Toolbox solution for Honda Ridgeline

[joseywales]

I currently have a Diamondback cover on my Honda RL. It's made in PA, and I can rest 250 pounds on the top. It has two sections, front and back, that open. It works well, but I really wanted the version where the front section had butterfly doors, so I could stand on the side of the truck and lift the door straight up (not available for the RL). https://diamondbackcovers.com/products/diamondback180?variant=30020674825

So, I'm looking for perhaps drawers that would slide in/out under the cover? Any other ideas or general handyman work. No ladders, etc. Honestly, I like the RL, but might even consider just changing out the truck.

Thanks for any input

 

[mrjaw14]

I have a tonneau hard shell for my truck so a regular won’t work for me either. I bought a box that sits inside the bed like this one.

I love truck tool organization, looking for new ideas myself.

 

[joseywales]

I have a tonneau hard shell for my truck so a regular won’t work for me either. I bought a box that sits inside the bed like this one.

I love truck tool organization, looking for new ideas myself.

Yeah. We might have to hit the Ridgeline forum for ideas. If this became a work truck, I'll clear out the in-bed trunk and make good use of that as well. I thought of a drawer type solution, since it's so easy to open the gate. Then, if I have to haul material it can easily sit on the top of my cover.

 

[Firebrick43]

Is this the comedy section. He said ridgeline and truck in the same sentence.

 

[joseywales]

Is this the comedy section. He said ridgeline and truck in the same sentence.

And...here we go. Proper reading comprehension indicates that Ridgeline and truck were in two different sentences, not the same sentence. I wouldn't expect a truck driver to know that

The RL tows 5,000 pounds, which I don't need it to do. It has the best turning radius in its class, which I do need. It rides better than a commercial vehicle, or F150, and gets 24+MPG. I travel almost daily and many times across state, so I appreciate a lot of the RL's attributes. That said, I'm less than thrilled with some of the RL's features, but that's for another thread/time.

Also, I'm looking at changing occupations, which would require more "work" from the RL and less travel. The RL should easily handle what I have planned, and I'm really not up to handle whatever the RL can't.

 

[mikew13]

And...here we go. Proper reading comprehension indicates that Ridgeline and truck were in two different sentences, not the same sentence. I wouldn't expect a truck driver to know that

The RL tows 5,000 pounds, which I don't need it to do. It has the best turning radius in its class, which I do need. It rides better than a commercial vehicle, or F150, and gets 24+MPG. I travel almost daily and many times across state, so I appreciate a lot of the RL's attributes. That said, I'm less than thrilled with some of the RL's features, but that's for another thread/time.

Also, I'm looking at changing occupations, which would require more "work" from the RL and less travel. The RL should easily handle what I have planned, and I'm really not up to handle whatever the RL can't.

My '19 F-150 is superior to a Ridgeline. 22 mpg. Rides smooth. You are thinking of a super duty that rides like a commercial truck. Real trucks have a frame....

 

[joseywales]

My '19 F-150 is superior to a Ridgeline. 22 mpg. Rides smooth. You are thinking of a super duty that rides like a commercial truck. Real trucks have a frame....

The RL tailgate alone makes it better for ME. The F150 doesn’t do anything better that I need and I’ve hit 30MPG highway with the RL. I’m looking for an alternative to the RL, but haven’t found one that checks the boxes I need.

 

[mikew13]

The RL tailgate alone makes it better for ME. The F150 doesn’t do anything better that I need and I’ve hit 30MPG highway with the RL. I’m looking for an alternative to the RL, but haven’t found one that checks the boxes I need.

Its time for a real truck. Nobody talks about Ridgeline fanboys and their tailgates. Plus so have I hit 31 mpg on the readout. The days of having a small truck for mpg are over.

 

[BMoscato]

Damn, I have a Titan Pro 4X and I'm lucky if I hit 15 mpg.

 

[Wrench97]

I'm seriously considering(because of the current market conditions) buying a 4 door and pulling the back seat out I will never use and installing a tool box to preserve what little bed room there is on the late model 150's and/or Silverado's..................5' bed with 2' of tool box just won't cut it.

 

[xlowxyotax88x]

Talk all the **** you want but I'd take a used Honda over a new Ford any day, especially an f series after 78. Honda has better parts availability, more reliable, will last longer, and have better maintenance cost

 

[Copymutt]

I’ve heard some good things about the Ridgeline since inception. Having to somehow reach over a ridge to access anything in the bed kills it as a viable truck. Nothing to step on, no running boards no foot holds. Looks good hauling the motorcycle, that’s about it.

 

[LXCam]

OP, ya know I’m the first guy to make fun of an RL. But all the jokes and arguments have been beat to death here and since no one has offered up something for consideration yet - well...

Client Challenge

I’ve had a couple sets of weatherguard drawers and they’re pretty decent and this model fits according to what I found for dimensions. I’m not sure if this is what you had in mind but here ya go.

The only major issue i see is blocking the purse trunk.



Lol, I just couldn’t help myself

 

[joseywales]

I’ve heard some good things about the Ridgeline since inception. Having to somehow reach over a ridge to access anything in the bed kills it as a viable truck. Nothing to step on, no running boards no foot holds. Looks good hauling the motorcycle, that’s about it.

Explain having to reach over a ridge to access the bed. Just not sure what you mean by that. My RL has running boards, though I'd prefer a nice foothold like I've seen on the Chevy. My truck bed cover comes in a stronger version, which could hold an ATV weight vehicle, so you could still tow a trailer behind it if you wanted.

