A vehicle frame assembly includes a first frame member and a separate second frame member having an end portion connected to an end portion of the first frame member. A frame patch is interposed between and connected to the respective end portions of the first and second frame members. The frame patch together with the respective end portions of the first and second frame members defines a tri-layer patch configured to divide an input load applied longitudinally to the vehicle frame assembly into multiple force vectors which distribute the input load across a wide area of the vehicle frame assembly.