[mkiley]

We have a 2005 Pilot (cousin to the Ridgeline) and we love it.

I live in Colorado and have taken many trips into the mountains with 3 adults, 2 kids, 1 dog and 40 gallons of water in the holding tank. Here is what I have learned.

1. Keep an eye on the engine temperature. If the needle moves, slow down
2. I go faster then semis up steep grades and much slower than sedans
3. I'm towing, so I'm not in a hurry. If I'm in a hurry, I shouldn't tow

When towing I average about 11-12 MPG pretty consistently at sea level, in the Rockies, etc. You would think flat, sea level towing would improve gas mileage, but I have seen no noticable MPG difference on a trip from Colorado to California.

Not to start a wicked debate on physics, but I heard an interesting theory. As you climb in altitude, the power decrease from lack of oxegen is somewhat offset by the decreased resistence from the thinner air. I went to public school, so easy on me if this sounds crazy.