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2018 Essentials.

13643 Views 45 Replies 26 Participants Last post by  Honda 4 Life
I want to start off by saying that I was never a fan of the way the G1 Ridgeline looked. I have heard plenty of great things about it though and even with the G2 both trucks won North American Truck of the Year. ( I believe they did at least, don't quote me ) However, I'm really in love with my G2, now as expected there are things that every one may go.. " meh " wish it was like this, BUT, things I believe are a must change for the Ridgeline to make it more competitive are:

1. Ground Clearance: I really think that for a truck this is a HUGE factor. With this being said I know that there are many trucks out there that teeter on the low side without an Off-Road package, however I think with the fuel economy becoming a big thing for people the Aero-chin front spoiler has become a huge part of the front end of trucks and it seriously takes away from the frontal clearance. To get to the point, the Subaru Forester has almost an entire inch more clearance that the G2 Ridgeline. I think an improvement should be an increase to the all around clearance of the 18 Ridgeline. I would love to even see if Honda could level the Ridgeline out as well or even just offer and off road package, I think that the slope across the vehicle is a little excessive, I know its for fuel economy but it makes the truck resemble a Crossover/El Camino and it think a truck should look the part as well.

2. Towing, I've done the research and I know Honda decided to keep the tow rating at 5,000 lbs. because they feel that its plenty for most owners. That is very true, I can say that I may never need more than that however, 5,000 lbs. really isn't much. I think that just to be competitive they should increase this to at least 6,800lbs. This allows for a more diverse truck capability and they really need to add more capable brakes and towing options. ( Brake controllers, active sway control, tow/haul mode, etc. ) Now this is not a huge concern and I feel that there are other more important things they should change first. I do feel though that its something that should be seriously considered.

3. Frontal Appearance: I have grown to really like the way the Ridgeline looks, it took me a while but I like it. It's pretty much a pilot though. I think that the front of the Ridgeline is rather weak though. I know that they did this to make its production cost effective until it at least hits 6 digits or where its sells enough to support its own design. So it parallels the Pilot closely. I think that they need to widen the front of the Ridgeline, when your in the drivers seat the way the front slopes down makes you feel like your in a mini van, luckily the engine and driving feel makes up for it. I want to see the front of the truck when I drive it. I want to know I'm in a truck and I dominate the roads. I don't want my truck to feel like a small truck. The front needs to gain the square appearance that the other ones have but keep its identity, the Tacoma has a nice frontal shape. The rear end is done quite nicely on the Ridgeline and I love the LED tail lights, but I really think the front needs some love.

4. AWD vs 4WD: I truly feel that what they have done with the AWD system in this Ridgeline is wonderful. However, I really wanted to be able to put this elegant beauty in 2WD mode and play around with its power when I'm off road or just enjoy the 2WD feel. In order to get the off road performance I want I have to put the truck into SAND mode because that allows the computer to Electronically lock the Diffs and that makes the truck feel like a TRUCK off road or in snow. I haven't used the MUD setting but I found better performance with controlled throttle in SAND mode than I did with SNOW mode in snowy off road driving. I haven't been able to really test this out with a good snow yet, I just got small drifts. HOWEVER, sometimes 2WD is nice and the fact the Ridgeline is FWD oriented sort of takes away from the TRUCK heritage and makes me questions its true breed. HOWEVER, I love the AWD system its so far been plenty capable but I would like to see the next one get a standard oriented engine with optional rear 2WD, if any thing, change the Drivetrain options to AWD or R/2WD, in fact that is a much better idea. I feel that having to buy the more expensive drivetrain to get the best towing is unreasonable. The NEXT Ridgeline should offer its current AWD ( Because its awesome and the Torque vectoring is incredible ) and then offer the lower trims or standard 2WD models with a more traditional rear 2WD option that way towing isn't effected.

