Advice on options for RTL with Nav

[hofffam]

I have a few opinions:

Chrome wheels - I detest chrome wheels. I wish Honda had unpainted polished aluminum instead. I admit further that I think 20-22 inch wheels look ridiculous. Super low profile tires just look out of proportion to me.

Interior trim - I saw a truck on the floor with this an immediately decided against it. If it were REAL aluminum, I might think differently.

Front grill - I have it because I didn't like the double tuning fork design of the original. And I like it.

Roof rack - I bought it but am VERY mixed on it. I bought it thinking I might occasionally carry something up there or prop something tall against it. It is very noisy - I bought the truck without and added the rack so I had a before/after comparison. I also have a theory (unproven at this point) that the rack costs 1-2 MPG. I agree the roof rack looks good.

Bed extender - I passed because I didn't want it in there all the time. And I didn't want to store it somewhere when I didn't want it in there. I just hauled some 8 ft. lumber in the truck and didn't regret not having it.

Oh - nice choice on the color.....

[IFLY Ridge]

Hi DobroDave, thanks for your service to this great nation. Like some other folks here on the board I hijacked a previous post to make some recommendations.

I think you've made an excellent choice -- steel blue RTL with Navi -- just like me! IFLY Ridge > Me too.

In answer to your questions... here's my opinion
DVD -- didn't personally see any reason to get this... not sure it plays while you're driving (dangerous!) but then again how much will you be sitting around watching movies in your truck? IFLY Ridge > as I don't have kids, could not see the additional expense of this option.

dark floor carpets (how dark are they?) -- dark enough, they go well with the interior (they're a medium gray; they only call them "dark" to distinguish them from the light ones that go in the trucks with beige or olive interior, I think) -- you only get rubber mats in the truck, so if you want it to feel more car-like, I'd definitely go for these (but you might get a better pricing deal from H&A). I have my rubber mats on top of my carpets, cuz I'm a freak... IFLY Ridge > me too.

interior trim-metallic (my tastes are pretty conservative - is this "classy" or "flashy?") -- I think it's classy, I have it... I think it integrates the big silver door handles nicely (which otherwise I think stand out). I especially like the door pieces, which really pull it all together. IFLY Ridge > me too.

17" aluminum alloy chrome-look wheels (ditto) -- I opted not to get these; I decided Honda's idea of "chrome" looked cheap, and I didn't like the rim style. But it's a personal preference thing.
IFLY Ridge > I did not get this as I didn't like the design of the alloy chrome look wheels from Honda. There are lots of aftermarket chrome shops on Ebay that are chroming the original stock wheels for $500 for a set with wheel exchange that look great IMHO. Looking to purchase a set after the holidays.

bed extender -- got it, happy to have it, although I haven't used it once yet! IFLY Ridge > I purchased this as it works great holding LP tanks that I use for my barbeque grill. Not many people realize that this option fits in the front as well as the back of the bed (two position).

locking hard tonneau cover -- don't have it, I hear some people have problems with the OEM one leaking/not keeping water out -- would be nice to have if you live someplace snowy and you don't keep the truck in a garage. IFLY Ridge > had no need for this option.

roof rack -- have it, like it, although mostly for looks -- I haven't had any use for it yet, but I think it completes the look of the truck (along with the running boards) IFLY Ridge > had no need for this option.

front grille -- didn't get it but was tempted...IFLY Ridge > I got this and have no regrets. Changes the look of the front of the truck while getting rid of the hot dog rack look (read: cheesy) on the stock grill.

front lower trim-brush guard style -- didn't get it, not tempted...IFLY Ridge > no need for this option.
door visors -- SO didn't want them, so we didn't get them...IFLY Ridge> no need for this option

front and rear chrome bumper trim -- didn't get it -- might want to ask that classy vs. flashy question again here... IFLY Ridge > I did get this and have no regrets, really adds a classy look to the truck IMHO especially when combined with the optional front grill.

running boards -- got them, love them -- good for helping short people to get in and out of the truck, completes the look, and the black looks great with the steel blue. IFLY Ridge > I got this option as it makes it a lot easier for the little woman to get into and out of the truck. The black really compliments the blue truck.

side steps -- I think these were recalled for problems -- don't know if they're back on the market yet. I preferred the look of the running boards. IFLY Ridge > I have seen the silver ones on a blue truck and did not like the look, colors seemed to conflict.

IFLY Ridge > I also got the following options installed as well:

Fog lights -- was initially unsure if this was worth the extra expense or not. However, after my first drive on a foggy morning, I am glad that I had these installed. They really illuminate the sides of the roadway for ease of driving without blinding oncoming drivers. Highly recommend the option.

Tail light garnish -- this seems to be one of those love it or hate it options. I went with it because I wanted my truck to be different and easily identified as compared to other Ridges. I have not seen another truck in the area (NE Fla) with the option.

Bed Mat -- Honda missed the mark with the bed paint used on the Ridge as the bed is very easily scratched. Mine was initially scratched hauling six 2X4s from Lowes . I bought a bed mat from Elemmat.com. Custom cut to fit bed, tail gate and the floor of the bed trunk (three separate pieces) that do stay in place while loading/unloading the bed. Very nice mat but expensive $249 not including shipping to your door.

Bottom line is that this all equates to your taste and how you plan to use your truck. I studied the Ridge very carefully while studying and driving all of the competitors. And, so far I have no regrets with the Ridge (minus the bed paint thing). It is a great truck for commuting to work and making the Home Depot and Lowes runs on the weekends. Good Luck.

[bigdogrod]

i too thank you for your service

here's what i'm planning on for my steel blue ridge..

no nav.. car computer will do what factory nav will plus a whole boatload more (trip computer anyone)

chrome bumper trim
front grille
splash guards
bed extender
retrax or backflip tonneau cover, but if they interfere w/ the trunk opening up like it should, then it's factory tonneau
metallic dash piece, but might go whole hog on the woodgrain
rubber floor mats for the winter
new wheels, not honda's tho
fog lights, seen e'm on ebay, i still have to find out how hard they are to put in

everything will be bought from ebay or h&a,

bdr