2014 Silver Ridgeline and Silver 14DBS from D&H RV

[ron]

My low size, high quality rig.  Quality over bling.

Trying to design a "truss" system to sit on top of my CL, that will allow me to stretch a tarp across this, and create a "garage" without the side poles.  One gentlemen has already given me feedback re the use of PVC.

I may see how much it could cost to have an awning company make this for me from 1" aluminum, like the structure of my CL.  [Or LL can have this idea if they will make me one ]

Objective: lightweight, easily removed.  Held off the CL with foam blocks, tightness of tarp would hold the trusses in place.  CL is covered, air can freely circulate, no need for a permanent structure or those less than good looking aluminum structures. 

Blessings, r



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[farmboy]

I am in the 'looking' stage but very impressed with what I have read about LivinLite Campers.  Was planning on keeping the dry weight under 2,000 but the ones with slides do look nice.  If we go with a heavier camper, I am  considering getting a Ridgeline; are you happy with its towing ability?   What kind of mileage to you get, with and without the camper?  Looks sharp.

[ron]

Love the Ridgeline, especially the trunk in the bed, and swinging tailgate.  Ability to adjust the airflow on the driver is its only drawback.  Hopefully, it will have the Honda longevity and lack of maintenance on my other Hondas.  My buddies has 60K on the tires, and they look like they have 20k more easily.  Incredible.

One open road, driven very gently I routinely break 20mpg, on a 200m  interstate trip, down and back to a store I got 24+.  All by the computer, never verified otherwise.  

Towing, against a strong headwind, up I-77 off the NC piedmont, we averaged in the 10 range by the computer.  9-11, not much difference.........not worth worrying about. Everyone gets this range.

Mine CL 14DBS empty is 2800, and hope to hold cargo and water to under 3500.  would not want to do much more, although it would do it. Check out the Ridgeline forum on towing and everything.  Great folks over there for sure.  

I think rumors are about true, Honda is about to stop making Ridgelines, and will come out with redesign, most likely a 8 cylinder in 2016. you may have trouble finding your color choice now.   I also needed a smaller profile, the F-150 would not fit in my carport, and it was just too bit.  

RE: livin lite: very, very pricey, but the quality is way beyond steel and stick built stuff.  Almost an Airstream, but not near the cost.  A 14dbs, to me is the ultimate package, dry bath, plus everything else, and twin axle.  $24k.  You could get a 22-24 foot bling, wooden junk for that much.    Dave and D&H RV outside Raleigh NC is a good guy.  So is Brett near Atlanta, if you consider Atlanta, I can get you the dealer name.

Do look at the popups by LL, that low profile would tow better, but then you loose a commode, which was a must for us.

Good luck.

[farmboy]

Thanks for all the information; very helpful.   I was planning on making the big decision  next spring, but I realize the new Ridgelines will be gone by then.  I read that they may not be back for at least a year or longer.  I am also looking at the Toyota Highlander; with the six it is rated for 5000 pounds.    I have had three Hondas:  200,000  miles on a CRV;  160,000 on a 14 year old Odyssey,   and an Accord with 45,000 and no problems;  Honda's are hard to beat.  I might be looking for a used Ridgeline next spring.  And I just found a Livin LIte dealer in Illinois that actually carries a lot of Camp Lites;  the two dealers here in Minnesota have a  grand total of only five, and three of them are identical!   Thanks again for the information.