I really like the in-bed trunk that is lockable and waterproof. To me, that is a truly innovative idea for a pick-up truck. Also the dual action tail gate (flip down AND swing out) is pretty cool. :D

I agree these are both very good ideas!

The in bed trunk is practical, tons of room in there for beer, and a drain plug for when the ice melts... Lockable too, you can store tools and stuff in there.

Another cool feature is a bracket to mount the tire on the side (inside) of the bed so that you can still access it if your bed is full of gravel or something.

Here's a good shot of it...

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/images/2006_Ridgeline_RTLtrunk.jpg

In the above picture the spare tire does not look to be full sized. Is there anywhere that says if you can fit a full sized spare in that compartment?

It says in Honda's literature that you can put a full sized spare in the "in bed trunk" but it doesn't mention that it would fit right into the current spare location, checked it out again today, doesn't look like it would fit.

Thanks for the reply and the information. That is not really that big a deal for me. It is definitely not a deal breaker.

It's my impression that a full size spare would fit right where the picture shows. Why would they mention it otherwise?

I watched a video last PM from one of the design guys for the Ridgeline (link escapes me now) and he mentions in the video that a full sized spare will fit into this well area. However, the included jack assembly will NOT and will need to be stored somewhere else.

Here is a url for the website Temple of VTec that takes you to the post where there is a link to watch or download the video.

http://www.vtec.net/forums/one-message?message%5fid=319495

In-bed trunk, okay idea. What about gravel or dirt getting stuck in the seam? I'd rather see side access to the trunk, so you can get to it even with a load in the bed.

In-bed spare tire: most stupid idea ever!! So now you'll have to unload whatever you are hauling to get to the spare! Oh, you can mount it in the bed when you are hauling? That means you have to move the thing around, especially when you plan to get a flat. And you also lose bed space to the spare tire. What is Honda thinking?

Interesting objections, MountainBiker. They're well thought out. Let's see if we can work though them:

>>In-bed trunk, okay idea. What about gravel or dirt getting stuck in the seam? I'd rather see side access to the trunk, so you can get to it even with a load in the bed.

Not having seen the truck in person, I can't speak for how Honda might've solved the problem of debris getting stuck in the seem, but if their engineers did their job, they probably have this covered. Side access would have been good, too, but I read in an article that the engineers wanted to avoid the "double decker" approach to the bed, thus they went with the trunk below. Future owners will have to learn to "think ahead" before putting something in the trunk when the bed will be full.

>>In-bed spare tire: most stupid idea ever!! So now you'll have to unload whatever you are hauling to get to the spare! Oh, you can mount it in the bed when you are hauling? That means you have to move the thing around, especially when you plan to get a flat. And you also lose bed space to the spare tire. What is Honda thinking?

I can see this being a problem if the spare is used often, but really, how often will you get a flat? And how can you "plan" for it? If the spare is really cutting into space you want to use for hauling, then you should be looking into getting a bigger truck, which is probably the thought train Honda's engineers followed. But if you want a good "sport utility truck" that can seat 5 and has plenty of secure storage space with a bed you can use occasionally to haul stuff, then Honda's hoping the Ridgeline will be your first choice.

In-bed trunk, okay idea. What about gravel or dirt getting stuck in the seam? I'd rather see side access to the trunk, so you can get to it even with a load in the bed.

In-bed spare tire: most stupid idea ever!! So now you'll have to unload whatever you are hauling to get to the spare! Oh, you can mount it in the bed when you are hauling? That means you have to move the thing around, especially when you plan to get a flat. And you also lose bed space to the spare tire. What is Honda thinking?

most of the time if you do get a flat with a load the jack is not going to be able to lift up the truck with the load in there in the first place

In-bed trunk, okay idea. What about gravel or dirt getting stuck in the seam? I'd rather see side access to the trunk, so you can get to it even with a load in the bed.

