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Article Comments 2007 Half-Ton Pickups Comparison

259 messages,  Last post on Nov 02, 2007 at 3:16 AM

You are in the Toyota Tundra Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Nissan Titan, Toyota Tundra, Truck

Article comments for Comparison Test: 2007 Half-Ton Pickup Trucks - For almost two weeks, we drove all three trucks in a variety of terrain including urban crush, freeways and gravel roads. We loaded and unloaded them, poked and prodded them, and even dyno-tested them. (more)

Messages Page 22 of 26

#211 of 259 Re: precious cargo [captainmatty] by 1offroader

Jun 06, 2007 (9:05 pm)

Replying to: captainmatty (Jun 05, 2007 9:28 pm)
Very interesting. The Silverado was actually pretty close to the Ford. The Silverado color is quite dark so I couldn't see the gap between bed & cab.
 
The Ford may actually have a softer suspension than the other two trucks. Softer shocks and springs will help absorb irregular bumps like that, but they are adverse when it comes to good handling and cornering under normal circumstances. It seems counterintuitive, but offroad racing vehicles are typically set up with fairly soft suspensions. This helps absorb the bumps and also helps preserve the driver's kidneys during a long race!
 
I test drove a F-150 and didn't care for the handling - it felt much more "boaty" than the Silverado. This may have something to do with softer shocks and/or springs. I haven't driven the Tundra, but the Silverado is by far the best handling full size pickup (in stock form) that I have ever driven.
 
The Tundra was AWFUL. In my opinion the only way that could happen is with a lot of frame flex, which doesn't surprise me based on my personal observations of the undercarriage and frame of the Tundra. There has got to be a weird harmonic and frame flex that allows the bed to wobble like that. Either that, or the bed is not anchored very well to the frame. Yikes! Glad I didn't buy one.
 
1offroader

#212 of 259 Re: precious cargo [1offroader] by rorr

Jun 07, 2007 (6:23 am)

Replying to: 1offroader (Jun 06, 2007 9:05 pm)
"There has got to be a weird harmonic and frame flex that allows the bed to wobble like that."
 
I was thinking along those lines as well.
 
Is 28 mph some sort of odd standard to run that test at? Why not 25 mph or 30 mph? Is it possible that the test (done by Ford) was run at JUST THE RIGHT SPEED to highlight the lack of twist in the F150 compared to the Silvy and particularly the Tundra?
 
Would the results be different at other speeds? I'm NOT saying the Tundra would be just fine at other speeds; clearly a fully boxed frame section has an advantage in TORSIONAL strength. However, I can't help but think Ford chose a particular speed which set up some weird harmonic in the Tundra.....

#213 of 259 Re: precious cargo [rorr] by driver56

Jun 07, 2007 (5:10 pm)

Replying to: rorr (Jun 07, 2007 6:23 am)
I wouldn't put it past any auto company to rig a comparison test.
You make a good point, the Ford's sweet spot was 28 m.p.h.
If I was running that course with my truck, I'd certainly increase the speed to smooth out the ride.
FOUL!

#214 of 259 Re: precious cargo [driver56] by driver56

Jun 07, 2007 (5:13 pm)

Replying to: driver56 (Jun 07, 2007 5:10 pm)
BTW, for the record, I have absolutely nothing agin' Ford.

#215 of 259 Re: precious cargo [captainmatty] by razorthunder

Jun 08, 2007 (3:03 pm)

Replying to: captainmatty (Jun 05, 2007 9:28 pm)
I'm glad a watched this video because I only travel at 28 mph down unimproved roads. Also, reducing the bounce in the truck bed was my highest concern.

#216 of 259 Pretty Good by belias

Jun 22, 2007 (10:48 am)

I think that so far there truck sales are holding up pretty well considering the price of gas. I find it funny that both GM and Ford have resorted to extremely obtuse forms of testing to try to show that their offering is better. It used to be that they would just haul or tow and do some speed and climbing tests... now it is going 28mph on bad roads to show cab wiggle or very specific trailering tests using 3/4 ton trucks instead of 1/2 ton trucks. If anything, it just shows that not only are the likes of the Titan and Tundra very competitive, but that there are very few areas where they aren't better than their rivals. Obviously newer truck versions will leap-frog these offerings, but it is safe to say that the field of competitors has just widened considerably. Not that I think that the Tundra will over-take the industry for trucks anytime soon, but I wouldn't be surprised to see their sales steadily increase over the next few years. Their presence, however small, is definitely being felt by the Detroit3 -- you can see it in the way they are advertising their trucks...

#217 of 259 Re: Article Comments 2007 Half-Ton Pickups Comparison [KarenS] by jksunkist1

Jun 22, 2007 (4:36 pm)

Replying to: KarenS (Jan 24, 2007 6:24 am)
personally i think the silverado should win because its the best truck.

#218 of 259 Re: Article Comments 2007 Half-Ton Pickups Comparison [jksunkist1] by captainmatty

Jun 22, 2007 (9:57 pm)

Replying to: jksunkist1 (Jun 22, 2007 4:36 pm)
In your heart you know Jedi jksunkist1 is correct.
Only when Silverado you buy, delighted you will be.
The force is strong with Silverados.
 "May The Force Be With You".

#219 of 259 Re: Article Comments 2007 Half-Ton Pickups Comparison [captainmatty] by rsholland

Jun 24, 2007 (7:28 am)

Replying to: captainmatty (Jun 22, 2007 9:57 pm)
"May The Force Be With You."
 
Then you must be talking about the Tundra, as their engines are labeled as "I-Force."
 
Bob

#220 of 259 Re: Pretty Good [belias] by 1offroader

Jun 24, 2007 (10:01 am)

Replying to: belias (Jun 22, 2007 10:48 am)
belias:
 
I agree. The Tundra sales will increase in the future, if for no other reason that the population of the planet and the U.S will increase, thus providing more potential customers. That said, will it cut substantially into the Big 3 sales in the foreseeable future? Not if the current Tundra sales figures are any indication.
 
"Obtuse" tests? You mean such as the commonly-encountered teeter-totter "test"? Or the equally common giant-slamming- door-at-the-edge-of-the-Grand-Canyon "test"? Of course, we all know that pickup drivers face those kinds of real-world tests every day! Heck, I drive up several giant teeter-totters and through several giant slamming doors every day, and that's just on my way to the drive-through dairy to get a quart of milk.
 
On the other hand, we have NHTSA crash test, that no one ever experiences, where the Tundra placed...hmmmm, let's see...
 
...DEAD LAST.
 
So, belias, I guess we all agree with you. The Tundra really IS better than its rivals in tests that really matter. Tundra ads use absolutely no "obtuse tests", as you say, and the Tundra passes with flying colors the real-world government-conducted tests such as front-end impact.
 
Once again we are forced to acknowledge belias' superior logic and intellect.
 
1offroader

Messages Page 22 of 26

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