So this winter I want to have a decent amount of weight over the rear axle to make driving as painless as possible in the snow/inclement weather. I have a 55 Gallon heavy duty PVC drum that I plan of filling 3/4 the way up with water. I need to lay it flat because I need the bed cover rolled down (closed/covered). This will be used in conjunction with sandbags. I have five 5000lbs ratchet straps. Ideas on how to tie this sucker down good?

 

You don't want it only partially full. That gives the water room to move, and can make cornering rather exciting when the water all shifts, then sloshes....... You want to concentrate the weight over the rear axle, so, build a wood frame out of 2x4's that the barrel will sit in, and not be able to roll of it's own free will. (extend the front to back legs a good foot or so past the sides that actually prevent the barrel from rolling.) Put some eye bolts into those, and use the straps to secure the barrel to the framing.

Is the bed tall enough for what you have in mind?

 

Why not just get another 500lb's of sandbags?

 

I never thought of the 2x4 box, I'll have to do that. I can't fill it all the way up either because the water will freeze in the winter and expand. The bed it tall enough, only if it is laying down.


I have a barrel and a few sand bags already, save me some $$$

 

Always nice to save some $$$$$

 

build a cradle and strap it down



yeah, it's a whiskey barrel, but the result is the same.

 

i've never put weight in the rear of my ram before.... do you guys really have that much trouble with snow and ice? when it snows i rarely use 4wd i probly use it 3-4 times during winter and its either to pull someone out or if i'm going up a logging road

 

You better secure it right it could turn into a missile if you get into a wreck!

I would just get more sand bags they aren't very expensive.

 

The handyman's secret weapon:

 

Don't worry, that drum wont be going anywhere. I gave the dimensions to a neighbor who is an industrial welder to build a metal cage around it that I can hook my straps to.

If I get into a wreck, the barrel is the least of my worries. As tall as my truck is, I'd be afraid for the person I hit. It's a lawsuit with 4 wheels. I give tractor trailer size room to cars in front of me. I'm always scared that someone will rear-end me at high speed because when I park my other vehicle behind the truck, my trailer hitch is almost eye level. I working on a custom bumper to lower the height in that event.