Ridgeline VTM-4 Explanation from Gary Flint

T Mac · 09-20-2007, 09:04 PM

In our continued efforts to bring more worthwhile content to the ROC, tonight I posted a Honda document that explains the Ridgeline's VTM-4 system in great detail. Thanks to Gary Flint for providing this information to us.

Click here to read the entire document.

Come back to this thread to discuss...

Hot Rod · 09-20-2007, 10:49 PM

Interesting. Thank you for posting.

weather_wrangler · 09-20-2007, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T Mac

In our continued efforts to bring more worthwhile content to the ROC, tonight I posted a Honda document that explains the Ridgeline's VTM-4 system in great detail. Thanks to Gary Flint for providing this information to us.

Click here to read the entire document.

Come back to this thread to discuss...

Thanks for posting this!

Webwader · 09-21-2007, 12:04 AM

Thanks, Gary and T Mac. A very thorough explanation.

weather_wrangler · 09-21-2007, 01:38 AM

I guess my brain is still stuck in "1964 Jeep Wagoneer mode" because all this automatic four wheel drive talk just makes me all confused. So the article by Mr. Flint was very useful to me. He went to the trouble of explaining the automatic all wheel drive in a way that I can visualize.

It's neat that the drive train even works in just routine driving to ensure better control and safety.

My biggest "snow moment" with my Ridgeline came in Dec of last year when we got 14 inches here.

14 inches of wet snow is about the limit for the Ridgeline, more than that, and it will high center in the snow and lose grip.

Lots of that Big Three SUV iron was trapped just a few feet out of their garages and in the snow in the driveway. Me...I just smiled and drove around them, using some of those switches and low gears on the Ridgeline, but not really understanding what I was doing. Next big snow, I'll know a bit more thanks to the article.

Oznative · 09-21-2007, 05:43 AM

Enjoyed the article. Thanks for posting.

Icedog · 09-21-2007, 07:23 AM

Interesting, the ball cam assembly is eerily similar to the clutch on my old Harley. Simple technology sometimes works best.

PerryLynch · 09-21-2007, 07:32 AM

I really appreciate the information. I've been impressed with this truck since the first time I saw one on the Auto Show floor back in January '06, and it's the neat stuff like this that keeps my interest up.

This system has been very effective for me personally. At the end of the road that we live on, there is a major intersection that is heavily travelled. Pavement conditions are bumpy from the weight of trucks, and any light mist tends to make the surface very slick.

With my Durango, I learned early on to stick it in 4-Hi if I had my wife in the truck, as she would always freak out if I gave it any gas at all when making a right turn to go south, as the rear would break loose. In the Ridge, I've stood on the pedal and it just doesn't slip. At all.

Gary, I'm only going to complain about one thing: This thing is so effective that I have YET to even be able to satisfy that one primal urge in the American male: How do I spin the tires?

brich · 09-21-2007, 08:02 AM

Alright, I'll be the Debby Downer here... While there is no doubting the capabilities of this system, the first thing that comes to mind is, how difficult and expensive is this system going to be if we start having problems? Not saying we will but in 7-10 years when we starting having "elderly" Ridgelines out there, is this high tech system going to be a real choker when we see the repair bill?

Just drawing up discussion here. I don't suspect I'll have problems as I drive my truck as if it is made of Balsa Wood... Very rarely work it hard. I guess it should't be a concern now. Now my biggest concern is when is the next Meet and what wax to use...

Fantastic info.... Thanks Gary and T-Mac.

Ridgetalker · 09-21-2007, 08:51 AM

Nice article. I knew I had a great truck.

09-20-2007, 09:04 PM	#1
T Mac ROC Founder, Admin Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,564	Ridgeline VTM-4 Explanation from Gary Flint In our continued efforts to bring more worthwhile content to the ROC, tonight I posted a Honda document that explains the Ridgeline's VTM-4 system in great detail. Thanks to Gary Flint for providing this information to us. Click here to read the entire document. Come back to this thread to discuss...

09-20-2007, 10:49 PM	#2
Hot Rod ROC Rank: Stuffing 2007 RTL Nimbus Gray Metallic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 19	Re: Ridgeline VTM-4 Explanation from Gary Flint Interesting. Thank you for posting. __________________ Rod 2007 RTL Ridgeline with Retrax - Mine 2003 EX-L Pilot with DVD - Wife 2008 EOS VW - Light Blue

09-21-2007, 12:04 AM	#4
Webwader ROC Rank: Rolls/Bread 2006 RTS Billet Silver / Gray Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 3,231	Re: Ridgeline VTM-4 Explanation from Gary Flint Thanks, Gary and T Mac. A very thorough explanation. __________________ Honda Towing Package, Rear Splash Guards, Prodigy brake controller, Garmin 2610 GPS, Front Window Tint, Torza Soft Top. Echomaster reverse sensor step bumper What I tow: 2005 Fleetwood Highlander Sequoia - 3,500 lb 2008 Ranger 1860 Angler w/150 Yamaha - 3,950 lb "Things will get better as they improve."

