Frame flex?

I am in the process of deciding whether or not I want to add a rear plate bumper to the taco. However, I have a camper shell, an RTT, and a full size drawer system. I have plated the rear frame section like everyone does, I have a Hitch (adds stiffness to the rear) and relocated rear shocks which is done with 2X2 square tubing welded between the frame rails about 1-2 feet inwards from the hitch (again adds stiffness).

Seems like the rear should be pretty solid right? When driving down washboard roads and just general bumpy conditions I have a noticeable amount of flex between the cab and bed area. I am concerned adding more weight to the tail will make this even worse. When flexing I don't notice significant separation between the body lines, but when driving and going over bumps there is definitely noticeable deflection between the cab and the bed.

What else can be done to re-enforce this area of the frame? Worst case I cut out the stock front leaf spring mounts, plate the shit out of it, and make new leaf spring mounts. However im worried that will only move the weak point forward and under the cab.. Which might not be a big deal since the frame is fully boxed there from the factory.

Any ideas? does anyone else have this issue? I understand frame flex is a semi-normal thing but it seems excessive and I worry it will hurt the frames integrity over time. Truck already has 220k on it and I intended on keeping it through 500k+ miles.

 

I think a certain amount of "flex" between the body and the cab is normal. The bed is directly bolted to the frame without any type of bushings... and your cab is insulated by the rubber body mounts which will naturally cause variations in the amount of movement between the two. I bet what you're seeing is that variation vs. actual flexing of the frame.

 

When my truck sinks down onto its own weight off of the lift, there's enough flex for
me to see it if I am looking. My frame looks real good to me, to the mechanic down
at the overlander place, and to the mechanic at the Toyota dealer, so I guess it is
OK... If you're feeling flex when you're driving, and you haven't gotten down there
and formed some objective opinions about your frame and rust, you should look
down there...

-Mike

 

You leave the tent on and the drawers full all the time?

 

With the frame plates and hitch and all I think you're fine man. Most people around here with RTTs and bed racks and other weight are doing it without any modifications to help the frame.

AKA me, lol. Although I guess I do have a hitch and that might help.

 

I do. its my second truck, full time camping truck

 

Probably not helping the back end sway with the tent on top of the camper shell. Leaf springs dont like tall, heavy loads.

 

Your absolutely right. But i have no where else to put it lol. One day ill build a custom box bed for it. But until then, she goes on the roof of the shell.

 

What kind of shell is it? My leer top will only hold 150 pounds on the roof bars.

 

Craig-list special century shell. Paid $100 for it. Everyone worries about load ratings on camper shells but its not an issue. You have to consider dynamic vs static loads, if you where up in the tent driving around that would be a different story.

My 100lb tent on the shell driving around is no problem.
My 100lb tent and my 200lb fat ass while the truck is sitting still isn't a problem either

I have had it up there for around 2 years, 20k miles, have at least 30 nights in it with me and the wife and i have had no issues, no sagging, no fiberglass cracking, nothing. Not all shells may work out the way mine did. But if a shell is rated for 150lbs dynamic load (150lbs driving around weight) I wouldn't be worried at all about having a tent up there.