Winter driving, sand bags

I have a 2wd prerunner and have never driven a RWD vehicle during the winter. How many of you use sandbags in your bed and how many/what weight do you keep back there to assist you with traction?

 

I use 4x40# bags. 2 on either side of wheel well. Don't know if it really helps that much but it can't hurt.
I'm of the school that nothing beats really good winter tires.

 

It's not just weight that is important but distribution. Too much in the rear can have a detrimental effect on steering and braking. You want no more than 50%.

For the record I drove a Mustang with the V6, 6MT, and BFG Radial TA tires through two nasty winters with no issues. The balance of this car was just about perfect with me in it.

 

I have a 4x4 but last year I noticed to ass end is really light and sometimes even 4H TCS off all tires spinning couldn't get me up some hills. I'm gonna throw about 1000 pounds back there this year when the snow starts to fall

 

I used to drive 2 wheel drive trucks in the snow quite a bit in the eighties and nineties. Weight over the rear wheels helps a lot, but proper tires help even more.

 

I have very little experience driving in these types of conditions but i feel like a shell/camper might also be an alternative. Not sure if thats your thing though, just food for thought

Edit: i know after adding a shell to mine, i noticed much less loss of traction prior to putting it on.

 

Just remember whatever you put back there will fly forward in an accident, knock on wood.

Weight in trucks definitely helps, tires are key, keeping distance, knowing how to brake if you begin to slide. Slow and steady.

I saw a Tacoma with custom fit water bag that that fit like the bed mat and connected to the four corner hooks. Looked like it carried about 100 liters. Kinda slick but I can't help think about 100 liters crashing forward at speed.

 

Sand bags help, winter tires are moar better.

Nice thing about sand bags is they are cheap, and if you get really stuck, you can cut them open and make a traction path.

 

Proper winter tires on an extra set of wheels.

Nokian, Blizzak, etc.

 

Remember that a 25lbs sand bag in an accident becomes a 60mph projectile. It will tear through the cab like a hot knife though butter.

 

I put the basic ARE shell on my double cab TRDOR and I honestly did not notice much difference in traction. The sand tube bags are the way to go. And sometimes, around here at least, some of the local fire departments have sandbag making stations. Make your self some there.

 

We have bad ice storms. I drive with 350lbs total pavers, 6 of them. My last Tacoma was 4x4 and did really good.The last two winters I drove 2wd only with pavers and no back end braking loose. The 4x4 was a 2002 3.4L.

 

Winte... sno... sand for tract.... what. What's tha..

 

@Tylandus if your truck is 2009 or newer you also have the Auto LSD feature. Hit the traction control button until the Auto LSD light appears on the dash and you get a bit more traction control. This thread discusses the feature.

 

Use kitty litter (clay, non-clumping kind) instead of sand. It is a great traction aid as well. I usually keep two or three of the plastic tubs in my bed during the winter (strapped down tight to avoid kitty litter missiles). If you do get stuck, open one up and throw some down under the tires to help get you out. Can also be used to help other people, if you're feeling generous haha!

 

I've lived in Colorado 42 years now and didn't own a 4WD vehicle until two years ago. To reinforce what's already been said, good snow tires are the biggest thing (with studs are even better). If you want some extra weight, shovel some snow in the bed. It'll melt and you won't have to unload it yourself.

 

A couple of sand tubes from the hardware store helped a lot when I had my El Camino. The Twenty years I had my Miata a little weight helped too, although admittedly I am the type of person that like hanging the tail out an navigating through my passenger window. Eventually bought rims and snow tires for it and like what was said here already nothing like having a tire designed for winter driving. Do that with the sand tube and you will be golden!

 

My 02 mustang sucked donkey dangle in the snow. But it also had 11" wide summer tires lol.

 

1,000 pounds? That seems like a lot and I am basing that off nothing...just sounds high