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Introduction - Probably going to purchase RTL-E soon

1068 Views 14 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  HyperPete
Greetings! I found this forum while searching for details about the new 2017 Ridgeline. I presently drive a 2005 Subaru Outback Wagon with a 3.0 Liter 6 Cylinder engine. It strains to tow my enclosed 6 X 12 vee-nosed enclosed motorcycle trailer.

The Subaru only averages 18 MPG when not towing, and when towing it drops to under 10 MPG. I've only owned it a couple of years, and I don't enjoy it at all.

The car I owned before that was a 2001 Accord V6 EX. It went 130,000 miles and was still going strong when I sold it for the Outback for towing purposes.

I would prefer to purchase a Sedan, but I require something that can tow my trailer. I expect the fully loaded weight to be under 3500 pounds. I am debating AWD vs. FWD.

Is there enough difference in fuel economy to justify front wheel drive only? The specs only show 1 MPG combined difference, and the higher towing capacity is desirable for 1 MPG difference. If, in fact, it's a much larger difference, then perhaps it would be worth it to go FWD. I never plan to take the truck off-road, and if there is too much snow for me to drive here in South-Central PA with FWD then I will just stay home!

I'm watching the thread about issues with the new Gen 2, so far it seems that they are all pretty minor. I am considering purchasing as early as next month. I like the RTL-E, and would probably add some options such as the fender flares, hard tonneau cover, and running boards.

I'm also considering the expanded view mirrors; can anyone comment on whether they will suffice for towing a 6 foot wide trailer, or if I'll need towing mirrors anyway? Is the Hood Air Deflector high quality, or should I go aftermarket for that? How is the LED lighting; I've gotten used to HID headlights on my other vehicles.

Are the seat covers for the rear seat worth the cost, and are there any available for the front seats? (My dog's nails have ruined the leather interior on the Subaru; I want to prevent this on my new Ridgeline!)

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide. I'm certain I'll have more before I purchase. Now it's time for me to go search the forum for answers to some of my questions.

Cheers!

Pete
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I would prefer to purchase a Sedan, but I require something that can tow my trailer. I expect the fully loaded weight to be under 3500 pounds.
Sounds like the 2017 Ridgeline was made for you.

How is the LED lighting; I've gotten used to HID headlights on my other vehicles.
Bright. I have been getting flashed frequently by oncoming traffic. My headlight aim is set exactly to factory specs. I suspect most people would have a difficult time distinguishing between HIDs and LEDs unless they watched them start up. LEDs are instant-on to full brightness. HIDs typically take a few seconds to reach their reach their proper color temperature and brightness, although this has improved over the years.
Sounds like the 2017 Ridgeline was made for you.
Thank you for the reply!
Agreed. I like the fact that it's unibody and has independent suspension. I look forward to test driving one soon.


Bright. I have been getting flashed frequently by oncoming traffic. My headlight aim is set exactly to factory specs. I suspect most people would have a difficult time distinguishing between HIDs and LEDs unless they watched them start up. LEDs are instant-on to full brightness. HIDs typically take a few seconds to reach their reach their proper color temperature and brightness, although this has improved over the years.
I put LEDs in one of my motorcycles, and I found it not to project as well as the HIDs on high beams. Now, the reflector was not designed for LED lighting, and that may have a lot to do with it, but I also thought I read that only the low beam was LED, and the high beam was halogen. Is that true? If so, it's a disappointment. If it's the case, can anyone tell me the bulb number for the halogen high beams? I would likely replace them with LED or HID bulbs.

BTW, I see you went with White / Black. That's the same color scheme I plan to purchase.
I'm watching the thread about issues with the new Gen 2, so far it seems that they are all pretty minor. I am considering purchasing as early as next month. I like the RTL-E, and would probably add some options such as the fender flares, hard tonneau cover, and running boards.

I'm also considering the expanded view mirrors; can anyone comment on whether they will suffice for towing a 6 foot wide trailer, or if I'll need towing mirrors anyway? Is the Hood Air Deflector high quality, or should I go aftermarket for that? How is the LED lighting; I've gotten used to HID headlights on my other vehicles.


