[reh99876]

Anyone find they do more reverse than usual ?
I do !...and if I forward into a parking...I tend to overshot & then reverse. :grin:

I like using the camera to spot on parking ( avoid dings )
Using the dynamic camera to "perfect/even" park is a sight to compliment the RL ( OCD talking )

Already got the replacement T20 for the reverse on the way ( brighter LED that helps at night )

What is the T20 for reverse? I would certainly appreciate a clearer camera for my RL!

Bob

 

[jschwanke84]

Interesting post. As someone who recently shopped pretty much all mid and full size trucks, I will share my 2 cents as well for anyone interested. Just this week, after months of research and test driving, I purchased a 2016 Ram 1500. My search led me to the Ridgeline and the Ram, and ultimately the Ram was too good to pass up.

I was considering an RTS or RTL Ridgeline with AWD. Those trucks are getting off the lot for right around MSRP of $34-36k. The truck I purchased is a Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab Black Edition with the popular tech package and several other additional features. MSRP of $45k and I got out the door for just $31k. Manufacturer rebates and discounts for full size trucks are absolutely amazing and make these vehicles tremendous value buys.

Here are my thoughts on the 2017 Ridgeline vs the 2016 Ram 1500 using the same format as OP, plus an extra category for fuel economy. And just for background info, I do not plan on towing much right now (at least nothing the RL couldn't handle) but I do frequently need to haul quite a bit in the bed. I also commute 30 miles each way to work and back 5 days a week, mostly highway with some traffic.

1. Handling: I will start with the Ridgeline... it feels like driving a crossover, plain and simple. Feels nimble and doesn't roll much. The acceleration is just fine except when using econ mode, then it is almost painful. The steering wheel feel is average. The Ram 1500 is easily the best handling full size truck available, and I would say it is on par or better than all midsize as well. It has the usual body-on-frame truck skipping/bumping on occasion, but that is to be expected. The steering wheel feels better and not as loose. Winner: Tie

2. Comfort: The Ridgeline has more adjusting options for front seating whereas my Ram is simply front/back and recline. I found my feet a bit more comfortable on the Ridgeline after adjusting everything to my liking, but not by much. Where the Ram 1500 really shines is size. there is so much more space and the center console/armrest is much more comfortable. I also prefer the cushion and support of the Ram's seats over the RL. The backseats are almost identical. I bought a quad cab Ram and according to ratings it has just 1" less leg space in the back compared to the RL, but the rear doors also open much wider making it easier to load in/out and the seats fold up just like the RL. Add in that you can see much more of the road and your surroundings and the Ram starts to win here by a wide margin. Winner: Ram 1500

3. Parking: Surprisingly the Ridgeline really doesn't shine here and I think the seating position and how you are sort of seated down inside the truck is the main reason. The Ram 1500 is a wider, longer and much taller truck, but it doesn't feel like it when parking. In the Ram I can see my surroundings better and the backup camera functions just as well as the Ridgeline's. Ultimately this comes down to vision, and the Ram has the advantage despite being a larger truck. Winner: Ram 1500

4. Truck bed: This is the easiest call... the Ram 1500 wins. It has a much larger bed and a locking tailgate. The in-bed trunk on the Ridgeline is neat, but I don't ever feel a true need for it. Same with the swinging tailgate. Winner: Ram 1500

5. Electronics: The Ram 1500 offers all of the same electronic features as the Ridgeline. There really isn't much difference at all other than how things look and the systems installed. Winner: Tie

6. Towing and payload: The Ram 1500 offers close to double the towing and more hauling capability. This is of course no surprise as the Ridgeline brings up the rear in the midsize segment. The RL offers enough for me right now, but probably not for the years to come when I plan on purchasing some larger toys and a new boat. Winner: Ram 1500

7. Off road: My thinking here is similar to the original comparison with the F150... the Ridgeline would be better for light snow around the city, but the Ram will dominate all other conditions and heavier snow with a true 4x4 system with 4WD lock and low settings. Significantly better ground clearance (which was one of my biggest complaints with the RL) make this an easy choice. Winner: Ram 1500

