Tow Vehicles 2013 and newer

Aurelia · Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 1:40 pm Post subject:

The new Ridgeline does share an engine with the newest Pilot and the power output is up significantly over the older versions. They also have more gears to push the power through. The new Ridgeline transmission is a 6 speed auto while the new Pilot offers a 9 speed unit. I have not seen any mention of why there is that difference. Maybe the 9 speed is a little more fragile?

I can say it is the first "truck" I have even considered owning in the last 20 years. But I am not a truck person.

Greg

colbysmith · Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 2:59 pm Post subject:

See the Ridgeline is a pickup. Really don't care for a pickup, but then if it's still more SUV like, I could live with it. Colby

Jake · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 171

So you have the Highlander, Pilot and Ridgeline all at 5,000 lbs tow capacity. All good for at least a short distance tow of a 22. Maybe the longer wheelbase of the Ridgeline would be a plus?

thataway · Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 3:40 pm Post subject:

Longer wheel base would help. The standard Pilot transmission is the 6 speed. The nine speed is only in the higher end:

colbysmith · Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 8:01 pm Post subject:

Jake, the Highlander, at least my 2010, does fine for long distance tows. In fact in the last two years, from Wisconsin, I've made two trips out to the west coast (over the Rockies), a trip down to Florida, and numerous trips to Door County and some other 1000 mile round trips. The only reason I started looking was my Highlander is going to turn 100,000 in a few more miles. And I thought it might be good to have just a little more leeway in the maximum tow rating, since I'm at about 4700 lbs with the CD-22. However, after spending some time looking at what's available out there, it boils down to a lot more money only to get something new or with lower mileage, that just barely equates to what I have now. Several vehicles state a higher tow rating, but when you look at payload, it's a farce! Of course I can spend a lot more money and get a big honk'n deasel, but I really don't want a big beast. Mr. Green

Colby

Jake · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 171

Colby,

My limited research agrees with your extensive research, just nothing out there which isn't mega bucks and/or mega size which is rated to tow something larger than a 22. I only said "short distance" to avoid attacks from those who believe a Highlander rated at 5,000 lbs is a bad choice for towing a 4,700 lb load. Smile

colbysmith · Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 5:23 pm Post subject:

There is probably a few of those Jake! Mr. Green

Sure wish they'd bring the Ford Bronco back. And the 302. (5.0L) Great little engine, and the Bronco was a great SUV. As long as I don't need to tow anything bigger than the CD-22, the 5000lb tow ratings are fine. And for now, I barely have the payload numbers I need with my current Highlander. (The newer ones came out with a bit bigger body, so that took away some payload room! Sad

Colby