7000 lbs towing with a Ridgeline? Nope, nope, nope.

 

Does the OP care about towing? I would have been more than willing to settle on a 2007-2009 Taco if it wasn't for my desire to tow the S around. Hence I opted for a 2012 F150 Ecoboost. LOVE IT and has a 11000 lb tow rating. Fixed the stupid "shudder" problem with a catch can and a weep hole. With 35" tires and a level it gets about 15mpg average though, but it's not my daily so DGAF. Ill throw a set of 33s on it when these wear out and get some of that MPG back.

My needs were:

30k budget
4 door (kids)
leather (kids)
4x4 (because a truck w/o 4wd is fawkin pointless)
Ford preference

 

Out of curiosity, is that seriously a deal breaker for 99% of the population that buys trucks?

I'm not a truck person, but the ability to tow two S2000's around behind you seems more than sufficient. Just a dick swinging contest for towing more than that.

 

Its a deal breaker after the first time you actually have to tow something. Then you realize the point of those tow ratings.

 

7000 lb would be adequate. Old ridgeline/pilot was 5000 I believe. Unless you're going to pony up the dough for an all aluminum trailer, you'll max that 5k out pretty quick.

 

It helps to know what you're going to tow... A 2k trailer and a 3k car gets you the 5k quickly.

 

I don't have anything to tow currently. That isn't to say if I had a truck that could tow say the S2000 to and from the track or something that it wouldn't be cool. I am really torn since I do really like the smaller trucks like the Tacoma and Colorado but considering they cost nearly the same as the full size trucks that are more capable as a truck I really question if buying the smaller truck is worth it or if I would hit the scenario of wanting to tow something or being limited in some way and wishing I had just gone with the larger truck. This is still a ways off for me but it is helpful to see others thought processes and what they have considered.

I also just discovered the 2016 Chevy Z71 Silverado which is a pretty bad ass looking truck. It is just gigantic. But I think it would more than fill all my needs and give me room to grow if I wanted tow something.

 

I bought a Tacoma a year ago. I use it as a daily driver and hauler of crap. If you own a house, the ability to randomly haul crap is priceless.

If I had to do it again, I'd reconsider a full size. The only problem is that I wanted four doors and the super crew cabs (or whatever they call them) are truly, fricking enormous. That and they are pushing $50k new.

The Tacoma will last forever and has exceptional resale. The downside is the bed is small and towing capacity is limited. As a general house junk hauler, it's pretty good. It is rated to tow a <3000lb car (taking into account trailer weight), I do believe.

Sometimes I wish I had a full size, but, for the most part, I'm happy with the Tacoma.

 

What is the OP towing? Nothing. Not listed as a requirement. Maybe learn some reading comprehension.

 

7k sounds like a lot but it's not. Most people forget the base weight of the trailer.

If you want to tow a car, get something beefer.