Tailgate

[Hondafan]

Hello everyone. I'm on the verge of making a deal on a Ridgeline. I'm an easy Honda sell since I have a 2002 Civic, a 2004 CRV EXL, a 90 HP outboard and a 500cc motorcycle. But...can anyone explain why the tailgate on the Ridgeline is lower than the side body panels? Is there a functional reason for this. It's a little thing that drives me nuts! Nobody seems to know or mind????

[CR-V]

Yes a better field of view when backing up. Just my 02 I would highly recommend (but not Cheap and body parts also don't come cheap) In plain old English they work great. Conclusion they only have to save your butt once and they are paid for. They should be standard equipment on every new vehicle, just ask anyone that has had the horific feeling of backing over a child, it's with them for life.

[Waterbug]

It's all a matter of perspective. I don't think that the tailgate is too low. I think that the sides are too high. I use my Ridge to tow my Bass Boat. When I launch, I like to back the rear wheels just into the water. I then climb into the bed of the truck from the side, step off of the tailgate onto the tongue of my boat trailer and onto the boat. I can back the boat off and tie it to the dock without gettin' wet. The high sides make getting into the truck bed difficult because the bumper is out over the water.

[Hondafan]

Just to be clear...I'm talking about the 1-2 inch height difference from the top of the tailgate to the top of the side panels. Why wouldn't Hobda just make this even and flush all round?

I'll also be towing and launching my boat. Nice to know I won't get wet! Lots of big bass on my lake up here.