily go on and off (Access Torza HardHat, BakFlip) depending on how much you use the bed. If you get a tonneau cover you may also want to get a tailgate lock.

If you are going to be throwing firewood or other stuff in the bed you might consider a bed mat for added protection. Most people expect wear and tear in a truck bed, but Honda has somehow discovered the softest material known to man and used it as a bed lining material. It is easily scratched and gouged by things like carpet and cardboard.

If you don't have the Nav version, you might also be looking to do some electronics upgrading. One of the more common additions is a speaker upgrade, and another is an auxillary audio input. Honda neglected to accomodate modern forms of music storage (iPods, MP3s, etc.) so we need to hack into the system to add a connection. The Ridgelines with Nav systems already come with an Aux-in.

H and A is a great vendor and a sponsor of ROC, but for things that are going to have high shipping costs you might try to get a local dealer to match an online price (or come close.)

As you have suggested, it's always a tough decision whether to add accessories yourself or through the dealer. Cost, warranty, and convenience are the tradeoffs. Many buyers are able to get the best deals on installed accessories when they make the vehicle purchase, as there is more negotiating power when they are trying to make a sale. If yours is a done deal, a local dealer may be much less likely to eat labor costs if you buy accessories. For certain complicated things with moving parts, you might like the 3 year warranty that comes with dealer installed accessories. For simple stuff without moving parts, you will know right away if it's broken and needs to be replaced.

Another advantage to doing it yourself is you get to know the vehicle in the process.

Good luck!

[mschuck]

I'm in just NW of Portland about half way to Scapposse on the Skyline ridge road.

Is there any data on how much of a boost in fuel efficenty you get with a Tonneau cover. I really don't like the look of them and have aways thought that they would just get in the way. One of the reasons why I liked the RL is the in bed trunk sort of ellimenates the need for the Tonneau cover, or at least what I thought you would use the Tonneau cover for (i.e keeping things dry).

I will definately be hauling firewood and the like. I've read about people being upset about scratches in the bed and I figured I'd see how bad it gets and if it really bothers me I'll do one of those spray in bed liners. but I doubt it will bother me much.

I still have yet to jump on the iPod music craze I mostly listen to NPR radio. I do like to listen to audio books occationally so I may be looking for the aux input solution eventually.

Thanks for the input and suggestions.

Matt S.

[5S Dude]

Originally Posted by mschuck

I'm in just NW of Portland about half way to Scapposse on the Skyline ridge road.

Is there any data on how much of a boost in fuel efficenty you get with a Tonneau cover. I really don't like the look of them and have aways thought that they would just get in the way. One of the reasons why I liked the RL is the in bed trunk sort of ellimenates the need for the Tonneau cover, or at least what I thought you would use the Tonneau cover for (i.e keeping things dry).

I will definately be hauling firewood and the like. I've read about people being upset about scratches in the bed and I figured I'd see how bad it gets and if it really bothers me I'll do one of those spray in bed liners. but I doubt it will bother me much.

I still have yet to jump on the iPod music craze I mostly listen to NPR radio. I do like to listen to audio books occationally so I may be looking for the aux input solution eventually.

Thanks for the input and suggestions.

Matt S.

Hey there Matt, Congrats on your new truck and a sunny SoCal welcome to this awesome club! What ever additions you decide to mount to your new ride, be sure to share photos as you go. ROC-On!.....

[RidgeDOC]

Well you should have gotten silver, but that aside welcome. BTW this place is awesome. I'd say do it yourself and have fun. That's what makes it your truck! Plus dealer install fees are ridiculous. As far as accessories if you can't find it here then I can't help you. I agree with whoever said black for side steps/ running boards. Other than that make it your own style. enjoy..

[BillB]

Save the $ from the running boards for some other accessory. I have 2 little ones and they hop in faster than I do. Ridgeline is pretty low to the ground to begin with. Steps would probably be better if you were hauling elderly parents/grandparents around - don't worry about the kids.

Add the rear mud guards right away, they are cheap and effective. Definitely go with the rubber mat for the bed if you even think scratches might bother you, it also covers the in bed trunk opening which is a pain to clean if you get sand or dirt in the grooves more often than not.

[Mike B]

Congrats Matt!

My Ridge is Black and I really like it. BUT, I saw a Dark Cherry one go by the other day and said to myself, "Sheese....that looks goooooooood!"

I have a set of running boards on mine that I don't really use. If you find yourself thinking it would be something you want to add, I'd be willing to pull them off for you. I'm down in Medford and would meet you part-way to avoid the shipping.

They are black and have zero wrong with them. I am just the particular height and have the length of leg (Or lack thereof), that causes me to have to step over them to get out.

If I had my choice in the beginning I probably would have nixed them or maybe put some chrome nerf bars on at the most. I love chrome on black vehicles!

[meanmachine19]

Congrats and welcome to the ROC Matt!

I added the black running boards, and they help my kids tremendously (5 & 6 years old) getting in and out. I ended up going to a local body shop guy, who got them for less and in turn installed them for less than a dealership. There are some threads on this, because there is a special tool needed for self install if you go that route ( click here ). And be sure to follow directions because the running boards CAN be put on backwards! Running boards on backwards

I like the look of the fog lights ( I don't have them but my friend AZ Ridgeliner does).

The rear mud guards are a must as mentioned and very easy to install. They will go well with the black running boards.

I ended up doing the tow package thru a dealership. I found back then quite a few price discrepancies so if you have the luxury to shop and compare, do so.

H & A Accessorieshave been reliable and are a sponsor to this site. I've used them as many other ROC members with no problems, great customer service. There are some other sites that offer free shipping, and that makes a difference with something like the tow package or running boards. One such site is Hondacuraworld.com
Good luck and be sure to post pics of your new truck,before and after installs, as well as what you are hauling!