In-bed spare tire: most stupid idea ever!! So now you'll have to unload whatever you are hauling to get to the spare! Oh, you can mount it in the bed when you are hauling? That means you have to move the thing around, especially when you plan to get a flat. And you also lose bed space to the spare tire. What is Honda thinking?


How often do you get flats? In 20years for me? never. Spares are always in the trunk in cars. In my Toyota truck. It's underneath and has to be cranked down. That's the other option in this scenario. It's a bitch, and hard to maintain because of the location. In the Honda, It's easy to access to check the pressure. It's easier to access than most cars I've seen. So what, you have to unload your bed to access the spare. There's nothing about getting a flat that is easy and convienient. That's why I have a cell phone. If I have a Ridegeline, the bed will be empty 90% of the time.

Side access I imagine would be much harder to access than the way they designed it. You would be reaching deep into a compartment. Very awkward and inconvienient. This is why owners should leave their home design to a pro and auto engineers should be the ones to design cars.

Right, my old T-100 had the full size spare underneath and the one time I had to use it, I had to figure out how to crank it down with the little hole between the bed and bumper. Then crawl up underneath the truck and disconnect the tire from the cable and finish the tire process. It was a snowy day and slush and such all over the roads and everything. I got soaked just getting the tire. NEVER AGAIN. I'm not a big fan of the tire mounted on the back, like my CRV, but it's easy to get to and out the way. You will have to think ahead with the Ridgeline. But, how often do you haul a full load that you can't get to it?

As far as dirt in the seam of the in bed trunk:...

I work in the plant so I know exactly what it looks like and think of it this way... Picture the trunk on any regular car, the lid has a rubber seal on it and any water or debris that falls into the cracks runs right down the sides and out the back somewhere near the taillights right? Well this thing works exactly the same way, if you were carrying a load of dirt, sure a little might get in there but when you hosed the bed out it would run right out too.

YOu can actually see it pretty well in the pic on the previous page... now if you were to open the trunk before hosing the gunk out you'd probably get some inside the trunk since the rubber seam is on the lid...

Thanks for the info about the rubber seal on the in bed trunk. I really appreciate the 'insider' info.

As far as dirt in the seam of the in bed trunk:...

I work in the plant so I know exactly what it looks like and think of it this way... Picture the trunk on any regular car, the lid has a rubber seal on it and any water or debris that falls into the cracks runs right down the sides and out the back somewhere near the taillights right? Well this thing works exactly the same way, if you were carrying a load of dirt, sure a little might get in there but when you hosed the bed out it would run right out too.

YOu can actually see it pretty well in the pic on the previous page... now if you were to open the trunk before hosing the gunk out you'd probably get some inside the trunk since the rubber seam is on the lid...

Thanks for the info, great to know from someone who has actually seen it. I know this vehicle is being made in the states, unlike my 98 CRV, but which plant in what state is making all of these? That's great you work there and you have a wealth of knowledge from seeing the vehicle first hand when all of us are still waiting to get a glimpse.

"Production of the Ridgeline will be done by Honda of Canada Manufacturing. This is the fourth exclusive new light truck model launch by Honda's Alliston, Ontario, plant, beginning with the previous generation Odyssey and followed by the MDX and Pilot."

From http://hondanews.com/CatID2135?mid=2005011039571&mime=asc

In about 15 years of driving I've had 1 flat tire. So I'm not too worried about getting too the spare. As for getting dirt into the truck, its going to happen. But since it has a drain plug it should be easy to wash/clean out.

Thanks for the info on the Manufacturing plant location. So it seems that the northern states would take shipment prior to the sourthern and western states. Bummer!

I doubt that, we've already made thousands of them over the last few weeks and I'm sure they'll be distributed faily evenly...

Solo2EG,

Is there a point in production where QC is reviewed and minor changes are made? I'm wondering if it occurs at a set point like after the 10,000 vehicle is made or perhaps it's just on on going thing with no set schedule.

