Ridgeline IS HORRIBLE OFF ROAD!!

[Ridge]

I've had no problems in the sand. I've driven it on deep sandy BLM trails here in the south west with VSA on and off. I did not air down either, but there is as much different kinds of sand as there are snow flakes. If you do need to air down I wouldn't go any lower than 15 PSI. The RL will go any where off road that its ground clearance will permit. Most people will run out courage before the RL runs out of ability.

Why did you buy a Ridgeline over a Dodge? Just curious. What convinced you the RL was superior?

[doubledutyemt]

Your not losing power to the wheels, it's being transferred to ALL the wheels! That's why it's spinning SLOWLY. Once you start spinning you just look like one of those dumb monster trucks showing off your horsepower..the idea is to get TRACTION..NOT spin your tires. And I have to agree with another previous post..these tires AREN'T made for sand. How long do ya' think we'll have to wait for some knobby tires in this size? lol

[lowrider90]

Originally Posted by Ridge

I've had no problems in the sand. I've driven it on deep sandy BLM trails here in the south west with VSA on and off. I did not air down either, but there is as much different kinds of sand as there are snow flakes. If you do need to air down I wouldn't go any lower than 15 PSI. The RL will go any where off road that its ground clearance will permit. Most people will run out courage before the RL runs out of ability.

Why did you buy a Ridgeline over a Dodge? Just curious. What convinced you the RL was superior?

I agree, if you get stuck it is because of you not the truck. It goes anywhere.

I have been on the beach many times, pics posted in the off road section. passed many GMs stuck, yes I stopped to help. two occasions the 4WD wasn't even working. whats up with that GM. As long as your GM is new it will work. Dodge guy, don't hit the ridge with a hammer like you would the dodge to fix it. LOL the ridge will never break, just let it drive itself, it will get you home.

Also, learn how the 4WD system works, if used as it should, you can go anywhere any "real 4WD" can barring any clearance issues.

PS. I am a long time owner of "real 4WDs and this truck does it all!

JJ

[nevadagarth]

I think the other thing to consider is even though the Ridgeline has the badge of 4WD, I personally don't consider it a 4WD and therefore don't treat it as such. To me 4WD means all four wheels are locked (and loaded) and being powered equally or nearly equally. In my mind the Ridgeline is more of an AWD (All Wheel Drive) that will put power where it is needed.

I think that if the Ridgeline was "bogging" down or not going anywhere, the computer was trying to react to the input from the driver and the input from the vehicle dynamics. Basically the truck was saying "Whoa this is some slippery, unstable stuff" and reducing the power to maintain control. Most 4WD vehicles respond to increased power to plow and slide through slippery, unstable surfaces, while an AWD vehicle will power down to crawl out of an unsuitable situation.

Basically most people's reactions to the Ridgeline's off road capabilities have been positive. But I think that depends on your point of view. Are you trying to get to your destination safely, reliably, with a touch of fun? Or are you trying to get to your destination by bounding across the terrain with the power on in order to keep the momentum up so you can get there? The Ridgeline is the former and most people's perception of a 4WD is the later.

[VaVet96]

I've had real good luck with my RL on Hatteras, NC beaches. The Outer Banks have some of the softest, tire swallowing sand around. I went with 15lbs on all tires, VTM on, and 1st gear. I just barely touched the gas pedal and the RL moved right along. Not fast, like I saw Tacomas, Jeeps, and other big 4wd trucks doing, but then I didn't want to move fast. Just slow and steady got me where I wanted to go without beating me and my truck to death. Here's the link to my write-up if you'd like to check it out.
Outer Banks (OBX) Beach Driving Success!

[BIGBLOCKDODGE]

HEy guys/Gals .Well i just wrote a huge thing and I hit a button and it got deleted!
SO ill make it short. My user name is based off what i love doing. Restoring old muscle cars ,partial to Mopars.
Last night i tested the ridge in sugar sand with the vtm off. At a stand still i punched it to try and get it stuck and it would not get stuck,even on sugar sand up hills. Works great when you know how to use the truck!
Next week im going to try it on the beach one more time and see how it does. I am just trying to test the trucks capabilitys so I know what it can do If need i have to get somewhere. She gets washed asap the day it gets dirty! As far as why I bought the truck. Honda reliability, its roomy interior, trunk storage, and technology,and it just looks so different! Thanks for the help again!

[Redridge]

BIGBLOCKDODGE where can you go on the beach with your ridge in jersey? Or is this an after hour affair?

[BIGBLOCKDODGE]

many places. Long beach isalnd,island beach state park,etc. You need to purchase a permit, you can get them from the towns police station.

[swampler]

Glad you got the 4WD figured out.

I was going to suggest that maybe the perceived lack of power when the VTM was locked was because you had to put the gearshift in 2nd to lock the VTM. When the RL is in 2nd, it stays in 2nd. I would imagine that trying to pull out in 2nd would seem like you don't have a lot of power.

[lowrider90]

Originally Posted by nevadagarth

I think the other thing to consider is even though the Ridgeline has the badge of 4WD, I personally don't consider it a 4WD and therefore don't treat it as such. To me 4WD means all four wheels are locked (and loaded) and being powered equally or nearly equally. In my mind the Ridgeline is more of an AWD (All Wheel Drive) that will put power where it is needed.

I think that if the Ridgeline was "bogging" down or not going anywhere, the computer was trying to react to the input from the driver and the input from the vehicle dynamics. Basically the truck was saying "Whoa this is some slippery, unstable stuff" and reducing the power to maintain control. Most 4WD vehicles respond to increased power to plow and slide through slippery, unstable surfaces, while an AWD vehicle will power down to crawl out of an unsuitable situation.

Basically most people's reactions to the Ridgeline's off road capabilities have been positive. But I think that depends on your point of view. Are you trying to get to your destination safely, reliably, with a touch of fun? Or are you trying to get to your destination by bounding across the terrain with the power on in order to keep the momentum up so you can get there? The Ridgeline is the former and most people's perception of a 4WD is the later.

Just a note, I'm not an expert but even "real 4WDs only have power to 2 tires any one time, one in the front and one in the rear, they are both limited slip so the power is position to the one with best traction. the only time you have a "locked and loaded" differential is when you can lock it! many trucks are now equiped to lock up the rear diff, exterras/chevys are the two i know of.