Thanks for stopping by my RU-vid channel. I haven't narrowed a specific direction or topic, so my videos may seem “random”. You may see some product reviews, you may see some videos related to building my log home, you may see some motorcycle content, or maybe it’s just something cool that I’d like to share. As my channel evolves, it may take on a more narrow direction (or maybe it won’t), but for now, enjoy the random content. Thx for watching.
Hi Joe! Thank you for sharing this video. I have been interested in a Ridgeline for about 2 years now, but my wife has been reluctant to move from a full size truck to the smaller mid-sized offerings, mainly because of her perception of the larger cabin spaces in the full size models. Aside from that, with you admitting to averaging 18-19 MPG, we have a 2016 F-150 with the 2.7 EcoBoost that had after market wheels and tires (BFGoodrich KO2) and still gets close to 20 MPG and even as much as 24 MPG on a trip from California to Texas (turbos work great in the high altitude). We also have the ability to tow approximately 8800 lbs and the interior space, especially in the rear seat allows for more payload inside the truck. With that in mind, what are the compelling reasons for going to the Ridgeline if you can get similar MPG out of the smaller V6 in the F-150? I'm guessing the fit and finish...maybe other options...might be better in the Ridgeline, but I wanted to get your honest opinion on whether it would make sense to move from the F-150 to the Ridgeline. Thanks!
I was pushed into the decision due to the transmission failing on my Silverado. But that truck was a v8 and I was only getting 14 mpg city.. so getting 19mpg in the ridgeline feels like a good improvement to me. I've noticed my mpgs are getting slightly better as I drive it more. I think I'm probably getting closer to 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. As for other reasons.. I definitely feel like the fit/finish is better on the Honda than my Silverado. The ride is much more comfortable. It just feels better on the road. Its easier to park if you find yourself in the city a lot (i do). Honestly, I just find it to be a more comfortable ride overall. The only down side to me is the lower tow capacity, but that really doesn't effect me much as I never towed that much in my Silverado either. I'd suggest just taking a test drive. That'll give you a better idea if its the right truck for you.
I was forced into a new truck purchase when my transmission died on my silverado, but I'm very pleased with this purchase. Its a very nice truck. Good luck with your decision. I think if you take a test drive it'll help you decide. Thanks for watching.
I have one and I got it in 2021. I most use it for making trails and cutting firewood for the winter heating about 7 cords a year plus anything that comes up. I like it alot I have about 200 hours on it no problems at all
I'm coming up on 100 hours on mine now. I initially used it for site work after I built my log home, but now I mostly use it mostly for mowing about 1.5 acres and some other random tractor duties that come up. And its also been great in the winter for snow removal. Its been a great purchase tho. Its the perfect tractor for my situation.
How is it in the snow? I currently have a CRV, and the CRV seems good in the snow, so I'm guessing the Ridgeline is either similar, if not better. I'm looking to upgrade or upsize, either the Passport or this Ridgeline from Honda; vs the Tacoma, or 4Runner from Toyota. Basically V6, 4x4 or AWD, midsized SUV or pickup. I'm no stranger to Honda and Toyota. I don't off-road, and I don't tow. Looking to have more cargo room, passenger space, and horsepower (especially with gear, luggage, bicycles, etc) when traveling to the Poconos Mountains area, then what I have now with the CRV. I do work maintenance for a hospital; so I can't stay home, or work from home, during inclement weather; so AWD or 4x4 is important.
I've only had it for 2 months at this point so I haven't gone thru a winter with it yet, but everything I've read during my research says it'll do well in the snow. Maybe that'll be another video when winter rolls around.
@@randomstuffwithjoe thank you for answering. I use to have a Tacoma from the 90's, might have been still called Toyota P/U, used; with a 4 cyl, 4x4; power nothing except brakes, and steering; and had to manually roll down windows, to physically adjust mirrors; 4x4 worked great in the snow; but I wasn't a fan of the bouncing around, of typical pickup trucks. I've had SUV's, since; like my current CRV (2012 Honda CRV EXL with AWD). However if modern pickup trucks, like Tacoma have changed, I'm willing to consider it, or this Ridgeline. People (reviewers) say the Ridgeline, is a comfortable ride, similar to Passport, and Pilot. Has this been your opinion also, or more like a traditional pickup? I haven't driven, or test driven one yet.
