The frame will get in your way regardless if it's a FWD or AWD version for the rear-end bits are beneath the frame's crossmembers. The Gen2 spare tire tray area sits right on top of the frame's cross members.
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Unused space in 2wd versions?
I am wondering if anyone has (or can take) some pictures of the underside of the bed area in a 2wd GenII?
Basically, I am curious what the space looks like (on the 2wd versions) that would occupied by the rear differential on the AWD versions. . . .
Could the space be used to store the spare (with some custom work of course)?
Could a trunk be modified to take over that space as well?
Larger fuel tank?
Etc, etc, etc.
Thanks!
Basically, I am curious what the space looks like (on the 2wd versions) that would occupied by the rear differential on the AWD versions. . . .
Could the space be used to store the spare (with some custom work of course)?
Could a trunk be modified to take over that space as well?
Larger fuel tank?
Etc, etc, etc.
Thanks!
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I've wondered why the Pilot has dual exhaust and the RL (with various Pilot components) does not. Is lack of room because of the upgraded differential part of the reason?I am wondering if anyone has (or can take) some pictures of the underside of the bed area in a 2wd GenII?
Basically, I am curious what the space looks like (on the 2wd versions) that would occupied by the rear differential on the AWD versions. . . .
Could the space be used to store the spare (with some custom work of course)?
Could a trunk be modified to take over that space as well?
Larger fuel tank?
Etc, etc, etc.
Thanks!
From what I've gathered, I don't think the 2016 Pilot --from which the 2017 Ridgeline is based-- has dual exhaust.I've wondered why the Pilot has dual exhaust and the RL (with various Pilot components) does not. Is lack of room because of the upgraded differential part of the reason?
Ah... OK. I just know I've followed a few Pilots and seen them... and they look good... and was disappointed my RL didn't follow suit.From what I've gathered, I don't think the 2016 Pilot --from which the 2017 Ridgeline is based-- has dual exhaust.
Honda went through a brief period where they had the great idea to not emphasize the exhaust pipes to appear "more green" as a company. This affected some '15-16 models, like the current Pilot, the TLX, and the MDX. Customers didn't exactly appreciate the hidden pipes, especially on the sportier models, so that's why you see the exhaust tips getting phased back in. However, it's doubtful it would have ever been the plan (dual tips) for the RL, as it's not considered a "sporty" model.
McChizzle,
Thanks for the picture of the naked bed on the GenII. I agree that the frame crossmember and suspension components bolted to it would make it impractical to expand the trunk into the space. . .
If one is willing to crawl under the truck I would imagine that the spare tire could probably be tucked up in front of the cross member using some sort of ratchet straps and either existing latching spots or some added hooks. Not real practical but for someone like me who hauls tools around for a living it might be a good trade off for gaining the extra storage in the trunk. I personally wouldn't want to have the spare in the bed as I use it for materials very frequently.
That space also might be useful for Honda to install battery packs if and when they do a hybrid. That said, they might need that space if they went with a single electric motor powering both rear wheels. . .
If and when I ever decided to go with a GenII, it would be a hard choice for me to decide to go 2wd instead of AWD but I was just toying around with some possible outside the box perks. . . .
Thanks for the picture of the naked bed on the GenII. I agree that the frame crossmember and suspension components bolted to it would make it impractical to expand the trunk into the space. . .
If one is willing to crawl under the truck I would imagine that the spare tire could probably be tucked up in front of the cross member using some sort of ratchet straps and either existing latching spots or some added hooks. Not real practical but for someone like me who hauls tools around for a living it might be a good trade off for gaining the extra storage in the trunk. I personally wouldn't want to have the spare in the bed as I use it for materials very frequently.
That space also might be useful for Honda to install battery packs if and when they do a hybrid. That said, they might need that space if they went with a single electric motor powering both rear wheels. . .
If and when I ever decided to go with a GenII, it would be a hard choice for me to decide to go 2wd instead of AWD but I was just toying around with some possible outside the box perks. . . .
If one is willing to crawl under the truck I would imagine that the spare tire could probably be tucked up in front of the cross member using some sort of ratchet straps and either existing latching spots or some added hooks. Not real practical but for someone like me who hauls tools around for a living it might be a good trade off for gaining the extra storage in the trunk. I personally wouldn't want to have the spare in the bed as I use it for materials very frequently.
The start of this video gives a pretty good hint of what goes on under there
You Tube
If one is willing to crawl under the truck I would imagine that the spare tire could probably be tucked up in front of the cross member using some sort of ratchet straps and either existing latching spots or some added hooks. Not real practical but for someone like me who hauls tools around for a living it might be a good trade off for gaining the extra storage in the trunk. I personally wouldn't want to have the spare in the bed as I use it for materials very frequently.
The start of this video gives a pretty good hint of what goes on under there
You Tube
Heh... watching that video I learned something new. There are two positions for the hood support... one opens that sucker way up. Was that posted already and I missed it?
