Looks like I can get some for free:

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/zip/234640393.html

I figure they'll do the same thing as sand bags by weighing the rear end down, but are there any negatives about using cinderblocks?

How would you secure them?

 

i used them the first year i had my truck built a little wood square in the bed that held them and used a cheap tie down strap and straped them to each other. then sayed **** this and bought bfg's...never put weight in the back since...

 

If you could come up with a clever way to keep them from sliding around then go for it. But sand bags are pretty cheap too and won't bash up your bed if they come loose.

 

Don't use cinderblocks at all. The purpose of sandbags is that in a car crash they are a dead weight and wont kill you. Cinderblocks will launch into the cab.

 

^ x2
def not a good idea. get some sandbags, they are only $3-5 each and you only need 2-4 of em.

 

can we say dangerous projectiles. Well looks like others have but in a few more words.

 

I used cinderblocks as well my first winter and I won't do it again, don't care to risk my life. Get some sand bags, they will be your best bet!! Blades

 

I'm confident I won't have any trouble with no weight in the bed. I haven't needed any since I've had the truck.

However, if I was 2WD, I'd definately invest in some cheap sandbags.

 

 

x2

 

You can build an "H" type frame over the rear axle in the bed, place the blocks in it, and then nail a plywood top over them, securing them and the frame to the bottom of the bed. You can still have use of the bed as well.

But no one wants more crap flying around in an accident then what already wips about. I use bags of road salt. Always have salt on hand for whatever parking area I'm in.

Just remember that whatever you use, make sure it's secure and won't leave the bed.

 

i would use sand bags, but like stone said get some bfgs. i used them and they work great. or better yet fill the back of ur truck with snow. its also free

 

I did that with my 1991 2wd ranger. worked fine.

 

guys if you build a frame to hold them and its secured down your fine... mine never moved and needless to say i did get in an accident when i had them back there...

 

I dont' think I would use salt...you get a hole in that bag then you got salt fumes and salt getting into cracks and then hello rust.

Sandbags

 

I used sandbags and made an H type wooden box around the wheel wells, the design worked great but did not help with driving. I need 4x4 any time i'm in snow with sandbags or not! In my opinion and personal use I have found weight in the bed to not help at all. I also had about 150lb of sand in there (not sure exactly). I also had all terrains at the time, and got BFG at's for this season, which work exactly the same as my previous tires which were more 'mud bogger style' than BFG at's.

 

Move to a tropical Island! They have no Snow and Pretty girls Bring you Drinks with Umbrella's in them! Anything else you need solved?

~HJ

 

Also when you use sandbags the sands there if you need traction in ice on the road or sidewalks. Then you just buy new sandbags. As we all know they don't last forever.

My brother used the shoveled snow in the back of his trucks for years. Like he always said, when the sun comes out it melts away.

 

ehh...they sound like they'd be more likely to due damage over some sandbags, so I'll stay away from them.

thanks

 

im too lazy to read it all, but i will say this, the first winter i had mine, 04-05 i had these steel bars that weigh like 80lbs each, there 5in square by 1ft long, and i rolled them both up into a carpet and put it along my tail gate..... it froze there then i had work done at the dealer and they took it off, while it was still frozen, unfortunately, they didnt let it thaw out so when they put it back in it was a 4ft long projectile that was no longer contoured to my bed - before the dealer got to it it worked great. tho killed my mileage.

in 05-06 i ran with no weight, and when it go a lil slippery i just used 4hi. and didnt have a problem except for stopping thanks to abs, but this winter should be better now that i no longer have abs.