Pickups..which one for easy entrance/exit?

[supton]

Originally Posted by CKN

Because-admittedly the OP is not a truck guy. And to go in to truck ownership (at a mature age) could be a potential mistake. Again-I'm a truck owner and near the OPs age. If he was going to tow a fifth wheel or something-that's a whole other perspective.

I wasn't meaning to flame anyone--I was curious what some thought was the dividing line. Eg, below 3,500 towing, CUV/SUV ok. Above 3,500lb, go classic body on frame. That sort of thing.

I like the notion of the Ridgeline but since parking isn't that much of a problem for me, it didn't seem "great". Fuelly says 18mpg for pre-2017 and 20mpg 2017 & newer. Ram with 3.6 is about 19mpg.

FWD-biased doesn't bother me; I believe there is the button to "lock" the rear in (like the RAV4 used to / does have). That's good enough for snow duty for me.

 

[Zee09]

Originally Posted by czbrian
seems like the type of owner the Honda Ridgeline is geared toward

Agreed!

 

[maxdustington]

Originally Posted by supton
Originally Posted by CKN
But unless you NEED the true capabilities of a truck...

At the risk of a true, all-out flame war: where does one tip over into needing a "real" truck? Sure, everyone will have a different opinion. But without infringing into "buy whatever floats your boat", what point does it make sense? Needing to move 4x8's on a regular basis? 1,000+ pounds of stuff? tow more than 3k?
Any sort of traveling with more cargo than a car can hold or tow. My parents have a truck because they travel to Florida with a bunch of gear and have a cottage with a boat. They have a crew cab pickup with a cap, the poor man's Suburban.

Unused capabilities are security blanket to some. You could get by with a 2WD truck in the snow and not have to throw money at the front end of a 4X4 truck, but why wouldn't you get 4X4 if you are already getting a truck?

I agree with you 100%, I like driving a car compared to some massive 4X4 boat UNLESS it is a GMT400.

EDIT: No Ridgelines! If you want a low truck, get a 2WD.

 

[CKN]

Originally Posted by maxdustington
Originally Posted by supton
Originally Posted by CKN
But unless you NEED the true capabilities of a truck...

At the risk of a true, all-out flame war: where does one tip over into needing a "real" truck? Sure, everyone will have a different opinion. But without infringing into "buy whatever floats your boat", what point does it make sense? Needing to move 4x8's on a regular basis? 1,000+ pounds of stuff? tow more than 3k?
Any sort of traveling with more cargo than a car can hold or tow. My parents have a truck because they travel to Florida with a bunch of gear and have a cottage with a boat. They have a crew cab pickup with a cap, the poor man's Suburban.

Unused capabilities are security blanket to some. You could get by with a 2WD truck in the snow and not have to throw money at the front end of a 4X4 truck, but why wouldn't you get 4X4 if you are already getting a truck?

I agree with you 100%, I like driving a car compared to some massive 4X4 boat UNLESS it is a GMT400.

EDIT: No Ridgelines! If you want a low truck, get a 2WD.

I was expecting this. Let's not do what's right for the OP--and let our personal prejudices get in the way......

 

[Skippy722]

Originally Posted by maxdustington
Originally Posted by supton
Originally Posted by CKN
But unless you NEED the true capabilities of a truck...

At the risk of a true, all-out flame war: where does one tip over into needing a "real" truck? Sure, everyone will have a different opinion. But without infringing into "buy whatever floats your boat", what point does it make sense? Needing to move 4x8's on a regular basis? 1,000+ pounds of stuff? tow more than 3k?
Any sort of traveling with more cargo than a car can hold or tow. My parents have a truck because they travel to Florida with a bunch of gear and have a cottage with a boat. They have a crew cab pickup with a cap, the poor man's Suburban.

Unused capabilities are security blanket to some. You could get by with a 2WD truck in the snow and not have to throw money at the front end of a 4X4 truck, but why wouldn't you get 4X4 if you are already getting a truck?

