Great pointers on things to have for exploring off-road! I have the same Ridgeline, 2007 RTL in black. I put a 2" lift/ leveling kit on it, (2" front and 1,5" rear lift), one size up taller and wider tires. Excellent ride , 148k miles, and it can go most places anyone would want to go off-road.
I bet your truck is very off-road capable. I've heard people have problems with their axles after adding a lift kit and some tire rub. Sounds like you don't have any 👍
Thanks for the ideas! I think I will adapt your rear step and full-size tire ideas. I just bought a Ridgeline this week and I'm really excited to see how it performs as a camping/offroad rig. I'm new to truck camping so all the available accessories are overwhelming.
Congratulations! Did you buy a Gen1 or 2 Will you be getting a topper or tent camping? If you're doing lots of rough off-roading, you might look into skid plates to protect undercarriage and a couple of recovery boards.. The AWD on this truck is amazing. Have fun and be safe
@@trailcairn1717 I got a Gen1 (2013) with A.R.E. topper already included! I see lots of creative camping ideas online, I'm looking at maybe rigging something up inside the topper. Topper EZ Lift looks attractive though it's really pricey. Lots of pictures of people setting up platforms inside with a storage underneath and a mattress on top, although I think that would inhibit access to the in-bed trunk -- so I have plenty of research to do for the perfect setup. I'll definitely look into your suggestions, skid plates sound essential!
Nice truck! As the bed is short, you probably have to set up to sleep diagonally or with the tailgate down. The Topperlift Nomad Camper package looks interesting but inhibits use of trunk. Their lift kit is expensive. Problem with topper is keeping out trail dust from your sleep set up and rigging up a locking mechanism for flip-up glass. Some people have installed a corner cabinet and roll-up bed mat to allow for diagonal sleeping and use of trunk. Sounds like you'll be having fun with your overlanding set up. Enjoy!
Thank you Luis. People today don't understand that Driving is not the time to multitask 😒 I hope you were not hurt. Buy the metal step, you won't regret it.
I have been rear ended due to someone not paying attention 🙄. After my repairs were done, I quickly installed a step bar on the back of my 06. Since installing, it seems like drivers stay FAR away from my bumper 🤷🏾♀️. Lol
I just bought a 2011 Ridgeline RTS just shy of two weeks ago. Came with new tires and a full-size spare, and just under 90k on the odo. I was considering a bump step, but your experience convinced me to buy one.
@@trailcairn1717 I'm not yet sure. I have to get a new password for the zip file they sent with all the records and other paperwork. Someone there must have mis-typed it. I'll also be checking about the radiator. Did you replace yours with OEM, or go with separate radiator and transmission fluid cooler?
I replaced mine with Denso brand. No need to do anything with transmission cooler. The SMOD issue is only with radiator fittings. Feel free to contact me with maintenance questions as I've had many mechanical items replaced on mine around year 13 (alternator, power steering, radiator, front axles, motor mounts, etc.)
Man, I sure miss my 2013. Guy pulled out in front of me making a left hand turn:( I have a 2017 Black addition now and it's nice but, to many electronic components to go bad compared to my 2013. The one good thing is my insurance is lower due to all the safety features of the 2017.
My condolences 🙏 ☹️ I drive so carefully, like a grandma, afraid of multitaskers behind the wheel. I agree about the unnecessary electronics. Glass half full.
Did you use some sort of seam sealer or silicone sealer around the border of the upper 3rd brake light fin? I have developed a leak somewhere in that area after some hard rains for 5 days straight and thinking about silicone sealing that whole fin as well. Nice tire upgrade take care
Thanks! I'm loving the new tires. Haven't had to use the full size spare yet. I used a seam sealer. Can't remember the brand. It's cracking from the desert sun, so I'm going to reapply with black Dicor Lap Sealant the kind used for RV roofs. That should last a couple of years or until I repaint the roof. The Dicor should repair the leak if it's from that area. Good luck and be safe!
Thank you. I don't know why an AWD/4wd truck would have anything but a full size spare, other than Honda trying to cut corners and save money. Yet the engineering attention to detail on the Ridgeline is amazing. The marks on the underside of the back seats matches the marks on the outside doors. So 😎
@@trailcairn1717 they are very sweet:) I have a black one like yours . Always want to relocate my spare to the roof but have not got there yet . It will be a full size when I do ... I have a topper on mine and a "DAC" that allows me to sleep in it with the tailgate down . Love camping in my ridgeline .