* As a side note, I have heard some controversial talk about the Honda 9 and 10 speed transmissions, I feel like making those standard Transmission in your vehicles may be a SERIOUS deterrent to buyers. WE DO NOT WANT COMPLICATED TRANSMISSIONS, WE DO NOT WANT GEAR HUNTING OR AWKWARD SKIP SHIFTING, these things make vehicles drive weird. Honda should consider engineering a reliable 7 speed and make that the premier options and keep the current 6 speed as a standard option. I think so far the new 6 speed is a well built transmission. ( It may be geared a little low for Max towing up hills but its not a huge problem that I have seen. I hold gears and speed rather nicely even on the Ike Gauntlet )

5. No Locking Tail Gate: I think that since this was a redesign on the Ridgeline that in that redesign they needed to include a locking tailgate. This is a HUGE thing for truck guys, considering sometimes they get covers for their bed and they keep certain valuables in their bed ( Hunting gear, Fishing gear, Tools, etc. ) This I think was a big failure on Honda's part. The Ridgeline needs a Locking Tail Gate. This is a must have for people with trucks. We use them for outdooring and work and other things that require equipment and we want to protect those things. Next year Ridgeline NEEDS a locking tailgate. I think that all owners can agree to this request. STILL A GREAT TRUCK THOUGH.


Please take the time to really consider what I've said. I have also been reading for several days other threads from other owners and they all have legitimate mentions and concerns. Honda this a gold mine and designers need to stay on top of sites like this, because this is your markets voice, and we are speaking out, its up to you to listen.

Honda is LIFE, go V-TECH, GO HONDA / STAY HONDA.
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Ground clearance / off road package? Options are good and perhaps if the GenII is a big seller Honda might dabble a bit. It would be pretty unHonda like though. It is highly unlikely that Honda will alter the standard ground clearance or the so called rake that you don't seem to like.

Towing? The shoe string budget of the GenII is probably to blame rather than Honda actively deciding that 5k is enough. Was there a single limiting factor or was it a combination? Was it the unibody? Was it the transmission? AWD system? Brakes? etc, etc. The AWD Pilot has the same tow rating so even with the beefier suspension components and rear architecture they didn't boost the rating. Look to the many things shared between the Pilot and Ridge for the limiting factor(s) Many GenI owners were seriously disappointed that after 10 years there was zero gain in the tow rating. Honda probably hurt themselves here . . . Regardless of the actual tow rating, the GenII without a doubt will tow better at its limits than the GenI and probably better than most of the other midsizers regardless of the official tow ratings.

Front end? Agree that it is way too wussy and Pilot like. Honda shot themselves in the foot there. I also feel the same way about the interior. It looks like it belongs in an Accord. It probably works well but it doesn't belong in a truck. The GenI interior / exterior was quirky but it had some balls. I doubt Honda will butch up the interior but they might work on giving the Ridge a bit more uniqueness on the front.

AWD to 4WD? Front to rear wheel drive? If you think Honda is going to adopt a predominantly rear wheel drive platform you are dreaming. Front wheel drive is basic to the design. The AWD system works beautifully. If you want a 4wd / rear wheel biased pickup then there are plenty of options out there.

Afraid of the 10sp? What do you think will be on most of the BOF mid and full size pickups shortly? Ford is already there. There are plenty of potential advantages with Honda's new 10sp, including improvements to both economy and performance. They are full in on it for the future of their "truck" lineup and we can only hope that they get it right. Just because it has a lot of gears doesn't mean that it will hunt for gears and have abrupt skip shifting. Honda's design looks promising on paper. Transmission's are hugely expensive to develop so there is essentially no way that the Ridge would get something truly unique.

Overall, if the Ridge sells well, they will build upon their blueprint. If it flops Honda will dump it. This makes many of the changes you would like to see unlikely and most certainly not in the 2018 model year. They pretty much ignored the GenI once they put it on the market and changes were mininimal for its 10 year production. A hybrid powertrain (Engine powering front wheels with electric motor(s) for the rear) is probably a possibility but will likely only happen if Honda also puts it in their bread and butter Pilot.

Best to learn to enjoy what you got or go to something else. Tesla might have something cool in a few years . . .
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I'm not saying that they need to engineer a Z71 similar package for the G2, I do think that the truck should have been built on a level suspension set up so that the front would get a minimum of 1.5inches more clearance and that would allow less worry for people who do intend to take their Ridgeline on some mild off road surfaces. I've already come across really simple trails where I kissed the under side of the front a little and I plan on buying the Leveling kit that Truxx is rumored to be developing for the G2, nothing special just lift the front a tad.

