Real world effects of the weaker frame in the Tundra compared to F-150?

Sephiroth · #1 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 09:53 AM

I'm sure you've all seen this video (frame comparison of Tundra and F150)

YouTube - Ford F150 vs Toyota Tundra - Frame Strength

and this video (The famous bed bounce)

YouTube - Ford F150 vs Chevy vs Toyota - Bed Bounce

Basically, I'm in the market for a truck and was all set on the Tundra because I love Toyota so much (not to mention the Tundra.) These videos however, when combined with the videos from thetruthabouttrucks.com (although insanely biased towards the Ford) have gotten me seriously considering the new 2009 F-150.

I'm a huge Toyota fan and I have always really hated the Ford brand because of quality concerns. These vids however certainly give the impression that Ford makes some extremely excellent trucks. I find it hard to believe that Ford could engineer anything better than Toyota, but if Toyota could make an engineering mistake like this with the frame, maybe some of the comparisons at thetruthabouttrucks.com hold some water too.

What'd you guys think after watching these videos and what do you think the real world importance of the frame strength in the Ford is, in relation to the Tundra? To me, these damn Ford marketing videos have actually gotten me considering a Found On Road Dead and now I'll probably end up waiting until they are released in June to make my decision. Still leaning heavily towards the Toyota however

.

slackjaw07 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 09:59 AM

Is this for real?

Keywasted · #3 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 10:06 AM

Sephiroth,

Whoever sponsors the test will come out on top and make the competitor look inferior, just like a political candidates' speech. Heck, even JD Power is paid by the company that hires it. When have you heard them say anything bad about a product they review?

I went with track record. Mine and Toyotas. I have had the big 3's trucks and some were OK, most were horrible. Based on reliability, resale and performance, I bought a Tundra. Not one regret with 8K miles. EVERYONE that rides it compliments it and I'm getting 19 mpg out of 381 hp. Nuff said.

Best of luck with whatever you buy.

KeyWasted

TundraCJ7 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 10:10 AM

The frame strength must not mean much because from what I have heard every comparisson say the Tundra rides better then the F150 and tows better as well. I dont see where else the frame would matter.

wintergreen · #5 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 10:26 AM

Yup, Ford has a stiffer frame. Now lets look at the effect of that stiffer frame in the crash test. LMAO.... I will take the Tundra any day! Cheers

YouTube - Crash Test Ford F150

wintergreen · #6 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wintergreen

Yup, Ford has a stiffer frame. Now lets look at the effect of that stiffer frame in the crash test. LMAO.... I will take the Tundra any day! Cheers

YouTube - Crash Test Ford F150

BTW, here are crash test videos on the Tundra.

YouTube - 07 Toyota Tundra crash test (Regular Cab)
YouTube - 07 Toyota Tundra crash test

joshp · #7 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 10:38 AM

With all the "uhs" in his speech I'd have to say he has no idea what he is talking about. The two company's have a different theory on frame structure. Based on the crash test posted to this thread it looks like the Ford frame bent a lot more than the tundra. Looks like in a crash the Tundra is relying on its weight to put punishment on whatever it hits rather than dissipating the force through crumbling.

Cali Cajun · #8 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 10:46 AM

Sorry, but it is hard to believe that the guy has anything intelligent to say when every other word is "uh..".

Why not do what every other potential buyer does when coming to this forum and ask us how we love our trucks? I too looked at the other trucks and it was between the Chev and the Tundra. I went with the bigger back seat and the company with the reputation that would stand behind their product. I have had Fords, Chev, Nissan, and Toyota.

I had a new Ford Taurus that would just quit running every 80 or so when I came to a stop. Dealership had it 8 times and never admitted there was something wrong with it. I later found out (after getting rid of it) that Ford knew there was a problem. So I dont trust Ford.

As for my Tundra. No problems (20,000 miles) and it tows well. Other than some bed bounce that I hope Toyota admits, I love it.

Wildbill Tundra · #9 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 10:48 AM

I'm sure if Toyota wanted they could make 100 videos that will show there truck absolutely killing the f-150 is all kinds of ways....There is a reason why all my buddies with fords dodges now want a tundra after seeing mine. OHHH and also go ahead and get that ford...when you wanna sell it in my maybe 3 years have fun getting 10k for it. hahaha...Oh and another thing the new f-150 will have a whoping 10 more hp than the old style....cool...

martino4 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wintergreen

BTW, here are crash test videos on the Tundra.

YouTube - 07 Toyota Tundra crash test (Regular Cab)
YouTube - 07 Toyota Tundra crash test

and here is actually 2007 f-150 crash test:
YouTube - Crash Test of 2007 Ford F-150 4-DR. SuperCab

crankytexan · #11 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 10:56 AM

So their definition of frame strength is suppose to prove what? I don't think I've seen one broke frame on a Tundra yet.

The idea of a box frame is good but just because a company touts that as the number one judgment factor for strength I would be a little leery.

If the frame was crap on the Tundra I don't think you would be able to put such a beefy rear end and be able to tow more then the competition.

rockstate45 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martino4

and here is actually 2007 f-150 crash test:
YouTube - Crash Test of 2007 Ford F-150 4-DR. SuperCab

Thank you. You did what I was going to do.

The Ford is actually safer if you look at the information provided. Good all the way across the board on the offset. It's 5/5/4 for Government (driver/pass/rollover). The Tundra has TWO averages on the offset and it's 4/4/3.

However, where the Tundra gets the Best Pick is the side airbags and the side impact plus the headrests. Although the Ford is safer in head on and offset, it's marginal.

You will get a lot of responses about the frame. Here's one that I'm sure will pop up. The Super Duty uses an Open C Channel frame in the back. The Tundra does also.

Here's another one, that did pop up already but I'm taking a different approach. Every frame will vibrate and bounce with the harmonics in the road. Unfortunately, Toyota's frame will bounce and drive people up a wall enough to give it the deserving name, "bed bounce."

-rockstate

rockstate45 · #13 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 11:06 AM

Ah, and wintergreen, those are two entirely different frames. I'm sure your vast knowledge of trucks gave that hint to you right away.

-rockstate

coyote45 · #14 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 11:18 AM

So exactly what are the "real world" effects. I need to know because I was just about to strap 500lbs. of dumbbells to my front left tow hook.

crankytexan · #15 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockstate45

Here's another one, that did pop up already but I'm taking a different approach. Every frame will vibrate and bounce with the harmonics in the road. Unfortunately, Toyota's frame will bounce and drive people up a wall enough to give it the deserving name, "bed bounce."

-rockstate

I've read a lot about people who have bed bounce. I have two Tundras a CrewMax and a RCSB and I have never experienced this. Now with my 4 door Dodge Dakota I would experience it but only on bumpy roads.