The RL isn't perfect, but no vehicle is. I bet I have shoes no one else here likes either. I was just looking for a toolbox discussion

 

[Copymutt]

I guess my issue is the combination of reach over near the cab, as well as a tool box under a tonneau? Honestly did not know RB’s were an option.

 

[mikew13]

Talk all the **** you want but I'd take a used Honda over a new Ford any day, especially an f series after 78. Honda has better parts availability, more reliable, will last longer, and have better maintenance cost

I think you have it wrong. The heater in my 2015 Honda Accord didn't even work and todays Ford trucks are so much refined and improved with great mpg. Im happy I got rid of the Accord before problems cropped up.

 

[mikew13]

I'm seriously considering(because of the current market conditions) buying a 4 door and pulling the back seat out I will never use and installing a tool box to preserve what little bed room there is on the late model 150's and/or Silverado's..................5' bed with 2' of tool box just won't cut it.

Aren't you aware its 5.5' and 6.5'
A supercrew with 6.5' bed has all the room you will ever need compared to a Ridgeline that is a pretend pickup. Its the best combination you will ever find.

 

[Wrench97]

Aren't you aware its 5.5' and 6.5'
A supercrew with 6.5' bed has all the room you will ever need compared to a Ridgeline that is a pretend pickup. Its the best combination you will ever find.

I'm comparing it to the current 8' bed I have on a F150, I had a short bed years ago and hated it for hauling anything.

 

[joseywales]

I guess my issue is the combination of reach over near the cab, as well as a tool box under a tonneau? Honestly did not know RB’s were an option.

Ah. Ok. You’re thinking of the 1st Generation. In GEN 2 Ridgelines (2017 and up) the bed rail is straight, and yes the G1 reach would have been an issue for me.

 

[FlaGman]

I had a first gen Ridgeline (2006) for 13 years, and replaced with a 2nd gen (2018) a few years ago. I have found plastic bins most helpful in organizing tools and supplies, they slide easily on the bed liner and the swing out tailgate allows me to reach all the way to the front of the bed. I would never consider drawers unless they were short ones that did not cover the trunk, which is an essential feature for me.

I am using a Peragon cover that folds up, but can be removed completely in a couple minutes but still allows access to the in bed trunk.

Pickup Truck Bed Covers For Sale - Peragon®

Looking for truck bed covers for sale? Our truck covers provide you with the ultimate upgrade for the back of your pickup truck ✓ Shop here!

www.peragon.com

 

[joseywales]

I had a first gen Ridgeline (2006) for 13 years, and replaced with a 2nd gen (2018) a few years ago. I have found plastic bins most helpful in organizing tools and supplies, they slide easily on the bed liner and the swing out tailgate allows me to reach all the way to the front of the bed. I would never consider drawers unless they were short ones that did not cover the trunk, which is an essential feature for me.

I am using a Peragon cover that folds up, but can be removed completely in a couple minutes but still allows access to the in bed trunk.

Pickup Truck Bed Covers For Sale - Peragon®

Looking for truck bed covers for sale? Our truck covers provide you with the ultimate upgrade for the back of your pickup truck ✓ Shop here!

www.peragon.com

Thanks. I’ll look. To your point on bins, i have the Plano rectangular bins from HD and i think Cabela’s.
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/plano-medium-storage-trunk?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions&ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=Shop|Generic|AllProducts|High|SSCCatchAll&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvMucscrR8wIVQuG1Ch0cXAtgEAQYAyABEgIG4_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

My Diamondback cover has doors that come off in 2 minutes. The entire cover, off in less than 10. Very lightweight. Inside clearance is just over 17” and these bins fit well. We moved my in-laws, so i lugged lots of tools to prep the house, etc., and those bins, in combination with adjustable cargo poles, worked well.

i like the Paragon, but wanted the DB’s ability to hold 250 pounds. Mostly, I stand on it to clear snow off the cab! I did use cargo bags on our vacation and worked well, tied down with cleats.

 

[riceaterSLC]

My '19 F-150 is superior to a Ridgeline. 22 mpg. Rides smooth. You are thinking of a super duty that rides like a commercial truck.

Having owned BOTH and 2019 Ridgeline RTL-E AND NOW a 2018 F-150 Lariat w/ the 3.5EB you are wrong with this statement.

The Ridgeline was far superior is ride quality and handling. The Ridgeline was far quieter. The Ridgeline had a superior stereo compared to the B&O in the F-150. With my 19 mile per way commute 80/20 highway/city the MPGs are a wash. The only reason I sold the Ridgeline was for something with a 10k towing capacity. I put about 40k miles on the Ridgeline and about 30k miles on the F-150.

How long did you own your Ridgeline for big Mike? Or are you just talking out of your fourth point of contact?

OP: I had the peragon on my ridgeline for a while. the build quality and customer service were great. what i really hated about it was the fact than when you "opened" it up you lost a foot or so of bed storage at the front. the other thing that was a pain was having to crawl in under the cover to get stuff that was at the front of the bed because said things would prevent the cover from being opened for easy access. you have the right idea trying to find something different.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Damn, I have a Titan Pro 4X and I'm lucky if I hit 15 mpg.

I got a power wagon. 410 horsepower, 4.10 gears, and 33“ tires put a hurt on mileage. But I needed the capability, not fuel economy. My wife has a Prius, so we’ve got that angle covered.