Quick question: sandbags behind cab or over rear wheels?

[IdahoRanger]

I purchased stuff I can use in slippery roads and on construction. Loaded the bags over rear axle and now when I needed one bag, I had to steal it from my own truck from dealer’s yard ?
Even with added weight I’ve already performed my ballerina truck-driving style.

Did you get the truck back?

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[Kristina]

Did you get the truck back?

No. I don’t even have a truck but still I’m talking a lot about truck stuff.
I just got one bag of my weights back today.

 

[dmeyer302]

If you want to really maximize the effectiveness, put them behind the rear wheels near the tailgate. That gets you the best moment (weight*length) effectiveness on the rear axle. #math
Obviously the truly most effective spot would be hanging off the back 10ft or so, that way all the weight is on the rear wheels. ?

This is the way. More force applied to the rear wheels with less overall weight penalty for stopping. Not to mention a bit of force removed from the front wheels to keep them from plowing.

Realistically, is it enough to make much of a difference with our micro beds? Not likely.

 

[subquark]

I was just going to get a pair of 203 pound kettle bells and hang them from the rear hitch.

truck nutz + traction = WIN-WIN!

 

[AzScorpion]

I was just going to get a pair of 203 pound kettle bells and hang them from the rear hitch.

truck nutz + traction = WIN-WIN!

Now we're back to looking like this.

 

[rydfree]

I have a bed cargo bar placed just behind the wheel wells and usually keep a couple #50 bags of deer corn between it and the tailgate. Rides great even with just one bag . The bar also leaves a great place for grocery bags.

If you buy a cargo bar be sure to stay away from the ratchet type as they are a PITA but these are awesome.

Amazon.com: Shippers Supplies Steel Cargo Pickup Truck Bar 59" - 73" : Automotive

 

[Dereku]

I was just going to get a pair of 203 pound kettle bells and hang them from the rear hitch.

truck nutz + traction = WIN-WIN!

Impossible to compensate with a little truck i have always said. Guess i was wrong.

 

[lazynorse]

Funny, I was just googling around on this topic today. I've got a Snugtop on mine, guessing 250 pounds. FX4. Changed to skinnier, taller tires (255/75/17 Firestone XTs) so more road bite per square inch.

Thinking I will not add weight. Last truck I owned was a 2wd Mazda well over 20 yrs ago. I did add weight to that truck. Added weight means further stopping distance, and that is magnified on snow/ice. Fuel tank is in the rear, too. A full tank is over 108 pounds of gas.

This is my first winter with the Ranger and first ever with a 4x4 truck. I've had Subarus for the last 22 yrs, and never, ever got stuck in winter conditions. I'll need to be more careful in a truck, a Subaru will destroy any 4x4 truck in slick highway conditions when starting, stopping and cruising curves at speed.

 

[Dereku]

To be completely serious I have never added weight. Spend 4 years in Chicago with a 2wd drive and was fine. 2 of those years I had a locker. With 4wd it is completely unnecessary I think.

 

[Floyd]

I have never used sandbags in any of my vehicles, but if you must, it would be best over the rear axle and sequestered in some way to keep them in place.
Also carry a small shovel.....then if you get stuck you can dig out and pour sand in front of the tires for traction.

 

[Fawnbuster]

Retired advanced driving instructor here (LEO) you want the weight over the axle or equally right in front of and right behind the axle. When I had a water softener I would just buy the 50 lb bags of the salt I used and pull from it and replenish as needed for the softener. I used to have those big bags of tube sand but the sun's Uv rays broke down the bags and it split when I tried to pick it up.

I currently don't have a softener but I still have my cat so.last year I went to Sam's club and bought 6 packs of cat litter. 44 lbs each. My plan was to add more weight if needed. Then used up the litter during the spring and summer. I had it between boards to keep it from moving off the axle.

Also I don't let my truck get below half a tank in snowy weather when the roads haven't been plowed, that also adds a little weight but not alot.

 

[Langwilliams]

With 4x4 I never put weight in the bed.

 

[4rd SVT]

I have one of these in my 2wd Tacoma & going to add one in the back of my Ranger too.

Shurtrax Compact Truck

I'll snap a pic in the daytime & post so everyone has an idea what it is...

 

[4rd SVT]

But I'm debating on ordering "three" of the small Auto/SUV aids since I have the shorter but wider crew-cab bed:

Shurtrax Auto/CUV/SUV Small Individual

Especially since each would be $40 [x3] versus the $150 single bag-unit.

 

[RedDakooter05]

I have mine against the bulkhead. It's a 5ft bed so I don't think it makes much of a difference in my case.

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