Weight in truck bed during the winter

How much weight should I put in my truck during the winter months? (01 Tacoma) I usually do 120 pounds per back tire. Too much ? Or should I add more ? Just curious what other people do with their tacomas.

 

Do you have a topper?

With a topper I don't add anything. If I am heading up to the mountains in a wintry mess, then I'll throw a 50 lbs bag of cat litter over the rear axle in between the wheel wells.

 

I have a tonneau cover. No topper

 

2wd or 4wd?

 

4wd

 

You don't tell us where you live

If you have a lot of snow/sleet, proper winter tires on some OE rims will get you all your 4WD can handle. Don't forget, stopping is important too. And weight in the rear isn't gonna do a thing for that, but winter tires will.

 

Where you live has quite a bit to say.

Then just where your trying to go

I have anything between 800 to 1200 pounds or nothing at all with good Snow tires .

With the weight very seldom do I need to shift into 4 High

Then temperature plays a big roll Water makes things slippery

 

I live in New England

 

New England is a small area, but varies greatly in road conditions and winter conditions.

So far, post #6 still seems reasonable.

 

As stated, tires are going to be better than weight. you got 4wd to get out of slippy situations. get some studded tires, you can run them from Nov to April (at least in PA).

I use to put in a 150lb elevator weight and two 70lb sand bags under a cap ~150lbs. Then realized I was never really needing it for the few off-chances snow would lay and killed my mpg worse (16 down to 11).