adding weight to you truck for winter traction & how much

Curious on others view point on weight in the bed of the truck.

I haven't been adding sand bags in my truck the past few years and have been fine with 4x4 however I have in the past and know it helps add traction.

What kind of weight is most used and whats your reason? How much is to much weight? With a composite bed I am aware that our Tacoma's miss out on some added weight.

I figured Ill get a few sand bags adding about 300-400 should make a good difference... never have had that much before. Usually I only put about 3-4 50 lb. bags however Im thinking that really doesn't help much.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/search/3018820/?q=Weight+in+Winter&t=post&o=date&c[title_only]=1

 

Remember anything you put in the box becomes a projectile if you get into an accident. It will go though the cab like a hot knife through butter in a high speed accident. You said your not having any issues getting around so why bother?

 

Also, any weight added to the bed that is behind the rear axle will start to pull pressure off the front wheels. Rear axle will act as a fulcrum and lift the front, which can make driving in the snow even more dangerous.

 

The only weight in/on my truck in winter is my Leer cap. I'm guessing it's in the 200lb range. Truck does just fine in winter.

 

Same. And I have a platform in there too. Maybe another 30 lbs.

 

If you can strap down sandbags right over the rear axle somehow, 200-300lbs worth, it'll make a big difference over an empty truck. As mentioned, weight gets scary when it moves around, so be SURE to strap it down. Sand is nice too, cause it can be used as a traction aid in icy stuck situations.

 

OP - if you have a rubber bed mat, that'll keep those tube type sand bags from sliding around. If that's the route you take. Place 3-4 of them right over the rear axle.

 

How do you secure sandbags?

 

I apologize in advance if I come off as a ass OP but truthfully the best thing you can do in the snow is drive slower and with due patience. Keep a nice steady pace. People fly by me do 50 mph + with their big 4x4 trucks on snow covered roads and ultimately for what? Believe it or not these trucks will do great in snow with good highway tires with no extra weight in my experiences with 3 different tacomas.

 

That trick is worthwhile in 4X2 vehicles. It probably helps somewhat in 4X4 regular cab long bed trucks which can be somewhat light in the rear if unloaded. But most trucks today with either extended or crew cabs have the weight more centered to begin with. I don't add any extra weight and have never felt that it would help.

 

4x6 rubber horse stall mats - about 3/4" thick. They weigh in around 80lbs each. I have (2) - trimmed to fit. Any horse or farm & ranch store will have them - retail is around $40 each. Plus side is a (bit) more quiet ride and a non-slip hauling surface.

 

I wonder if these would be worth carrying in addition to chains and other self-extraction aids?:

https://www.truckclaws.com/

I can't find much on the web regarding the effectiveness. Any TW members have experience with these?

 

I understand this is a great truck in the snow and I really don't need the extra weight. My objection is simply curiosity of what others are adding if anything and also seeings how I have had the thought of pulling a few other cars out of the ditch yesterday and know more weight would be helpful more than an empty truck bed would.

 

Make a frame out of 2×6's that fits the bags and strap the frame down.

 

I add (3) 70lb bags of sand and it seems to do the trick. I add the weight because of the hills I frequently drive and it keeps the rear wheels from spinning when starting from a stop sign etc. I rarely use 4 wheel drive, unless we get 8+ inches of snow at a shot and the plows can't keep up.

These are what I use http://www.menards.com/main/buildin...445324021-c-5648.htm?tid=-4984697290887216082

 

I usually get by fine by just keeping the fuel tank full. But maybe this is what you're looking for. http://www.shurtrax.com/Full-Size-P...-300lbs-traction-weightsmalltdtrtable-P2.aspx

 

My girlfriend I have been thinking about making triple canvas bags with contractor bags inside to hold sand, a zipper,and handles on both ends just for truck applications.

 

LOL no. The bag will not go through the cab. It will deform when it hits the front of the bed and most of the energy will dissipate.

 

Is it really needed with our trucks?