@@jeffreybischoff6772 I find it to be more comfortable as a daily driver. It doesn't have the body roll that most other p/u trucks have. Its unibody so it'll ride more like an SUV.
I recently bought a used set of ovals and the left tip looked a lot like yours while the right was almost perfect, so I pulled the tips off, (2 screws in each) had them stripped and powder-coated gloss black again. Came out perfect.
I have a 2019 Indian Chieftain Darkhorse 111ci. in thundersmoke black. 5 year ownership. So far no issues. Have the Indian Stage 2 cams, Dynojet Power Vision 3 tuner, Tabs 2 into 1 header pipe cat delete and running a single Tabs 2.5” baffle exhaust muffler on the right side only. Tabs provide the saddlebag support on the left side. Running the Ryde Culture Bryant M1 saddlebag lights as a running, brake and turn signal in amber. Hogworks headlight provides main lighting up front and finally a Indian Stage 1 performance air intake. Love this bike.
@@vaderglide5978 my warranty expires in a few weeks and I’m trying to decide if I should purchase the extended protection plan given the issues I’ve had. It’s expensive tho so I’m not sure it’s worth it.
I was able to negotiate $2000 off the MSRP. So I paid $42,400. I've seen others do better, but I wasn't in much of a place to haggle since the transmission on my trade-in vehicle died. I was still able to get $18,500 trade value tho.. so I was happy. Depending on which trim level you opt for... you could pay less.. or more. Hope that helps.
One of the worst things you can do to that vehicle (for longevity) is taking it out of its factory suspension geometry... Nice truck though 🙂 Oh yeah, and one of the best things you can do is change the powertrain oils on-time, or even better early!
Thanks for the great overview. I'm planning on getting one. I'm deciding between the RTL model or the TrailSport. I like to have a smooth ride, but not sure if the TrailSport would have a stiffer ride .
If your only reason for going to the Trailsport over the RTL is the suspension.. I'd suggest test driving them both. I did.. and I couldn't tell the difference. They felt exactly the same to me. The RTL is more than $3k cheaper....
I’ve driven just about every type of truck. My Ridgeline is my favorite. It does have limitations, so not sure how long I’ll keep it, but definitely a great truck. 2023 BE.
Good revue, as a long term "real truck owner" I will never go back and my ridgeline does everything I need a truck to do, and has so many positives and little negatives..
Ha.. thx. I had a couple of rude comments saying it was too “amateur” which was obviously the point. I just deleted them and moved on. Anyway, I’m about 3300 miles in now and still have no regrets. I’m truly enjoying it.
@@randomstuffwithjoe yeah lot of internet bullies out there! I would do the same thing that you are doing. I would be interested in seeing you do another video with your thoughts after a year or two owning it!
Congrats on the truck, looks great and seems to fit your needs perfectly. It may fit mine too. The only thing holding me back is hunting. I scout new land a lot and frankly I just don't know what I'll come across road-wise. I don't go looking for trouble and have zero interest in "off-roading" but mud can come out of nowhere in the woods. I think the peace of mind 4L provides might be something I'll regret. Not sure. Anyway thanks!
I have no interest in off-roading but I’ve seen a few videos of people doing some pretty aggressive off-roading in the trail sport. And if you think ground clearance could be an issue, there’s a lift and level kit that would give you what you need.
Too bad you didn't just get the roadmaster limited. That was my favorite indian before the persuit came out. Lowers, tour pack, crash guards. Worth the extra up front to me.
It raises the front end 1.5” and levels the stance so it’s not raked downward. Mostly appearance for me, but for some who might go off road, it adds more ground clearance.
Thanks for the review after ownership. This truck has a lot of features that puts it in a class by itself. When the '25 comes out with the hybrid power train, it will be very hard to beat.
