Extra Weight In Bed For Winter
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
You could use the words "pretty" and "solid" and "Rusty" in the same sentence, but it would come out as "its pretty Rusty although it is only surface rust, but the mechanicals are solid".
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Meridian, Idaho
Interesting post. When I first moved to Idaho, I had a 2WD ford. The locals looked at me like I was from outer Space. Yikes.
Slipping an sliding that 1st winter was wild.
I considered putting something 'heavy' in the bed, but I had a tonneau over it and that would've been a hassle, plus it takes up space.
For you guys who put bagged, rocks, sand, etc over the axle or to the back of the truck, aren't you worried that "if"
you happened to hit something hard (at speed) all that weight is going to hit the back of the cab? window high. Ouch.
Seems the snow idea would be safer (but shoveling all that snow in the back is a heart attack for us older guys (
).
(hmmmm, I read somewhere that the leading cause of death, in the winter, is snow shoveling).
What about the 2nd tank? Gas weighs 6lbs/gal. 19 gals = 114lbs.
not a lot, but better than empty....
Slipping an sliding that 1st winter was wild.
I considered putting something 'heavy' in the bed, but I had a tonneau over it and that would've been a hassle, plus it takes up space.
For you guys who put bagged, rocks, sand, etc over the axle or to the back of the truck, aren't you worried that "if"
you happened to hit something hard (at speed) all that weight is going to hit the back of the cab? window high. Ouch.
Seems the snow idea would be safer (but shoveling all that snow in the back is a heart attack for us older guys (
). (hmmmm, I read somewhere that the leading cause of death, in the winter, is snow shoveling).
What about the 2nd tank? Gas weighs 6lbs/gal. 19 gals = 114lbs.
not a lot, but better than empty....
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I use firewood and sandbags, sometimes a rear differential if I feel like going through the work (but I have 4WD and it's only in waist-high snow that I'd be inspired to do that).
I usually max out at 35 MPH in snowy conditions and speed isn't a real issue for me.
I usually max out at 35 MPH in snowy conditions and speed isn't a real issue for me.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 32
From: Delhi, Iowa
i typically use some sort of restraint system
New User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Bothell, Wa
Grew up in Minn. the ole man would remove the rear bumper and fabricate a new one out of well casing or even driveshafts and fill them with concrete. I think the best one he made was an 8 inch case capped and than filled with compressed air, the air came in handy a few different times. really made the truck ride better too.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
That's why you have to find a pretty and solid 2wd, and convert it to 4wd. Solid and pretty 4wd's are pretty much non-existent here because they were used in the snow, and the salt has ate them up. And if you do find a good one, it's kind-of depressing to watch it go downhill right in front of your eyes every year you use it in the snow and salt. I am trying to keep ahead of it on my 89, and have painted the frame twice, it's had 2 exhaust systems on it and now needs a 3rd,, and it needs front fenders and patches over the rear wheels.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
That's why you have to find a pretty and solid 2wd, and convert it to 4wd. Solid and pretty 4wd's are pretty much non-existent here because they were used in the snow, and the salt has ate them up. And if you do find a good one, it's kind-of depressing to watch it go downhill right in front of your eyes every year you use it in the snow and salt. I am trying to keep ahead of it on my 89, and have painted the frame twice, it's had 2 exhaust systems on it and now needs a 3rd,, and it needs front fenders and patches over the rear wheels.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 4
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 698
Likes: 0
From: Norman, Ar
Yes, that sort of problem has me concerned re our trip to DE in a month or so. Having lived there I realize how much they depend on chemicals to handle the snow. And our odds of getting in and out w/o seeing snow aren't that good, although we do get to pick our travel dates. It isn't as if Dad's truck has never seen salt or even bad weather, but I've spent quite a bit of time cleaning all the yuk off of it and out of the nooks and crannies and would rather not have to do that again.
When (not if) you get into it...Try to run by a car wash or truck wash and give it a good bath....
Don' let that stuff stay on your truck over 2 or 3 days...It will KILL your aluminum wheels, etc..
When you get home, give it a thorough cleaning,pressure wash frame,etc..
You aren't going to get out of another good cleaning...
I had to do it every week during the winter with my big truck..(not fun)...
Trav.BTW, You will probably have to touch up the frame,etc with a little rustoleum or equivalent...
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
I used to carry 2 large plastic boxes full of sand right over the wheel wells. If I were to guess, it weighed 6-800lbs. Truck was practically unstoppable. Would go up my snow covered driveway when my brothers 4wd would just spin
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,251
Likes: 8
From: North Carolina
That's why you have to find a pretty and solid 2wd, and convert it to 4wd. Solid and pretty 4wd's are pretty much non-existent here because they were used in the snow, and the salt has ate them up. And if you do find a good one, it's kind-of depressing to watch it go downhill right in front of your eyes every year you use it in the snow and salt. I am trying to keep ahead of it on my 89, and have painted the frame twice, it's had 2 exhaust systems on it and now needs a 3rd,, and it needs front fenders and patches over the rear wheels.
Question: if you do this conversion but keep the 2wd rear springs and hangers, will the 2" lift block of the 4wd fit between the 2wd U-bolts?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
If no one answers that tonight I think I can in the morning. That's because Rusty was a 2wd and was converted. I don't think he has the blocks below the springs, but I know there are some in the tool box. So, it would be easy to measure, either the ones on Dad's or those in Rusty's tool box, to see if they'll fit.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I put 6 patio stones in my 2wd F150, helps alot.
And on my 4x4 F150, I put an old camper cap, witch weighs around 350lb and even that made a noticeable difference, but I don't want to add to much weight to that one, I like for the rear end to slide around
And on my 4x4 F150, I put an old camper cap, witch weighs around 350lb and even that made a noticeable difference, but I don't want to add to much weight to that one, I like for the rear end to slide around