Winter weights for a pickup

[LBrown59]

I had a F-150 Lightning and it sucked in the snow. I filled the bed with snow and all it did was make it heavier to push. In all honesty I think the tires make all the difference. Bad tires and all the weight in the world=stuck.

Chris

I've owned nothing but pick up trucks since 1989.
The were
1* 79 Datsun
2* 83 Dodge D-50
3* 86 Dodge D-50
4* 89 Dodge D-50
5* 89 Nissan
6* 92 Toyota
I still have trucks 3 5 & 6.
All 6 were 2 wheel drive.
Never carried sand bags or other extra weight in the bed of any of them.
Never had traction or handling problems on ice or snow.

L . B .

 

[john_bud]

My dad used to go down and dig out a big wash tub of river sand (cost = free) then spread it out in the basement to dry (cost = free). Then he would put the sand into empty gallon milk jugs (cost = free). They went in the truck. Winter weight for better pushing and ready to spread on ice when needed. (cost = free)

Did I mention that the old guys used to like to save a nickle here and there?

jb

 

[zionview]

I had 2WDs until the mid-90s, and ballasted the bed every winter. It helped, but I think aggressive tires helped just as much. Whatever you put in the bed, SECURE IT! My sister-in-law's brother was killed when the truck he was driving was involved in an accident, and one of the three 80# bags of calcite in the bed went through the back window and broke his neck. We secured everything after that.

 

[ampsucker]

agree with previous post. that is what i don't like about the tires filled with cement idea - dangerous and no easy way to secure that i can see.

the reason the bladders full of water are popular is they are low center of gravity and easy to fold up during warmer months. but they are a tad pricey.

i like the bed full of snow idea. melts when the weather warms up and never even know it was there.

also agree 100% that nothing is more important than good tires. i run dedicated winter tires all around and they make a world of difference.

a limited slip rear diff can also be helpful in certain circumstances to avoid using 4x4.

amp

 

[CurlyDave]

I have been trying to think of a winter weight that can be properly secured in the back of my F-150.

I don't even like the bag of water idea, not because of bursting when it freezes (just don't overfill it) but because of the issue of it coming forward in a accident and potentially entering the cab. I bet 400 lb of ice hitting you in the back of the head can screw up your brains no end.

Maybe 4 WD and good winter tires are the solution I am looking for.

OTOH, concrete-filled tires can be secured by a chain through the middle attached to the tie-downs in the rear corners of the bed. When I get the winter tires, the old ones will be available for filling with concrete.

 

[Foothill Rancher]

CurlyDave and Ampsucker are right on, you don't want tires filled with cement sitting in your bed.
If your in an accident they may not go thru your cab and get you, but they very well may roll down the road and hit someone else.
What ever you put in the bed if it's got any weight to it you better have it secured really tight.

Good tires will make a difference, but about 350 to 400 lbs in the bed can really do wonders, summer or winter.

 

[Northland]

I've owned nothing but pick up trucks since 1989.
The were
1* 79 Datsun
2* 83 Dodge D-50
3* 86 Dodge D-50
4* 89 Dodge D-50
5* 89 Nissan
6* 92 Toyota
I still have trucks 3 5 & 6.
All 6 were 2 wheel drive.
Never carried sand bags or other extra weight in the bed of any of them.
Never had traction or handling problems on ice or snow.

L . B .

You should come up here. You wouldn't even make it out of my driveway with any of those trucks. A 2WD truck is a nice practical vehicle that gets great gas mileage compared to the same model with 4WD though.

 

[Northland]

I use 7 bags of sand held in place by 2x6's. I have 4WD but the sand bag weight lets me use 2WD much more.

I am going to try your method today

 

[Dargo]

Anytime we have snow or bad weather and I need weight for traction I just use my FEL and put a couple of bucket loads of snow at the rear of the truck. I have all the weight I want and when the weather is better I don't have to worry about getting it out. It goes away all on it's own. Besides, this method doesn't require anything to keep the weight from moving around and damaging your bed. My grandfather and a friend of my dad have been using that method since the 40's without ever having any issue. It works great for me as well. Besides, I can't think of any method that is more cost effective.

 

[Egon]

The only P/U I have driven in limited traction conditions that would basically move out of it's own way in two wheel drive configuration has had weight in the box.

My present truck is a basic "Road Ornament" in limited traction conditions unless the four wheel drive is engaged.