8. Cost to buy and maintain: A lot is still unknown with the Ridgeline's maintenance, but it can be reasonably assumed that it will be cheaper to maintain than a full size 4x4 truck. As for purchase price and value, the Ram 1500 wins. Honda clearly has a different strategy with the Ridgeline, and that is fine, but you really cannot beat the value of a full size truck when you add in all of the manufacturer discounts and rebates. I got a bigger, more powerful, more comfortable truck with equal features for less money out the door. That should not be the case when comparing to a midsize. Winner: Tie

9. Fuel Economy: The Ridgeline is rated better, but all reviews and reports suggest that you pretty much need to be in econ mode at all times to achieve the high ratings, which is a bummer because the econ mode is just not fun. Regardless, I cannot argue that the RL wins here. Both trucks run on regular gas, and in mixed driving the Ram averages around 18 mpg while the Ridgeline gets about 21. Winner: Ridgeline

In the end the Ram 1500 just made more sense. It is a more comfortable, larger, equally or better equipped truck that drives just as well as the SUV based Ridgeline. I got a better price for a superior vehicle in my opinion, and I get the benefits of a true 4x4 system with more ground clearance, higher towing and payload ratings. All of this while only sacrificing a couple mpg's, which was the Ridgeline's only advantage after weighing everything out... I spent a long time making this decision, doing research, test driving every truck out there. I really liked the Ridgeline for what it is and wouldn't rule out owning one some day. But going with the Ram 1500 was an easy decision in the end.

As for other trucks on the market, the Ridgeline is by far my favorite in the midsize class. I love the look of the Tacoma but just didn't feel entirely comfortable driving it. Plus it is just so expensive. The GMC twins and the Nissan Frontier were both eliminated quickly for me for various reasons. The Ram 1500, in my opinion, is the best truck money can buy right now, full size or midsize.

 

[Rondo]

Hey Matt, thx for posting your thoughts on the comparison you did. It seemed to me that you were honest & straight forward where there could be no direct comparison, and that you were quite reasonable comparing the rest :smile:

 

[zroger73]

Some people are just born to be "truck" guys - they are aroused by loud mufflers, lots of cylinders, slinging mud, black smoke, occupying multiple parking spaces, and rattling teeth.
Some people have a perceived need for a large truck that can crawl over large rocks and get them as far off the road as possible.

For everyone else, there's a Honda Ridgeline.

 

[Jay1]

Hey Matt, you have opinions that don't validate my feelings. You must be a TROLL!

Truck debates are awesome! I own the First Gen, soon I will be needing a new truck and sadly wont be getting another Honda because it just isn't enough truck.

 

[Rondo]

Jschwanke84, thx for posting your comparison/thoughts:smile:

It sounds as though the Ridgeline is simply to small for your needs. I get that. In the past I needed and wanted only a full size Pickup. As we transition through life those needs and wants can change dramatically.

In retirement, I no longer require/desire a full size truck, but still like the everyday utility of a pickup. So that narrows my focus to a vehicle that's easy to enter/exit without climbing or contorting! ... and one that is easy to park in one easy motion :smile: With that in mind, only a midsize would do for me:wink: ... and in that category, IMO, the 2017 Ridgeline was/is unbeatable for roominess and comfort, etc., etc., ...

The Ram, the F-150, the Siverado, are all great trucks, ... but just too big & bulky for my daily needs. ... others certainly have different thoughts, that's why all the choices are marketed/available.:wink:

 

[longboat]

I am not sure why cost keeps coming up when people are comparing full-size to mid-size trucks.

A couple months back, someone on here made an excellent point regarding cost of a mid-size vs full-size. I am paraphrasing here, but it was something like "going into a convenience store and buying the $1.29 20oz soda instead of the $0.79 2-liter soda. The 2-liter is clearly the better buy. However, you don't need to drink that much soda, and the smaller one will fit in you cup holder, so you are willing to pay for the convenience".

If the mid-size will do all that you need, and fits in your garage, are you willing to pay for that convenience? For me, at least, cost and size are independent of each other.

 

[cdubculvy]

I think these comparisons are fair. I don't agree in every category but they are OPINIONS and as someone still considering an F-150 (leaning 95% RL tho), they are appreciated.

One comment I'd like to make is that I'm not sure how you beat the Ridgeline for ownership/maintenance costs. I just don't see Ford or Dodge winning here. The Ridgeline could end up being the worst vehicle Honda has made in the last 20 years and still come out on top. I say this because Honda beats the domestics in this category ALL THE TIME. So I'm just playing the numbers here. Just my humble, yet biased opinion!

