[John32070]

Had surgery last week (hernia) and it's hard getting in and out and I noticed yesterday my 07 doesn't have a grab handle on the driver's side but does on the passenger side. Why is that? My wife's Kia has grab handles above all 4 doors.

 

[chisoxjim]

I agree, in my opinion that is the biggest thing missing from the RL.

I dont need it for getting in and out of the truck, or washing the truck, but for something to grab onto when going over rough terrain.

 

[25 Year Honda Owner]

Had surgery last week (hernia) and it's hard getting in and out and I noticed yesterday my 07 doesn't have a grab handle on the driver's side but does on the passenger side. Why is that? My wife's Kia has grab handles above all 4 doors.

Same question popped into my mind Monday while washing the RL.
As you well know the RL is not easy to wash or to even clean the windshield. The grab handle on the passenger side makes it much easier to stand on the threshold and hold on to the grab handle. Same configuation would be nice on the drivers side!

 

[larryr]

I believe that Honda thinks you can grab the steering wheel on the drivers side to assist getting in. I think that is a mistake. The drivers side does need a grab handle too.

 

[John32070]

I was just thinking, what happens to the passenger grab handle when the side airbag deploys? Or are the bags even on the corner posts where airbag stamp is?

 

[Smokin Ace]

It would only make sense to have one of all four doors but it seems they missed it here. I will let this one go though since they have given us so many other wonderful items to be impressed with.

 

[MikeT]

Kevin Thulene (Current Ridgeline Project Lead as of the 2007 Meet) stated that the reason the grab handle was not put on the drivers side was that it would be in the drivers line of sight when driving. When I questioned why that would be when the passenger side doesn't affect my outward vision when I ride on the side, he stated that they looked at putting one in but decided not to due to driver safety (Line of sight would be reduced).

 

[r-squared]

I had one on a 2002 Dakota and it was in the way when making a left turn. The pillar alone could obscure a pedestrian crossing the street, but with the handle you sort-of had to shift forward and back in the seat to see at times.

 

[Cobra]

I agree. My Toyota pickup has a driver's side - haven't noticed that it impedes sight. It would help 'lifting' yourself to avoid repeated sliding over the seat bolster so I just grab the pillar.

 

[RTXGuy]

I see how it can block our vision but why not have one on the ceiling?

 

[Rodek]

Could it have been a cost saving measure? Kinda like the stock radio not being able to play MP3 files?

 

[redjww]

It's to deter your wife from driving your RL. Yea.

 

[Smokin Ace]

It's to deter your wife from driving your RL. Yea.

You let your wife in your truck?! We must teach you that the truck is for you, your dog (Mans best friend), and your liquor of choice. Everyone else gets to ride in the bed. LOL

 

[redjww]

SMOKIN ACE, Your alright, my kind'a guy.

 

[Mr Bigs]

I see how it can block our vision but why not have one on the ceiling?

The big door handle adds assist.

 

[Rodek]

How bout a retractable handle like in the Civic?

 

[mugen1]

I see how it can block our vision but why not have one on the ceiling?

That's where the side impact air bag deploys. A handle there would not be possible.

 

[kanji]

They should have decided to investigate on putting a retractable type grab handle similar to Audi/VW Grab handle, when not in use it retracts up to the roof line by folding. This will be very useful and folds out of the way when not in use and prevents any hinderence blocking line of sight.

 

[zroger73]

I dont need it for getting in and out of the truck, or washing the truck, but for something to grab onto when going over rough terrain.

Oh, dear! I would hope that you're holding on tightly to the steering wheel if you're going over rough terrain!