So I put my Blizzacks on yesterday on my 16 Platinum. Since this is the first winter driving a pickup, how much weight if any do you keep in the back from slipping....also and this is a stupid question, but is the truck normally in rear-wheel drive all the time? I assume that for snow I will need to put it in 4 wheel drive? I was driving a lexus GX which is all wheel all the time so this is new to me.


Thanks

 

You'll want to read your manual as to when to use 4x4. If it's Auto, which yours should be, you can do it anytime. Manual is for when the wheels might slip.

You don't need any weight. Some add a few hundred pounds over the axle, but it's not necessary most of the time.

 

I don't add any weight at all...i only use 4x4 if the road is completly snow covered and rwd isn't cutting it. I don't use winter tires. Since you have a platinum just put it in 4A and forget about it and the truck will decide when to use 4wd... I wish I had 4A lol. In theory you you could leave the truck in 4A year round if you wanted to and basically have awd. All the traction control and other electric nanies do a fairly good job keeping the truck in line

 

Since we tend to have a lot of ice during early winter and early spring, I usually keep about 300 lbs of sand bags in the bed over the winter. It isn't always necessary to have the added weight, but a few hundred lbs over the rear axle can make a difference. And I actually like having the sand available in case I need extra traction, even if I don't need the weight.

It isn't absolutely necessary to use 4wd in the snow. I've made it through some really ugly roads in 2wd. Use 4wd when necessary. You'll know when you really need it.

 

I have a cap that weighs 270lbs..that and good tires, last winter I only used 4wd to test it (it's still in warranty).. other than that, Chicago winter, didn't need it once..the weight the cap probably helps

 

I've been running 4X4 trucks since the mid 1970's. I've never added any weight to the truck, and use 4X, like 4leggedbucket, when RWD ain't making it. IMO, 4X4 is used to get you unstuck after RWD fails, for the most part. You'll be amazed how stable these trucks are with all the electronics saving you from yourself.
I do know guys that load up firewood to the top of the box, haven't figured that yet, especially when they're usually following me in my RWD Ranger. Overkill, or inexperience I guess.
Biggest thing, use you head, know your limitations, and don't think 4X4 is gonna get you stopped quicker, it doesn't work that way.

Oh, thanks for the winter reminder,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,:censor ed:

 

Im in Toronto and we have our fair share of icy snowy winters. In my 2015, i didnt run with any extra weight in the back.... With 4A there is zero issues with getting stuck....the problem is with the stopping in snow or ice...The OEM GoodYears dont cut it...that goes with any vehicle with All seasons.

If you want the best security for winter, get a set of dedicated winter tires.... rear weight is not the issue

 

Blizzak's (or any quality dedicated winter tire) will make a snow demon out of darn near anything. When in doubt, pop it in 4A, you should be as good as it gets.

 

Run auto 4wd 24/7 and dont worry about it, it will be like driving your GX---I have an 08 GX myself!! Getting ready to sell for a Limited

 

I agree, i have the Hankook tires and they are horrible which is why I got Blizzacks