 

[MrNewEngland]

I'm shocked that people seem down on the Colorado/Canyon. I recently drove one and I think GM/Chevy absolutely knocked it out of the park with that truck. Perfect size, I love the way they look, I love the way it drove, materials all felt great... they just nailed it.

Ultimately I went a very different direction and bought a Wrangler... but if I was going to get back into a pickup it would've been a Canyon/Colorado. I also drove a Tacoma and was very unimpressed. Felt cheap to me.

 

[TommyDeVito]

Interesting post. As someone who recently shopped pretty much all mid and full size trucks, I will share my 2 cents as well for anyone interested. Just this week, after months of research and test driving, I purchased a 2016 Ram 1500. My search led me to the Ridgeline and the Ram, and ultimately the Ram was too good to pass up.

I was considering an RTS or RTL Ridgeline with AWD. Those trucks are getting off the lot for right around MSRP of $34-36k. The truck I purchased is a Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab Black Edition with the popular tech package and several other additional features. MSRP of $45k and I got out the door for just $31k. Manufacturer rebates and discounts for full size trucks are absolutely amazing and make these vehicles tremendous value buys.

Here are my thoughts on the 2017 Ridgeline vs the 2016 Ram 1500 using the same format as OP, plus an extra category for fuel economy. And just for background info, I do not plan on towing much right now (at least nothing the RL couldn't handle) but I do frequently need to haul quite a bit in the bed. I also commute 30 miles each way to work and back 5 days a week, mostly highway with some traffic.

1. Handling: I will start with the Ridgeline... it feels like driving a crossover, plain and simple. Feels nimble and doesn't roll much. The acceleration is just fine except when using econ mode, then it is almost painful. The steering wheel feel is average. The Ram 1500 is easily the best handling full size truck available, and I would say it is on par or better than all midsize as well. It has the usual body-on-frame truck skipping/bumping on occasion, but that is to be expected. The steering wheel feels better and not as loose. Winner: Tie

2. Comfort: The Ridgeline has more adjusting options for front seating whereas my Ram is simply front/back and recline. I found my feet a bit more comfortable on the Ridgeline after adjusting everything to my liking, but not by much. Where the Ram 1500 really shines is size. there is so much more space and the center console/armrest is much more comfortable. I also prefer the cushion and support of the Ram's seats over the RL. The backseats are almost identical. I bought a quad cab Ram and according to ratings it has just 1" less leg space in the back compared to the RL, but the rear doors also open much wider making it easier to load in/out and the seats fold up just like the RL. Add in that you can see much more of the road and your surroundings and the Ram starts to win here by a wide margin. Winner: Ram 1500


3. Parking: Surprisingly the Ridgeline really doesn't shine here and I think the seating position and how you are sort of seated down inside the truck is the main reason. The Ram 1500 is a wider, longer and much taller truck, but it doesn't feel like it when parking. In the Ram I can see my surroundings better and the backup camera functions just as well as the Ridgeline's. Ultimately this comes down to vision, and the Ram has the advantage despite being a larger truck. Winner: Ram 1500

4. Truck bed: This is the easiest call... the Ram 1500 wins. It has a much larger bed and a locking tailgate. The in-bed trunk on the Ridgeline is neat, but I don't ever feel a true need for it. Same with the swinging tailgate. Winner: Ram 1500

5. Electronics: The Ram 1500 offers all of the same electronic features as the Ridgeline. There really isn't much difference at all other than how things look and the systems installed. Winner: Tie

6. Towing and payload: The Ram 1500 offers close to double the towing and more hauling capability. This is of course no surprise as the Ridgeline brings up the rear in the midsize segment. The RL offers enough for me right now, but probably not for the years to come when I plan on purchasing some larger toys and a new boat. Winner: Ram 1500

7. Off road: My thinking here is similar to the original comparison with the F150... the Ridgeline would be better for light snow around the city, but the Ram will dominate all other conditions and heavier snow with a true 4x4 system with 4WD lock and low settings. Significantly better ground clearance (which was one of my biggest complaints with the RL) make this an easy choice. Winner: Ram 1500

