Driving in snow
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 423
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From: Stafford Virginia
Driving in snow
Winter is coming soon. I would like to get some feedback from those of you that have driven these trucks in the snow. My question is how much weight should I put in the bed before it snows?
I've read what this forum has on the F-150. The general answer was 300 to 500 lbs. These diesel trucks are very heavy which is why I'm interested hearing from experience. What are the pros/cons of sandbags? Anyone use a different method they felt was a safe alternative?
BTW if you have any Super Duty snow pics I would appreciate seeing them!
I've read what this forum has on the F-150. The general answer was 300 to 500 lbs. These diesel trucks are very heavy which is why I'm interested hearing from experience. What are the pros/cons of sandbags? Anyone use a different method they felt was a safe alternative?
BTW if you have any Super Duty snow pics I would appreciate seeing them!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,302
Likes: 1,153
From: Edmonton Alberta
Get some Goodyear Duratrac's and don't put any weight in.
I never put anything in last year and barely ever had to even put in in 4 wheel drive. 1/2 ton i used to put some weight in (300 lb) but IMHO these 8,000 lb trucks do not need anything (at least with decent tires they don't)
Best snow pic I got.
In the second pic the truck in burried under the 10' high pile of snow I shoveled off my deck
I never put anything in last year and barely ever had to even put in in 4 wheel drive. 1/2 ton i used to put some weight in (300 lb) but IMHO these 8,000 lb trucks do not need anything (at least with decent tires they don't)
Best snow pic I got.
In the second pic the truck in burried under the 10' high pile of snow I shoveled off my deck
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Stafford Virginia
Sorry I should have been more descriptive. I have stock Michelin SRW F-250 cc Lariat. Off-road package, snow plow package, lariat ultimate package.
I did get some 4x4 experience with the truck and I am originally from NJ so I am used to driving in snow. I now live in VA. We have had blizzards the past two years but nothing that stays long. I'm more concerned about black ice. I watched an Expedition roll last year so I'm a bit cautious. Just looking for input for the 2011 up trucks as I'm curious if weight is even needed.
I did get some 4x4 experience with the truck and I am originally from NJ so I am used to driving in snow. I now live in VA. We have had blizzards the past two years but nothing that stays long. I'm more concerned about black ice. I watched an Expedition roll last year so I'm a bit cautious. Just looking for input for the 2011 up trucks as I'm curious if weight is even needed.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 423
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From: Stafford Virginia
Sorry I should have been more descriptive. I have stock Michelin SRW F-250 cc Lariat. Off-road package, snow plow package, lariat ultimate package.
I did get some 4x4 experience with the truck and I am originally from NJ so I am used to driving in snow. I now live in VA. We have had blizzards the past two years but nothing that stays long. I'm more concerned about black ice. I watched an Expedition roll last year so I'm a bit cautious. Just looking for input for the 2011 up trucks as I'm curious if weight is even needed.
I did get some 4x4 experience with the truck and I am originally from NJ so I am used to driving in snow. I now live in VA. We have had blizzards the past two years but nothing that stays long. I'm more concerned about black ice. I watched an Expedition roll last year so I'm a bit cautious. Just looking for input for the 2011 up trucks as I'm curious if weight is even needed.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: SW Virginia
I'm in SW VA and have never added weight to my trucks with the exception of a 1978 2WD F-150. My '05 F-250 was fantastic in the snow after I put the Goodyear Silent Armors on it. I got almost everywhere with 2WD. I got this truck in July so I guess I'll see how it does this winter. I used sandbags in the 1978 a few times and it did help. IIRC, I had about 600 pounds in it.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,326
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From: Gilbert
I have the 6.2 so I'm a little bit lighter (truck still weighs 8k) but this thing did great last winter. The traction control combined with the roll stability made it effortless to drive. The stock Mich's did great in my opinion. I'm comparing this to my 2000 which had no traction control and 37" tires so to me, this truck is a dream to drive. Just gotta get my 4wd fixed before winter hits, I keep getting "Check 4x4" anytime I engage it.
The only weight I had in the back was the foot or 2 of snow that'd pile up.
The only weight I had in the back was the foot or 2 of snow that'd pile up.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: herriman utah
I don't add weight to my trucks, instead I just turn the 4wd on. if at any time I am driving on snowpacked roads or often where there is ANY ice or snow, I typically turn on the 4wd, this adds a ton of stability to your truck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,249
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From: Kaysville Utah
I also thought the OEM Michelin tires did great in the snow last winter. I didn't add any weight, Just selected 4x4 when I needed more tractions
Didn't take many photos of the truck in snow. but here is one of it working in the winter
Didn't take many photos of the truck in snow. but here is one of it working in the winter
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
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From: Greenwood, SC
I work in the north on occasion and drive in the snow when it's there but I always have a trailer too, so 4x4 is pretty much standard procedure.
As noted before, the traction control works very well but will also hinder you from powering yourself out of a situation.
So, I always have trailer tongue weight helping and use four wheel for stability.
When going solo, I have never had any trouble with snow either, 4 wheel only used if I feel too much wiggle in the rear.
The consensus last year was that the stock michelins performed exceptionally well in the snow and ice, I'm sure combined with the traction control you should be fine unless you get a little too frisky with that horsepower.
Not much anyone can do about black ice, just rely on that traction control.....
As noted before, the traction control works very well but will also hinder you from powering yourself out of a situation.
So, I always have trailer tongue weight helping and use four wheel for stability.
When going solo, I have never had any trouble with snow either, 4 wheel only used if I feel too much wiggle in the rear.
The consensus last year was that the stock michelins performed exceptionally well in the snow and ice, I'm sure combined with the traction control you should be fine unless you get a little too frisky with that horsepower.
Not much anyone can do about black ice, just rely on that traction control.....
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
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Not that I care for these ContiTracs but they actually did OK in the foot of snow we had last year with 4x4 (a foot of snow in three hours is extreme for us).
I drove carefully and sensibly and didn't have any issue staying in my lane.
Now the other people one the road...
I drove carefully and sensibly and didn't have any issue staying in my lane.
Now the other people one the road...