Honda takes an opportunity to demonstrate how the 2017 Honda Ridgeline handles another “Rock Drop” test. This is basically a bed strength test that Chevrolet made popular a few days ago. Although, Honda did a river rock drop test about a month ago.
Chevrolet introduced the “Rock Drop” ad campaign, which literally pokes holes in the Ford F-150 bed. Chevrolet performed bed strength tests and released two videos and the test data for three tests: laboratory bed material sample tests, landscape rock drop test, and toolbox drop test. Chevrolet specifically compared a 2016 Silverado 1500 against a Ford F-150.
The second generation Ridgeline continues to use the Sheet Molded Composite (SMC) bed. Can the SMC bed handle approximately 830 pound of sharp edged landscaping stones being dropped in with a front-loader? Is it stronger than a steel bed in the Silverado or an aluminum bed in the F-150?
This is a low budget demonstration, no fancy warehouse here. The presentation is effective nonetheless.
You can also watch this river rock drop demonstration from the launch event of the 2017 Ridgeline.