8. Cost to buy and maintain: A lot is still unknown with the Ridgeline's maintenance, but it can be reasonably assumed that it will be cheaper to maintain than a full size 4x4 truck. As for purchase price and value, the Ram 1500 wins. Honda clearly has a different strategy with the Ridgeline, and that is fine, but you really cannot beat the value of a full size truck when you add in all of the manufacturer discounts and rebates. I got a bigger, more powerful, more comfortable truck with equal features for less money out the door. That should not be the case when comparing to a midsize. Winner: Tie

9. Fuel Economy: The Ridgeline is rated better, but all reviews and reports suggest that you pretty much need to be in econ mode at all times to achieve the high ratings, which is a bummer because the econ mode is just not fun. Regardless, I cannot argue that the RL wins here. Both trucks run on regular gas, and in mixed driving the Ram averages around 18 mpg while the Ridgeline gets about 21. Winner: Ridgeline

In the end the Ram 1500 just made more sense. It is a more comfortable, larger, equally or better equipped truck that drives just as well as the SUV based Ridgeline. I got a better price for a superior vehicle in my opinion, and I get the benefits of a true 4x4 system with more ground clearance, higher towing and payload ratings. All of this while only sacrificing a couple mpg's, which was the Ridgeline's only advantage after weighing everything out... I spent a long time making this decision, doing research, test driving every truck out there. I really liked the Ridgeline for what it is and wouldn't rule out owning one some day. But going with the Ram 1500 was an easy decision in the end.

As for other trucks on the market, the Ridgeline is by far my favorite in the midsize class. I love the look of the Tacoma but just didn't feel entirely comfortable driving it. Plus it is just so expensive. The GMC twins and the Nissan Frontier were both eliminated quickly for me for various reasons. The Ram 1500, in my opinion, is the best truck money can buy right now, full size or midsize.

Can you give me the full model details of your Ram, packages, etc. That price it too hard to ignore. That is if I could find one around here for a similar price. With your comments, I will go out and drive it this weekend but I want to match your truck and packages. AWD or 4X4 is a requirement for me.

 

[Waterbugs]

I test drove the Ram 1500 also, I disagree in most of jsc's category's winners. But, what I find strange to myself, even with his descriptions, I came away with a different winner.

What some find as a positive feature, other find as a negative feature (winner - Captain obvious award).

I have a good set of requirements, for my needs, for my next truck. A full size truck is either not refined enough or too much over kill in my category's.

 

[matt_]

Because he's the social media manager for Ford? >

That is funny. Not true, but funny. Since I don't what to give out my name and address here, all I can say is look at my previous posts critical of Ford. If you check my old posts, you will see I was critical of some ridiculous claims on the mpg reports on the F150 2.7 L engine. I've never gotten above 20 mpg on any tank. My average is around 18 mpg in combined driving. From what I have read, the Ridgeline will do better than that on mileage. Some people are claiming to get close to 30 mpg in an F150, and that is impossible for me unless it is downhill with a tail wind.

If you'd like to hear something else I don't like about the F150 besides parking it, it is the auto start/stop "feature". When you come to a stop, the engine shuts off to conserve fuel. When the engine shuts off, so does the air conditioner. There is also a slight lag as the engine re-starts. It is not good for pulling out into traffic from a dead stop. Auto start/stop can be turned off by a button on the dash, but it is turned on by default with every key cycle. I never want it on because it sucks, so I have to remember to press the button to turn it off every time I go somewhere.

I also agree with the previous post that the Ford bounces and hops. The Ridgeline is a better driving experience and soaks up the bumps. It felt like a nimble car getting in and out of traffic compared to my F150.

It is just my opinions on both vehicles. It is my 2 cents worth (maybe less than 2 cents because I'm not getting any benefit from either Ford or Honda).

 

[DriveAllNight]

For what it's worth, a truck can lose in every category and still be the one you pick because driving it puts a smile on your face, and to me, that is a fair call.
But you don't have to bend the results to justify your purchase.
Hell, the fun to drive factor could be the only criteria and that would be valid.
And maybe, Matt wasn't trolling, but I stand by my comments that his comparisons were just too far skewed to be considered valid.
Opinions on the other hand are completely personal and anything goes.
I think most trucks have a place and a reason for purchasing, just depends on your needs.

 

[martyn1075]

I think most trucks have a place and a reason for purchasing, just depends on your needs.

They do and opinions change as we change. The truck we drive now may change entirely a few years down the road.

 

[Rondo]

... but, how do you think it compares to a 2017 Ridgeline?

