What is a good formula for traction weight to put in a RWD pickup bed over winter based on curb weight? (I can't find a duplicate on this.)
by 
maddock
ANSWERS: 5
-
I don't know that I have ever seen a formula for that. Your truck will haul 600 to 800 pounds with no problem. Any weight will help traction. Keep in mind that extra weight costs you fuel economy, and if you put it near the rear, it could come flying forward through the window if you were to have a collision. I always used a couple hundred pounds of sand bags, sold by many harware or farm supply stores when I lived in Ohio. Don't use salt - rust!
-
There is a formula? Seriously, it depends on the weight of the truck, the front/rear balance, the tires, and your driving style. Oh, and it depends on load placement; where in the bed are you putting it? If you put it behind the rear axle, you will need less weight, but you will also take weight OFF of the front end due to a see-saw effect. The best place is right over the axle, between the wheels... if you can get the weight to stay there. Most of my truck-driving friends only used 50-100 pounds of sand.
-
Thanks again, I'll trial-and-error it.
-
You a much better off just buying a good set of tires...People never think of this but more weight in the rear does mean more traction off the line but once you are moving the vehicle will handle worse and take longer to stop...I never put anything in the back of my truck...just use a set of good tires...they're the only thing on your vehicle touching the road...
-
Good tires are first but the best tires in the world will do nothing if they are not "pushed" down on the road. Simply, the amount of weight depends on the cargo capacity of the truck. I use 400-500 lbs in my fullsize 4wd. If I had a mid-size 300-400. A small truck would be fine with 200. A Shurtrax is great, (water bladder that freezes solid) but expensive. I built a 4'x4' box with 1"x6" with a cross divider to create 4 equal 2'x2' chambers that I fill with gravel/sand then cap it with a piece of plywood.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC