I would think 400 is alittle much, but it is up to your personal likings, Here everyone runs, with a bale of hay or 2, 80 - 120 lbs each.. up against the tailgate
last year i did fine with 150 pounds of wieght up against the tailgate,( i figured it would create more weight over the axle) on stock street tires, no studs.
Most snow we had on the road at one time was aout 5" though, but in 4wd i drove through about 10-12" to snowboard.
i mean dont get me wrong you can get the rear to come around no matter the weight if you try, but thats the wieght i had in mine last year, this year ill be doing the same, and see haw it is with the new Tires..

 

any weight is a little much. I've driven pickup trucks my entire life and i've never once found a need for 4x4 in the winter let alone weight in the bed. all you need is to be smart and know what you're doing. I've never had a spin out or have i gotten stuck before.

 

I use no bed weight, its all in the tires, and how you drive.

 

You must not live in Canada...or have any fun with your truck

 

well I've driven a few winters with no weight in the back and it wasn't to bad in other trucks I've had. Last winter however I put a few blocks in and could really tell the difference. Now after driving around for a few days I think 400 is a bit much and will try taking a block out tonight and see how it is tomorrow...

 

lol, +1.

first full winter with my truck, but i got friends who do fine with 3-5 50lb sandbags over the axle. but it all depends on where you live.


about over the axle or behind the axle, putting it over the axle puts all the weight right on the rear tires so you can move yourself forward.

putting it in the back of the bed puts that weight on the axle, but also takes weight off your front axle and puts it onto the back axle, so you end up with more weight on the rear, but less in the front to steer with.

 

Ha yeah and they must take really really good care of the roads there...
**** i have a 300ft dirt drive way, and there is times you need 4wd, or studs to get up my driveway..
there are roads here that dont even get plowed, and if you think your driving in 8"+ of snow without 4wd, ill be waiting for the call to come pull you out, and without the extra little help of weight in your bed, you dont get that extra little help with traction..
Ranchers & Farmers have been driving around in winter with bales of hay in there truck for the last like 50 years.
for no other reason except it helps..

 

I am assuming most of you guys are speaking from the 1500 perspective... I ran for a couple weeks with 10 40lb bags of water softener salt (which I would use anyway)...

The 400lbs did 2 things... It made the truck ride more like your 1500s (smoother, and less road bounce). It did not affect my already cruddy gas mileage (11 around town ant 14 at best highway). I did not do this for the snow but rather the ride. However, I could see the advantage (in not needing 4x4 as much), but remember each pound you add, you also have to stop that pound.

400lbs seemed fine, and not overkill.

 

Thanks for the info, will have to try some sand bags this winter. My wife doesn't even like driving our truck because its all over the road with all the snow we get here. Our car handles much better believe it or not, even when in 4x4.

 

I drive in ****ty roads plenty enough. I've never found a need for it. just know what you're doing and you're fine. I've never spun out gotten stuck or anything. it's all in throttle control and knowing what you're doing.