Winter Ballast

[NDRam]

Anyone use sand or other weight in their bed for the winter months and if so, what and how much? And, do you really notice a difference? Thanks.

 

[Jayman]

I’ve always used the 70# tubes of sand from menards. I put them along the sides of the box towards the back and I use three on each side.

 

[stevj]

No Menards here in the Pacific Northwest, but as many 70-pounders from Lowes or Home Depot as will fit side-by-side between the wheel wells without stacking, to keep the weight over the axle. Air suspension keeps me level.

Steve

 

[2019REBEL]

I haven't used any in my Rebel but I have used some in previous trucks. We can get free sand from the city so I hit the tire shop and get a used transport tire tube and cut it in half and put some small holes on both ends. Seal one end up with plastic wire tie then fill it up with sand and tie the other end with string(this way if you need some its easy to get at).
The rubber doesn't freeze so your sand is always good to go. And they rubber doesn't move around the box like a frozen sand bag does.

 

[FirstTimeRamDriver]

running it on 4X4 Auto - runs just fine, i have a 22 inch winter tire that i took off my last vehicle and i didnt find it worth the cost to put it on this year since i was under the false impression that winter will be over soon...

 

[CouchAssault]

4 auto does work the transfer case a little harder. if you're using it a lot may want to consider changing the t-case fluid a sooner. shouldn't be much concern in the short term unless its constantly switching the front end on and off. which if that's the case just put it in 4wd

 

[Granite5thgen]

If its semi slick I use 4 auto, but today there was 8" on the road so I kicked it in 4 hi and drove like normal basically. It's not my last truck (05 Cummins) in the snow but it sure as heck isnt a slouch. 100% confidence in this truck in the snow

 

[Barney556180]

In winter my wife feeds the deer herd behind our house, so I keep a supply of corn in the bed. The 4-6 40-lb bags add weight ( which does help) and solves the storage question nicely.

 

[Pribilof]

I have 300 lbs of sand tubes in the back, over the rear axle. Definitely a big difference in snow in both 2WD and 4WD.