Weight: How much, what kind, and where

[Joe G.]

I'm a little puzzled at the need for extra weight in the back. A couple of years ago I went from Sacramento to Eureka on a snowy night. US101 was closed so I went thru Redding on SR 299. There were four ridges that had chains required except for 4X4s. In one case there was at least a foot of snow on the road. I had no trouble at all with no weight in the bed. The only stop I made was to get a sandwich in Weaverville. Just went along and shifted the transfer case in and out as required. Lots of ice on the road too. The truck seemed as sure footed as a cat.

 

[Neibe]

I use my fifth wheel rails and I made 2 Steel straps with holes in them then I place steel bars between the rails and use the straps to tighten it down to the bed I can put up to 1000 pounds directly over the rear axle this way.

 

[rbattelle]

With all due respect.

Am I being overly conservative on using 4x4? How much should I use it on patchy roads?

-Vic

I am not very old and have only owned 3 vehicles in my life equipped with chain-drive part-time transfer cases. I have run them during times when there are slick spots and dry spots and I have never broken one nor have I even stretched a chain. I believe the key is not to make sharp turns on dry pavement with the 4wd engaged. In fact, I frequently engage my 4wd while driving around on dry pavement for a hundred feet or so just to ensure it still works. And if it's wet out I frequently engage it at stop lights so I don't spin the rear wheels when I accelerate away.



I have lived in heavy snow areas all my (albeit short) life. Like I said, never any transfer case problems (knock on wood). So personally, I do think you're being a bit overly conservative in not using 4wd. Just my opinion, and I'm certainly not insulting anyone else's opinion.



-Ryan

P. S. Just my opinion.