Outstanding video. Great bike. I have a 2023 Indian Pursuit Dark Horse Premium. I had the wobble issue. Indian customer service and my dealership were excellent! I got dunlop tires put on the bike and that fixed the issue. Bike handles like a sport bike. Pulls like a freight train. Has tons of features. Looks great. Mine is Stealth Grey. I absolutely love the bike
be careful with that Jsport leveling kit. I did front and back and it worked well for about 5,000 miles until someone pulled out in front of me and the Honda system locked up all the brakes and basically saved my life. But in doing so, i heard a very loud clunk up front and that was it, it turned into a noise making monster because those front leveling disks moved and wouldn't stop moving. Honda tried to rectify but they just couldn't get the noise to stop. Traded my 21 for a 23 and off I went. Honda stripped the Jsport kit off, took it back to stock and sold it. I've read multiple users on the TRAXX level kits and I haven't seen any issues. Course these kits void your warranty unless Honda installed, so I wouldn't do an aftermarket install until your warranty is out. Front clearance is my ONLY gripe, my son's Subaru Forester has better front clearance and that's messed up. Rear is fine.
I’ve been tempted to do the Traxx kit but the JSport kit is a Honda approved kit. Plus it’s aluminum so it’s more corrosion resistant. I’m still undecided if I even wanna do it. It’s mostly for looks and now that I’ve had the truck 2 months.. the desire to modify it is fading. lol. As for voiding the warranty.. Honda would have to prove the modification caused the warranty issue. For example, they can’t refuse to fix a radio issue because you installed a leveling kit. That’s not how it works. lol.
Joe, your video on the Ridgeline is well done, thank you. I have viewed severeal and some of the salesman who rush through which is anoying for a senor driver. I am hoping to be able to trade for a Honda Ridgeline. Thank You
Thank you so much for your honest review on the 2024 Honda Ridgeline RTL - pros & con. Later in this year, I will purchase the Black Edition - hopefully, there's a Black Edition available then.
I test drove a 23 RL last year.. but I wasn't quite ready to pull the trigger. There were a few minor things I didn't like.. specifically the center console and the sluggish infotainment system. I figured I'd wait for the 24 model. I really like the upgrades on the new 24s. But thats just my personal preference.. as the RL is a solid choice regardless of the year.
I have had two silverados but they were older a 98 and a 06. I’m considering a ridgeline now. Did you happen to tow a lot with your Silverado in overdrive? I’ve read that towing in overdrive kills the Silverado transmissions way faster than normal.
I towed occasionally and mostly local. But nothing that should’ve damaged the transmission. I had a 7x12 enclosed trailer that I converted to a camper. It was all aluminum so it was pretty lightweight. Towed it locally only a few times totaling less than 400 miles. Last summer I did towed it with my motorcycle to Sturgis - about 4500 miles round trip (about 650 miles per day). I sold that trailer tho so I don’t have plans to tow much with the Ridgeline. I did some research tho and turns out the 2014-2019 Silverados had a lot of transmission complaints.
Thanks Joe. I just purchased a 24 Ridgeline RTL a couple of days ago. So I’ve been looking at videos looking at people thought on the vehicle. I’ve had a frontier and a Silverado in the past just has to be the most comfortable ride. Thanks again.
Ya, I did the same. There are a lot of "test drive" reviews.. but there weren't many owner reviews.. so I thought the video might be helpful. I have discovered something I don't like tho. The hump in the floor where the e-brake is located.. I wish it were more flat so I could stretch out my left leg more on longer drives. But its not a deal-breaker...
I don't find it all that heavy. My Silverado tailgate was far more heavy. The difference is that its not dampened. I think perhaps it has more hardware in it due to the dual action? Regardless.. that is the least of my worries when it comes to a truck.
Great Review Joe! I have a 2021 RTL-E. My first truck and love it. Smooth ride, all the tech I want, love the bed liner, swing gate and trunk. I have the Honda hard tonneau cover cause it secures the bed better than a soft that can be easy cut into. Also have the Honda lighted side steps cause my wife is short and I like the lights. And, the mud flaps. I’m going to switch to all black wheels in the fall after the original tires have run their tread life. Not going to switch tire size because it changes speedo accuracy. Like u, wish the trim was black but can live with it. It fits nicely in my garage with a full size would not. I too get an avg 21-22 mpg around town and 26 on the highway. Truck is great for all my DIY projects and yard work.
Good real world review. I want the most comfortable ride so I need to drive a Trailsport and the RT-L to compare. The dual action tailgate and trunk is whats really pushing me away from a new Colorado. Its going to be a daily driver for my wife so she wants a smooth suv like ride
I've had 2 Silverados and a Avalanche. And I briefly had a used Tundra for a year. I like this Ridgeline a lot. So long as it remains relatively problem free compared to my Chevy trucks.. I'll continue to be happy with it.