That's a perfect video for this thread "SK17touring!" What a great view of the underside of a FWD version of a Gen2. After scrutinizing the video, you may be able to put a skinny temporary tire (donut) in front and to the left of the gas tank (under the driver's seat). The reason I say skinny is due to the ground clearance, which is 7.3 inches for the FWD model. A full-size spare would be quite a bit thicker/wider (at 245/60) than a donut (at 165/90) and would probably catch on speed bumps and road debris, given it would even clear the ground to begin with.
I like your thinking "eurban." I think your best bet is to either trust the improvements made over the years with "donut" technology, mount a full-size spare in the alternate mounting location up against the left-front bed wall and use the spare tire try as tool storage, or invest in some run-flat tires.
![Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive wheel system Rim Car]()
I like your thinking "eurban." I think your best bet is to either trust the improvements made over the years with "donut" technology, mount a full-size spare in the alternate mounting location up against the left-front bed wall and use the spare tire try as tool storage, or invest in some run-flat tires.
... or consider some type of bed mounted tool box or hard-core cover......I think your best bet is to either trust the improvements made over the years with "donut" technology, mount a full-size spare in the alternate mounting location up against the left-front bed wall and use the spare tire try as tool storage, or invest in some run-flat tires.
View attachment 283577
Bed tool boxes are difficult to access, use valuable bed space and are a magnet for thieves. In general I have found the typical BOF pickup to be poorly suited to hauling valuable tools on a daily basis. I also find the bed covers to get in the way too often when I am carrying bulkier supplies in the bed.
Putting the spare tire in the bed in the "approved" spot is not really not a good option is it interferes (particularly) with the ability to haul sheetgoods.
I have lived with the combination of 2/3 of the rear seat area (for bulkier and job specific tools / supplies) and the under bed trunk for 10 years of construction work. I have paired down my daily use tools to those that will fit in the trunk and my tools always stay safe, dry and easy to access. I have run without a spare tire for a while to gain the extra space (which is even larger on GenI since it is big enough for a full size spare) but have recently returned to keeping the OEM spare in place with a few thinner items stored on top. Of course my brain is always trying to figure out new ways to carry more stuff without compromises that I don't want. For instance, shoving a spare tire that I might need once every 5 years up and under the truck (maybe put it in tough plastic bag?) would probably be worth the inconvenient access. . . .
From the video it is clear that FWD versions are essentially identical body / frame wise to the AWD versions and that there is no attempt by Honda to take any advantage of the unused space. This certainly makes sense from a keep your costs down approach.
Putting the spare tire in the bed in the "approved" spot is not really not a good option is it interferes (particularly) with the ability to haul sheetgoods.
I have lived with the combination of 2/3 of the rear seat area (for bulkier and job specific tools / supplies) and the under bed trunk for 10 years of construction work. I have paired down my daily use tools to those that will fit in the trunk and my tools always stay safe, dry and easy to access. I have run without a spare tire for a while to gain the extra space (which is even larger on GenI since it is big enough for a full size spare) but have recently returned to keeping the OEM spare in place with a few thinner items stored on top. Of course my brain is always trying to figure out new ways to carry more stuff without compromises that I don't want. For instance, shoving a spare tire that I might need once every 5 years up and under the truck (maybe put it in tough plastic bag?) would probably be worth the inconvenient access. . . .
From the video it is clear that FWD versions are essentially identical body / frame wise to the AWD versions and that there is no attempt by Honda to take any advantage of the unused space. This certainly makes sense from a keep your costs down approach.
You could dump the spare tire all together and invest in a really good tire inflation kit. My 2015 Dodge Challenger did not come with a spare but a good tire inflation kit with a special sealant. If you end up slicing your tire, all bets are off with this sort of solution; only a spare tire can help you in those situations.
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I have a good inflater and tire plug kit. I get nails occasionally and have plugged my tire with the truck jacked up but the wheel still on. I don't trust the plug from the outside kits for long term so I will later take the tire over to the local garage for an inside plug. As you say, a side wall gash leaves you SOL. . .
I understand your thoughts both on tool boxes being a "magnet for thieves" and bed covers "get in the way too often". As a new G2 RL owner and sort-of part time 'contractor', I have been racking my brain and scouring the Internet looking for 'tool hauling' options since I got my RL last summer. Sounds like you have much more experience than I in both hauling of tools and in finding a suitable way to carry them on a daily basis. I had considering fabricating some type of 'tool box' to take up part of the back seat area, but the limited door opening width of the G2 doesn't make that very usable. My hold out for now is the DiamondBack SE cover, which several owners in the ROC have installed (UnicornKaz and RoadRdr, for example) and several others, like me, are leaning that direction. With front/rear lids that are easily removable (i.e. you could leave one or both off for a day, if needed), that cover gets about as close as I have found to a 'secure' solution... but of course... nothing is ideal. And DiamondBack does not offer their 270 model with 'gull wing' doors on the front for the Ridgeline, which is what I really want. Which leaves gull wing tool boxes, which as you said, can attract unwanted attention. If you find other options that you think would work well for tool carrying and storage (some of which like table and miter saws will not fit in the trunk), I'd love to hear about those options.Bed tool boxes are difficult to access, use valuable bed space and are a magnet for thieves. In general I have found the typical BOF pickup to be poorly suited to hauling valuable tools on a daily basis. I also find the bed covers to get in the way too often when I am carrying bulkier supplies in the bed.
