Topic: Pros/cons of Unibody pickup design

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I thought this was a very good article on how Honda overcame the obstacles of designing the new Ridgeline, as well as covering the pros and cons of body-on-frame versus unibody in pickup design.

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/mid-size-trucks-dont-need-frames-1785674405

[Fobroader]

So basically in a mid size truck as long as you do not want to go offroad, there is literally no difference between a unibody and a proper frame. I have always like the Ridgeline, the fact the engine faces the wrong way, doesn't have enough power or a proper 4x4 system with a rear locker/limited slip has always turned me off because its a better truck than a Taco/S-10/Hardbody

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Yeah. Basically a unibody works for Honda because it fits into their existing manufacturing processes. It also gives the Ridgeline more interior space.

BoF gives Toyota and GM more flexibility as far as allowing more body configurations on the same frame, and higher loads (potentially) as far as off roading and trailering.

Weight is a wash between the two. I wonder how manufacturing and repair costs would break down?

The structural engineering around the C pillar is interesting. I wondered how they were able to eliminate the flying buttress that the Escalanche and previous Ridgeline used. Now I know. 

I like the Ridgeline too. The pricing is off as far as I can see.

[Great_Big_Abyss]

So basically in a mid size truck as long as you do not want to go offroad, there is literally no difference between a unibody and a proper frame. I have always like the Ridgeline, the fact the engine faces the wrong way, doesn't have enough power or a proper 4x4 system with a rear locker/limited slip has always turned me off because its a better truck than a Taco/S-10/Hardbody

That is according to your requirements.  I know when I had my Ranger, I never got into a situation where a locked diff or even a limited slip was necessary or would have helped.  My Ranger had open diffs both front and rear, and it did just fine in all conditions I put it through.  The biggest downside to my Ranger, in fact, was winter driving on the highway.  At high speeds, the fact that the front and rear axles were locked together was downright dangerous.  In such conditions, AWD would have been a boon.

I like the Ridgeline, it would be more than enough truck for me.  It's just too damn expensive.

[valuator]

Geez, I was actually thinking the Ridgeline was well priced for what you get. I'd buy an LX though....

[84im]

Like most vehicles these days the Ridgeline, in my opinion, is reasonably priced if you go with a lower trim level.
If I were to purchase a Ridgeline I'd go with the Sport model ($41,471.50).  Fancy enough for me.

[EV-Light]

I'd have to step into the EX-L or Touring...but I'd never pay $49k for one!!! I'd go straight to a F150, get exactly same features for a similar price.


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[84im]

If a potential truck owner doesn't mind driving a full sized truck then the F150 is the way to go.  I owned a F250 crew cab diesel, with a 6.5' bed and the thing was a beast in city driving.  I loved it on the highway, but hated in around town.  On the other hand, by brother-in-law has a F150 crew cab and has no difficulty driving it anywhere. 
My brother-in-law would never take a comparably priced Ridgeline over a F150. 
I would, though.