I'm jealous that you have a topper! I can't justify paying $3000 for a topper because I can't find a used one 😕 Spare on the roof like a Jeep, awesome! I use my sunroof when I camp, unless it's raining. What's DAC?
@@trailcairn1717 I'm in Canada mine was a bit rusty hardware but it works fine I spraypainted it black ⚫ it cost me 400 used Canadian. But there are some ridiculous people out there . Asking 3000 or even 1500 missing back glass lmao . If I were you I would build something custom !!! It would be a 1 of 1 .
I was annoyed but not surprised (not a truck company, historically) when I saw that they went with a donut on a vehicle of this type. Happy to see that you can fit a real tire in there, which makes it even more unforgivable that they went with a donut!
New subscriber here. I have a black '08 Ridgeline. I never thought of going with a full size spare. Plus the Ridgeline sits too high for the factory jack to work which always boggled my mind. I keep a small scissor jack and several pieces of 2" x 6"'s x 24" long with me as well as two metal plates with handles that are 10" x 18" with me. As to your roof, I strongly recommend you consider getting it vinyl wrapped in shiny black. Cheaper than a repaint and if you scratch the vinyl, it can be removed and replaced. Looking forward to more of your uploads. Safe Travels Trail Girl.
Hi Peter! What do you use the metal plates for? I need to toss the original jack and get a scissor jack along with couple of 2x6s. I could have used them last weekend when dispersed camping in Utah 🤨 I'm getting lots of recommendations to wrap my truck. I may go that route. Thanks for subscribing. Stay safe
Hi. I use the metal plates to put down on macadam and then put my jack on the plates. The plates help keep the jack from sinking into the black top, especially on a hot day. All you have to do is use them once and you'll be happy you have them.
Nice additions. Thank you for showing a full sized spare tire fits in that space. considering buying a Honda Avalanche for the first time and was really wondering if I could replace the donut with a full size. thanks for sharing.
Better than wood to level it is those camco RV levelers or if you got extra room those drive up plastic lifts. I wish I had those a couple weeks ago when I was sleeping on a mountain in mine, but like you I used stones.
Just returned from dispersed camping up in Cedar Breaks Utah and wished I had camco levelers because the wood wasn't enough. I'll be buying a set. Thanks Robert 😊
My setup. imgur.com/a/rxCDbvN Other than it being extremely windy on day 2 setup worked great. If the front seats could be moved a couple inches foreward it would allow for the front seat to go 180 and make a nice bed area.
My exhaust muffler warms that jack corner part to the right. I replaced the muffler and got colder, but now I am concerned how hot it could get. Do you ever notice that?
@@trailcairn1717 I took a 4 hr trip and came home and my sandals were on top of it and they were so hot to touch it. When it cooled down, the heat changed the shape of the flip flops. I think my old muffler had a small hole that was shooting hot air to the top. I replaced the whole thing and it's not as hot now but now I am paranoid a bit. It's just warm but I wonder how how it gets in there really. Let me know what you find out.
I just got back from running errands and checked inside the trunk. The right corner was only a little warm as was the rest of the trunk. You're probably right about the muffler issue being the cause 👍
@Trail Cairn what size spare is in the truck bed? My donut is useless and I tried both 215 and 225 on an original rim (not spare) and still won’t fit inside the locking truck bed.
My Ridgeline V6, 5-speed does average 17-18 mpg. In the city with A/C on during the summer does 15 mpg. Highway with cruise control 65-70 mph can get 22 mpg. I regularly service my truck. Just replaced front passenger axle. Did timing belt service with water pump, belt and tensioner. It was 7 years since last timing belt service. Also had the valves adjusted. Had the tires balanced and rotated. She drives like new😁 Another 100,000 miles!!!!!
