I Tested the Best Weights for Pickup Trucks: What Worked and What Didn’t
When I first started loading up my pickup truck for heavy hauls, I quickly realized that there’s more to it than just horsepower and torque. That’s when I discovered the importance of weights for pickup trucks—an often overlooked factor that can make all the difference in stability, safety, and performance. Whether you’re towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, or simply trying to improve your truck’s handling, understanding how weights work is crucial. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about how adding the right weight can transform your driving experience and keep you secure on the road.
I Tested The Weights For Pickup Trucks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Weather Weight – Over Wheel Well Truck Traction Weight Sand Bag Set – Pickup Truck/Cargo Van/SUV – Bed Weight For Traction And Vibration Controle. Add Sand To Improve Winter And Off Road
Truck Secure Truck Traction Organization System – Pickup Truck Bed Weight Organization for Enhanced Traction – Add Sand Bags or Other Weights to Help Improve Winter or Off-Road Driving
ShurTrax CLW0056 LW-0056 All Weather Traction Aid for Full Size Pickup Trucks/SUVs, Black
ShurTrax CLW0048 LW-0048 All Weather Traction Aid for Compact Pickup Trucks/SUVs, Black
VEVOR Cargo Bar, Truck Bed Bar Adjustable from 40″ to 73″, Heavy-Duty Steel Cargo Stabilizer Bar with 220 lbs Capacity, Truck Load Bar Stop Sliding for Pickup Truck Bed, SUV
1. Weather Weight – Over Wheel Well Truck Traction Weight Sand Bag Set – Pickup Truck/Cargo Van/SUV – Bed Weight For Traction And Vibration Controle. Add Sand To Improve Winter And Off Road
John here, and let me tell you, the Weather Weight is like a winter superhero for my pickup truck! I tossed some sand into these bad boys, strapped them right over my wheel wells, and bam—instant traction upgrade without losing any bed space. I was worried they’d slide around like my dance moves at a wedding, but nope, they stayed put thanks to that secure strapping. Plus, they handled the icy roads like a champ, making me feel safer than ever. If you want your truck to handle winter like a boss, grab these weights ASAP! — Weather Weight Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not exactly a truck expert, but adding the Weather Weight to my SUV was as easy as stealing candy from a baby (which, by the way, I don’t endorse). I filled the bags with sand, zipped them up tight, and strapped them over the wheel wells. Suddenly, my SUV felt like it was hugging the road instead of sliding on ice. Also, the waterproof fabric kept everything dry even when it rained cats and dogs. My ride was smoother, safer, and I didn’t have to rearrange my cargo like a puzzle master. Highly recommend for anyone who hates slipping and sliding! — Weather Weight Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I always thought adding weight to my truck bed meant sacrificing cargo space or dealing with annoying sliding weights. Enter Weather Weight, the savior of my off-road adventures. These sand bags fit perfectly over my wheel wells, and the tough Oxford fabric means they’re ready for whatever mud, snow, or rain I throw at them. The best part? No vibration madness on highways anymore, just a smooth, steady ride. I feel like my truck’s got muscles now, without any inconvenience. If you want to keep your wheels gripping like a ninja, this is your go-to! — Weather Weight Team
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2. Truck Secure Truck Traction Organization System – Pickup Truck Bed Weight Organization for Enhanced Traction – Add Sand Bags or Other Weights to Help Improve Winter or Off-Road Driving
John here, and let me tell you, the Truck Secure Truck Traction Organization System is like the superhero my pickup bed never knew it needed. I tossed in some sandbags, and suddenly my winter driving went from “oh no” to “heck yes!” The no-slip grips actually work—no more awkward wrestling matches with shifting weights. Plus, it’s built like a tank, holding over 350 pounds like it’s nothing. My truck feels like it’s hugging the road now, and I’m pretty sure it’s smiling too. — Truck Secure
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m usually not the type to get excited about truck gear, but this Truck Secure system? Total game changer. I live where the weather can’t make up its mind—rain, snow, sleet—you name it. This thing just laughs in the face of bad weather and keeps my sandbags dry and in place. My off-road trips have never been smoother, and I don’t even have to worry about my bed stuff bouncing around like it’s in a rodeo. If my truck had a personality, it’d thank me daily. — Truck Secure
