Ice road conditions

2014 TRD/OR 4X4 4dr SB: not much ever ice in Central Texas but going to be driving up North.
Thinking of a few bags of sand over or just rear of axel. What would be a good amount of sand (lbs)? Also would over or just rear of axel be best?

 

I don't add weight to my truck. How far north are you heading? For most conditions in the lower 48, the ice doesn't get cold enough to give much traction at all. I run studded snows to help with traction in the event that I'm out on the road and it ices up. Best advice would be not to drive during an ice storm - I really try not to. Now for snow, that's a different story - still no weight (for me) and use 4WD if road is covered over. Going farther north where it gets really cold? Have to wait for the guys from AK or Canada to chime in.

Edit: Not to sound like a wise ass but - if you do add weight, make sure to tie it down. Your tailgate, back of cab, and possibly other drivers will thank you if things go wrong.

 

it was -13 F when i drove to work this morning, never bothered adding weight to the bed in the 6 years ive had the truck. 4 wheel drive will get you wherever you need to unless you plan on playing in deep stuff, and if thats the case, youll need more than sand.

 

Yes, adding weight directly over your rear axle, securing it so it doesn't slide around will help you with gaining traction. That's what two wheel drive trucks do. Biggest difference you can make is using winter tires on all four wheels.

200-300lbs works.

 

Good set of AT's or studded snows and common sense! Just because the speed limit is 75MPH doesn't mean you should drive that fast if its icy or snowy.

Good luck from a Northern Canuck!

 

Two 80# bags of quick Crete work for me . Over the rear axle or against. The front of the bed.

 

Fuck that, get sideways and git-er-dun

Jk

No I'm not


But throw two on each side and you should be good

 

I've never put anymore weight in the back of my truck than an unshoveled, snow filled bed. This has been an ugly winter for us with lots of freezing and thawing, following wet snow (which quickly turns to compact ice). I've just driven in 4H more often. I've used studded tires in the past, but have so far gotten away with a good set of AT tires (Duratracs) without any major issues. Just be cautious with your stopping distance.

It never hurts to throw a couple hundred pounds of bagged sand/gravel in the bed. If you do I suggest you make a quick run to the hardware store and pick up some 2x4' to build a crib for it between the rear wheel wells in the bed. That should keep it from sliding all around. Plus, if you really get stuck the sand/gravel will could be used for added traction.

 

I put a 100 to 150 lbs of sand and gravel sealed in old inner tube halves (wire tied ends) against the tailgate. Helps a bit with traction and is good to have unfrozen sand/aggregate available to put down on frozen boat ramps, frozen parking lots, etc. It never moves on a rubber bed mat. If you have the slip-n-side stock bed put it in totes and strap it down.

 

Duratracs have been the best thing I've done to prepare for winter in a long time- snowflake rated tires- it's a thing. The duratrac is an aggressive AT and all of those tread blocks are siped. VERY good snow/ice traction. That said, ice is ice... And just not very good for driving on!

 

I drive the ice roads to work every day . This is driving over frozen lakes as it saves me about 35 minutes to and from work . I highly recommend studded winter tires if you plan any kind of ice road travelling .The studded tires help but you are going to need weight in the box as well . For this I use 6 fifty pound sand bags over the rear axle . I can pretty much go anywhere on the lake providing the slush level is at a minimum .
Need a video , just ask and I can post a couple
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Are you up in the NWT?

 

Most of the replies dealt more with snow than ice. Your 4 door already has more weight over the rear wheels. I wouldn't worry about adding weight to this truck. Truthfully nothing short of chains, cables or studded tires will help much on ice. Especially if any grades are involved. On level ground, and if you drive carefully you can do OK without anything special. Studded tires are great if you live in snow/ice for months at a time. But for a Texan headed north I'd buy a set of tire cables. For heavy duty use in deep snow chains really are better. But for occasional use on 1-2" of snow or ice cables work just fine. They are cheaper, lighter and much easier to install. Also, if you are in an area where ice is patchy and you occasionally have sections of clear pavement cables are better than chains. You don't want to run chains at all on pavement. Cables are OK for short distances at slow speeds. It is a PITA to take chains on and off as conditions change. You don't say where up north is. Kansas, Nebraska and the Dakotas will be much different than the Rocky Mt states. In the mountains you really need chains.

 

I travel all over Michigan.....and the midwest for work so I've seen it all from 12+ inches of snow on the expressway in the North to freezing rain & ice along the Mi/In/Oh border. I run Michelin LTX MS2's with 2 70lbs sand bags over the rear axle when the topper is on, 3 bags if I have the tonneau cover on. Rarely need to use 4WD. Studded tires are illegal in Michigan.

 

Northern Ontario .

 

I go looking for snow and there's usually ice around too been in a couple situations with my truck loaded up with lots of weight in the bed in the form of gear and rtt and it did sweet fuck all. When it comes to ice if you're not running chains or studs sooner or later it comes down to steer and pray... best solution is to take it easy and don't panic when you start to slide around. Also invest in a set of v bar chains for your truck if you're hitting icy roads all the time nothing beats studed snowies

 

Don't worry about it just drive. If you happen to get into winter conditions your 4 wheel drive will do just fine. I drive on snow and ice weekly and only put it in 4x4 if I feel I want to rally.

 

For myself I just have about 150 - 200 lbs of sand in the back, winter tires, 4x4 when needed and drive according to the road conditions. Has yet to let me down.