I have a 2011 I am having an issue with my navigation it comes on but it's completely not working correctly like it has to be recalibrated I don't know if you've ever heard of that issue but if you hear any news on how to fix it reach out to me thank you
@@trailcairn1717 did you realize the kuhmo not so good quality? I’m looking at a used set of alloy wheels that have the kuhmo on there and I’m not sure how they’ll hold up I usually drive very fast and hard too
If you're not driving off road using AWD, then the Kumho are fine. I needed a more rugged off road tire which is why I got the Wildpeaks. Sounds like you're getting a nice set of rims and tires 👍
If you didn't get a Honda spare rim, you will need to buy lug nuts just for your spare. Honda uses Ball seats and most rims use acorn. If you use your lug nuts form the truck on it you will either ruin your lug nuts or possible the rim. Either way it's not a secure connection.
I love the end lmao. If someone rear ends you - it is their problem 😂
First Gen! Going for the half million mile club!
Woop Woop!!! You will get it 😃
Short videos,. gets to the point. No waste of chatting. Well done.
Thank you 😊
First time I see your channel! Loved the presentation!
great idea about the full size spare I will do the same with my 2014 ridgeline
I'm jealous that you have a 2014 🤗
Great pointers on things to have for exploring off-road! I have the same Ridgeline, 2007 RTL in black. I put a 2" lift/ leveling kit on it, (2" front and 1,5" rear lift), one size up taller and wider tires. Excellent ride , 148k miles, and it can go most places anyone would want to go off-road.
I bet your truck is very off-road capable. I've heard people have problems with their axles after adding a lift kit and some tire rub. Sounds like you don't have any 👍
I also have a gen 1 ridgeline and live in las vegas, been to mt charleston a few times. nice truck, our trucks should take a picture side by side
Thanks for the ideas! I think I will adapt your rear step and full-size tire ideas. I just bought a Ridgeline this week and I'm really excited to see how it performs as a camping/offroad rig. I'm new to truck camping so all the available accessories are overwhelming.
Congratulations! Did you buy a Gen1 or 2
Will you be getting a topper or tent camping? If you're doing lots of rough off-roading, you might look into skid plates to protect undercarriage and a couple of recovery boards.. The AWD on this truck is amazing.
Have fun and be safe
@@trailcairn1717 I got a Gen1 (2013) with A.R.E. topper already included! I see lots of creative camping ideas online, I'm looking at maybe rigging something up inside the topper. Topper EZ Lift looks attractive though it's really pricey. Lots of pictures of people setting up platforms inside with a storage underneath and a mattress on top, although I think that would inhibit access to the in-bed trunk -- so I have plenty of research to do for the perfect setup. I'll definitely look into your suggestions, skid plates sound essential!
Nice truck! As the bed is short, you probably have to set up to sleep diagonally or with the tailgate down. The Topperlift Nomad Camper package looks interesting but inhibits use of trunk. Their lift kit is expensive.
Problem with topper is keeping out trail dust from your sleep set up and rigging up a locking mechanism for flip-up glass. Some people have installed a corner cabinet and roll-up bed mat to allow for diagonal sleeping and use of trunk.
Sounds like you'll be having fun with your overlanding set up. Enjoy!
Nice hitch upgrade, and yes I also got rear ended too, because they where on their phone. I'm going to get one of those. ☺
Thank you Luis. People today don't understand that Driving is not the time to multitask 😒 I hope you were not hurt.
Buy the metal step, you won't regret it.
Great video. I just bought a 12' and I'll pick it up later this week. I can't wait to put it to use
Excellent! Have fun 😃
I have been rear ended due to someone not paying attention 🙄. After my repairs were done, I quickly installed a step bar on the back of my 06. Since installing, it seems like drivers stay FAR away from my bumper 🤷🏾♀️. Lol
Exactly why I installed mine! Driving is not the time to multi-task 🤨
I have this same vehicle model and trying to keep it until they make an electric version.
So far I have ~280,000 miles.
Great upgrades.
😃
How is the fuel consumption?
I just bought a 2011 Ridgeline RTS just shy of two weeks ago. Came with new tires and a full-size spare, and just under 90k on the odo. I was considering a bump step, but your experience convinced me to buy one.
Were the timing belt and water pump replaced before you bought it?
They should be done every 7 years or 100k miles.
@@trailcairn1717 I'm not yet sure. I have to get a new password for the zip file they sent with all the records and other paperwork. Someone there must have mis-typed it.
