Possible Tundra Bed Bounce CURE FOUND - Page 27 - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

Derek_Shawn · #**391** (**permalink**) 10-09-2008, 09:46 AM

Well I've been waiting to post the results of my testing this past weekend so I could really see if any difference was made.

Last week I ordered the Draw-Tite Gooseneck hitch for my Tundra and my only intention for doing so was to help with the bed bounce and the ride by strengthening the frame. I installed everything you see here: http://www.hitchestogo.com/Instructions/N4436.pdf

I didn't install the hitch itself because I'm not going to drill any holes in the bed for something I'll never use. Installation took ~2 hours because it is a VERY tight fit under our trucks and there are a lot of things you have to work around and hope nothing gets damaged in the process.

At the same time, I also installed the TRD Rear Sway Bar to improve handling.

The results?... Well the handling is MUCH improved thanks to the TRD RSB. The bed bounce however, while better, isn't significantly better. So now I'm wondering if those that installed the full Gooseneck hitches are benefiting more from the weight of the hitch than they are the strengthening of the frame.

So I suppose it's back to the drawing board for me. I don't plan on removing the Gooseneck bracing that I installed, although I've been trying to think of ways to attach some steel plates to it that would weigh it down some more. The bracing alone that I installed weighs in at ~60 pounds. The hitch assembly, which I did not install, weighs another ~35 pounds.

Dysan911 · #**392** (**permalink**) 10-09-2008, 11:49 AM

Thanks for reporting your findings Derek.. I certainly appreicate you letting us know this didn't completely solve the issue for you. Thats such a shame too, I was really hoping that goosneck brace would have been the answer.

Although not the solution we all want to hear, I believe for now the workaround is weight related. by that I mean having some sort of preload on the springs. Whether that be a few 100 lbs of Sand bags or whatever means capable of adding weight to the suspension.

Just as a test.. A little background first: I have been riding around with my Shurtrax (ShurTrax Traction Control - Truck Traction - Traction Weight) completely full of water for a few months. My fuel consumption hasn't really been affected as much as I thought it would. I tend to get about 17.5 to 18.5 MPG on a regular basis.. Most of my driving tends to be highway so not so much stop and go where I'd imagine the extra weight would really play a bigger part in effecting MPG.

Yesterday I decided to empty my shurtrax and drive around for the remainder of the day just to compare back to back. I have gotten spoiled for a while having it in there for so long so I figured, lets see how much of a difference I'll notice now.. OMG!. I wanted to push the thing right off a cliff. The bed bounce was back with a vengence and every little bump including the concretre highways created a very jittery ride (you know the one that feels like someone slapping your back when trying to speak). Needless to say that night I laid my Shurtrax back out in the bed. I didn't quite fill it up as much as I did the last time. Sorta half way and figured if the ride wasn't quite there I would continue to add more water until I got it just perfect. Well this morning with the shurtrax half full. My Tundra hardly feels like its carrying any additional weight and it's as smooth as glass!. Whew!. Won't do that again!.

-Brian.

Derek_Shawn · #**393** (**permalink**) 10-09-2008, 12:06 PM

Brian,

I agree with you on the weight thing. I think that adding some form of weight will take care of the rest of my bed bounce. However, there's no way I'm going to spend $700 on the willybar when all you're getting are a bunch of steel plates that sit in the bed. The ShurTrax would be the cheapest solution and probably the best way to test different weights. The downside to sandbags is the fact that when they get wet, water can soak through the plastic and into the sand the then you've got bags of wet sand which can get messy. Maybe the ShurTrax is what I'll try next, unless somebody has another suggestion. I wish TRD would come out with something to help our ride quality like they did the RSB to help our handling. One day... maybe it will happen.

los211 · #**394** (**permalink**) 10-09-2008, 12:27 PM

I have had a shurtrax for over a year and have only removed it one time to test the reults of the PRG mini pack. Though the ride was slightly better I did put the Shurtrax back in with less water. The ride is survivable now and have not had any big negative decline fuel economy. I figure .5 - 1.5 mpg. I also noticed that the closer I have it to the tailgate the better the ride.

Also on a side note I was planning to build my own frame brace which would simulate the gooseneck hitch but after reading the last few reports here I may have to put that on the back burner. I may just do it any way just for my own piece of mind.

Derek_Shawn · #**395** (**permalink**) 10-09-2008, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by los211

I have had a shurtrax for over a year and have only removed it one time to test the reults of the PRG mini pack. Though the ride was slightly better I did put the Shurtrax back in with less water. The ride is survivable now and have not had any big negative decline fuel economy. I figure .5 - 1.5 mpg. I also noticed that the closer I have it to the tailgate the better the ride.

