Considering going back to 1/2 TV

[zackyboy3rs]

Due to back & hip problems I am considering going back to a Toyota Tundra as my TV. I know all about the payload limitations but my current TV is killing me to drive. As I remember the Tundra is a much easier driving truck (as it should be). Dont get me wrong, I really like my 2500 but when I drive it over long distances I have to hit the meds to control the pain.

Looking at my numbers when towing (my wife and daughter normally bring the Camry or Pilot to campground so they can go shopping).

2 people = 350 lbs
"stuff" inside = 50 lbs
Hitch wt = 840 lbs (7500 TT GVWR x 12%)
Cooler in bed = 110 lbs

Total wt = 1350 lbs.

Only thing I am not considering is the wt. of the gas.

Ok tell me how crazy I am.

[bimbert84]

Renting is a great idea. You might also want to try sitting in your truck in the driveway for a few hours straight. That will help tell you if it's the seat or the suspension that's bringing out the pain.

I recently traded in my 2003 Ram 1500 for a 2013 F150. Although both 1/2 tons, the ride in the Ford is definitely rougher (I attribute that to its higher payload rating). In any event, after a few hours in either truck, my back starts to ache. So for me, it's not the ride that makes me uncomfortable, rather it's the seats and/or the sitting position itself.

-- Rob

[slarsen]

Before you make financial commitments, how about renting something for a few days? It would be a shame to spend a lot of money and find out it didn't help.

[zackyboy3rs]

Mickeyfan0805 wrote:
I can't speak to the back problems and comfort, but I would take an extra long look at the numbers before you jump. 12% of 7,500 is 900, not 840. 50 pounds of 'stuff' is very light (it may be accurate for you, but I have that much in just my toolbox and spare fluids). As just mentioned, you'll have roughly 75 pounds of weight in the WD hitch. All in all, I think your total number could easily be underestimated. And this leaves no room for any extra stuff, gear, people, etc...

I looked at a 2013 Tundra and the payload was only 1460 minus 55 lbs for some added option. That will not work.

[Mickeyfan0805]

I can't speak to the back problems and comfort, but I would take an extra long look at the numbers before you jump. 12% of 7,500 is 900, not 840. 50 pounds of 'stuff' is very light (it may be accurate for you, but I have that much in just my toolbox and spare fluids). As just mentioned, you'll have roughly 75 pounds of weight in the WD hitch. All in all, I think your total number could easily be underestimated. And this leaves no room for any extra stuff, gear, people, etc...

[boosTT]

You forgot the actual hitch weight (ie: ball)... add another 50-100 lbs.

Simple solution= plug in heated seat pad.

[Hannibal]

Nothing wrong with the Tundra. If it falls within your weight capacity and tow capacity requirements, you surely don't need our approval! I've had some surgeries that some days make my F250 a miserable beast to drive, especially over angled rough RR tracks. The seats in the 2010 F250 put a little pressure on the tail bone too so even on smooth ground it gets painful after a couple of hours.

[racer4]

OP, my truck used to cause me lower back pain.

I fixed the problem with a Kelderman 2-Stage Air Suspension (click here).

You can also consider R4Tech Suspension (click here).

For me, the cost to upgrade was much less than trading to a different truck.

No more back pain for me. YMMV.

I hope you get things worked out to your satisfaction.

[mastercraft1995]

I really like my Tundra. It is very comfortable to drive on long trips and around town.

[Targa]

We had to do the exact same thing that your enquiring about. My wife has now had a surgery and is currently layed up from work awaiting another back surgery. After her 1st surgery the ride in our 12' 2500 Ram just became to much for her and we traded it in on a 12' 1/2 ton Chevy. I miss the 3/4 ton alot but the ride between it and the 1/2 ton is a night and day difference and she is very happy. I had to cancel delivery on a Livin lite truck camper to compliment our boat but obviously the toys are trivial compared to her well being, we are now looking at a 4 wheel campers Hawk model to accomodate the smaller payload rating of the Chevy.

[Lessmore]

I have some back and hip problems. A buddy also has them. He had his driver's seat reupholstered and it made a huge difference. In my case I bought some great seat cushions from Backsaver Acquisition Corporation from a specialized back company.

Both solutions have worked well for us. I would recommend this option first...could be cheaper in the long run.

Now my cushions were used for a car I had 15 years ago....since then I haven't needed them.


BTW...the most comfortable seats ....I find my 2007 Buick...6 passenger sedan is the second best I've ever had. Best...my old boss' Cadillac sedan....both GM.

The big Buick has relatively flat seats...no bolsters to stick in the side of my legs and the leg room is phenomenal. I can stretch my legs out fully and I'm 6' 3".

We have a Toyota (Matrix)....not enough leg room, shoulder room, hip room and after 50 miles my knee's are crying out for mercy.

[Big_Ray]

transamz9 wrote:
Sounds like you are hung up on the Toyota so it sounds like you have your mind made up. Good luck.

x2

[transamz9]

Sounds like you are hung up on the Toyota so it sounds like you have your mind made up. Good luck.

[zackyboy3rs]

Drove my dad's 2011 5.7 tundra today. Not the TRD package. The ride & ease on hip & back was better. Also, it averaged 20 mpg on a 160 mile round trip. Side- note Based on that info I can save about $90-110 per month on gas.

[bmanning]

tbred wrote:
We recently traded our 2008 f250 for a 2012 f250, the seating is like night and day! I couldn't sit in the old truck for 10 minutes without horrible back pain, the new truck is a dream! I can't believe they changed the seating that much. Whatever you choose to do, spend lots of time test driving. It may not necessarily be a 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton thing.

Best response so far; I agree that you may be dealing with a seating issue moreso than a 3/4ton vs 1/2ton issue.

If in your position I'd drive a whole bunch of trucks until your back and behind say "Ahhh, this one..."