I'll also be checking about the radiator. Did you replace yours with OEM, or go with separate radiator and transmission fluid cooler?
I replaced mine with Denso brand. No need to do anything with transmission cooler. The SMOD issue is only with radiator fittings.
Feel free to contact me with maintenance questions as I've had many mechanical items replaced on mine around year 13 (alternator, power steering, radiator, front axles, motor mounts, etc.)
paint the roof white thats what i did keeps it nice and cool i used white spray can paint for vehicles
Excellent idea
Man, I sure miss my 2013. Guy pulled out in front of me making a left hand turn:( I have a 2017 Black addition now and it's nice but, to many electronic components to go bad compared to my 2013. The one good thing is my insurance is lower due to all the safety features of the 2017.
My condolences 🙏 ☹️
I drive so carefully, like a grandma, afraid of multitaskers behind the wheel.
I agree about the unnecessary electronics. Glass half full.
nicee ideaa for the tailgating have a wonderful day too from chile
Hola Pepe Mario. Muchas gracias 😀
Que tenga buen dia
Nice!
Did you use some sort of seam sealer or silicone sealer around the border of the upper 3rd brake light fin? I have developed a leak somewhere in that area after some hard rains for 5 days straight and thinking about silicone sealing that whole fin as well. Nice tire upgrade take care
Thanks! I'm loving the new tires. Haven't had to use the full size spare yet.
I used a seam sealer. Can't remember the brand. It's cracking from the desert sun, so I'm going to reapply with black Dicor Lap Sealant the kind used for RV roofs. That should last a couple of years or until I repaint the roof.
The Dicor should repair the leak if it's from that area. Good luck and be safe!
Nice one :) like the full size spare:)
Thank you. I don't know why an AWD/4wd truck would have anything but a full size spare, other than Honda trying to cut corners and save money.
Yet the engineering attention to detail on the Ridgeline is amazing. The marks on the underside of the back seats matches the marks on the outside doors. So 😎
@@trailcairn1717 they are very sweet:) I have a black one like yours . Always want to relocate my spare to the roof but have not got there yet . It will be a full size when I do ... I have a topper on mine and a "DAC" that allows me to sleep in it with the tailgate down . Love camping in my ridgeline .
I'm jealous that you have a topper!
I can't justify paying $3000 for a topper because I can't find a used one 😕
Spare on the roof like a Jeep, awesome!
I use my sunroof when I camp, unless it's raining. What's DAC?
@@trailcairn1717 I'm in Canada mine was a bit rusty hardware but it works fine I spraypainted it black ⚫ it cost me 400 used Canadian. But there are some ridiculous people out there . Asking 3000 or even 1500 missing back glass lmao . If I were you I would build something custom !!! It would be a 1 of 1 .
I was annoyed but not surprised (not a truck company, historically) when I saw that they went with a donut on a vehicle of this type. Happy to see that you can fit a real tire in there, which makes it even more unforgivable that they went with a donut!
New subscriber here. I have a black '08 Ridgeline. I never thought of going with a full size spare. Plus the Ridgeline sits too high for the factory jack to work which always boggled my mind. I keep a small scissor jack and several pieces of 2" x 6"'s x 24" long with me as well as two metal plates with handles that are 10" x 18" with me.
As to your roof, I strongly recommend you consider getting it vinyl wrapped in shiny black. Cheaper than a repaint and if you scratch the vinyl, it can be removed and replaced.
Looking forward to more of your uploads. Safe Travels Trail Girl.
Hi Peter! What do you use the metal plates for?
I need to toss the original jack and get a scissor jack along with couple of 2x6s. I could have used them last weekend when dispersed camping in Utah 🤨
I'm getting lots of recommendations to wrap my truck. I may go that route.
Thanks for subscribing. Stay safe
Hi. I use the metal plates to put down on macadam and then put my jack on the plates. The plates help keep the jack from sinking into the black top, especially on a hot day. All you have to do is use them once and you'll be happy you have them.
Excellent
Nice additions. Thank you for showing a full sized spare tire fits in that space. considering buying a Honda Avalanche for the first time and was really wondering if I could replace the donut with a full size. thanks for sharing.