09-21-2007, 01:38 AM	#5
weather_wrangler ROC Rank: Turkey 2006 RT White / Beige Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tucson, Az USA Posts: 157	Re: Ridgeline VTM-4 Explanation from Gary Flint I guess my brain is still stuck in "1964 Jeep Wagoneer mode" because all this automatic four wheel drive talk just makes me all confused. So the article by Mr. Flint was very useful to me. He went to the trouble of explaining the automatic all wheel drive in a way that I can visualize. It's neat that the drive train even works in just routine driving to ensure better control and safety. My biggest "snow moment" with my Ridgeline came in Dec of last year when we got 14 inches here. 14 inches of wet snow is about the limit for the Ridgeline, more than that, and it will high center in the snow and lose grip. Lots of that Big Three SUV iron was trapped just a few feet out of their garages and in the snow in the driveway. Me...I just smiled and drove around them, using some of those switches and low gears on the Ridgeline, but not really understanding what I was doing. Next big snow, I'll know a bit more thanks to the article.

09-21-2007, 05:43 AM	#6
Oznative ROC Rank: Cranberry 2006 RTL Steel Blue / Gray Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: North Shore, Ma Posts: 1,021	Re: Ridgeline VTM-4 Explanation from Gary Flint Enjoyed the article. Thanks for posting. __________________ Never & Always are two words that you should always remember never to use.

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09-21-2007, 07:23 AM	#7
Icedog ROC Rank: Stuffing 2006 RT Billet Silver Metallic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Greater Miami, FL Posts: 18	Re: Ridgeline VTM-4 Explanation from Gary Flint Interesting, the ball cam assembly is eerily similar to the clutch on my old Harley. Simple technology sometimes works best.

09-21-2007, 07:32 AM	#8
PerryLynch ROC Rank: Mashed Potatoes 2007 RTL Nimbus Gray Metallic Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Laurel MD Posts: 489	Re: Ridgeline VTM-4 Explanation from Gary Flint I really appreciate the information. I've been impressed with this truck since the first time I saw one on the Auto Show floor back in January '06, and it's the neat stuff like this that keeps my interest up. This system has been very effective for me personally. At the end of the road that we live on, there is a major intersection that is heavily travelled. Pavement conditions are bumpy from the weight of trucks, and any light mist tends to make the surface very slick. With my Durango, I learned early on to stick it in 4-Hi if I had my wife in the truck, as she would always freak out if I gave it any gas at all when making a right turn to go south, as the rear would break loose. In the Ridge, I've stood on the pedal and it just doesn't slip. At all. Gary, I'm only going to complain about one thing: This thing is so effective that I have YET to even be able to satisfy that one primal urge in the American male: How do I spin the tires? __________________ 2K7 Nimbus Gray RTL-Navi Fog Lights and Mudflaps - Modified from end to end!

09-21-2007, 08:02 AM	#9
brich ROC Rank: Pumpkin Pie 2006 RTL Billet Silver / Gray Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Just Nawth a Bawstin Posts: 2,946	Re: Ridgeline VTM-4 Explanation from Gary Flint Alright, I'll be the Debby Downer here... While there is no doubting the capabilities of this system, the first thing that comes to mind is, how difficult and expensive is this system going to be if we start having problems? Not saying we will but in 7-10 years when we starting having "elderly" Ridgelines out there, is this high tech system going to be a real choker when we see the repair bill? Just drawing up discussion here. I don't suspect I'll have problems as I drive my truck as if it is made of Balsa Wood... Very rarely work it hard. I guess it should't be a concern now. Now my biggest concern is when is the next Meet and what wax to use... Fantastic info.... Thanks Gary and T-Mac. __________________ ----------------------------------------------------- "It takes a man more concerned with the product than an image to buy a Truck like this..." - buffy :Longview, Texas

09-21-2007, 08:51 AM	#10
Ridgetalker ROC Rank: Turkey 2006 RTL Billet Silver / Gray Join Date: May 2006 Location: Louisville, Ky. Posts: 104	Re: Ridgeline VTM-4 Explanation from Gary Flint Nice article. I knew I had a great truck. __________________ 2006 Billet Silver RTL (Moonroof, XM, Fog Lights, Pin Stripes, Splash Guards, Body Side Moldings, Rear Cargo Tray, Bed Mat, Action Packer Cargo Box) Build Date 04/06.

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