Winter prep
#1
10-15-2004, 08:12 PM
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Winter prep
I got my new F-150 XLT this summer and want to get it ready for the midwest winter. My question is how much do I need to put in the bed to weigh it dow? They sell 70lb tubes of crete sand, but how many do I need? Is too much weight just as bad as not enough weight? I drive on some pretty nasty country roads to get to and from work so I don't want to fishtail all over the place.... Thanks for any help you can give.
#2
10-16-2004, 12:32 AM
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I assume your XLT is 2WD?
FYI, I had (4) 100lb. of those sand tubes and it wasn't enough for my 2WD ranger in Albany, NY. Good thing is you can crack one open if you ever get stuck. The key is to not do anything crazy. Unfortunately, like me, you will probably learn what your truck can do in the snow the hard way. Ice? good luck everyone is sol.
FYI, I had (4) 100lb. of those sand tubes and it wasn't enough for my 2WD ranger in Albany, NY. Good thing is you can crack one open if you ever get stuck. The key is to not do anything crazy. Unfortunately, like me, you will probably learn what your truck can do in the snow the hard way. Ice? good luck everyone is sol.
#4
10-16-2004, 08:44 PM
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How about this?
http://www.truckaddons.com/Catalog/s...k_shurtrax.htm
Saw this on Spike TV's TRUCKS! show the other day. Looks pretty nifty. Might get one for myself if I go someplace cold. Holds 340 lbs of water over the rear wheels and you can load up to 500 lbs of stuff on top of it (according to the show).
Saw this on Spike TV's TRUCKS! show the other day. Looks pretty nifty. Might get one for myself if I go someplace cold. Holds 340 lbs of water over the rear wheels and you can load up to 500 lbs of stuff on top of it (according to the show).
#5
10-17-2004, 04:50 AM
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4x4 is great but don't let it lulle you into a false sence of security. I live in Northern Wisconsin and Used to drive Semi, every time there is a bad storm the ditches of the highway are full of SUV's and Trucks upside down.
Use 4WD in the deep thick snow, if you need it. But when running on the normal road 2WD should do ya. If you find you need 4WD that also means you need to to slow down.
Be safe and stay out of the ditch.
Use 4WD in the deep thick snow, if you need it. But when running on the normal road 2WD should do ya. If you find you need 4WD that also means you need to to slow down.
Be safe and stay out of the ditch.
#7
10-17-2004, 04:43 PM
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500 lbs. seems a lil high. I have 3 of the 70# tubes... 1 over each wheel and the third I try to keep in the middle over the axle. This set-up works fine for me. The biggest impact you can have is how you drive (how fast you drive and how much room you leave for yourself), and tires. Weight in the back can help if you drive smart and leave yourself some room to react. 4x4, anti-lock breaks, great snow tires, and a bed full of sand aren't going to make any difference at all if your going too fast or too close...
Like was said before, it's amazing how many 4x4 pick-ups and SUV's you see in the ditch vs. 2x4's. Bet ya every one of those drivers thought they were driving well within reason too...
Like was said before, it's amazing how many 4x4 pick-ups and SUV's you see in the ditch vs. 2x4's. Bet ya every one of those drivers thought they were driving well within reason too...