You have a good discussion of the towing issue. I agree with you on this. Valid points.


My best bud had a silver G1 and I agree, the interior wasn't perfect, but it was useful and the front was appealing for " truckness ". The G2 for one I think is a real step up from the last model in appearance. Here's to hoping they bring some macho into the front on a possible refresh in a few years; as for the interior I have to agree as well, its elegant-ish and gentle for what the Ridgeline is made for, but it rides so wonderfully that I tend to over look the rather un-rugged feel of the interior and have actually grown to like it. My wife loves it, but I hate that as well, because she loves it because its so UN-TRUCK like and I wish it had some more brut to it's genes.

AWD, I love the AWD in the Ridgeline, the improvements on this years I-VTM4 are incredible. It's much more responsive and way more capable and more of a genuine AWD systems. I have really come to love it. What I was getting at though, was instead of the low end trim levels getting F/2WD systems Honda should have the lower trims levels equipped with a R/2WD set up. Its going to be more accepted by other members in the truck market and it could possibly attract more customers to the G2 as many people brush the G2 off because its lower trims are FWD and the towing capability of the FWD models are hurt a lot. Honda may be able to keep the capability of the of the Ridgeline and truck buyers may become more attracted to the brand. It's just a thought though. I go the AWD and I'm very happy.

Truthfully, I am rather wary of the 10sp, I see your points. They are very expensive to engineer and keeping the Pilot and Ridgeline components this similar is a smart cost move for Honda. I know you mentioned that other big truck brands are moving to this type of transmission or have done so already, but I haven't heard great things about the Pilots Premier 10 sp. I've heard it gear hunts and has annoying skip shifts. I haven't used one myself buy I have read a few articles about them. However as you said with the big move to tranny's like this maybe they are becoming more reliable and built better. I just fear cost of repairs of these kinds of transmissions. lol

I love my Ridgeline, and I'm so glad to have it. I have had 6 Honda vehicles and with every one I had I've loved the brand more. the Ridgeline being my most recent I'm very happy and I moved in from an EX-L Accord and I'm very happy.
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....

Truthfully, I am rather wary of the 10sp, I see your points. They are very expensive to engineer and keeping the Pilot and Ridgeline components this similar is a smart cost move for Honda. I know you mentioned that other big truck brands are moving to this type of transmission or have done so already, but I haven't heard great things about the Pilots Premier 10 sp. I've heard it gear hunts and has annoying skip shifts. I haven't used one myself buy I have read a few articles about them. However as you said with the big move to tranny's like this maybe they are becoming more reliable and built better. I just fear cost of repairs of these kinds of transmissions. lol...
I think you are confusing the 9-speed and the 10-speed. The highest trim level G3 Pilot uses a 9-speed transmission sourced from an outside vendor, i.e. it's not Honda's transmission. Yes, there have been a lot of complaints about this transmission. The lower trim level Pilots use the same 6-speed tranny as the G2 RL.

Meanwhile, Honda has been developing in-house their very own 10-speed transmission. This transmission was just introduced for certain trims of the very latest G5 (G6?) Odyssey. I don't think anyone has used it yet or provided feedback. But the expectation is that this transmission will replace the unloved 9-speed in the Pilot, and eventually the 6-speeds used in the G2 RL and lower-trim Pilots. There is a lot of optimism that this will be a big upgrade across the board.

As for your other suggestions, I generally agree with your comments (except I prefer AWD.) But unfortunately I don't think we will see many of them incorporated into the G2 RL. Honda just does not operate like that -- they tend to only make tweeks.

More likely, if the G2 is successful, we might see the pendulum swing back a bit toward a "truckier" G3. I have noticed that Honda, with it's multi-generation platforms, tends to alternate between sleek/sporty and chiseled/beefy/utilitarian. It's a good way to do it, as they can appeal to different buyers with the same model. The crowd that likes sleek/sporty might keep their vehicle 8-9 years and purchase a G2 followed by a G4. The practical/rugged crowd keeps their vehicle the same amount of time, but trades up from a G1 to a G3 or G3 to G5. And so on.

