Where to put the weight?

[pablontx]

Gathered bits and pieces on this, but seem to have some differing view points. I've got a 1500HD 4x4 Crew and want to put some extra weight in the back for improved traction while driving on snowy and potentially icy roads.

 

Does it really matter where the weight goes? What about putting the weight right behind the cab? This is easiest for me to secure and it seems fairly centered on the vehicle so wouldn't that help? Some postings seem to insist the weight needs to be right over the axle. My question is why? In my newbie mind, it seems like right by the tailgate would give the most leverage to put weight on the back wheels.

 

Thanks!

[71GMC_3/4T]

An unloaded pickup is inherently light on the back wheels. It has plenty of weight on the front wheels already. My opinion is that you would want the weight directly over the rear wheels. I've always built a frame out of 2x4s that sits from wheel well to wheel well and is held in place by the wells.

The reason you probably wouldn't want it clear at the tailgate is that weight would work against you (centrifugal force) if the back end broke loose and started to swing around.

[Kgry]

Yeah, over the wheels or better yet, over the entire rear axel if you have enough bags.

[potz1999]

71GMC_3/4T is correct about the centifugal force. however, this still applies when the weight is over the rear axle. For the best handling, you want to place weight as close to the center of gravity of your truck as possible (i.e. the front of the bed). However, since the truck is loaded to the front already, you want to try and balance that. Try of it over your rear axle, and experiment with the position until you find a balance of handling and takeoff that suits you.

[facn8me]

Here's how I did mine.