I agree with you 100%, I like driving a car compared to some massive 4X4 boat UNLESS it is a GMT400.

EDIT: No Ridgelines! If you want a low truck, get a 2WD.


Even the 2wd trucks have a higher step in compared to a Ridgeline.

 

[gfh77665]

Ram!

 

[CKN]

How many commenting own a truck-let's put this thing in to perspective. Probably about how many tell posters to use what ever weight oil they want "with confidence". Despite never tearing down an engine.........

 

[Skippy722]

Originally Posted by CKN
How many commenting own a truck-let's put this thing in to perspective. Probably about how many tell posters to use what ever weight oil they want "with confidence". Despite never tearing down an engine.........


I don't. But we were looking heavily before we decided we were just going to get a minivan instead.

 

[gfh77665]

Originally Posted by CKN
How many commenting own a truck-let's put this thing in to perspective. Probably about how many tell posters to use what ever weight oil they want "with confidence". Despite never tearing down an engine.........



I have never "tore down an engine", but for example, I have told many that I go 10K intervals with synthetic oils, and a high quality filter.

How can I say that "with confidence"? Pretty easy. I have tons of anecdotal evidence it works. My 2000 Chevy truck (I gave to my daughter) has nearly 300K miles on the original 5.3 V8.

 

[CKN]

Originally Posted by Skippy722
Originally Posted by CKN
How many commenting own a truck-let's put this thing in to perspective. Probably about how many tell posters to use what ever weight oil they want "with confidence". Despite never tearing down an engine.........


I don't. But we were looking heavily before we decided we were just going to get a minivan instead.


This is the thing...cross shopping a mini-van and a truck. Totally different.You ended up with a mini-van for a variety of reasons-

1) cheaper
2) less operating costs
4) Uni-body verses body on frame
5) Not needing towing capability
6) Mini-van has all the utility you need in many cases
7) Mini-van has better hip pivot point for egress/ingress

While some of these points apply to you.....probably not all.

As I mentioned-your either a truck person-or you are not.

 

[CKN]

Originally Posted by gfh77665
Originally Posted by CKN
How many commenting own a truck-let's put this thing in to perspective. Probably about how many tell posters to use what ever weight oil they want "with confidence". Despite never tearing down an engine.........



I have never "tore down an engine", but for example, I have told many that I go 10K intervals with synthetic oils, and a high quality filter.

How can I say that "with confidence"? Pretty easy. I have tons of anecdotal evidence it works. My 2000 Chevy truck (I gave to my daughter) has nearly 300K miles on the original 5.3 V8.


Yep-that 2000 year model has very little in common with today's truck. That 5.3 core might be the same-it stops there however.

 

[Skippy722]

Originally Posted by CKN
Originally Posted by Skippy722
Originally Posted by CKN
How many commenting own a truck-let's put this thing in to perspective. Probably about how many tell posters to use what ever weight oil they want "with confidence". Despite never tearing down an engine.........


I don't. But we were looking heavily before we decided we were just going to get a minivan instead.


This is the thing...cross shopping a mini-van and a truck. Totally different.You ended up with a mini-van for a variety of reasons-

1) cheaper
2) less operating costs
4) Uni-body verses body on frame
5) Not needing towing capability
6) Mini-van has all the utility you need in many cases
7) Mini-van has better hip pivot point for egress/ingress

While some of these points apply to you.....probably not all.

As I mentioned-your either a truck person-or you are not.


In my case, you are absolutely 100% correct on all 7 points. I didn't mean OP should go out and start looking at minivans though. I meant to imply that I've been in most of the modern trucks, I remember the higher step in they all had compared to pretty much everything else on the lot. Ridgeline was pretty van like in comparison in that regard, IMO

 

[maxdustington]

Originally Posted by CKN
I was expecting this. Let's not do what's right for the OP--and let our personal prejudices get in the way......
Where are all the Honda Ridgelines? I RARELY see them and I live in the largest city in Canada full of foreigners who don't drive American cars. They either suck or are too expensive, or both. However, no one seems to have trouble dropping $50k on an American truck.