Most folks would agree that the GM twins are nice trucks, I like em, .... but for some of us the cab is more difficult to enter/exit due to the vehicles height, and smaller cab door openings that require "head ducking" for access. IMO, The GMs are pretty trucks, but in "Ridgeline similar version", the crew cab short bed, has a smaller bed, rides rougher, and has narrow, less roomy cab, no rear a/c vents, etc., ... and is nearly the same length as a full size Silverado in similar configuration. So, not down on em, they just don't work for me, that's all

 

[NSIDER]

1. Handling: The Ram 1500 is easily the best handling full size truck available

Opinions are great, but handling isn't so subjective. It's easily defined with several standard maneuvers. And don't confuse "Ride" with "Handling".

As proven by many magazine tests, the Ram is actually the worst handling full-size. The GM's usually turn in the quickest slalom, followed by Ford, then Ram. So, not so fast on that one, fanboy. I will say the Ram *rides* the smoothest (based on my test drive experience) of the full-size, but at the cost load & towing capacity, which are the lowest of the full size .5T's.

You may also want to check out some NHTSA narrow off-set videos of the Ram. Anyone who loads their family into this thing needs a brain check. Very scary.

Fact is, the Ram has a nice, smooth ride, and not much else to brag about. I guess you could argue the cheap price is appealing, but the *value* is pretty poor.

But hey, that's just my $.02 opinion...

 

[bigbill25]

I'm shocked that people seem down on the Colorado/Canyon. I recently drove one and I think GM/Chevy absolutely knocked it out of the park with that truck. Perfect size, I love the way they look, I love the way it drove, materials all felt great... they just nailed it.

Ultimately I went a very different direction and bought a Wrangler... but if I was going to get back into a pickup it would've been a Canyon/Colorado. I also drove a Tacoma and was very unimpressed. Felt cheap to me.

I really want to check out the Coloroado as it seems a worthy option as far as features and ride go, but with it earning the big solid black dot of unreliability from Consumer Reports, I just can't.

 

[martyn1075]

Some people are just born to be "truck" guys - they are aroused by loud mufflers, lots of cylinders, slinging mud, black smoke, occupying multiple parking spaces, and rattling teeth.
Some people have a perceived need for a large truck that can crawl over large rocks and get them as far off the road as possible.

For everyone else, there's a Honda Ridgeline.

With a bit of budget you can still do that in a Ridgeline just not as well.

 

[CCDAstro]

Well there are going to be a lot of gen 2 RL owners so you might want to sell it and look for something more niche. :grin:

If that existed and if it met my needs. Right now, neither is true.

 

[willk58]

Interesting post. As someone who recently shopped pretty much all mid and full size trucks, I will share my 2 cents as well for anyone interested. Just this week, after months of research and test driving, I purchased a 2016 Ram 1500. My search led me to the Ridgeline and the Ram, and ultimately the Ram was too good to pass up.

I was considering an RTS or RTL Ridgeline with AWD. Those trucks are getting off the lot for right around MSRP of $34-36k. The truck I purchased is a Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab Black Edition with the popular tech package and several other additional features. MSRP of $45k and I got out the door for just $31k. Manufacturer rebates and discounts for full size trucks are absolutely amazing and make these vehicles tremendous value buys.

Here are my thoughts on the 2017 Ridgeline vs the 2016 Ram 1500 using the same format as OP, plus an extra category for fuel economy. And just for background info, I do not plan on towing much right now (at least nothing the RL couldn't handle) but I do frequently need to haul quite a bit in the bed. I also commute 30 miles each way to work and back 5 days a week, mostly highway with some traffic.

1. Handling: I will start with the Ridgeline... it feels like driving a crossover, plain and simple. Feels nimble and doesn't roll much. The acceleration is just fine except when using econ mode, then it is almost painful. The steering wheel feel is average. The Ram 1500 is easily the best handling full size truck available, and I would say it is on par or better than all midsize as well. It has the usual body-on-frame truck skipping/bumping on occasion, but that is to be expected. The steering wheel feels better and not as loose. Winner: Tie

