Ridgeline's can tow (photos)

[beepbill23]

Originally Posted by 5S Dude

Say Bill is that “Mike the Chef” we see doing the “Fire Dance”?!? LOL

Sorry for the late reply, Yes in fact, that is "MIKE the CHEF" doing his RIVER DANCE. Yes, we had lots of fun during that last summer's Trip to Lake Camanche.

In the city of IONE, Ca.
MAPQUEST:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp...ocery%20Stores

Its about 1.3 hours drive from my house to where we go. The Northshore that is. BEACH front Campsites! Also, Hookup sites a few sites over, but in a higher ground, like a cliff by the water. Only 20 feet. Ramp for those who are that high to get down. Trees nearby for us to tiedown the Boat/jetski. Its a very sweet place to camp, that isnt Salt Water. We go in July, right after the forth, so it isnt so busy.(still busy, but not like the pre-holiday rush!)

[Just Ask]

Originally Posted by Yooper360

I bought a 2007 Ridgeline and will shortly take delivery on a 2006 Airstream 16' Bambi camper.

The Airstream Forum in no uncertain terms recommends not even trying to haul the camper without a weight distribution hitch.

I see in this thread several Airstreams being hauled by Ridgelines and wonder if someone can share their experience towing a 16' Bambi without a WDH?? Or, if they have hauled a Bambi with a WDH, please share your experience and the details.

Caught between a rock and a hard place in Michigan's Upper Peninsula!

Thanks,

Dick

Although not an Airstream, my 16' Fun Finder tows beautifully without a WDH. I would suggest towing without one...you will know in a short time whether the WDH is warranted or not.

[Yooper360]

Let's see if we compare. What is the loaded weight of your 16' Funfinder and what is its tongue weight?

The 16' Bambi specs at loaded weight around 3500 pounds and a tongue weight of 390 empty, without accessories, and I am told this will increase by about 80 to 100 pounds loaded and ready to rock and roll.

From what I have been reading here and on other forums, I suspect my Bambi is right at the threshhold of needing a WDH. As I have a 1200 mile trip to pick it up and then return it home that same distance, I will bring a WDH hitch with me. I ordered the 550 Reese Strait Line WDH with dual camlock sway control.

Thanks for the response,

Dick

[5S Dude]

While our Ridgeline was in the body shop recently we had the opportunity to borrow my dad’s F-150 for a week. We got the chance to tow our new travel trailer to one of our favorite camp grounds with it too. This was very enlightening and an education filled with a few surprises. We noticed that the small V8 got a little better gas mileage while towing but while driving back and forth to work that week took quite a bit more fuel than our Ridge but the biggest difference was the ride quality. The F-150 while towing was totally unbearable for my poor back as we looked at each other like a couple of bobble heads going down the freeway. I really hadn’t noticed the Ford being that bouncy until driving the two trucks back to back. I have a much greater appreciation for our fully independent suspension now and the four wheel disks as well. Even with electronic brake control you can feel the difference between the two trucks while we were constantly being cutoff cruising to our destinations which is quite normal here in CA. Other drivers simply see us as a moving road block and rudely “stuff” us at the last minute so it keeps you on your toes regardless of which tow vehicle you use. Drive Safe and Happy Camping……..

[k757]

Originally Posted by 5S Dude

....We noticed that the small V8 got a little better gas mileage while towing but while driving back and forth to work that week took quite a bit more fuel than our Ridge but the biggest difference was the ride quality. The F-150 while towing was totally unbearable for my poor back as we looked at each other like a couple of bobble heads going down the freeway. I really hadn’t noticed the Ford being that bouncy until driving the two trucks back to back. I have a much greater appreciation for our fully independent suspension now and the four wheel disks as well. ....

That's just rubbish... The Ford is obviously better as you can feel the terrain... It's called sporty! The bobble-head syndrome you describe is a safety feature, you don't want to fall asleep while driving. It's like a massage while you drive, it keeps you loose.

You just don't get what a truck is supposed to be

[5S Dude]

Originally Posted by k757

That's just rubbish... The Ford is obviously better as you can feel the terrain... It's called sporty! The bobble-head syndrome you describe is a safety feature, you don't want to fall asleep while driving. It's like a massage while you drive, it keeps you loose.

You just don't get what a truck is supposed to be

I guess I really don’t get what a truck is supposed to be Keith! LOL! That’s why I’m lovin my Ridgeline more and more each day even after almost a year and a half of driving it. She just simply keeps getting better and better especially since Twintym brought me my very own Matchbox miniature. Now I’ve got to run by the parts department and get a tube of that Nighthawk Black touch-up paint to personalize it. Now where can I find a tiny travel trailer to hook to the back…….

ROC-On!

[hiPSI]

Isn't the WDH supposed to only be helpful on a rear wheel drive? I know someone said not to use it with our trucks...

[5S Dude]

Originally Posted by hiPSI

Isn't the WDH supposed to only be helpful on a rear wheel drive? I know someone said not to use it with our trucks...

Good morning hiPSI, We have also been wondering the same thing with regards to towing with a WDH. I believe it really doesn’t matter which wheels drive the tow vehicle. The Definition is as follows;

A weight distribution system provides a more level ride and greater steering and brake control.
Trailer weight distribution is accomplished by distributing the weight of the actual tongue connection to all tow vehicle and trailer wheels.
In addition to weight distribution you might also want sway control. Sway control helps dampen sway caused by traffic and crosswinds.
Weight distribution and sway control components are sold individually or as a complete kit.
Tons of good explanations here too. http://www.etrailer.com/faq/aboutwd.asp

[M&T]

Originally Posted by hiPSI

Isn't the WDH supposed to only be helpful on a rear wheel drive? I know someone said not to use it with our trucks...

Look at my posting on the Weight Distribution Hitch thread where I give actual weights using a WDH on my Ridgeline towing an Aerolite 19FL. The important point is to make sure the WDH is properly installed and used. I also have a photo earlier on this thread.

[Joanne]

With springtime in Maine it is sometimes handy to have a Ridgeline to pull out the plow truck when it gets stuck in a mudhole up to the axles. No problem