Best Setup for Sandbags

So I'm been thinking about what to put in my bed to help contain sandbags. I've seen plenty of static 400lb weights that are the size of the bed so if anyone has a preference I'm not opposed to the idea but I like to keep the weight as much over the axle as possible (if there are some of you who found even weight gives better results please let me know) so I was thinking of building a ladder frame around the wheel wells to contain the bags. Good idea? Bad idea? If anyone has any better ideas I'd love to hear them. I'm just thinking simplicity but I can build just about anything.

 

Here’s what I made. I just threw it together super quick last year but it worked well and kept everything in place.

 

Nothing wrong with your set up, however, in general sandbags will not move with everyday driving.

 

Rubber bed mat. They won't slide around.

 

Go to walmart and get a couple of those big black totes in the home section, the lids are water tight with two hinges on the tote that clamp it on. Put in sand bags and strap off with your tie down straps the locations you want your weight. That way your sand bags will be secure in case of a collision, also it looks good and you can re use the totes to haul gear in i bought 3 and they are great, plus pretty easy to take back out of truck and about a 10 minute project to get your weight in.

 

Nice Christmas tree..

 

On my previous open bed 2007 I went to Home Depot where they sold 60 pound long bags that were almost the exact bed width. It gets cold enough here that they essentially froze in place. Now with a ARE shell on my 2015 it is heavy enough that other weight isn't needed.

 

Haha it actually was, I got that baby tree to accompany our actual tree

 

Home Depot sold (don't know if they still do) 60 pound bags of sand in a tube shape. The tube is made of a heavy Tyvek type material and have lasted 6 winters. The tube fits in the groove of the bed and does not slide around side to side, but does move a little forward on hard braking. Best system for sand I have ever had.

 

What we are supposed to use sand? I got a 300 lb brake drum in my bed for winter weight.

 

Those are the bags I'm getting too so this will work better. Just don't want them sliding front to back all the time. Thanks for the input!

 

Oh Legless Pooch great minds think alike. Got same build you show there but without bottom, just a skeleton for the bags to sit in. 200 lbs targeted right over the tires really seems to make a big difference... up to a certain point, but they DO help.

 

I may have gone over kill with 6 60lbs bags

 

I used 4, works great.

 

Are you guys doing it for winter traction or for Stiffer leaf pack?

 

Looks like OP has a Prerunner. Probably lives in an area with snow and needs the added weight in the bed.

Where do you live OP?

 

Traction

 

Put them back by the tailgate for the best weight advantage. The weight on the back wheels is a function of their distance from the front wheels. That's the pivot point of the moment or downward force the added weight applies.

 

Sorry, not 2nd gen but 6/50 lb bags of playsand work wonders just lain across the bed above the rear axle.
Locked pre runner here and it does wonders. 300lbs. And you can use it if you need some traction, rip a bag open.

 

Exactly what I was talking about but your description is better. thanks.