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 lbsHitch wt = 840 lbs (7500 TT GVWR x 12%)Cooler in bed = 110 lbsTotal wt = 1350 lbs.Only thing I am not considering is the wt. of the gas.Ok tell me how crazy I am.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Considering going back to 1/2 TV | Good Sam Community

bimbert84
Explorer
Jul 20, 2013
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
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013
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
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013
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
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013
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
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013
You forgot the actual hitch weight (ie: ball)... add another 50-100 lbs.

Simple solution= plug in heated seat pad.
Hannibal
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013
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
Explorer
Jul 15, 2013
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
Explorer
Jul 15, 2013
I really like my Tundra. It is very comfortable to drive on long trips and around town.
Targa
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013
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
Explorer II
Jul 11, 2013
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.