2. Comfort: The Ridgeline has more adjusting options for front seating whereas my Ram is simply front/back and recline. I found my feet a bit more comfortable on the Ridgeline after adjusting everything to my liking, but not by much. Where the Ram 1500 really shines is size. there is so much more space and the center console/armrest is much more comfortable. I also prefer the cushion and support of the Ram's seats over the RL. The backseats are almost identical. I bought a quad cab Ram and according to ratings it has just 1" less leg space in the back compared to the RL, but the rear doors also open much wider making it easier to load in/out and the seats fold up just like the RL. Add in that you can see much more of the road and your surroundings and the Ram starts to win here by a wide margin. Winner: Ram 1500

3. Parking: Surprisingly the Ridgeline really doesn't shine here and I think the seating position and how you are sort of seated down inside the truck is the main reason. The Ram 1500 is a wider, longer and much taller truck, but it doesn't feel like it when parking. In the Ram I can see my surroundings better and the backup camera functions just as well as the Ridgeline's. Ultimately this comes down to vision, and the Ram has the advantage despite being a larger truck. Winner: Ram 1500

4. Truck bed: This is the easiest call... the Ram 1500 wins. It has a much larger bed and a locking tailgate. The in-bed trunk on the Ridgeline is neat, but I don't ever feel a true need for it. Same with the swinging tailgate. Winner: Ram 1500

5. Electronics: The Ram 1500 offers all of the same electronic features as the Ridgeline. There really isn't much difference at all other than how things look and the systems installed. Winner: Tie

6. Towing and payload: The Ram 1500 offers close to double the towing and more hauling capability. This is of course no surprise as the Ridgeline brings up the rear in the midsize segment. The RL offers enough for me right now, but probably not for the years to come when I plan on purchasing some larger toys and a new boat. Winner: Ram 1500

7. Off road: My thinking here is similar to the original comparison with the F150... the Ridgeline would be better for light snow around the city, but the Ram will dominate all other conditions and heavier snow with a true 4x4 system with 4WD lock and low settings. Significantly better ground clearance (which was one of my biggest complaints with the RL) make this an easy choice. Winner: Ram 1500

8. Cost to buy and maintain: A lot is still unknown with the Ridgeline's maintenance, but it can be reasonably assumed that it will be cheaper to maintain than a full size 4x4 truck. As for purchase price and value, the Ram 1500 wins. Honda clearly has a different strategy with the Ridgeline, and that is fine, but you really cannot beat the value of a full size truck when you add in all of the manufacturer discounts and rebates. I got a bigger, more powerful, more comfortable truck with equal features for less money out the door. That should not be the case when comparing to a midsize. Winner: Tie

9. Fuel Economy: The Ridgeline is rated better, but all reviews and reports suggest that you pretty much need to be in econ mode at all times to achieve the high ratings, which is a bummer because the econ mode is just not fun. Regardless, I cannot argue that the RL wins here. Both trucks run on regular gas, and in mixed driving the Ram averages around 18 mpg while the Ridgeline gets about 21. Winner: Ridgeline

In the end the Ram 1500 just made more sense. It is a more comfortable, larger, equally or better equipped truck that drives just as well as the SUV based Ridgeline. I got a better price for a superior vehicle in my opinion, and I get the benefits of a true 4x4 system with more ground clearance, higher towing and payload ratings. All of this while only sacrificing a couple mpg's, which was the Ridgeline's only advantage after weighing everything out... I spent a long time making this decision, doing research, test driving every truck out there. I really liked the Ridgeline for what it is and wouldn't rule out owning one some day. But going with the Ram 1500 was an easy decision in the end.

As for other trucks on the market, the Ridgeline is by far my favorite in the midsize class. I love the look of the Tacoma but just didn't feel entirely comfortable driving it. Plus it is just so expensive. The GMC twins and the Nissan Frontier were both eliminated quickly for me for various reasons. The Ram 1500, in my opinion, is the best truck money can buy right now, full size or midsize.

I traded in a 2015 Ram 1500 quad cab. Nice truck but no way it matches the RL in the handling dept. The RAM steering is slow. I used to hang on to the center console when I made a turn because it leaned so much. It did have a nice quiet ride. The rear seatback was upright and very uncomfortable for passengers. Parking and even driving around parking lots was a chore. Really hard to judge where front corners were. Freeway driving was great. Both good trucks. I did not need the larger size and towing. Some people do. I liked the RAM ride better than the Ford F150 when I was shopping. The Laramie version I bought made the F150 interior seem plain and boring. I miss the interior and slightly better ride but I don't regret my decision to get the RL. The RL is funner and easier to drive.