Weight and Traction

[radar doctor]

Maybe you guy's up north can help me. I have a 03 4X2. It has Non Slip Rear End I would like to put some weight in the rear end to help with traction on the rear Wheels. . How much weight and what kind of weight should i put over each wheel and or over the bed?????? Bill

 

[RAMINSPEED]

I have seen all types of items used for weight in the bed of trucks. Everything from concrete blocks to bags of sand to steel plates. What ever you use, make sure it's secure to the bed so it doesn't become a flying projectile in a crash. A brick to the back of the head might hurt. :{ Some people will tell you to put the weight over the rear wheels. I don't believe that, I believe you should put the weight as far back in the bed as possible. The further back you put it the more leverage you put on the back wheels. No matter how much weight you put in the bed, nothing makes up for studded tires or even better, tire chains.

 

[Eric_77]

I like sand that way if you end up on some real slippery stuff like ice or mud(add the sand to the mud to thicken) I find about 1/2 of total capacity is about right so around 1000-1500 pounds. Be aware that it really makes for long stopping distances on ice regardless, and when back end breaks loose it really wants to come around, it just helps on the starts.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Willyslover can tell you all about sandbags, ice, and trees!



Vaughn

 

[willyslover]

I can echo what Raminspeed said... . "What ever you use, make sure it's secure to the bed so it doesn't become a flying projectile in a crash. A brick to the back of the head might hurt. "





Vaughn sent me a link to this thread. .





Let me tell ya a story LOL NAh I won't bore you, just make sure what ever you do you bolt it down securly !!! nothing loose, and temporary hold downs will not do the job.



May I suggest you think about a 1" steel plate 4' x 4' with drilled holes in the corners to bolt it down and then add a picking hoop to remove it after winter, using a cherry picker... some use a plywood box and such with included weights of some sort, but in a wreck that will not hold the mass that IS moving .



THAT STUFF HURTS WHEN IT HIT YA !!!!



Vaughn. . your mail box is full... I tried to reply to your PM

Have a Great Thanksgiving Buddy, all is well here.

 

[realsquash]

Maybe it's a stupid question, but is there an aftermarket locker available for this axle yet? That will net you a ton of traction in the snow and it's not nearly as bad as people try to make you think going around corners...



Andy

 

[CSilkowski]

Originally posted by realsquash

Maybe it's a stupid question, but is there an aftermarket locker available for this axle yet?



Andy

No aftermarket locker or limited-slip available yet. Still waiting... . I was told by call back after the trade show in Vegas - which is about now.

 

[RAMINSPEED]

Originally posted by realsquash

Maybe it's a stupid question, but is there an aftermarket locker available for this axle yet? That will net you a ton of traction in the snow and it's not nearly as bad as people try to make you think going around corners...



Andy

I drive to work in the Sierra Nevada mountains on a daily basis and see my fair share of snow, ice, slush and dumb people driving too fast for the conditions. I have a fair amount of experience with driving on mountain roads and off road in poor conditions.



If you like going straight through corners, a locker is great. Obviously, if both your back wheels are turning at the exact same speed you will get optimum traction. The problem on snow/icy roads is if you have too much rear wheel traction and you are "locked up" you will push your front end right off the road in a corner. Limited slip is good for slippery road conditions. Lockers are awesome for off roading in slippery environments, like snow.



Driving technique is a main key in winter driving. Vehicle weight can work for and against you. Traction is king and there are many ways of getting it.



Now don't get me started on what tires work good in the snow. All snow is not created equal.

 

[Scrappy]

weight

4300 lbs of palletized rock salt makes it go REAL well, just don't try to stop too quick

 

[Hunter1]

A Dodge 4x4 will solve your entire problem



Hunter1

 

[radar doctor]

Weight in the Bed

I have 200 lbs of lead in the Bed is that enough????

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Originally posted by Hunter1

A Dodge 4x4 will solve your entire problem

I did quite a bit of this with my 2-wheel drive without having to break out the chains. . .



http://groups.msn.com/VaughnsAlbum/vaughnsram.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=153



http://groups.msn.com/VaughnsAlbum/vaughnsram.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=158

 

[BIG BOB]

Whoa Vaughn, those picture are OLD!

 

[Ted Constantine]

willyslover,

How much would that 1" thick 4'x4' piece of steel weigh??



Ted