When it rains... It pours...
They were talking about this again on NPR yesterday. It sounds like a pretty serious problem. Their solution for the spare tire is to put it in the bed? That is absurd... So, if you are in construction or use your bed often, they expect you to move this tire around or put it on top of the load in the bed?
Give me a break...
I got an old 96 ECSB Chevy Z71 with 180,000 on the clock and it lives ocean side. I have never had any problems with rust on the frame or anywhere else.
It sounds to me like they either have a problem with their steel or the frames were not finished properly. It is a shame. I have had several Toyota trucks back in the 80's and 90's. They were all very reliable and comfortable. But, they were a little "utilitarian" and sparse.