Winter Weight?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Like Tigerman, I use a board frame across the wheelwells using the supplied grooves in the bedliner. The difference is I use 2x4's.
I'm able to put two sand tubes out at the wheels and maybe up to six more in the box between the wheels. I usually run with two on the outside positions and one in the front of the bed under the toolbox when there's any snow or ice in the ground. When a big snow comes I throw in some more.
When summer comes I stack the tubes up in the shed and dismantle the frame for storage. When a tube is no longer useful I'll put the sand in the garden, flower beds, or yard.
I'm able to put two sand tubes out at the wheels and maybe up to six more in the box between the wheels. I usually run with two on the outside positions and one in the front of the bed under the toolbox when there's any snow or ice in the ground. When a big snow comes I throw in some more.
When summer comes I stack the tubes up in the shed and dismantle the frame for storage. When a tube is no longer useful I'll put the sand in the garden, flower beds, or yard.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 488
Likes: 142
From: Indianapolis
For three years now I have used a rubber bed mat and eight 60 pound bags of sand between the wheel wells and the tail gate. The rubber mat keeps the bags from moving around, and the bags are easy to remove and store when needed. Put an extra black tie wrap around the bags as the steel staple does not hold that well. Bags are cheap, between $3 and $4. Philip.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 703
Likes: 1
From: Middle of a field CT
I use 1000lbs of IH suitcase weights. They're meant to be front end weights for farm tractors, so i steal them for the winter, just chained to the hooks in the bed to keep from becoming projectiles!
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Originally Posted by bc56845
all you have to do is add a little antifreeze to the bladder so it doesn't freeze
Ice or water it still weighs the same. The straps are designed to hold it down either way.
New User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
I use 2 used backhoe's front blades cut to the width of the box, side by side flat. Its thin and heavy, only about 3/4" thick, starpped to the edge hooks. I place them between wheel wells and tailgate.Does not take any space, when putting in boxes, or atv, no need to remove them. I painted them so wont rust, plus a have a bed cover. I guess any steel plate would do a good job. Ask your used metal yard , they'll calculate the weight according to the size you want for you. Make sure they are help down properly.
New User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Framingham, MA
Plastic Continers from HOme Depot
I bought the tube sand from home depot and also got a $10 plastic tote from them to put it in. With a board in the grooves of the bedliner it all stays in place.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
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
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Originally Posted by bc56845
well for one it might bust the bladder when it expanded from freezing and two if you want to drain it and take it out of the truck you can't if it's frozen.
No need to take it out, it's also designed to sit UNDER your load.
If it's frozen, you still need it.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Alberta, Canada
The great thing about carring around bags of traction sand for weight is that if you get really stuck on the ice or snow, you can bust open a couple of bags and throw it under the tires for traction.
Try doing that with a 500lb ice cube!
Try doing that with a 500lb ice cube!
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
Likes: 48
From: Lyndonville, Vermont
1000 lbs is the minimum I would carry. Any less than that doesn't seem to do much esp with a plow on the front..Be carefull of plastic tubs they slide on bedliners make sure you tie them down.
Dick
Dick
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,654
Likes: 0
From: Bossier City, LA
The neatest idea I ever saw for weight was used truck intertubes with ah hose clamp on each end filled with sand. They are the pervect width to lay over the wheelwells and take very little to secure. As stated before if you need some sand for traction on ice or frozen snow, undo one of the clamps and viola as much sand as you need. They will not break or leak either like a traditional sand bag.