Is there any benefit to adding weight to the bed of the truck come this winter season?

This is my first pickup and I've heard of people doing this but wasn't sure if there was any actual benefit to this.

I tried doing a google search for this forum but could only find threads with the older generations. Having the lighter aluminum bed I was wondering if that will make any difference.

If so, how much weight is recommended? I don't have a cover, so I wasn't sure if sand bags would get ruined over the course of the winter. I've also heard of people loading with snow when that time comes too. I'm in central / southern NJ If that helps any.

Just wanted to get opinions from experienced winter pickup drivers

 

It doesn't matter much with 4x4. That's mostly an old RWD thing.

 

I guess the benefit would be decreased need for 4wd, maybe also decreased risk of fish tailing... I usually put about one to two hundred pounds of sand and salt in the bed because I like added weight and it's part of my winter emergency kit.

 

With the 3.55 Locking rear, if you put a couple hundred pounds in the back and had decent tires on it you could have saved the price/weight/maintenance on the 4wd.

 

Haha, in Minnesota, it isn't a truck unless it has 4wd. You pretty much can't even find one on a lot because nobody buys them in this climate.

 

If you do put weight in the bed secure it somehow. A sudden stop and it becomes a missle headed to the cab.

 

I have approx 1/3 of a cubic yard of mulch in my bed currently. And it has become wet and now has snow on it. I have Line-X. Any concerns or no?

 

Weight can help, just make sure you place it either over the rear axle, or ahead of it, never behind it. Putting weight behind the axle can actually take weight off of the front wheels because of leverage.

 

I usually do add weight to my truck in the winter when it snows. I'll get concrete mix from home depot/lowes (cheapest I can find). I'll throw maybe 4-6 bags in the back to give me more traction/weight.

Right on the axle as BlackBoost said.

 

In the old days the only reason for 4wd was having a plow on the front because the weight shifted off the rear wheels....

I have never "needed" 4wd in the winter, just smart driving, decent tires and a little weight in the back.