Searching for the top way to add extra weight to a truck bed? You’ve arrived at the right spot! Various strategies exist to add weight to the back of a truck bed. Here, we’ll go over the most general methods and their pros and cons. Let’s get started!
Understand the benefits of adding weight to truck bed
Adding weight to the bed of your truck or SUV can improve its stability and safety. The low center of gravity increases traction and maneuverability when driving. It also absorbs vibration from the road and prevents cargo rattling, resulting in a smoother ride.
Here are some of the benefits of adding weight to your truck or SUV:
- Heavy items are distributed more evenly across all four wheels, reducing wear and tear.
- This saves money and extends component life, such as brakes and suspension parts, potentially by years.
- Evenly distributed weight increases stability while cornering, accelerating, and braking, improving handling.
Choose the Right Weight
Adding weight to a truck bed? Let’s consider options. What type? Permanent or temporary? Plus, how much weight do you need? These factors are key to finding the best way to add weight.
Consider the total weight needed
Before you pick the type and weight of material for your truck bed, consider how much weight you need. Look in the owner’s manual for the payload capacity of the truck, which changes by model and make. Subtract the weight of any tonneau covers, ladder racks, and other accessories from the payload number.
Ideal material weight should be equal to or slightly lower than the payload number—it takes into account all components that may mount on the bed. Do not overload the vehicle beyond its maximum capacity—it can cause damage, reduce gas mileage, and even make the vehicle perform worse.
If you need to haul heavy items often, consider getting specialty beds like spring-suspended flatbeds. They are built for larger loads and can handle heavy materials without stressing the suspension system or reducing braking power. You can also coat the bed with a polymer compound to create a better grip and protect it from wear. Specialized tires also give good traction when maneuvering trailers loaded with heavy cargo. Consider both options before investing—they vary in cost and performance:
- Coat the bed with a polymer compound to create a better grip and protect it from wear.
- Specialized tires give good traction when maneuvering trailers loaded with heavy cargo.
Choose the right type of weight
Consider a few things when selecting what weight is best for you. Firstly, think about the size and weight limit of your truck. Make sure it fits without overloading. Secondly, your driving style and conditions matter. Lastly, compare the cost of each option.
You have a few choices. Try solid steel bars and plates. They can hold up to 2500 pounds. But, they might be hard to move. They cost $50-$100 each.
Sandbags cost less – $10-$20 for 2-3 bags. But, they need to be replaced often.
Wheel weights are convenient. Each wheel gets its own weight system of 100-400 pounds per wheel, most commonly 200 lbs. It costs an average of $200, including straps and hardware. Prices may vary.
Preparing the Truck Bed
Add weight to your truck bed and increase performance. Check for rust, tiedowns and bed restraints. You may also need to buy new equipment like mounting brackets and hardware. Inspect it all for added weight.
This article explains the steps in more detail:
- Check for rust
- Check for tiedowns and bed restraints
- Buy new equipment like mounting brackets and hardware
- Inspect it all for added weight
Clean the truck bed
Clean your truck bed before adding any weight. Get rid of dirt and debris. They can cause corrosion and damage. Use degreaser or all-purpose cleaner to remove grease and oil. This will stop the weight from slipping. Make sure the bed is dry before adding more weight.
Apply a protective coating
Before adding weight to a truck bed, protect the surface. Apply fire-resistant paint to bare metal surfaces. This will help with scratches, chipping, and rust spots. Coat it twice, letting the first coat dry before the second one.
Put non-skid mats in places where weight will sit for extra protection and traction when loading/unloading. Finally, make sure everything is securely fastened so it won’t move while driving.
Installing the Weight
Weight in your truck bed can increase traction and make it more stable, which is great for driving. We’ll go over the pros and cons of different installation methods. Plus, what tools you need for the job. It’s all in this article!
Place the weight in the bed
Positioning weight correctly is a must for maximizing truck performance, safely. Put the weight in the center of the bed, between the cab and rear wheels. Push it back as far as possible, to keep a good center of gravity. Attach straps or chains to the sides of lifted trucks, to secure the load.
For a balanced weight distribution in the bed, put similar weights on each side. Use 60/40 distribution for even coverage. When balancing weights, allow for a small difference. But if the variance is big, check installation or make manual adjustments.
Secure the weight with straps or chains
Ensure your truck is safe to drive with by securing the weight in the bed. Get reliable straps or chains for the job. Avoid second-hand straps or chains as they may not be strong enough.
Secure the weight firmly using something like ratchet straps and angle brackets. Tighten them down when needed.
Periodically check the belts/chains to make sure they are still secure, particularly after a long ride or on rough terrain. Have multiple sets on hand so that one set can always be ready if something happens during your journey.
Maintenance
Keep your truck bed in tip-top shape! Inspect it regularly for wear and tear. See if there’s any rusting, and maintain the finish.
Add weight to the bed too. This’ll help spread the load evenly, upping the vehicle’s stability.
Check the weight regularly
It is important to check the weight of items loaded onto your truck bed regularly. This includes toolboxes, ladders, winter tyres and snowplow units.
Make sure you evenly distribute the weight across your truck bed for safe and efficient operations, especially for heavier items such as construction site materials.
Overloading your truck bed can cause damage, so it is important to consult with a certified mechanic before adding more weight than the manufacturer’s recommendation. They will help you determine how much weight is safe to add and the best type of accessories for any modifications.
Make sure the straps are secure and in good condition
Before adding weight to your truck bed, inspect the straps. Check for wear and tear, fraying threads, cuts, or damage. Discard any broken straps. Replace them with new, high-quality ones. Make sure all straps are attached securely and fully tightened. All buckles must be properly engaged. The webbing should be readily extended and not sag. Extend the tensioning system on all straps. This will ensure they grip the load effectively and stay tight over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to add weight to a truck bed?
A: Adding weight to a truck bed is best done by using sandbags or weight bags. Sandbags are the ideal solution because they are inexpensive, easy to fill and can be used to place weight evenly across the bed.
Q: How much weight can a truck bed hold?
A: The amount of weight a truck bed can hold varies depending on the make and model of the truck. Generally, truck beds can hold up to 1,000-2,000 pounds of weight.
Q: Is it easy to add weight to a truck bed?
A: Yes, adding weight to a truck bed is easy. All you need to do is fill sandbags or weight bags with sand and place them evenly across the bed.
