> I have 6 40-pounders in my '99 4x4. Last winter I used 2 70-pounders
> and was OK but wanted a little more insurance. Do you have a tonneau
> cover, or something else over the bed? If not, be ready for a total
> mess in the spring when you take them out. The plastic those bags are
> made of is not good. Also, keep in mind that those bags WILL take on
> water (turning them into ice bricks when it's below freezing), so
> they'll weigh more than 75 pounds in the spring - consider buying a
> larger number of smaller bags to make them movable later.
>
> I bought "Traction Sand" at Home Depot. Last year I bought "Tube Sand"
> which, while it appears to be in a strong casing, disintegrated as soon
> as I tried to lift it out in May.
>
> While you're at it, spend about $20 and build a box to keep the sand
> from sliding around (you'll thank me - sliding sandbags SUCKS). I
> bought 2 8-foot pressure treated 2x6s and 4 joist hangers. Then, I
> measured & cut the wood to make a box in the wheelwell area - a board
> ahead of the wells, one behind, and then 2 lengthwise connecting them,
> next to the wells. Then use the joist hangers and some screws to lock
> everything together. This puts the weight right over your rear axle,
> where you want it.
>
> Many thanks to Kyle K for this idea. So far, it's working wonderfully.
I use 3-4 bags........I think they are around 75 pounds each. They are like
$2-$3 per bag......and well worth it traction-wise. The bags I buy are made
of a snad-bag type material; in fact I havent bought any 'traction bags' in
about 2 years, cause I just throw them in my garage until I need them next.
They hold up very well. Andy is right, they bags do weigh alot more once
they take on water and freeze up in the winter. Good to hear the
'traction-bag-box' is working out for you also. Just a side not on a winter
gear safety item which I just throw in my bed: Buy a $5 small spade shovel
from Home Depot. It is about 30 inches tall, and is small enough to store in
a tool box or behind your seat, yet large enough to do some serious snow
removal incase you get "temporarily delayed"(aka stuck). Good Luck!
Kyle
93 Dakota 4x4 V6
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