winter driving

[jjoyce]

I have a '92 RAM 250 2WD with Michelin road tires. Planning a trip to places where I'll encounter real winter. In addition to carrying chains, should I put additional weight in the bed? If so, how much?

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

I put between 500-800 pounds in the back of my truck during the winter months and it's 4 wheel drive. I would say anywhere from 500 to 1000 would be good. Something I've seen done which is cheap is to take some old tractor inner tubes and cut then into managable lengths and then fill them with sand. Lay a few of those between the wheel wells and they won't go anywhere.

 

[CDegner]

I carry 500 # of sand in my truck year round. Helps in winter with traction and smoothes out the ride (a little) the rest of the year.



Carl

 

[fkovalski]

Here is a thread posted not too long ago on the subject.

Weight in bed

 

[billmaine]

This has probably been beaten to death but the advantage to the sand is if you encounter snow/ice and are stuck, the sand can be used for traction under the wheels.



My 2 cents: Put it in those large Rubbermaid containers we use at home here for storing old shoes or whatever. They have covers, are rectangular and you can use a ratcheting strap to hold them in place against the front of the bed.



Truth is, I don't use anything. Up here in the northeast corner we just accept the slippin' and slidin' as part of our winter dance.