I've always wondered this so if you're able to answer I'd sure be most grateful, if necessary maybe as a PM?

Believe me, all the stuff like that that was important was done before we started mass production... There are many pre-builds and tons of testing done long before we make production models. Think about it, there was a concept in Detroit over a year ago, I'm sure at the same time there was plenty of testing going on with other bodies. This truck has been on the drawing board for years, testing has been done over and over again. But yes, like you said, quality is of the utmost and everything is checked over and over before any car leaves any plant, you should see our test track, every vehicle we build is taken for a test drive before it goes out, that's 1600 cars a day!

Ok, thanks a bunch. I asked because just recently bought an '05 Ody and been following the forums for it for some time now and it had quite a few build issues like the window colwing not secured correctly, the plant had problems with some jigs and were not installing the side doors with correct alignment just to name a few. Seemed they finally got things straightened out after 15,000 builds or so. I'm just suprised it took them that long. Anyway, hopefully your plant has a much better team than the Alabama plant. Thanks again for the info.

I ahve been following the Ody forums as well and noticed some of those complaints. I guess I got lucky with my '05. I bought it 9/22/04 and received delivery 10/4/04. I would assume that it was one of the first built and I have not noticed some of the things that others say over on the Ody forums. Maybe it depends on the actual day the vehicle was assembled.

Vertrkr, are you the person over on the Ody forums that used a paint pen to mark the 'No Step' area and color in the 'Honda' on the engine cover with gold coloring? I just got back from the local craft store and am about to go out in the garage and doctor up my Ody!

most of the time if you do get a flat with a load the jack is not going to be able to lift up the truck with the load in there in the first place
If that is the case, then the engineers REALLY blew it! Did Honda engineers blow it? No. That is why the OEM jack will have the capacity to lift a fully loaded Ridgeline.

Spares are always in the trunk in cars.
Just because it is done on cars doesn't mean its a good idea!

Everbody has their ideas on what is a good feature and what is a bad feature. For me, having the spare in a location that requires unloading is a bad feature, car or truck. It won't keep me from buying a Ridgeline, we'll leave that honor to the price! I'm still gonna go test drive it though!

Vertrkr, are you the person over on the Ody forums that used a paint pen to mark the 'No Step' area and color in the 'Honda' on the engine cover with gold coloring? I just got back from the local craft store and am about to go out in the garage and doctor up my Ody!

Yup, that's me. Hope all goes well for ya.

No problems. It came out really well.

I am going to check out those references you linked to in the next few days. Buying a vehicle always seems like such a game.

Just because it is done on cars doesn't mean its a good idea!

Everbody has their ideas on what is a good feature and what is a bad feature. For me, having the spare in a location that requires unloading is a bad feature, car or truck. It won't keep me from buying a Ridgeline, we'll leave that honor to the price! I'm still gonna go test drive it though!

They also made it so you can mount the spare on the inside of the bed if you choose. So with a full load you won't have to unload the bed. How thoughtful of them. :) Those guys are always thinkin. I think I'll just take my chances and leave it where it is.

Anyone hear/read anything on the weight limit of the in bed trunk? Would it be equivalent to the weight limit of the bed itself?

Anyone hear/read anything on the weight limit of the in bed trunk? Would it be equivalent to the weight limit of the bed itself?

Haven't seen any specs for it. Defintely won't be the same as the bed limit as it's plastic and does not have the support the bed has. I wouldn't put more than a couple hundred pounds in there.

Has anyone used their in bed trunk as a cooler yet? I was wondering about how long it would keep drinks cold.