The Ridgeline is like the Toyota Tacoma. People buy them for the badge, not because that particular model is any good. How many people even have them on this board?

 

[gfh77665]

Originally Posted by CKN
Originally Posted by gfh77665
Originally Posted by CKN
How many commenting own a truck-let's put this thing in to perspective. Probably about how many tell posters to use what ever weight oil they want "with confidence". Despite never tearing down an engine.........



I have never "tore down an engine", but for example, I have told many that I go 10K intervals with synthetic oils, and a high quality filter.

How can I say that "with confidence"? Pretty easy. I have tons of anecdotal evidence it works. My 2000 Chevy truck (I gave to my daughter) has nearly 300K miles on the original 5.3 V8.


Yep-that 2000 year model has very little in common with today's truck. That 5.3 core might be the same-it stops there however.


Thats irrelevant. All I did was give you an illustration of the application of sound anecdotal evidence to the topic at hand. "Hands on" evidence (like personally tearing down an engine) is not necessary to become knowledgeable about a subject.

 

[Skippy722]

Originally Posted by maxdustington
Originally Posted by CKN
I was expecting this. Let's not do what's right for the OP--and let our personal prejudices get in the way......
Where are all the Honda Ridgelines? I RARELY see them and I live in the largest city in Canada full of foreigners who don't drive American cars. They either suck or are too expensive, or both. However, no one seems to have trouble dropping $50k on an American truck.

The Ridgeline is like the Toyota Tacoma. People buy them for the badge, not because that particular model is any good. How many people even have them on this board?


Most people buy these big trucks with the thought "I'll definitely use every bit of its capabilities!" and then don't. Most of the trucks I see are hauling nothing but air. The Ridgeline and Tacoma are perfect for people who want a truck, but think all the full size trucks are way too big. I'd take a Tacoma or Ridgeline over any of the big 3's half tons, as it would actually fit in my garage and still be able to open the doors.

 

[Andrew1972]

Originally Posted by maxdustington
Originally Posted by CKN
I was expecting this. Let's not do what's right for the OP--and let our personal prejudices get in the way......
Where are all the Honda Ridgelines? I RARELY see them and I live in the largest city in Canada full of foreigners who don't drive American cars. They either suck or are too expensive, or both. However, no one seems to have trouble dropping $50k on an American truck.

The Ridgeline is like the Toyota Tacoma. People buy them for the badge, not because that particular model is any good. How many people even have them on this board?


In my area that is upper middle-class in an area of 2 acre minimum lots near coastal New England there are actually 4-5 people who have the brand new Ridgeline in a town of 4500 people. I think they get relegated to dump runs and hauling about kids sport equipment for families of 4 to 5 and older folks.

Personally I think a $2000-$3000 small aluminum trailer is best bet that can hand moved by anyone coupled to a small CUV where there are sooooooo many good ones. My daughter's friend (13) parents have one and I watched the 13 year old girl pick up tongue and move across driveway with ease out of way.

 

[supton]

Originally Posted by CKN
How many commenting own a truck-let's put this thing in to perspective. Probably about how many tell posters to use what ever weight oil they want "with confidence". Despite never tearing down an engine.........

You're not the sort who thinks Toyota doesn't make trucks, are you? I mean, Tundra gets dismissed for being a lousy truck, but I'd like to think it comes close enough to comment...

Originally Posted by maxdustington
Where are all the Honda Ridgelines? I RARELY see them and I live in the largest city in Canada full of foreigners who don't drive American cars. They either suck or are too expensive, or both.

I don't think that's a great metric. I mean, I see McDonald's all over the place. Doesn't mean they are quality.

Originally Posted by madRiver
In my area that is upper middle-class in an area of 2 acre minimum lots near coastal New England there are actually 4-5 people who have the brand new Ridgeline in a town of 4500 people. I think they get relegated to dump runs and hauling about kids sport equipment for families of 4 to 5 and older folks.