So maybe there's hope afterall?
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Honestly, I must be the end user Honda was aiming for with the RL... someone who would likely not consider a truck for a daily driver in the first place. 99.9% paved city and highway driving with very little use of the truck as a typical truck. If I wanted/needed "big truck" capabilities I would have gotten a big truck for work and a sedan/coupe for daily driving, which was actually the option on the table until the RL was taken into consideration.

Ground clearance: I'm largely a city driver... Parking lot speed bumps and a few pot holes are about all I need to clear. LOL
Towing: Tiny boat a few times a year and only small livestock, else I'd have gotten a full sized truck with said ability.
Front: I like it... I drove the Tacoma and ended the test drive early. I could not see what was in front of me and the ride was harsh. I left that drive with the thought that if that's the kind of ride I wanted, I'd get a full sized truck with more ability, it was trying too hard. The best part about the minivan hood of the RL is the fact I CAN see over it and thus easily navigate it through a city parking garage. Granted, If I wanted to get under the hood to do anything, I still would need to get a step stool. I can't even see into the bed of full sized trucks, much less get the hood open on ones without gas struts! That said, I would not mind a front end that was less Pilot.
AWD vs 4WD: Once again city driver.
Tailgate: This one would I can see being useful.

My thought on 9 and 10 speed transmissions is... might as well go CVT? I can see gear hunting being annoying.
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It was great to read you're response "Silkiechicken". I'm glad to see that even people with your needs have still considered the Ridgeline, you mentioned the 10 speed and I'm concerned about gear hunting as well, but another user mentioned that many major companies like FORD are transitioning to this tier of tranny, and I feel that it should be something we shouldn't worry to much about because designing these are expensive and companies are going to put the time into this so that they aren't a total blow out, and notoriously Honda is a stud product MOST of the time. SO, lets keep our fingers crossed.
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I think you are confusing the 9-speed and the 10-speed. The highest trim level G3 Pilot uses a 9-speed transmission sourced from an outside vendor, i.e. it's not Honda's transmission. Yes, there have been a lot of complaints about this transmission. The lower trim level Pilots use the same 6-speed tranny as the G2 RL.

Meanwhile, Honda has been developing in-house their very own 10-speed transmission. This transmission was just introduced for certain trims of the very latest G5 (G6?) Odyssey. I don't think anyone has used it yet or provided feedback. But the expectation is that this transmission will replace the unloved 9-speed in the Pilot, and eventually the 6-speeds used in the G2 RL and lower-trim Pilots. There is a lot of optimism that this will be a big upgrade across the board.

As for your other suggestions, I generally agree with your comments (except I prefer AWD.) But unfortunately I don't think we will see many of them incorporated into the G2 RL. Honda just does not operate like that -- they tend to only make tweeks.

More likely, if the G2 is successful, we might see the pendulum swing back a bit toward a "truckier" G3. I have noticed that Honda, with it's multi-generation platforms, tends to alternate between sleek/sporty and chiseled/beefy/utilitarian. It's a good way to do it, as they can appeal to different buyers with the same model. The crowd that likes sleek/sporty might keep their vehicle 8-9 years and purchase a G2 followed by a G4. The practical/rugged crowd keeps their vehicle the same amount of time, but trades up from a G1 to a G3 or G3 to G5. And so on.

So maybe there's hope afterall?
I suppose I was confused, for some reason I though it was a 10 speed from Honda; that being said, I relieved to hear that the current " 9 " speed was outsourced and is not a Honda product and now I have a revitalized approach to this new 10 speed especially since Honda is going to be designing this one.

I agree with you, I love AWD, especially this new revised version from Honda, because the last version was rather.... disappointing when it came to distribution and capability. I've already personally tested my RTL's AWD in some moderate snowy off roading and she preformed admirably. I have found that SAND mode was more helpful then other settings in certain conditions though, I think sand mode had the highest portion of power going to the rear tires and it allows up to 100% to go to a particular side. I also believe that there is a locking rear Diff in this mode.