I'm glad to help out!
Honda Avalanche 😳 you mean a Ridgeline? Or maybe Chevrolet has been in cahoots with Honda 🤔
@@trailcairn1717 hah hah . oops. my brain was confused. yes Honda Ridgeline, sorry.
Nice car
Thank you 🙏
Better than wood to level it is those camco RV levelers or if you got extra room those drive up plastic lifts. I wish I had those a couple weeks ago when I was sleeping on a mountain in mine, but like you I used stones.
Just returned from dispersed camping up in Cedar Breaks Utah and wished I had camco levelers because the wood wasn't enough. I'll be buying a set. Thanks Robert 😊
My setup. imgur.com/a/rxCDbvN
Other than it being extremely windy on day 2 setup worked great. If the front seats could be moved a couple inches foreward it would allow for the front seat to go 180 and make a nice bed area.
Kumho makes great tires. We have Toyo Celsius CUVs. I like those, too.
Toyos are also good. I used to run Open Country.
Great video. How many miles are on your Gen1?
Thank you 😊 she currently has 165,000
Paint job? Go with bed liner. The look is so cool.
Hmm, bed liner spray, never thought about that. I'll look into it. Thanks!
Yes sir gonna take that 80 grit to my whole truck and top coat it with a silver bedliner. Cant wait
My exhaust muffler warms that jack corner part to the right. I replaced the muffler and got colder, but now I am concerned how hot it could get. Do you ever notice that?
I have never checked that part of the trunk after driving. I'll check it out tomorrow 🧐 thanks for the heads up!
@@trailcairn1717 I took a 4 hr trip and came home and my sandals were on top of it and they were so hot to touch it. When it cooled down, the heat changed the shape of the flip flops. I think my old muffler had a small hole that was shooting hot air to the top. I replaced the whole thing and it's not as hot now but now I am paranoid a bit. It's just warm but I wonder how how it gets in there really. Let me know what you find out.
I just got back from running errands and checked inside the trunk. The right corner was only a little warm as was the rest of the trunk. You're probably right about the muffler issue being the cause 👍
@Trail Cairn what size spare is in the truck bed? My donut is useless and I tried both 215 and 225 on an original rim (not spare) and still won’t fit inside the locking truck bed.
OEM P245/65 R17
I think you will find gas mileage will drop with the AT tires. I have the Cooper AT3, and I average about 13mpg.
Definitely a drop in mpg
Can you talk about the fuel consumption please...
My Ridgeline V6, 5-speed does average 17-18 mpg. In the city with A/C on during the summer does 15 mpg. Highway with cruise control 65-70 mph can get 22 mpg. I regularly service my truck.
Just replaced front passenger axle.
Did timing belt service with water pump, belt and tensioner. It was 7 years since last timing belt service.
Also had the valves adjusted.
Had the tires balanced and rotated.
She drives like new😁
Another 100,000 miles!!!!!
I have a 2011 I am having an issue with my navigation it comes on but it's completely not working correctly like it has to be recalibrated I don't know if you've ever heard of that issue but if you hear any news on how to fix it reach out to me thank you
My RTL doesn't have navigation 😔
Hopefully you can get the issue resolved.
How are those kuhmo tires holding up? Thoughts? How many miles since
I replaced them after 32,000 miles with Falken Wildpeak Trail. Wildpeak is an excellent tire. Better than Kumho.
My 2 cents
@@trailcairn1717 did you realize the kuhmo not so good quality?
I’m looking at a used set of alloy wheels that have the kuhmo on there and I’m not sure how they’ll hold up
I usually drive very fast and hard too
If you're not driving off road using AWD, then the Kumho are fine. I needed a more rugged off road tire which is why I got the Wildpeaks. Sounds like you're getting a nice set of rims and tires 👍
Do you still have your ridgeline!?
No, I don't unfortunately.
If you didn't get a Honda spare rim, you will need to buy lug nuts just for your spare. Honda uses Ball seats and most rims use acorn. If you use your lug nuts form the truck on it you will either ruin your lug nuts or possible the rim. Either way it's not a secure connection.
You are correct. I did not buy an OEM rim. The new full-size spare rim comes with new lug nuts, which I keep in a Ziplock bag. 👍