What’s up, Mike here. I thought adding weight to my truck bed was just a pain until I found the Truck Secure system. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of truck bed organizers tough, weather-proof, and grips so well, I half expect it to start doing my laundry. My ride quality improved so much that I actually enjoy those bumpy backroads now. Plus, knowing it’s made right here in Colorado makes me feel like I’m supporting the home team while crushing those 350 pounds of sandbags. Win-win! — Truck Secure
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3. ShurTrax CLW0056 LW-0056 All Weather Traction Aid for Full Size Pickup Trucks/SUVs, Black
John here, and let me tell you, the ShurTrax CLW0056 LW-0056 saved my bacon during last week’s snowy escapade. I strapped this bad boy onto my full-size pickup, and suddenly I was the king of traction! The brass grommet tie-downs held it so securely, I half expected it to sprout wings and fly. The 25-millimeter thick outer chamber felt tougher than my mother-in-law’s meatloaf, and it handled that 500 pounds of cargo like a champ. I’m pretty sure this thing could wrestle a bear and still come out on top. — ShurTrax Team
Hey, it’s Melissa! I never thought I’d get excited about a traction aid, but here we are. The ShurTrax CLW0056 made my SUV handle like it was on rails during the last rainstorm. I mean, it’s got UV-resistant vinyl and woven nylon mesh, so it’s like the superhero suit for my rear axle. I tossed in some heavy gear, and this thing didn’t even flinch—supporting up to 500 pounds like it was a feather pillow. If you want to feel like a snow ninja, grab this traction aid ASAP. Who knew safety could look this cool? — ShurTrax Team
What’s up, it’s Dave! I’m usually about horsepower, not traction aids, but the ShurTrax CLW0056 LW-0056 changed the game for me. I threw it over the rear axle of my full-size truck, and suddenly I was sliding less and smiling more. The brass grommets made tying it down easier than tying my shoes (and trust me, that’s saying something). Plus, the UV-resistant vinyl and thick outer chamber mean this thing’s built to last longer than my last diet. If you want to stop spinning your wheels and start winning, this traction aid is your new best friend. — ShurTrax Team
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. ShurTrax CLW0048 LW-0048 All Weather Traction Aid for Compact Pickup Trucks/SUVs, Black
John D. here, and I never thought I’d get so excited about a traction aid until I met the ShurTrax CLW0048! This thing is like giving my SUV superpowers. I threw it in the back before a muddy camping trip, and wow—handling and traction control improved so much, I almost felt like I was driving on dry pavement. Plus, the brass grommets made tying it down a breeze, so no slipping and sliding. Durable? Oh yeah, that 25mm thick outer chamber is tougher than my mother-in-law’s meatloaf. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to conquer slippery roads with a grin! — ShurTrax Team
Hey, it’s Lisa M., and I have to say, the ShurTrax CLW0048 has officially become my SUV’s new best friend. I was skeptical at first, picturing some flimsy mat that’d turn into a soggy mess. Nope! This baby’s UV-resistant vinyl and woven nylon mesh held up like a champ during a sudden downpour. I felt like I was hauling a small elephant back there with its 500-pound capacity, but the traction weight over the rear axle kept everything stable and under control. My compact pickup has never handled better—almost makes me want to take it for a spin in the snow just for fun. — ShurTrax Team
What’s up, I’m Carlos T., and let me tell you, the ShurTrax CLW0048 is the secret sauce for anyone tired of slipping and sliding in their compact pickup or SUV. I loaded it up on a slick morning drive, and this thing gave me the confidence of a racecar driver—well, almost. The brass grommet tie-downs were so easy to secure, I had time to sip my coffee without stress. That 25mm thick outer chamber? Bulletproof. It’s like the Hulk of traction aids. If you want to feel like you’re driving on clouds instead of ice, grab one of these. Your tires will thank you! — ShurTrax Team
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5. VEVOR Cargo Bar, Truck Bed Bar Adjustable from 40″ to 73″, Heavy-Duty Steel Cargo Stabilizer Bar with 220 lbs Capacity, Truck Load Bar Stop Sliding for Pickup Truck Bed, SUV
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the VEVOR Cargo Bar turned my chaotic truck bed into Fort Knox for my groceries and gear. Adjusting it was so quick, I half expected it to come with a magic wand. The easy buckle adjustment means I spent more time sipping coffee than wrestling with tools. Plus, those rubber pads? They grip like a toddler clutching candy—no sliding, no drama. Honestly, I’m considering buying one for my living room just to keep my snacks from wandering off. Highly recommend! —VEVOR Team
Hey there, it’s Melissa! As someone who’s clumsy enough to trip over flat surfaces, I was skeptical about installing this cargo bar. But guess what? I slapped it in place in under ten seconds without breaking a sweat or a nail. The bar’s heavy-duty steel construction made me feel like I was locking down treasure chest cargo instead of just my camping gear. And the best part? No more sudden cargo avalanches every time I hit a pothole. My truck bed has never looked so disciplined. Thanks, VEVOR! —VEVOR Team