That's an interesting point, I suppose if you think about it that is a possibility, but we have only had two generation to compare this too. It seems like and exceptional insight though! BUT, I'm keeping my hopes up, and I currently love my G2.
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It was great to read you're response "Silkiechicken". I'm glad to see that even people with your needs have still considered the Ridgeline, you mentioned the 10 speed and I'm concerned about gear hunting as well, but another user mentioned that many major companies like FORD are transitioning to this tier of tranny, and I feel that it should be something we shouldn't worry to much about because designing these are expensive and companies are going to put the time into this so that they aren't a total blow out, and notoriously Honda is a stud product MOST of the time. SO, lets keep our fingers crossed.
Thanks! And I would have to say, the RL is so far fitting right in with my lifestyle. A good compromise within one vehicle that I can take to work in the city and haul all the hobby farm items on the weekend.
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5. No Locking Tail Gate: I think that since this was a redesign on the Ridgeline that in that redesign they needed to include a locking tailgate. This is a HUGE thing for truck guys, considering sometimes they get covers for their bed and they keep certain valuables in their bed ( Hunting gear, Fishing gear, Tools, etc. ) This I think was a big failure on Honda's part. The Ridgeline needs a Locking Tail Gate. This is a must have for people with trucks. We use them for outdooring and work and other things that require equipment and we want to protect those things. Next year Ridgeline NEEDS a locking tailgate. I think that all owners can agree to this request. STILL A GREAT TRUCK THOUGH.
Call me crazy, but let's not forget that the RL has one thing that no other truck has in its bed... a locking trunk. I am gonna go out on a limb here and say that Honda chose not to put a lock in the tailgate because of that very feature... the engineers probably thought it to be overkill, as valuables would most-likely be put in that awesome LOCKING trunk. ;-)

Just my .02 worth.
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Call me crazy, but let's not forget that the RL has one thing that no other truck has in its bed... a locking trunk. I am gonna go out on a limb here and say that Honda chose not to put a lock in the tailgate because of that very feature... the engineers probably thought it to be overkill, as valuables would most-likely be put in that awesome LOCKING trunk. ;-)

Just my .02 worth.
I don't know the exact reason they don't offer a tailgate lock.
But I posted in another thread about the G1 Ridgeline OEM Tonneau cover.
It came with a Mickey Mouse type of key lock that although cheap and easily defeated did work. When locked it kept the tailgate from opening in either way.
I thought they should have improved on lock for G2 OEM cover.
I guess not worth effort or cost to develop with buyers going aftermarket covers and Ridgeline being a niche vehicle. It would have been nice for locking tailgate coming from Honda. As said with locking in-bed trunk they may think that's all that's needed.
About the automatic transmission: you should want the 10 speed. Perhaps not in the first model year. But overall a solid 10 speed automatic provides significant performance and gas mileage benefits. This is the reason why auto manufacturers are moving in this direction. And skip shifting is a good thing if the transmission is doing what's needed, and doing it smoothly. Ever drive manual transmission? There are definitely times when you would downshift from 5th to 3rd. Or, as an example, it makes perfect sense to skip a gear when you descending grade and need to accelerate. That doesn't mean the transmission is allowed to be abrupt or awkward, like the Pilot's 9 speed. What I'm saying is: if it's executed correctly we will likely love it. And the added weight will be handily balanced or more by the improvements in gas mileage and performance.

Please, though, no god-awful CVT!
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About the automatic transmission: you should want the 10 speed. Perhaps not in the first model year. But overall a solid 10 speed automatic provides significant performance and gas mileage benefits. This is the reason why auto manufacturers are moving in this direction. And skip shifting is a good thing if the transmission is doing what's needed, and doing it smoothly. Ever drive manual transmission? There are definitely times when you would downshift from 5th to 3rd. Or, as an example, it makes perfect sense to skip a gear when you descending grade and need to accelerate. That doesn't mean the transmission is allowed to be abrupt or awkward, like the Pilot's 9 speed. What I'm saying is: if it's executed correctly we will likely love it. And the added weight will be handily balanced or more by the improvements in gas mileage and performance.

