Ridgeline's can tow (photos)

[3DCadman]

Cool camper Nolaridge!

I just brought home a Forest River Surveyor 233T, which totaled 4069 unloaded. I'll post some pics soon.

I'm currently on the fence with regards to the WDH controversy. My dealer threw in one for free, and I towed it home with it. It felt weird, but stable.

I'm going to try it w/o WDH when I haul it to my storage spot.

[VoicesInMyHead]

Originally Posted by nolaridge

I just purchased this Trail-Sport TS25S to replace the Coyote Sport 180 that I towed to Alaska last summer. It weighs 3900 lbs unloaded and has an interior length of 25ft and total length of 28 ft.

Wow! Very nice! Someday........

[nolaridge]

Originally Posted by 3DCadman

I'm currently on the fence with regards to the WDH controversy. My dealer threw in one for free, and I towed it home with it. It felt weird, but stable.

I'm going to try it w/o WDH when I haul it to my storage spot.

When I picked up the new trailer the RV tech set the chain to the 4th link which was one higher than before -- it felt like someone was pulling me up from my belt loop. On my recent camping trip I set it back on the third link and that seemed fine. Mostly it keeps the hitch off the ground when going over bumps and gutters and controls some of the rear end bounce. I also find it helpful in controlling sway. On the Alaska trip I think the WD set-up was very helpful on the rougher roads. One thing to be careful about, if you're ever in a situation where you are unhitching and the rear end of the truck is low (like in a small dip) the WD bars will be under a great deal of tension and will slam down to the ground when you release them. If your foot is in the way this could be a problem.

[5S Dude]

Originally Posted by nolaridge

When I picked up the new trailer the RV tech set the chain to the 4th link which was one higher than before -- it felt like someone was pulling me up from my belt loop. On my recent camping trip I set it back on the third link and that seemed fine. Mostly it keeps the hitch off the ground when going over bumps and gutters and controls some of the rear end bounce. I also find it helpful in controlling sway. On the Alaska trip I think the WD set-up was very helpful on the rougher roads. One thing to be careful about, if you're ever in a situation where you are unhitching and the rear end of the truck is low (like in a small dip) the WD bars will be under a great deal of tension and will slam down to the ground when you release them. If your foot is in the way this could be a problem.

Nolaridge, I can’t wait for your next batch of wonderful travel photos! Congrats on your beautiful new Trail-Sport. Will you be mounting a rear view camera to help aid in backing your rig into the campsites? We have been contemplating this mod on our C191.

[3DCadman]

Nolaridge,

My dealer set it up as you said, 3 loose links, attached to the 4th. I was thinking one or 2 less next time.

As far as the tension, they told me to make sure I really lift the rig as high as I could, short of lifting the Ridge's tires off the ground. When he lifted it up, the Ridge looked pretty "Hot Rod" LOL.

He strongly recommended I put together a stack of wood planks (screwed together) at least 5-6 inches high to assist in this, as the crank wouldn't do it by itself. This made sure that the bars weren't under too much tension until I lowered it back to normal.

I wanted to know how much tension there was with it up like that, so I knew what to expect. It was a piece of cake to unhook. My wife even did the other one.

They installed a Blue Ox hitch by the way. The dealer said it was superior to an Equalizer hitch. I wouldn't know.

[nolaridge]

[quote=3DCadman;297110]Nolaridge,

As far as the tension, they told me to make sure I really lift the rig as high as I could, short of lifting the Ridge's tires off the ground. When he lifted it up, the Ridge looked pretty "Hot Rod" LOL.
QUOTE]

I guess each set-up is a little different. I just turn the crank 15 times to attach/un-attach the bars. For my set-up this is enough lift to take the tension off the bars......

I'll have to look into that rear-view camera system.....so far the most stressful backing I do is into the new covered space which is 12' X 30' with poles spaced every 12'.....going to Utah this summer and maybe Yellowstone also, so hope to have some good pictures.

[DUNER-RIDGE]

Just got back from my first trip to the dunes this year and was impressed with the towing capabilities of my RTL. (Used to tow this trailer with a Denali) The RTL with trailer brake control did great when it came time to stop towing the 4700 lb load. Four quads, four adults, way to much camping gear and 25 gallons of gas in the cans. The motor and transmission were near perfect while driving down the freeway. When I got to the coastal mountain pass is when the motor was working hard. For almost an hour the motor was between 3500 and 5000 rpm's. This probably explains my 9 mpg! Once at the dunes I had many curious onlookers come up to me and ask how the RTL did. They couldn't believe that the Honda could tow the trailer. I could! The trailer is a 16 x 8.6 and has shelves, helmet and gear storage as well as being Rhino Lined. Overall, I was very happy and love the RTL.

[Lingered_I]

Just towed my new toy back from Raleigh, NC to Frederick, MD. Set the cruise control for 70 and had no problems. The truck hunted a little on the hills and wasn't lightening of the mark, but it got the job done. Mileage wasn't too bad either - averaged 16mpg according to my Scangauge. I'm not sure what those trailers weigh. The Cobra is 2450lbs - probably was somewhere around 4000lbs in total.

[Tcape]

Originally Posted by 2006Ridgeline

Here's one of my Ridgeline hauling my 57 Chevy....

Ooooo...being a classic car lover, that's one of my all-time favorite RL photos. Love that '57 Chevy! VERY sweet!

[arteegee]

Originally Posted by Lingered_I

Just towed my new toy back from Raleigh, NC to Frederick, MD.

Best towable I've seen yet!