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Old 11-02-2019, 12:42 PM   #1
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Ridgeline towing 15A update

So far just two trips, one was 30 minutes from home, second a little farther (2 hr drive each way). I’m getting comfortable driving the Ridgeline. I’ve weighed the trailer more or less as loaded for the second trip at about 2000 lbs and am just over 10% on the tongue weight right now.

Anyway- it tows beautifully. I was getting 17 mpg (engine still at only 1000 miles) on moderately hilly roads but not much net elevation gain, no more than about 57-58 mph. No lack of power and nice ride (on good roads). The 15A is pretty light and I’m packed light on this trip- no cast iron, carried only a few gallons of water, not a lot of food.

I slowed to corner if the yellow warning sign showed a lower speed but never felt I had to slow more or the rig was unstable. No sign anywhere of sway or bounce.

I didn’t remember the side mirror on this trip but I do want to figure out how to get the Grand Aero to work as if someone had been tailgating I might not have seen them. Still figuring out that. I tried one of those suction mirrors on the first trip and wasn’t thrilled with it.

I’ll be interested to see what people think who tow a 17 or 19, especially over the mountains.
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Old 11-02-2019, 06:05 PM   #2
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there's a reason suck-tion mirrors are called that.
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Old 11-03-2019, 07:52 AM   #3
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Rear camera

Get yourself a rear camera and forget the add on mirrors We have a E 21 and have a rear view camera and no need for extra mirrors The Ridgeline should have no trouble towing anything that Escape makes except the 5ta We had a 06 pilot Same engine and tranny in 2006 and had no problem towing our Lil Snoozy trailer 3000 lb or our 5000 lb boat short distance We now have 2018 Expedition Jim W
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Old 11-03-2019, 08:04 AM   #4
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We have a back up camera on our vehicle and on our Escape 21 and don’t use either one
Give me a good set of mirrors any day
I bought the add on towing mirrors recommended. by Jim Norman
They were inexpensive , work perfectly and don’t require batteries !!
Just because something is new , electronic and has flashing lights doesn’t mean it is an improvement.
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Old 11-03-2019, 08:04 AM   #5
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I'm thinking about a rear camera. Do you have one? What kind?
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Old 11-03-2019, 10:43 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by jennykatz View Post
Get yourself a rear camera and forget the add on mirrors

A back up camera is not a substitute for mirrors, required by law, to give the driver a view of adjacent lanes from 30' behind the driver to 200' behind the driver.
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Old 11-03-2019, 11:01 AM   #7
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I've got mirrors that show adjacent lanes very nicely. Almost all of the recent trip was on two-lane highways so the only adjacent lane was the oncoming traffic lane. I want a mirror that shows what's in MY lane, possibly too close to me. I can see someone there if they are well back but just barely and I wouldn't see a motorcycle in the center of the lane.

Washington says I need mirrors that show 200 feet of the highway behind me. But no mirror shows immediately behind the trailer- I'd just like to see a lot more of who's back there.

The Grand Aeros would work if I can figure out how to make them mount securely. I need to work on that again. The little suction mirror works when it is there but I don't want either kind of mirror flying off at 60 mph.
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Old 11-03-2019, 11:03 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steve dunham View Post
We have a back up camera on our vehicle and on our Escape 21 and don’t use either one
Give me a good set of mirrors any day
I bought the add on towing mirrors recommended. by Jim Norman
They were inexpensive , work perfectly and don’t require batteries !!
Just because something is new , electronic and has flashing lights doesn’t mean it is an improvement.
Which mirrors are those?
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Old 11-03-2019, 11:18 AM   #9
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Add on towing mirrors

Tow Mirrors
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Old 11-03-2019, 11:31 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by Bobbie54 View Post
I want a mirror that shows what's in MY lane, possibly too close to me. I can see someone there if they are well back but just barely and I wouldn't see a motorcycle in the center of the lane.

Then you get a camera, but you still need the mirrors to be legal.
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Old 11-03-2019, 11:40 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by gbaglo View Post
Then you get a camera, but you still need the mirrors to be legal.
What the law doesn't say is how much of the lane you are in behind your vehicle you need to be able to see.

Time to peruse the Ridgeline owners forum again and see if anyone has found a better solution.
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Old 11-03-2019, 12:00 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by Bobbie54 View Post
What the law doesn't say is how much of the lane you are in behind your vehicle you need to be able to see.

Probably because legislators don't ( didn't ) think that is important. What are you going to do, besides fret, when you can see a tailgater?
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