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How To Use Truck Bed Weights for Winter Traction

Andrew Cilio
By: 

Andrew Cilio

 / Mar 3 2023
How To Use Truck Bed Weights for Winter Traction

To improve traction for rear-wheel drive (RWD) trucks, add between 200 and 400 pounds above the rear axle.

Snowy or icy winter conditions can significantly reduce the traction between your truck's tires and the road, ultimately making driving more dangerous. But if you live in a cold climate, sometimes there's no getting around driving in these less-than-ideal conditions. 

You may have heard that adding weight to your truck bed helps increase traction, but does that actually work? Read on to learn more about truck bed weights for winter traction. 

Key takeaways:

  • You can add weight to RWD trucks to improve traction.
  • Avoid adding weight to front-wheel drive (FWD), all-wheel drive (AWD), and four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles.
  • Add between 200 and 400 pounds depending on the weight of your truck.
  • Position weights above the rear axle.
Table of Contents
  1. Do Truck Bed Weights Improve Traction?
  2. How Much Weight Should You Put in the Back of Your Truck for Winter?
  3. 3 Ways To Add Weight to Your Truck Bed
  4. Does Your Truck Need Winter Tires?
  5. FAQs

Do Truck Bed Weights Improve Traction?

So, do truck bed weights work to improve traction? The rationale behind this theory is that pickup trucks are meant to carry cargo, but if there isn't anything in the bed, the weight can become unbalanced since most of the weight is distributed to the front of the vehicle. 

There is truth to this theory. Truck bed weights can significantly improve traction for some vehicles by weighing down the truck's rear axle. However, whether or not truck bed weights will be beneficial to you depends on what type of drivetrain system your truck has. 

Why Adding Weight Improves Traction for RWD Trucks

Most pickup trucks have rear-wheel drive, which means that the back wheels propel the vehicle forward. In RWD trucks, too little weight on the rear axle can lead to a lack of traction, especially when driving in slippery conditions. In these cases, adding weight to the truck bed can allow the tires to grip the road more effectively. 

Does Adding Weight Improve Traction for FWD, AWD, or 4WD Vehicles?

While truck bed weights can improve traction for RWD vehicles, it isn't quite the same for FWD trucks. Since pickup trucks are heavier in the front, there is already plenty of weight on the front wheels without the need for added weight in the bed. 

The same goes for 4WD and AWD vehicles, which already have the proper traction, weight distribution, and technology needed to handle icy conditions. As a result, adding weight to these vehicles isn't necessary.

How Much Weight Should You Put in the Back of Your Truck for Winter?

When adding weight to your truck bed, it's important to add the right amount for your specific vehicle. Smaller trucks will benefit from 200-300 pounds, while trucks that weigh over a ton may require 300-400 pounds. 

Truck Weight 

Recommended Added Weight

½ ton 

200-300 pounds

¾-1 ton 

300-400 pounds 

Always make sure to check your owner's manual to ensure you're not exceeding the max weight limit for your specific vehicle. 

Illustration of two trucks showing the recommended amount of weight to put in the back: 200-300 for a half-ton truck and 300-400 for a three-quarter ton truck.

3 Ways To Add Weight to Your Truck Bed

If you decide that adding weight may be beneficial to your RWD truck, there are a few ways to do so. Keep in mind that you don't want to choose items that can be dangerous in the event of an accident, such as concrete blocks. 

Additionally, filling your truck bed with snow may seem like a good idea, but it can be extremely dangerous if it flies out onto the car driving behind you. 

Here are a few of the safest ways to add weight to your truck bed. 

1. Add Sandbags

The most popular way to add weight to your truck is to fill sandbags and place them in the bed. Be sure to center the sandbags above the rear axle and secure them so they don't slide around while driving. Plus, sand can be beneficial to have on hand in the event your truck gets stuck in the snow. 

2. Store Your Toolbox

Another way truck owners add weight to their vehicle is by storing a toolbox in the bed. Depending on the amount of tools and equipment you have, this can easily weigh a few hundred pounds. 

3. Purchase Truck Bed Weights

The easiest and safest way to add weight to your vehicle is to purchase a product specifically made to weigh down a truck. The ShurTrax Max-Pax 200 lb. Truck Bed Weight is easy to use and includes tie-down straps to keep the weight in place. All you have to do is fill up the nylon with water from your garden hose. 

Graphic showing the do's and don'ts of adding weight to your truck bed. Do add sandbags, a toolbox, or truck bed weights. Don't add snow, concrete blocks, or items that can fall out easily.

Does Your Truck Need Winter Tires?

While truck bed weights can help improve traction, you may want to consider opting for winter tires instead. Winter tires will maintain traction in icy and snowy conditions, allowing you to accelerate and stop with ease. 


If you live in or are planning to visit a cold climate, be sure to prepare your vehicle with the proper parts and accessories to ensure optimal safety when driving in wintry conditions.

FAQs

Below, we've answered some common questions from truck owners regarding truck bed weights for winter traction. 

Do Truck Bed Weights Make It Harder To Stop?

You may have heard that adding weights to your truck bed can make it harder to stop your vehicle, but that isn't the case. As long as you only add up to a few hundred pounds of extra weight, it won't be enough to affect braking in any capacity. Since the added weight allows the tires to grip the road better, your truck may even stop faster than before. 

Where Should You Put Weight in the Truck Bed?

As mentioned above, you should put weight over the rear axle in your truck bed. Place the weight above the rear truck wheels, and avoid putting it too close to the tailgate or the cabin. 

 

Graphic showing where to position weights in a truck bed and how to use truck bed weights for traction in the winter.

 

More Truck Bed Guides:

Word on the Trail

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