Winter weight for traction
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 577
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From: Peoria IL
Winter weight for traction
I loaded up two tires filled with concrete in the back of my F250 reg cab 4x4 dsl and it sagged more than I thought it would. The two weights weigh about 300-350 lbs each and I have them right behind the wheel wells in the bed. That is as far as I could get them forward w/out putting them in the front of the bed.
Would putting the weights in front of the rear axle put too much weight on the front end since it already has the heavy 7.3 up front on the tiny D44?
I am not currently running a snow plow. Just wanting some tire grab after the 1/2 inch of ice that coated everything this week.
Would putting the weights in front of the rear axle put too much weight on the front end since it already has the heavy 7.3 up front on the tiny D44?
I am not currently running a snow plow. Just wanting some tire grab after the 1/2 inch of ice that coated everything this week.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,533
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You actually want the weight behind the rear axle for 2wd traction I guess I have close to 1500lbs over the back axle on my F-Superduty and its still not enough for the damn dual wheels. You don't want the weight over the front you want the weight over the rear especially with the diesel trucks there is enough iron over the front axle.
On my truck the springs are barely deflected the overload tips havent even touched with 1500lbs behind the rear axle. With a 3/4 ton or a srw 1 ton like you have 800lbs is plenty especially if you have a 4x4. For the ice you may have to buy chains or have your current tires siped for more traction.
One thing about having the weight on my truck is smooths out the ride but sure kills the fuel mileage.
On my truck the springs are barely deflected the overload tips havent even touched with 1500lbs behind the rear axle. With a 3/4 ton or a srw 1 ton like you have 800lbs is plenty especially if you have a 4x4. For the ice you may have to buy chains or have your current tires siped for more traction.
One thing about having the weight on my truck is smooths out the ride but sure kills the fuel mileage.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 656
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From: Gravel Switch, KY
I once loaded up a 1/2 ton 2wd Chevy with weight to get around in the snow. I placed it behind the rear axle. It went great in a straight line but wouldn't turn worth a darn. Almost smacked a tree trying to turn.
DannyP
DannyP
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 309
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From: Portland, Maine
yes the fronts of our diesels are heavy but when you put a bunch of weight behind the rear wheels you are in turn taking weight off the front which effects braking/stopping/steering all off which are needed just as much as forward traction. if you place the weight directly over the axle or in front of the axle you still have the added weight but it isnt taking weight off the front. Plus if you have all that weight in the back of the bed and hit something its one heck of a misle hazard if its at the front of the bed it doesnt have room to become airborne and come through the back window. Either way make sure its secure.
just my $.02
just my $.02
