I agree with your view of the physics - seems like the leverage would be from
the unloaded center of gravity, not the rear axle.
Regardless, I'm trying something new this winter for weight. I have three
large (22gallon? about 18"highx27"longx18"wide) Rubbermaid tubs at the rear (I
get at them via the tailgate without raising the tonneau), and a 2x4 grid to
keep them there. When it snows, I'll fill at least two of them with water and
let it freeze (like giant ice cube trays). When it warms up, I'll pour the
water out and go back to using them for groceries, etc.
M.
----------
From: Andy Callahan[SMTP:quasideedle@uky.campus.mci.net]
Sent: Saturday, December 06, 1997 11:45 PM
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Subject: Re: DML: RE: bed weights
At 12:18 AM 12/7/1997 -0500, you wrote:
>Not really,
>The pivot point should be assumed to be the rear axle. Putting weight rear
>of the rear axle causes the front to lift slightly reducing steering
>efficiency on slippery surfaces while increasing rear end weight
>(traction?). In the winter, I put 450 lbs of play sand in bags and lay
>them flat from the rear axle forward. Putting the weight between the front
>and rear axles will weigh down the front and rear keeping the front-to-rear
>weight ratio more even for proper handling and better traction. Keeping
Yeah, but the front-to-rear weight ratio is no where near even to begin
with. If anything, a little weight behind the rear axle will help even out
the ratio. I understand what you guys are suggesting about lifting the
front of the truck, but what you propose as an alternative also requires 2
to 3 times as much weight in the bed. I'm trying to keep the weight down
as winters don't get too bad here, and most of the winter it will be
relatively clear on the roads. The weight is just for those few big storms
we'll get.
Andy
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Andy Callahan University of Kentucky quasideedle@uky.campus.mci.net
http://sac.uky.edu/~accall0/truckpics.html
'97, black/mist gray, 4x2, Sport, club cab, 3.55 SG, 5-speed, Tire &
Handling Package, all the little goodies
Mods: Firestone Firehawk SS10 275/60/15's, GT Classic steel tonneau
cover, "Super Sucker" FIPK by Air Meldrum, CC bed mat
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