My new 17b and first mod...

[Bobbie54]

Pick up in Sumas went smoothly. The drop on my hitch isn't quite enough but the truckbed was empty as were the propane tanks, and the trunk had only $175 worth of groceries (I hit up Trader Joes in Bellingham on the way- couldn't miss the opportunity to find parking without the parking lot full of our northern neighbors!) I got to Sumas early and the driver got there a bit late, but all went well. I'll see how it looks loaded before changing the hitch.

First mod- well, first the requested change, higher toilet- then the teak grate. Toilet is high but the grate fixes the "too high" concern. If I decide I want on inch lower it will be easy to replace the feet on the grate and raise it another bit. So I'm glad I went for it. It's 5 inches higher. (Ideal might be 3 inches.)

The indoor handle was another requested change- it's perfect and saves bending my wrist backwards going out.

The awning- not here yet. I waited two extra weeks but no sign of it arriving and I wanted to be using the trailer. The plan is to return to Chilliwack if/when the border opens and the awning is in, or they'll ship it to someone here to install. I still have a canopy so no big deal for now.

I got the backup camera but it wasn't set up so when I got home I pulled into the driveway. The 15A is still there, and my Subaru, so backing in was a no-go. Then I sent the Subie home with a friend and set up the backup camera, and after dinner, backed in. The camera helps- and the warning on the Ridgeline really helped as some idiot on a bicycle decided to zoom past me as I was backing the trailer- the Ridgeline beeped and I stopped short of hitting him. (I could not see him in either camera.)

I'll get some interior pictures soon, once I get the mattress in and the bed made.

Oh, and for the curious- I have not yet tried to back it into the garage! That will be another week away as I'm going to Fort Casey first.

[kvermeulen]

Originally Posted by Bobbie54

Pick up in Sumas went smoothly. The drop on my hitch isn't quite enough but the truckbed was empty as were the propane tanks, and the trunk had only $175 worth of groceries (I hit up Trader Joes in Bellingham on the way- couldn't miss the opportunity to find parking without the parking lot full of our northern neighbors!) I got to Sumas early and the driver got there a bit late, but all went well. I'll see how it looks loaded before changing the hitch.

First mod- well, first the requested change, higher toilet- then the teak grate. Toilet is high but the grate fixes the "too high" concern. If I decide I want on inch lower it will be easy to replace the feet on the grate and raise it another bit. So I'm glad I went for it. It's 5 inches higher. (Ideal might be 3 inches.)

The indoor handle was another requested change- it's perfect and saves bending my wrist backwards going out.

The awning- not here yet. I waited two extra weeks but no sign of it arriving and I wanted to be using the trailer. The plan is to return to Chilliwack if/when the border opens and the awning is in, or they'll ship it to someone here to install. I still have a canopy so no big deal for now.

I got the backup camera but it wasn't set up so when I got home I pulled into the driveway. The 15A is still there, and my Subaru, so backing in was a no-go. Then I sent the Subie home with a friend and set up the backup camera, and after dinner, backed in. The camera helps- and the warning on the Ridgeline really helped as some idiot on a bicycle decided to zoom past me as I was backing the trailer- the Ridgeline beeped and I stopped short of hitting him. (I could not see him in either camera.)

I'll get some interior pictures soon, once I get the mattress in and the bed made.

Oh, and for the curious- I have not yet tried to back it into the garage! That will be another week away as I'm going to Fort Casey first.

congrats - looks great, i am looking to buy ridgeline as tv for 19, please give me your info on your tow experience. what rpm does it run at 60mph and what gear did you use, mpg info also would like to know.

thanks ken

[Bobbie54]

Originally Posted by kvermeulen

congrats - looks great, i am looking to buy ridgeline as tv for 19, please give me your info on your tow experience. what rpm does it run at 60mph and what gear did you use, mpg info also would like to know.

thanks ken

Can't answer everything. I just ran on the regular drive and there was very little elevation increase. I towed between 50-60, mostly around 55. Going up without the trailer I got 25 mpg, coming home with, 17.5 or so. That included some non-highway/freeway driving though, less on the way but I took a different route back to the interstate. i don't think rpm ever went high but again, no mountains, no major hills except on the island.

Towed great. No sway though i didn't try to induce it. I could easily have driven faster but I am out of practice for going over 55 (highest speed limit on the island) so I really don't like to do it towing. I find with the truck loaded and the 15A that the rear drop is substantial (my raised 15A rides level with a full truckload, the non-raised 17b looks about an inch high with nothing in the truck.)

[kvermeulen]

thanks for the info - r u planning on a wdh hitch, what year is your ridgeline? On your next outing any other info you can offer would be great.

thanks again
ken

[Iowa Dave]

A very nice looking combination. Lots of good times ahead.
Iowa Dave

[Bobbie54]

Originally Posted by kvermeulen

thanks for the info - r u planning on a wdh hitch, what year is your ridgeline? On your next outing any other info you can offer would be great.

thanks again
ken

Honda says not to use a WDH. So no. Next trip is only about 20 miles so can't tell you much! But both truck and trailer will have loads so may be a bit different.

[Bobbie54]

Bed conclusion- full size mattress would squish to fit but I can't get it in. Much less maneuverable space than the 15A due to the larger fridge/narrower aisle, AC, etc. Which is okay, I kind of like my backup plan which is to get the same mattress in a twin and then I can use the counter extension and Sadie can use the non-mattressed section on the other side as a step and no need for a ramp. But this trip I borrowed the tri-fold from the 15A- same size but easier to manipulate.

[jadams]

Beautiful shiny new 17 B! Congratulations. Nice to hear the pick-up went smooth.

I like both the inner and outer door handles. Perfect size and nice style.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Bobbie54

Honda says not to use a WDH.

Does it say that? Or does it say that they do not recommend a weight distributing hitch because "an improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch may reduce handling, stability and braking performance."


The solution would be to have the WDH properly adjusted.

[Bobbie54]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Does it say that? Or does it say that they do not recommend a weight distributing hitch because "an improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch may reduce handling, stability and braking performance."


The solution would be to have the WDH properly adjusted.

■ Weight distribution hitches
Your vehicle is designed to tow without the need for a load distributing hitch. If you wish to use one, please consult your trailer maker for proper installation and set-up. Improper set-up could degrade the handling, stability, and braking performance of your vehicle.

So- tows fine without one, why should I make things more complicated? I can't get the trailer maker to set it up right now so if I had one put on I would not be following the truck manufacturer's instructions, anyway.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Bobbie54

So- tows fine without one, why should I make things more complicated?

I'm not saying you should. Just pointing out that Honda does not say to NOT use one.