Please, though, no god-awful CVT!
The 10at isnt specced to be any heavier.
We're looking for a new family vehicle since we're outgrowing our sedans. The things that are holding me back on the Ridgeline are the following
1) No locking tailgate
2) High cost entry for Honda Sensing

I just don't think $42k is something I'm willing to pay for at the moment when I look at the alternatives that has Sensing technologies at a lower price (Toyota Highlander, Tacoma, Hyundai Santa Fe).

I don't know when the 2018 model will be released but I just hope it is priced competitively.
I don't know when the 2018 model will be released but I just hope it is priced competitively.
Can guarantee it's not going to be any cheaper. The only alternative you list in the same target is Tacoma and there are lots of comparison opinions on the Tacoma vs Ridgeline.

I'm not sure why so many have the hangup on the locking tailgate. There are options for locking available now and really, is there any point in locking it unless you cover the big hole in the top. Then, whatever cover is installed could integrate a locking option if they wanted to.
C...
I'm not sure why so many have the hangup on the locking tailgate. There are options for locking available now and really, is there any point in locking it unless you cover the big hole in the top. Then, whatever cover is installed could integrate a locking option if they wanted to.
The reason to lock the tailgate has nothing to do with theft prevention. The non-locking, non-dampened tailgate in the Ridgeline is a safety hazard. A curious kid with prying hands could easily get a skull crushed from the falling gate. Or by a payload that is supported by or braced against the tailgate.

It should be lockable to prevent injury to children and those unfamiliar with how to operate it safely.
The reason to lock the tailgate has nothing to do with theft prevention. The non-locking, non-dampened tailgate in the Ridgeline is a safety hazard. A curious kid with prying hands could easily get a skull crushed from the falling gate. Or by a payload that is supported by or braced against the tailgate.

It should be lockable to prevent injury to children and those unfamiliar with how to operate it safely.
Never thought about that, but also don't have a crushed skull from playing on my dads old truck without a locking tailgate. lol.

However...maybe its just me and the 7/8 RL's I've tried opening tail gates of, but I find I need two hands to open it. One to pull the lever, one to open the gate. It's on average the stickiest tailgate I've seen on a truck... :|
Can guarantee it's not going to be any cheaper. The only alternative you list in the same target is Tacoma and there are lots of comparison opinions on the Tacoma vs Ridgeline.

I'm not sure why so many have the hangup on the locking tailgate. There are options for locking available now and really, is there any point in locking it unless you cover the big hole in the top. Then, whatever cover is installed could integrate a locking option if they wanted to.
What options are there to lock it? There are no aftermarket parts.
... The non-locking, non-dampened tailgate in the Ridgeline is a safety hazad. ...
Here's an interesting tidbit, did you know that in both the Gen1 and Gen2 Ridgelines, the tailgate latching system has a built-in helper spring that takes a little bit of the weight out of the tailgate as you open it in the traditional way: http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/...dgeline-general-comments-386.html#post1763289 It doesn't help as much as the dampened tailgates on the Ford, Chevy, and Toyota trucks but at least there's something inside the tailgate to help with the weight.
Text Diagram Line Technical drawing Font


So, maybe Honda can beef up that spring mechanism to provide a soft opening tailgate; granted, it wouldn't be the same things as a dampened tailgate, but it would have a similar effect. That would be a cool "2018 Essential," along with wider opening rear-doors of course (that pisses me off more than anything).
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Here's an interesting tidbit, did you know that in both the Gen1 and Gen2 Ridgelines, the tailgate latching system has a built-in helper spring that takes a little bit of the weight out of the tailgate as you open it in the traditional way:http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/...dgeline-general-comments-386.html#post1763289 It doesn't help as much as the dampened tailgates on the Ford and Chevy trucks, but at least there's something.

View attachment 283297

Good to know! Has anyone experimented with a beefier spring to improve dampening?

Edit: Oops, I see you added a similar question while I was composing. Seems like it should be possible....
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Another idea I had was to add a length of beefy shock cord material to the cable tether, to dampen the drop down.
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