Personally I think a $2000-$3000 small aluminum trailer is best bet that can hand moved by anyone coupled to a small CUV where there are sooooooo many good ones. My daughter's friend (13) parents have one and I watched the 13 year old girl pick up tongue and move across driveway with ease out of way.

2 acre lot min in my area also, but no curbside pickup (well I could rent a dumpster I guess).

I've used a trailer but it's a pain, and in winter I definitely need 4WD to move around in snow. But then, instead of the typical argument about how no one needs a truck, we then get into an argument about how no one needs 4WD, or that CUV's are the devil's toy, or something like that.

Side note: people usually complain about how hard it is to back up a 4x8 utility trailer. I've come to like it, I think. Fast response means it turns around tight corners when backing up! My 6x14, with the axle all the way back, is sloooow to go where I want, if I don't have enough room for my truck to swing out and about.

 

[AZjeff]

So after 3 pages the answer to the OPs question, name some low (new or newer) trucks starting with lowest step-in would be...?

1. ?
2. ?
3. ?

It seems like base model 2wd Tacomas and Frontiers are pretty low still.

FYI in automotive design H-point is hip point and H5 is hip to ground, a great measure to know but no manufacturer includes it in their specs.

A small trailer and a CUV makes perfect sense but many people just don't want to deal with backing them up and many people don't have a good spot to store one. When we stop pulling the camper and bed load of bikes and stuff the full size goes and we get a small utility trailer.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted by CKN
How many commenting own a truck-let's put this thing in to perspective. Probably about how many tell posters to use what ever weight oil they want "with confidence". Despite never tearing down an engine.........


I've done both, several times.

This is the setup we have on our RAM 1500:

 

[CKN]

Originally Posted by supton
Originally Posted by CKN
How many commenting own a truck-let's put this thing in to perspective. Probably about how many tell posters to use what ever weight oil they want "with confidence". Despite never tearing down an engine.........

You're not the sort who thinks Toyota doesn't make trucks, are you? I mean, Tundra gets dismissed for being a lousy truck, but I'd like to think it comes close enough to comment...

Originally Posted by maxdustington
Where are all the Honda Ridgelines? I RARELY see them and I live in the largest city in Canada full of foreigners who don't drive American cars. They either suck or are too expensive, or both.

I don't think that's a great metric. I mean, I see McDonald's all over the place. Doesn't mean they are quality.

Originally Posted by madRiver
In my area that is upper middle-class in an area of 2 acre minimum lots near coastal New England there are actually 4-5 people who have the brand new Ridgeline in a town of 4500 people. I think they get relegated to dump runs and hauling about kids sport equipment for families of 4 to 5 and older folks.

Personally I think a $2000-$3000 small aluminum trailer is best bet that can hand moved by anyone coupled to a small CUV where there are sooooooo many good ones. My daughter's friend (13) parents have one and I watched the 13 year old girl pick up tongue and move across driveway with ease out of way.

2 acre lot min in my area also, but no curbside pickup (well I could rent a dumpster I guess).

I've used a trailer but it's a pain, and in winter I definitely need 4WD to move around in snow. But then, instead of the typical argument about how no one needs a truck, we then get into an argument about how no one needs 4WD, or that CUV's are the devil's toy, or something like that.

Side note: people usually complain about how hard it is to back up a 4x8 utility trailer. I've come to like it, I think. Fast response means it turns around tight corners when backing up! My 6x14, with the axle all the way back, is sloooow to go where I want, if I don't have enough room for my truck to swing out and about.


Nobody said Toyota doesn't make trucks. The Tundra is a good vehicle with that hasn't been significantly updated in over 10 years. On BITOG-that's a good thing (witness Crown Vic Love on here)-in the real world (sales numbers prove this) it's not a great thing.

I can't recommend the Tacoma-due to the lousy reviews on ride quality-and high step in.