hey, the only reason i am posting emergency is that i am leaving in about 2 hours. i am heading up to ny with my 2wd truck. i need to know how much weight i sould add in the bed of the truck so that i can get decent traction. i was going to use all purpose sand bags and put them inbetween the wheel wells. but i don't know how much weight is good. i used to put 6 50 pounders in my s-10... but no clue on a big truck like this. thanks

 

I used to use 5 of the 70# sand tubes they sell at Home Depot in my 80 F150 with BFG all terains and probably should have put in a couple more for the bad spots of solid ice but only used the 4X4 maybe once a season on the worst days

 

i've got a shell on it, and a probably 200 pounds + or - in the back... would 10 50pounders be overkill? i like the sand cause i can bust it open and use it for traction if needed

 

I would go with the 10 50s, much better to have more than you need than not enough, and I did the same thing, kept an entrenching tool in the back to throw down some sand if I had a problem getting started on the sheet ice

 

thanks for the help... i am off to the store, then 16 hours on the road!

 

Have a safe trip

 

Don't get any sand in your short's. Happy trail's, be safe.

 

You have probably left by now but I suggest at least 600lbs near the tailgate if you are in snow.

 

wolfeman, i am here now. i have 500 in sand, plus the cap that's probably another 200 or more and then tools and luggage. if i have any trouble i will move the sand back towards the tailgate.

 

I used to run 1000 - 1300 lbs right at the tailgate when we plowed But then again the plow weighed over 1000 lbs........

 

I'd say 700-800lbs as far back as you can get.

My truck empty weighs 4100# front axle, and 2710# rear.

Adding 1400lb to the bed to make 50/50 weight distribution would be ideal, imo.

jh

 

What ever you decide to use for ballast, tie it down securely.

Newton's First Law of Motion:
A body in motion will remain in motion UNLESS ACTED UPON BY AN OUTSIDE FORCE.
(a securing strap, tie down, etc)

In the event of a collision, it WILL come through the back window.
Mass + Velocity =

 

& plan your fuel stops wisely, a lot of ripoff stations near the on and offramps of the major rosads, cary some extra and look at a fuel price site to find the lower prices, you may save at least 50 cents a gallon, that can add up. Wher to in NY? city? close by if ya need a hand.

 

how was your trip? I see you are online.........................