...
I have lived with the combination of 2/3 of the rear seat area (for bulkier and job specific tools / supplies) and the under bed trunk for 10 years of construction work. I have paired down my daily use tools to those that will fit in the trunk and my tools always stay safe, dry and easy to access...
Meanwhile you might check out a couple of threads/posts here - primarily focused on storage ideas and pros/cons related to the DiamondBack products, but also somewhat related to more general 'storage' ideas:
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/169-2g-accessories-performance-parts-modifications/161865-front-bed-storage-units-under-covers.html#post2368433
Bed Covers thread - Link1:http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/169-2g-accessories-performance-parts-modifications/134849-aftermarket-tonneau-covers-who-has-them-out-109.html#post2384673
Bed Covers thread - Link2:http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/169-2g-accessories-performance-parts-modifications/134849-aftermarket-tonneau-covers-who-has-them-out-86.html#post2354474
@PhatDaddy, if you can get Leer or ARE to build you a cap with flip-up locking side windows, that might be the best "contractor" option. Tint the windows, install tailgate lock, and fill bed with totes to keep your gear separated. Another option is to build your own bed organizer if you have the woodworking tools.
I get that, and you may be right. But I would have a hard time removing a cap quickly and by myself whereas I think I can handle a cover myself, especially one with removable parts (coverlids). And my goal is more 'stealth tool storage' than 'obvious contractor truck', so I think something below the level of the top of the bed is where I want to be. Eurban sounds like he has found a way to store what he needs pretty much WITHIN the confines of the OEM lockable compartments of the truck. I guess I haven't yet, and I DO use the whole bed on occasion. What is unclear (because I have never had a cover or cap on top) is would a cover (or cap) be too confining and cramp my current style of using my bed (i.e. maybe I use it now in ways I never really think about). As an example, it just hit me over this weekend that I put the tailgate down on my truck a LOT, for various reasons. So that makes me think about... do I want to install a cover (same would apply to a cap) that REQUIRES me to open the cover EVERY time in order to swing/lower the tailgate? Guess I will keep on thinking on this for awhile... and keep asking others (especially those that have used this or other trucks for similar purposes, which I have not) what THEY are doing with theirs.@PhatDaddy, if you can get Leer or ARE to build you a cap with flip-up locking side windows, that might be the best "contractor" option. Tint the windows, install tailgate lock, and fill bed with totes to keep your gear separated. Another option is to build your own bed organizer if you have the woodworking tools.
@PhatDaddy, gotcha!
I've been following the tonneau thread as well. Sounds like the Peragon might be another option. I understand it can be removed in under a minute and tossed under the back seat, whereas the DB may take ten minutes or so to remove the center rail? But with Peragon, you lose some storage in the front (and less capacity up top), so DB has better access and utility. Seems nobody makes a perfect tonneau.
I've been following the tonneau thread as well. Sounds like the Peragon might be another option. I understand it can be removed in under a minute and tossed under the back seat, whereas the DB may take ten minutes or so to remove the center rail? But with Peragon, you lose some storage in the front (and less capacity up top), so DB has better access and utility. Seems nobody makes a perfect tonneau.
I'm curious "eurban", what's you opinion of the RamBox® system as it relates to your needs? I've been on the fence about that setup but like the idea if I ever had to move up to a full-size truck.
McChizzle, you weren't asking me, but I'm going to chime in anyway... I think it is awesome! And have since it came out in 2009! If something like that had been offered on the Ridgeline, as long as it left 48 1/2" between the bed sides (at least for say a foot above the floor) I would have paid... I don't know... say $1500 more to have it. That is EXACTLY what I would like to have. But NOT on a full size truck. Tried that with an F150 (super crew)... just too big/long. I have looked high and low for something similar (typically referred to as 'low profile side boxes' or 'pork chop boxes', but none are short enough (would need to be about 30") to allow full access to the trunk. I've even considered buying a 60" long low profile side box, have a metal shop cut it in half at 30 inches and then fabricate new ends for the cut box and lid ends. But it still would not have the 'built-in' and TOTALLY low profile (i.e. 'flush') look of the RamBox.I'm curious "eurban", what's you opinion of the RamBox® system as it relates to your needs? I've been on the fence about that setup but like the idea if I ever had to move up to a full-size truck.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O0j5eoS5s4
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