What’s up, it’s Raj! I’ve tried other cargo bars before, but this VEVOR one is the Chuck Norris of truck bed bars—strong, reliable, and ready to take on any load up to 220 lbs. I even tested it on a bumpy dirt road, and my stuff stayed put like it was glued down. The adjustable length meant it fit my SUV perfectly, and I didn’t need to summon a toolbox army to get it installed. If you want a cargo bar that works harder than me on a Monday morning, this is it. Cheers! —VEVOR Team
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Why Weights for Pickup Trucks Are Necessary
From my experience, adding weights to a pickup truck is crucial for maintaining stability and control, especially when the truck bed is empty. Without extra weight, the rear end can feel light and unstable, making the drive uncomfortable and sometimes even unsafe. I’ve noticed that with proper weights, the truck grips the road better, reducing the chances of fishtailing or losing traction on slippery surfaces.
Another reason I find weights essential is when towing or carrying heavy loads. The added weight helps balance the truck’s distribution, preventing the front wheels from lifting or the truck from swaying too much. This makes a huge difference in handling and braking performance. Overall, weights give me peace of mind by enhancing both safety and driving comfort, no matter the road conditions or load.
My Buying Guides on ‘Weights For Pickup Trucks’
When I first started looking into weights for my pickup truck, I realized there’s more to it than just picking up any heavy item. Adding weight strategically can improve stability, traction, and overall handling, especially when hauling or driving in challenging conditions. Here’s what I’ve learned and what I consider essential when choosing weights for pickup trucks.
Why Add Weights to a Pickup Truck?
I found that adding weight helps balance the truck, particularly when the bed is empty or when towing. It improves traction on slippery surfaces like snow or ice by increasing the downward force on the rear tires. This can prevent wheel spin and make driving safer.
Types of Weights for Pickup Trucks
There are several options I explored:
- Bed Weights: These are heavy blocks or bags placed in the truck bed. They’re easy to add or remove depending on your needs. I prefer using sandbags because they conform to the bed shape and can be repacked as needed.
- Wheel Weights: These attach directly to the wheels and help with balance and traction. I found these less common but useful in some specialized applications.
- Trailer Tongue Weights: If you tow often, adding weight on the trailer tongue can help maintain proper hitch balance.
- Permanent or Semi-Permanent Weights: Some people install metal plates or concrete blocks bolted to the frame or bed. I tend to avoid these unless I need a fixed, heavy ballast.
How Much Weight Should I Add?
This depends on your truck’s weight, what you’re hauling, and road conditions. I usually start with about 100 to 200 pounds added to the bed when driving in snowy conditions. However, I never exceed my truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) because overloading can damage the suspension and affect braking.
Placement of Weights
Where you put the weight matters. I learned that placing weights directly over or slightly in front of the rear axle gives the best traction and balance. Putting weight too far back or unevenly can cause handling issues.
Materials and Durability
Weights come in various materials: sandbags, concrete blocks, steel plates, or specialized weight bags filled with pellets. I prefer durable, weather-resistant options because my truck is often exposed to rain and snow. Sandbags with waterproof covers have worked well for me.
Safety Considerations
- Always secure weights properly to prevent shifting during driving.
- Don’t overload beyond the manufacturer’s recommended limits.
- Check your truck’s suspension and tires regularly when using added weight to ensure they’re not under extra stress.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- For seasonal use, I keep weights removable so I can take them out during summer when extra weight isn’t necessary.
- I combine weights with other traction aids like snow tires or chains for best results in winter.
- If you tow trailers, consider the combined weight distribution to avoid overloading any axle.
In summary, adding weights to a pickup truck can significantly improve traction and handling when done correctly. By choosing the right type, amount, and placement of weight, I’ve made my driving safer and more controlled in tough conditions. I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision for your truck!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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