Considering going back to 1/2 TV

JRS & B wrote:
I had my first battle with sciatica almost 30 years ago. No one can appreciate what back pain is all about unless they have experienced it. I describe it as like a big tooth ache in the spine. So I can appreciate your situation.

I'm thinking if the problem grows out of everyday driving it is the combination of the height of the truck when you climb in, and the pitching motion that comes in turns.

I know when I turn up into my driveway (for example a left turn in) my truck tends to noticeably pitch my body to the right. I figure this rolling motion comes out of the combination of stiffer springs and a just little extra height compared to a 1/2 ton.

So if this is what is aggravating your back, then a vehicle change may be the only answer. Can you swap trucks with someone for a week and see if you notice any change? Or just not drive the truck at all?

Also, you do not say whether you have bucket seats or a bench seats.

I have had a Ford truck with a bench seat, and both a GMC and Ram trucks with bucket seats. That old Ford with about 7 inches of foam padding was much more comfortable than the Ram buckets. And the GMC's seats were the worst of the bunch. IMHO bucket seats in general are not particularly comfortable.

If you do, in fact, have buckets seats, then you might look into some way to improve the driver's seat. I would bet you could get the driver's seat redone and customized with lumbar support and sized to fit you like a glove.

Leather with all power lumbar/heated seats. I have used a couple of padded covers I got from wallyworld. Also, when I drive my wifes Honda Pilot it is so much easier and less painful. I had a 2010 Tundra prior to the 2500 and my dad has a 2011 Tundra I am going to drive around and see if there is difference. All these trucks mentioned have bucket seats. Thanks.

Just looking at the switch it would be minimumal $$$. No bid deal on that end. I should even be able to sell my truck myself.

I had my first battle with sciatica almost 30 years ago. No one can appreciate what back pain is all about unless they have experienced it. I describe it as like a big tooth ache in the spine. So I can appreciate your situation.

I'm thinking if the problem grows out of everyday driving it is the combination of the height of the truck when you climb in, and the pitching motion that comes in turns.

I know when I turn up into my driveway (for example a left turn in) my truck tends to noticeably pitch my body to the right. I figure this rolling motion comes out of the combination of stiffer springs and a just little extra height compared to a 1/2 ton.

So if this is what is aggravating your back, then a vehicle change may be the only answer. Can you swap trucks with someone for a week and see if you notice any change? Or just not drive the truck at all?

Also, you do not say whether you have bucket seats or a bench seats.

I have had a Ford truck with a bench seat, and both a GMC and Ram trucks with bucket seats. That old Ford with about 7 inches of foam padding was much more comfortable than the Ram buckets. And the GMC's seats were the worst of the bunch. IMHO bucket seats in general are not particularly comfortable.

If you do, in fact, have buckets seats, then you might look into some way to improve the driver's seat. I would bet you could get the driver's seat redone and customized with lumbar support and sized to fit you like a glove.

I am not just talking about back/hip pain when towing but just everyday driving as well. Thanks.

Frankly, I don't think any vehicle change will make your ride any more comfortable. Admittedly, there may well be a slight difference between the ride comfort levels, but if you are not pain free while towing in the Chevy, you will not be pain free in the Tundra either.

Several things led me to that conclusion. First, you stated in your post, "As I remember the Tundra..." Your condition probably was much different and probably better when you owned the Tundra. Secondly, your Chevy is a 2009 model. Assuming you bought the Chevy new or almost new, that was at least 4 years ago. A lot changes in that time, including our health. Were you in pain the first time you drove the Chevy? Or on that first trailer pull with the Chevy, was it OK? My guess is the pain has increased over time and your ownership with the Chevy. Blaming the Chevy is misplaced. Then in a subsequent post, you state, "Hip replacement near the end of year." I doubt a Tundra will change your needing a hip replacement or the pain your condition now causes.

Would hate to see the expense and not solve the problem. I guess I'm fortunate that I have no back problems at all and drive a Suburban. The point is that maybe there is an underlying problem that precedes the vehicle.
I stretch every morning and have been doing that for many years. We stop every two hours on the road to walk out the kinks and sleep on a firm mattress.
Hope you get some relief whatever you do.

41k miles. New Michleins. Done all to make the back better. Hip replacement near the end of year. 40/60 psi. any lower than that the tire pressure sensor goes off.

If it was me I would be looking to solve the problem before trading the truck in. Yes, the Tundra would probably be fine to tow the trailer, and without having the ratings at hand, probably close to its limits with that load.

Friend of mine has a Tundra ext cab, and IMO it rides about the same as my Suburban, which is very similar to your Chevy. GM's torsion bar set up on the front end usually delivers a pretty smooth ride. Start with the easy stuff....since you're not carrying a huge load, what do you have tire pressure set at? How many miles on the shocks? Stock tires?

I'm going to guess that there's something not right with your truck if it's beating you up with the ride.