I used to put additional weight in the bed of my old two wheel drive truck, but am not sure if it is necessary in my new 4 wheel drive truck.
2007-01-17 07:22:21 · 14 answers · asked by Douglas L 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
Not usually, unless you are going thru some REALLY deep stuff, then it couldn't hurt. But you will not need nearly as much weight as you had in the 2wd.
2007-01-17 07:26:08 · answer #1 · answered by stolensoul666 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Vehicles, such as trucks are designed to operate efficiently as there are manufactured and delivered, without any additional weight. Four wheel drive vehicles have better traction than their two wheel drive counterparts but-- they cannot stop any faster. Adding weight can do two things- yes it can give you more traction but the added weight can increase stopping distances and depending on where the weight is situated (front or back of box) you have to account for somewhat different handling procedures (depending on how much weight is used). Tires and driver experience are the most important factors when using a 4X4 vehicle. You must also remember that when you are in a skid with a 2 wheel drive vehicle the reaction and response are different than a four wheel drive (when it is engaged) because the front tires on the 4X4 are pulling the vehicle now also with the rear tires. It is not really necessary to add weight (I have owned 4X4 and 2WD vehicles for years and found that when driving normally--- the vehicles handle just fine when driven according to the conditions at the time.
2007-01-17 15:53:17 · answer #2 · answered by campfire_buddy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
On most 4 wheel drive trucks the power is a 60/40 split so most of your power will still be going to the rear wheels so it would be a good idea to add weight like you did for your 2 wheel drive truck
2007-01-17 07:30:43 · answer #3 · answered by shoguncarsguns 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With a four-wheel drive vehicle, you will have better power traction, but when it comes to stopping, it doesnt matter if its 2x4 or 4x4. Extra weight helps no matter what drive your vehicle is. But, if you have a pickup, weight in the bed helps dramaticlly whether its a short bed, long bed, standard cab, extended cab or the big four-door cab. Also, if you got alot of power, it helps too. My little dakota has a 4.7 in it and without extra weight in the bed, its all over the road, 4-wheel drive or not.
2007-01-17 14:44:07 · answer #4 · answered by corneileous 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use extra weight then you do not to be in 4 wheel drive all the time. Save gas $$$
2007-01-18 05:00:03 · answer #5 · answered by Golly Geewiz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since the four wheel drive is just a two wheel drive with the front axles being capable of doing additional duty, just treat it as you did your 4x2. The extra weight will still help.
2007-01-17 07:29:44 · answer #6 · answered by yes_its_me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Extra weight over the rear axle = more available traction to rear wheels = less fishtailing. This is true for 4x4, RWD, and FWD.
2007-01-19 10:27:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a chevy 4x4 2500 hd it needs no weight in the box i use to have a halfton ford it needed weight in the winter or it was all over the road
2007-01-17 07:26:27 · answer #8 · answered by sonoftazont 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no since the front tires are pulling weight transfer balances out the truck
thanks,
ss
2007-01-18 15:36:01 · answer #9 · answered by Starscream 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would help but not nessary, more weight better traction. Every auto is different
2007-01-17 07:28:54 · answer #10 · answered by Mr. Wonderful 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