I wonder if some aftermarket company will come up with a styrofoam inset for the trunk to improve its insulation.

hehe fill the trunk itself with ice cubes

it has a drain plug anyway so when the ice melts you can drain it! hehe

We put the "cooler" to the test. Added 4 bags of ice and about 40 cans of soda.
WOW! What a way to keep it cold. It lasted about 4 hours on a day of about 50 degrees. Not bad.
I pulled the plug when we got home and the angle of the trunk
allowed it to drain with ease. Just about bone dry when finished.
This will come in handy this summer for picnics. We won't need a picnic basket any longer. Just open the trunk..insert food!
Have a great night!

So, about 4 hours at 50 degrees. I wonder how long the ice would last at about 80 - 90 degrees.

I know, hate me now but I mowed my lawn today wearing shorts and a t-shirt and worked up quite a sweat. Low 80's and sunny with a nice cool breeze :D .

I think I read somewhere the load limit on the trunk is 300 lbs.

I know the tailgate is rated to hold 300#.
In my searches, I have only been able to find the trunk capacity is 8.5 cu.ft.
I'll keep looking!

I think I read somewhere the load limit on the trunk is 300 lbs.

It's 300 lbs for the trunk and also the tailgate. They talked about the trunk load limit in the manual somewhere.

sunny and in the 80's must me nice I did get some low 60's today though

The whole cooler thing a bit of marketing hype.

No insulation and when driving the warm air would blow all around the sides and bottom of the trunk. No to mention that the cover to the trunk is BLACK, just the thing to absorb the sun's rays.

Folks- More feedback on dirt/debris getting into the trunk: I bought my Ridgeline to carry all of the sorts of things a hobby-gardener would want to carry, and so far my RL has been an exemplary performer in that regard. I hauled some rock last weekend and there were enough fines in the two loads I hauled to really clog the open crack interface between the trunk lid and the rest of the bed. The gasket (mentioned earlier in this thread by the Honda employee) did a fine job of keeping the crud out of the trunk, however the built-in gutter circumscribing the gasket collected enough dirt to clog one of the drainholes. I might add that it is a challenging feat to clean debris out of the gutter without clogging the drainholes....one careful pinch of dirt at a time! It appears that even with all of the drainholes clogged, water would still be expelled out the rear, so maybe this isn't a huge issue. I would recommend a tarp or some other bed covering to anyone carying loads of dirt or rock. I am planning on having a lightweight bed deck covering manufactured for these types of hauling chores..... haven't decided on the material yet .....maybe HDPE if I can find it in the sheet.

Doctor Len,

Thanks for sharing this experience. I would not have given a second thought before loading dirt/gravel/sand that would have caused the same issue.
Getting a small tarp and throwing it in the trunk would be a reasonable idea - Guess I'll go buy one today.

Probably best to vacume the dirt out of the gutter.

...I am planning on having a lightweight bed deck covering manufactured...For the few times we might haul dirt/pebbles, I'll go for the el-cheapo tarp!

The vacuum solution is a good one. Trouble is.....by the time our Seattle rain worked on the dirt for a couple of days, it would have taken a vacuum cleaner far more industrial than I have to dislodge it and suck it up. The tarp is definitely the cheapest and quickest prophylactic measure one could take in order to avoid this problem.

Here's a pic in case you want to "see" an actual full size spare fitting where the compact one goes. The tie down flips over to work with the full size spare. The jack and tools move to the area on the right hand side.

Nice picture. Thanks for posting it.

Where did you get the full sized spare?

I just received a take-off wheel from Bales Honda in Little Rock. Bought it from them on ebay. $41 including shipping. I consider that a great deal.

On eBay, new wheel and tire $90 + shipping.

Paul

I love the trunk because I have been working Hurricane Katrina where gas is hard to come by... I can carry 4 five gallon cans in the trunk and don't have to worry about them getting ripped off. Just hope no one rear-ends me. But you have to carry extra gas so the trunk works out great.

Ridgeline- FLA- I think I can speak for everyone here when I say thank you for any work you are doing for the hurricane Katrina victims. I think everyone who is helping out in any way is being a hero. Thank you.

((((((((((( Amen )))))))))))