Winter weight in the truck bed

I used to drive a WRX, so this is my first time with a truck getting ready for the midwest's sporadic winter. I've heard it's common to keep a couple hundred pounds of gravel or sand bags in the bed to even out the weight on the 4 wheels, as well as provide extra traction to the rear wheels if it's not quite snowy enough to go 4Hi. I was just wondering what others' experience is with weighing down your truck bed? Does it actually improve handling and traction? Are there better ways? Is this just something my uncle does because he's in a 4X2?

 

It's more about tires than weight in the bed IMO. I've done it without any noticeable benefit. Could be nice to have the sand for traction if needed, however.

 

ProComp MT2s have done great in sand, mud, wet grass, gravel, etc... Only thing they're terrible at is pavement right when it starts raining and the road oil lifts up but hasn't washed away yet. Any abrupt clutch movement has the rears spinning, lol...

I hadn't even thought of sand for traction. Makes sense now that you mention it.

 

When the driving surface is slippery, weight in the bed helps immensely. Of course, tires are more important but with good tires and a couple hundred pounds the truck handles much better.

 

You'll definitely want some extra weight in the bed, along with some good tires. I've lived in the Colorado mountains forever, and it's standard practice. Most of the time I don't have to use 4wd due to the extra weight, unless it's really slick. I also find a shovel to be an essential piece of equipment to keep in the back.

 

Yeah, tires make a big difference, but some weight helps, as well. If your tires are shit, the weight only helps so much. But if you've got good tires, the weight helps considerably. I'm in MN and I just get three of those tubes of sand every winter from one of the big box farm supply stores. They're cheap and effective. Put one over each tire and one in the middle.

If you're driving aggressively, the extra weight can also sway the back end on corners if you're not careful (you know, physics on ice). So keep that in mind. But Mostly it just adds a little traction.

 

I've had a shovel stowed under my tool box since I bought the truck . That thing comes in handy all the times for the most random reasons.

 

Agreed...a good set of tires is the number one factor. Weight will help some but only if you got a good set of tires. And the tires don't have to be super aggressive to be good in the snow. For example one of the best on road tires I have used in the snow are Michelin MS2 which look like Honda Civic tires.

 

Part of the reason I loved my WRX was that when it lost traction, the rear wheels were the ones to go first, and then you could left foot brake to rock extra weight onto the front tires while keeping gas with your right foot to have a nice, smooth, controlled slide.... I'd say the off roading I did with the WRX was much faster paced than what I've used the truck for so far (and plan to do). It is a rally car at heart.

So far it's been the opposite with the truck. If I corner a little too aggressively on a wet country road the fronts give out and then understeer. I'd actually prefer the back to swing out because at least I know how to control that. No steering? No control.

 

sand bags work great, but dont let them get wet,the sand works great if you get stuck on snow or ice.but if its frozen like a rock not so much.

 

Ha yeah I used to love my 98 taco cause I felt like I had more control when the back end kicked out on snow/ice. With all this electronic traction control now in my '14 it sort of gives me the illusion of less control. I will say I'm Glad to have it when I'm on the interstate at higher speed when it's slippery (it does work well in that application), but in town I'd much rather use my own skills to right the truck on a slide. No need for anyone to jump on me for saying that. Start another thread if you wanna argue that one and I'll stay out of it.

 

I'll also add- the reason I get the sand has less to do with traction and more to do with saving wear and tear on my michelins. They arent cheap!

 

I just turn that knob in the dash and my front tires turn toook... That was a dick comment, even for me. Throw a box of kitty litter behind the seat. I had an s10 years ago. Also carry a tow strap, and a snow shovel. Just saw you have a 4x4, any time you can run 4x4 with enough slip, you probably should. It needs exercised anyways!

 

200lbs of sand bags, or rock bags. I prefer sand, up over the rear axle or just to the front of it, cab side.

Works like a charm giving enough weight to get good traction in the rear.

 

a must have in any vehicle in winter,boots, shovel ,candle, food,jumpers,matchs,and anything you can think of that will keep you warm when you are buried in a 6ft drift waiting for help. oh crap that reminds me its oct. already.

 

I just let my box fill up with wet snow and it stays there until spring, LOL. If I need more traction, I just pop it into 4WD. Never had an issue. Running Michelin LTX AT2s that probably need replaced this spring.

 

Yeah, those were the days - before global warming. Now it's all melted and black ice and all that, sigh.

 

You don't need anything - you have a 4x4. If it starts to feel squirrelly, turn the knob. I've had mine for 7 years now, only thing on my bed is a Truxedo cover to keep out the snow.

 

I put a couple hundred pounds of bagged gravel in the bed, between the wheel wells, as others have said. Makes a big difference, and you have gravel for traction, if you get stuck.

 

Good question....4 wd trucks have abnormally front bias with the engine and front drive train. Weight in the back to increase the traction of the rear wheels, balance the truck for handling and soften up the ride is all a no brainier for writer travel. How much weight ? I put in three to four 70 lb bags of tube sand. I also have a tow hundred lbs cap and studded snow tires. If traveling is hilly, the more the better.
Remember, with out tires that are really good in snow, weight is not enough. We average over a hundred inches a year in snow on our mountain so we deal with snow a lot and weight in the back of ALL trucks, even 4 wd is very helpful. Also...SNOW TIRS !