Walked away from a semi head on crash… how did I make it?

That’s a hell of a story! Glad you walked away fine and what a testament to Tundras!

West said:
That’s a hell of a story! Glad you walked away fine and what a testament to Tundras!

Thank you, they are tough! Sadly, the first generation Tundras’ frames rot before the rest of the truck, so it’s tough to see a good truck but know it’s falling apart underneath.

Glad you’re safe!

Michael said:
Glad you’re safe!

Thanks!

You can see the truck sitting on the tracks that come from the other side. I hit the semi and 360’ed backwards into my tracks. There are 3 wheel tracks. This indicates a 45 degree trajectory.

Why not use 4wd?

Ezra said:
Why not use 4wd?

Good question. I assessed traffic speed as I was about to enter the ramp. If needed, I could’ve shifted then. Speeds were 50-55, I’ve never needed 4-hi that fast. I thought it wasn’t needed. Once on the highway, I stayed in 2WD. About 9 miles up, there’s a microclimate due to geography, leaving the road icy.

@Cody
Glad you lived to tell the tale. It’s a judgment call for 4WD; I know it won’t shift in or out at a certain speed.

Magdalina said:
@Cody
Glad you lived to tell the tale. It’s a judgment call for 4WD; I know it won’t shift in or out at a certain speed.

240k miles. I didn’t trust it to shift smoothly.

@Cody
I don’t know if the 1st gen has this feature, but my 2nd gen will beep if you try to engage or disengage at higher speeds.

Glad you’re okay.

Haris said:
Glad you’re okay.

Thank you!

I’m really relieved to hear you got through that situation safely; the picture looks quite intense.

Vern said:
I’m really relieved to hear you got through that situation safely; the picture looks quite intense.

Thanks for the kind words!

That truck did its job well and will rest in Tundie heaven… horrific crash,

You’re lucky. WOW.

Keagan said:
That truck did its job well and will rest in Tundie heaven… horrific crash,

You’re lucky. WOW.

I bought the truck from a co-worker. It had served four people in his family all the way to 240,000 miles when I got it for $3700. The insurance payout was $8400.

@Cody
Looks like a new Tundra might be in your future, but seriously, glad you’re okay. That damage is no joke, it could’ve been fatal.

Keagan said:
@Cody
Looks like a new Tundra might be in your future, but seriously, glad you’re okay. That damage is no joke, it could’ve been fatal.

@Cody
Nice choice, this build looks sick.