Let's save some Tundras

Unfortunately we have seen a few super nice trucks get totaled from rear end collisions during the last few months. So, I'm left wondering what could have been done differently? Obviously, first and foremost, the other drivers should have been paying attention in the first place! Now, I know there are a whole bunch of wise individuals on this forum and if we all try maybe we can save some trucks from becoming a total loss. So please, let's all share our best ideas here and hopefully they will make a difference. As for me, my own thought is something extraordinary is needed to help grab attention. I'm thinking some sort of hitch brake light with some design or message would be most helpful. On my own truck I put a brake and reverse bar above the lic. plate. Now, I plan to fab a semi-light guage step bar, sort of a crumple zone if you will. What have you done, or what are your thoughts?

 

Well you cant fix stupid but you can meet it where it lives!

 

My dad owns a little BMW Z3 roadster, it's his dream car. He never drives it because as he says "I can't afford to fix it." This is probably the 100% failsafe solution.

 

Got rear ended a few years ago. It was some really low riding sedan and he nailed the hitch receiver. He was down one bumper, and a front license plate. Barely a scratch on the truck.

 

There is a bunch of these kinds of "hitch steps" out there, this one is solid steel can be used to recover vehicles, as well as take a hit from a cell phone impaired genius.

 

Exactly why I posted it.

Its astonishing that they still get smacked all the time too,what are people thinking about,in traffic and a construction zone other than not mauling anyone with the car?

We lost 2 workers last week here in perfect weather on a bridge repair in daylight and one was a pregnant woman worker.

It is just sad.

 

What I did, a light guage 2" tube step with a long neck, cut corners for ez crumple zone, put 5/8 pvc bolt for the pin so it will shear on impact and allow the long neck to impact the partially deflated spare which will absorb a lot of shock. DOT tape and glow in the dark grip tape on the step.

 

My shins hurt.

 

Easy answer take away cell phones. Reality someone just got in a accident while texting.

 

Since the rear of the frame is C channel, could we just box it and brace it to prevent it from bending so easy? It won't be bulletproof, but it will help.. Alot of trucks get rear ended and come out just fine because they have beefy frames. Ours has crumple zones built into the frame. I'd rather get hit and have my truck move forward several feet than get hit, barely move, and let the frame take all the force.

 

Yes, the frame could be strengthened, but then your getting into warranty issues, resale issues, payload capacities, much labor, lots of expense, etc. Honestly, I think best is to leave a gap in front and watch the mirror which I already normally do anyway. I seldom actually stop. Usually slow to a crawl with a big gap up front. Regardless, trying to keep my shit in good shape for a long time.

 

I got 230k miles. Warranty isn't an issue for me. I've been thinking about boxing the frame for awhile. And now that I'm in Houston pretty often anything would help with these crazy drivers lol

 

Avoid the far left lane. My observation is that most rear end collisions occur in that lane vs any other lane.

 

Maybe so, could it be because turning left often requires a stop and wait cycle? So, one way to overcome that is slow sooner and keep rolling to arrive at the turning point at a time when one can proceed to make the turn without stopping. Pretty much what I already do.

 

Could've seen that response coming

 

It's a PDQ white truck thing. You'll never understand! Enjoy your swirl marks.

 

Do eet!!!

 

Dat assssssss

That looks sweet. One more reason to buy a pipe notcher! Then I can build sliders too. If work is good next year, and it should be, I'll definitely be putting way more money into my truck than it is currently worth. Might have to make a trip to Cali to get some help

 

Digging that.. Forward web site? Thx

 

Hitch is the issue here. Lose it if you dont tow often and put it back on when you need it. Or get a hidden hitch that doesnt protrude down. Anything hitting it would just slide under the truck and lift the truck.

 

This link is to them on Amazon but you can get them at several other places too. I actually saw one at my local truck/jeep store the other day. Thing is beefy, I like it. If I could have it on my truck and still fit in my garage I'd get one.

$72 Smittybilt Beaver Step (Black) - 27046B 18 x 6 x 1"es

https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-2...92565&sprefix=smittybilt+hitch,aps,203&sr=8-3

 

I did see a pretty cool custom dummy gatling gun hitch accessory somewhere while researching options. If only...

 

I inflate one of these around my truck.