New RL owner - less than one week. I went with the RTL-E (Forest Mist) because I wanted the tech features, rear sliding window and moon roof, primarily. Very happy with the purchase so far.
I will leave others to respond to most of your questions, but I had the door bumper guards and the air/bug deflector installed at the dealership this morning (both things I probably could have done myself, but taking a trip today and wanted them on in a hurry). I chose the NON-low profile air deflector (i.e. typical air deflector that stands up a couple of inches). The LOW profile deflector was installed on a showroom RL and looking at it I was concerned that over time sand/grit would be trapped between the deflector and the hood paint (it appears to attach directly flat against the hood) and would eventually result in paint damage. The one I had installed appears to be of very high quality and looks good, as do the paint-matched door bumpers. Hope this helps.
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The LOW profile deflector was installed on a showroom RL and looking at it I was concerned that over time sand/grit would be trapped between the deflector and the hood paint (it appears to attach directly flat against the hood) and would eventually result in paint damage. The one I had installed appears to be of very high quality and looks good, as do the paint-matched door bumpers. Hope this helps.
Thank you, yes, this is helpful! :act035:
I also thought I read that only the low beam was LED, and the high beam was halogen. Is that true? If it's the case, can anyone tell me the bulb number for the halogen high beams?

BTW, I see you went with White / Black. That's the same color scheme I plan to purchase.
Low beam = LED
High beam = HB3

My primary/daily drivers have been:

Black = 5 (my favorite, but requires more upkeep than I have time for and reveals scratches too easily)
White = 4 (my second favorite as long as it's metallic/pearl)
Silver = 2 (safe and boring)
Gray = 2 (boring)
Green = 2 (it used to be popular)
Red = 1 (sporty)
Purple = 1 (what was I thinking?)

I think white/beige is the most luxurious combination, but I've had trouble with dye in blue jeans transferring to beige leather. I can't stand gray interior (see reasons for exterior above). So, white/black it is!
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Thanks for the headlight information!

I owned a black motorcycle with blue sparkles in the paint - it looked great, but showed every mark, every water spot, all of the dust and pollen, and it swirled from waxing too easily. If it was not such a pain to maintain, I would be ordering the black edition. I really like that black/red interior.

White does not show dirt as readily as darker colors, and I just feel that a black interior looks cool. My last black interior was in my (silver) 1976 Celica. OK, I'm dating myself...

My Accord was silver\gray. Yes, very boring combination, but I rarely got a moving violation either!
Welcome to the ROC.

We have an RTL-E in white with the black interior and LOVE IT.

Put on a clear bra, tinted the front windows, added splash guards and door protectors...

Traded in a '16 Tacoma Ltd for it and couldn't be happier!
Thanks for the welcome! I had not considered a clear bra; great idea!
Thanks for the welcome! I had not considered a clear bra; great idea!
A good one is worth it's weight in gold from rock dings, not to mention the lack of cutting the tops of one's fingers while wiping the hood down!:grin:

Have put them on my last several vehicles and love them! (don't go cheap, tho...).
A good one is worth it's weight in gold from rock dings, not to mention the lack of cutting the tops of one's fingers while wiping the hood down!:grin:

Have put them on my last several vehicles and love them! (don't go cheap, tho...).
It's Dupont that makes the good ones, isn't it? Do you have a link to a site for the product? Thanks in advance!
It's Dupont that makes the good ones, isn't it? Do you have a link to a site for the product? Thanks in advance!
This time, on mine, the installer put on the new 3M pro series:

Protect your vehicle's paint with Scotchgard? Pro Series Paint Protection Film

Said he really liked it. He gave me a 'lifetime' warranty (his regular series, not the 3M pro, only has a 1 year warranty), and will repair or replace for any reason (probably not for a vehicle collision issue, though...)

You will get all sorts of opinions about this. My research showed several decent ones, besides 3M, out there. It's the installer that makes the biggest difference, IMHO.
This time, on mine, the installer put on the new 3M pro series:

Protect your vehicle's paint with Scotchgard? Pro Series Paint Protection Film

Said he really liked it. He gave me a 'lifetime' warranty (his regular series, not the 3M pro, only has a 1 year warranty), and will repair or replace for any reason (probably not for a vehicle collision issue, though...)

You will get all sorts of opinions about this. My research showed several decent ones, besides 3M, out there. It's the installer that makes the biggest difference, IMHO.
Thank you. :grin: I'll look into it in my area.
Welcome to the ROC! Good luck shopping for your G2!
Welcome to the ROC! Good luck shopping for your G2!
Thanks for the welcome!
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