Quick question: sandbags behind cab or over rear wheels?

[Stevedbvik1]

2022 Tremor. 350lbs of sand positioned between wheel wells but front of bags are over rear axle. We’ve had two significant snows so far (24” and 17”) and it makes a difference. Attaching weight slip showing axle weights without sandbags.

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[Bsthroop]

2022 Tremor. 350lbs of sand positioned between wheel wells but front of bags are over rear axle. We’ve had two significant snows so far (24” and 17”) and it makes a difference. Attaching weight slip showing axle weights without sandbags.

With that weight distribution I would say over the axle is perfect. Front is fine and rear needs the help.

 

[Danager]

Weight right over the rear axle is most effective. As you move the weight, it does not get heavier or lighter. You are just loading or even unloading axles.

Last year I had 180k of sand/gravel/salt. This year I switched to winter tires and now only carry 5gal of traction sand and 5gal of salt.

 

[subquark]

I was going to put sand in the bed until I saw this! Look out winter dump runs!

 

[PltFX4]

This is what I did in my 2005 (and will do for the 2019 Ranger as well):
Made a frame )1/4" plywood base; 1"x1" frame

Slide frame in bed under the bed rug:

Then insert 4 1/4" steel plates sized to be 100 lbs each (used extended bed bolts to tie them down). Now I still have full bed usage. (Note: had airbag helper springs that I aired up to keep it level):

Yes, most likely over kill not to mention the fall/spring install and removal is a pain (literally) but what a difference it makes in winter. Keep them in for the summer, Cadillac smooth ride.. at the price of 2 mpg lower fuel mileage (I always removed them in summer).

 

[mtsoxfan]

While placing weight by tailgate will unload a small percentage of weight from front and transfer to rear, as well as the added weight, it will have an adverse affect on handling, as the weight is so far from the center of the truck.
Think turning corners fast, like a power slide... rear end will kick out easier, unless thats what you are after

 

[Hickesy]

While placing weight by tailgate will unload a small percentage of weight from front and transfer to rear, as well as the added weight, it will have an adverse affect on handling, as the weight is so far from the center of the truck.
Think turning corners fast, like a power slide... rear end will kick out easier, unless thats what you are after

So you'd put them behind the cab eh?

 

[Stevedbvik1]

2022 Tremor. 350lbs of sand positioned between wheel wells but front of bags are over rear axle. We’ve had two significant snows so far (24” and 17”) and it makes a difference. Attaching weight slip showing axle weights without sandbags.

So I was in the neighborhood and popped across the scales this morning for a comparison. I forgot that on my original weigh in that I had my WD hitch attached. So for comparison sake it’s off by 60lbs and should read front 2700 + rear 2120 = 4820. So the difference is 380lbs. The difference between the 380 and the 350 of sand is most likely fuel and or inaccurate sand weight. It is interesting to see that it still gained 40lbs on the front axle when the sand is at or behind the rear axle. My daily science contribution ?

 

[myothercarizahearse]

While placing weight by tailgate will unload a small percentage of weight from front and transfer to rear, as well as the added weight, it will have an adverse affect on handling, as the weight is so far from the center of the truck.
Think turning corners fast, like a power slide... rear end will kick out easier, unless thats what you are after

that was my thought too. the hearse has a literal ton of ass hanging past the back axle. I used to drive it in the snow and it made for REAL experience. once I was completly sideways going down the highway. I said hold my beer watch this, straightened out, and kept going. luckily I was only going about 40mph on a 8 lane highway. It was a blast but dangerous.

yes extra weight goes between the wheels directly above the axle.

 

[Bsthroop]

that was my thought too. the hearse has a literal ton of ass hanging past the back axle. I used to drive it in the snow and it made for REAL experience. once I was completly sideways going down the highway. I said hold my beer watch this, straightened out, and kept going. luckily I was only going about 40mph on a 8 lane highway. It was a blast but dangerous.

yes extra weight goes between the wheels directly above the axle.

Yes directly over the axle, any forward or back is shifting the weight between the axles which will impact your steering response. Also the reason 5th wheel trailers are much more stable to tow in spite of much more weight.

 

[Doc]

When I was back in MA I'd always have them over the rear wheels. I'd fill up empty 5 gal paint buckets and just put a 2x4 across the bed to keep them in place.

Were you taking them to the Beach ?

 

[AzScorpion]

We’re you taking them to the Beach ?

No I was bringing the beach to me. ?

 

[Motorpsychology]

Sandbag alternative:

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Sandbag alternative:

Or sandbag enhancement ?

 

[Skit hjälm]

I've always used sand filled into tractor innertubes.
essentially big sausages about 75kg each.
I'd built a simple lumber frame to keep them centered over axel.

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