Also on a side note I was planning to build my own frame brace which would simulate the gooseneck hitch but after reading the last few reports here I may have to put that on the back burner. I may just do it any way just for my own piece of mind.

The bracing that comes with the Draw-Tite hitch is at least 1/4" steel and very heavy. I figured that even if it didn't cure my bed bounce, at least it'll beef up the frame just a little directly above the rear axle. The Shurtrax will probably be the next thing I try. I'll probably put that 'Freeze Proof' stuff in it as well that Shurtrax recommends to prevent it from freezing.

semcoll · #**396** (**permalink**) 10-09-2008, 01:10 PM

While I personally have never experienced this problem, how about this fix?

1. Place suitable containers in rear of bed and fill with water until desired ride is acheived and/or bed bounce is eliminated.

2. remove containers and weigh.

3. go to your local metal/welding shop and have them cut a steel plate of the same weight.

4. remove spare tire and attach plate between spare and bed.

5. replace spare.

I'll bet total cost won't exceed $200 - less if you do some yourself.

- or how about this one -

1. Remove factory receiver hitch - note cross bar is a hollow tube.

2. stand hitch on end in a sandy area

3. heat up some lead [from old batteries] and pour into tube until full.

3. replace hitch - with some help

Swatdude1 · #**397** (**permalink**) 10-10-2008, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek_Shawn

Brian,

I agree with you on the weight thing. I think that adding some form of weight will take care of the rest of my bed bounce. However, there's no way I'm going to spend $700 on the willybar when all you're getting are a bunch of steel plates that sit in the bed. The ShurTrax would be the cheapest solution and probably the best way to test different weights. The downside to sandbags is the fact that when they get wet, water can soak through the plastic and into the sand the then you've got bags of wet sand which can get messy. Maybe the ShurTrax is what I'll try next, unless somebody has another suggestion. I wish TRD would come out with something to help our ride quality like they did the RSB to help our handling. One day... maybe it will happen.

Has anyone just tried upgrading their shocks to a better dampening model. I have the Bilsteins and I don't think my bed bounce is near what you guys are describing even though it is definitely there. I am also running 50 lbs. in my BFG's and while the ride feels a little stiffer, there isn't any blood in my urine or anything.

Dysan911 · #**398** (**permalink**) 10-10-2008, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swatdude1

Has anyone just tried upgrading their shocks to a better dampening model. I have the Bilsteins and I don't think my bed bounce is near what you guys are describing even though it is definitely there. I am also running 50 lbs. in my BFG's and while the ride feels a little stiffer, there isn't any blood in my urine or anything.

Yes. I have Rancho 9000XL's. 9 different settings. It helps a little but unfortunatley not enough.. Also the more airpressure I put in my tires, the rougher the ride. You can practically feel every pebble in the road as it is and I have my PSI at 35 front 36 rear.

jsantesson · #**399** (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 04:20 PM

Does a canopy help with the bed bounce?

metrictundra · #**400** (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 05:30 PM

I have a cover on mine and there was no difference. The only thing that helps everything is I added 200# of sand bags last winter for traction and liked how it smoothed the ride out and left it in all the time. I have only experienced very slight bed bounce on one stretch of road in SLC UT. In ID. we don't have it.

Retired Wrench · #**401** (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 08:25 PM

I have a Leer cab high shell on my '07 Tundra double cab 4X4 with TRD package. I think the weight of the shell took a little of the bounce out but I still have a considerable amount of bed bounce.

guntech · #**402** (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 08:46 PM

I have a 200# ARE MX on mine. Little to no difference. Although, I have to admit, I have VERY little bed bounce - if any at all.

mendonsy · #**403** (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guntech

I have a 200# ARE MX on mine. Little to no difference. Although, I have to admit, I have VERY little bed bounce - if any at all.

YEP!! Me too!!! New York tends to have two types of roads, good and impassible.

ifeldwn02 · #**404** (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 09:20 PM

one thing about bed bounce (may just be me) is that its more of the non trd tundras that encounter this condition

Derek_Shawn · #**405** (**permalink**) 10-23-2008, 07:02 PM

Well I called Toyota Customer Care today to complain about the bed bounce because I'm starting to get headaches during my 10 mile commute to work and home and my back is starting to ache as well because of the aftershock effect of the rear frame/suspension. I sat on hold for a while, then she came back and said that there was no fix now, and none in the foreseeable future either. I don't know what else to do. I've tried just about every remedy recommended on this forum and none have really made that much of a difference. Oh how I miss my 2005 4Runner...