Driving In Snow and Ice

Hey Guys, new member here. When driving in snow and ice, does it help to put weight in the bed to minimize fishtailing and increase traction, or should I just activate a specific traction control?

 

Some don't, but a few sandbags (15-200 lbs) can make a difference. Beyond that, just let the traction control systems work in their default mode. Tires are key - My Toyo AT2's started to get really bad with only 22k on them - always hearing the ABS kick on. My new Michelin Defenders stick much better and are significantly better in light snow/ice conditions.

 

By two 70lbs of sand tubes. Place them over the wheel wells.

 

There are two schools of thought on this. Some say weight is better and others say weight is worse.

At the end of the day it comes down to tires, speed, driving ability, 4x4 etc.

Personally, I never put weight in the bed and have never seen anyone personally benefit from it. I recommend a good set of winter/snow tires and run your truck in 4x4 if conditions dictate.

Today we are getting a crazy blizzard, drove through unplowed snow and ice to work at about 40mph and never once slipped or broke traction

 

BS for those who claim "weight is worse" they clearly dont drive in the snow 3 months a year. Get some weight in the back and enjoy.

 

A bag of z-bar linked tire chains in back is a good weight, even better on rear wheels when needed.

A shovel and openable bags of coarse sand or crushed gravel is helpful for weight and to throw undernand in front of your rears for traction if needed. Tow strap is useful if uou get stuck, too.

 

There is no specific traction control to engage for snow/ice. As others have stated, a good set of tires will get you a long way. 4x4 also does wonders, assuming the conditions are appropriate.

I also carry some chains in the winter time just in case

 

Weight will help. Snow tires are your best bet

 

Snow in the bed helps too.

 

Correct, we drive in snow 6 months out of the year.

 

After years of not putting any weight in the bed I found that a couple tubes of sand in the bed helps traction when driving in 2WD. Hell when it snows I usually leave snow in the bed for even more extra weight and it works like a charm.

However I don't think it helps in 4WD because the extra traction is offset by the extra weight and stopping distance.

 

Ha ha! Colorado indeed.

 

Vouch this.

Hit a bridge the other day in the right hand lane going about 60 mph during a dying snowstorm. Soon as I hit the bridge, rear end of the truck starts swerving, I immediately take my foot off the accelerator and the traction control kicks in, and stabilizes the truck. Glad it did, because while I wouldn't be worrying about spinning out, I was more worried about the semi truck that was behind me about to pass me on the left the moment I started swerving. Probably wouldn't be here right now if not for that traction control and my good handling.

/e: I also had quite a bit of snow in the bed and I have stock tires. Was rolling 2WD too.

 

it helps but I don't think its necessary at all to have weight In the box, just don't drive like a tool when the roads are bad.

 

Snowception

 

This. Adding weight in a pick-up truck bed definitely helps. It's all about proper weight distribution.

Engineering Explained:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBFXOzxfZu4

 

Weight helps.... I don't care if it increases traction (But I reckon it DOES) but what I primarily like it for, particularly with this specific truck, is keeping the ass on the ground if I go over a bump. I don't drive over perfect roads. We have huge frost dips, and the rear of these trucks, especially with SR5 shocks, likes to bounce. I keep three sand backs over the rear axle to help keep the rear planted.

 

Throw a Ford Ranger in the bed. They're gonna', no doubt, need the ride anyway. Win-Win situation.

 

Do you frequently pull up to people at stop lights and ask them "How much weight ya got back there? "

 

Thats a good video but there are several factors that pretty much throw that out the window. Tires and 4WD.

Firstly the Tacoma's weight distribution is more 57/43, secondly tire traction plays a bigger role that weight does. Adding weight on drag slicks for example we can all agree would be useless. The last part is 4wd, weight in the rear of a vehicle is almost all negated with the use of 4WD sinc ethe front of the vehicle is pulling equally as the rear is pushing.