Do you recommend adding weight in bed for winter driving

[Rentech54]

I just picked up my 2023 AWD XLT. Waited 6 months for it.
Previous truck was a 2011 Ford Ranger which unfortunately I ran into a parking lot post during an icy road and totaled it.
In order for extra traction I had to add a couple of hundred pounds of sand for winter driving.
What are your experiences with the Maverick?
Thanks

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[Thodges]

Not necessary since it’s mostly front wheel drive. I had no problems with the 2022-23 Minnesota winter.

 

[fossil]

your truck is pretty light in the rear, a couple hundred# would help the balance and certainly not hurt anything. you can always use the sand as a traction aide if you get stuck.

 

[bgn]

Nope. It's front wheel biased and will engage the AWD when needed. It's very quick to engage when needed (within milliseconds when it's needed).

 

[Saltwater Cowboys]

RWD truck yes - I always kept a couple hundred pounds of sand or gravel in the bed of my Ram during the winter when I lived up north because I didn't often drive it with the 4WD engaged.

AWD Maverick - not necessary.

 

[tom_tucker]

The only thing that's really gonna matter in ice is studded snow tires or not. If you're going into the Rockies, you might need them. Else, the AWD alone will probably suffice?

If you need extra traction during a storm on the OE tire, I think snow cable chains could work in some situations. I may grab a pair for the FWD Hybrid. Obviously, you'd need all 4.

https://tirechain.com/225-65r17-alpha-trax-snow-tire-chains-embedded-with-alloy-steel-studs/

 

[ejgroth2620]

A few sand bags will hurt nothing except a little gas mileage. When AWD kicks in, the extra weight will provide better traction. As previously mentioned, it can help if you get stuck.

 

[Benilla]

Winter tires will suffice through a Canadian winter as long as you're driving for the conditions

 

[commadorebob]

I don't. But I live in Alabama.

Shouldn't be unnecessary, but won't hurt to be prepared.

 

[Gray Goose]

Another post on the same topic:
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/traction-sand-bags-in-snow-country.37920/
Remember added weight makes it harder to stop.

 

[Ford Maverick Maniac]

Marcel,

Don't carry extra weight it will affect your mpg. My AWD is in Park City. What surprised me is even with the huge snow year last winter, I never had to put chains on once. And I never got stopped at chain control even though I just had the stock Conti street tires.

This video should help you. I made it up a fairly steep road to Olympic Park no problem. It was so slippery that a Ford Transit had to be towed.

 

[DanielP]

I just picked up my 2023 AWD XLT. Waited 6 months for it.
Previous truck was a 2011 Ford Ranger which unfortunately I ran into a parking lot post during an icy road and totaled it.
In order for extra traction I had to add a couple of hundred pounds of sand for winter driving.
What are your experiences with the Maverick?
Thanks

My recommendation - move to the Sunshine State - just poking fun.

 

[LSchicago]

No. This was only a thing on RWD trucks. Zero need, and would actually make braking worse.

 

[dalola]

Speaking in very general terms, more weight is typically an advantage in navigating inclement weather.

However, many factors would apply to whether or not adding additional rear weight (to an AWD Maverick) would aid in any significant way, to your use case.

For the typical winter driver/conditions, it's probably not worth the effort. But, if you're into more extreme conditions/situations, you may gain capability.

Or, if it just helps you sleep better at night, go for it.

 

[billbillw]

The last time I needed weight in the back of my vehicle for winter was with a 1983 Mustang GT with fairly bald Michelin TRX tires.

Don't need it with the Maverick.

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