Pickup trucks are at a disadvantage during dangerous weather due to traction. Piling sandbags in the flatbed is a safe way to add weight, traction and increase the ability to stop. With respect to other drivers, sandbags will not topple out or become airborne.
Pickup trucks have a big weight, thus giving them a longer time to come to a complete stop. This weight is also lopsided and unequally distributed. When the flatbed is empty, the heavier end of the truck is the front; leaving the light end to power the heavier. This results in fishtailing especially on slick roads, one reason sandbags can be notably important for safety. They help balance the weight of the vehicle.
To be most effective, position the sandbags over the top of the wheel wells and rear axle in the the flatbed to keep them in place and avoid shifting and movement. The more weight over the back wheels, the better the balance will be among the four total wheels of the vehicle.
There is no set, standard amount of weight in sandbags you should add to the bed of your pickup. Play it by ear by adding equal amounts and then test driving. Add weight gradually and in equal distribution. You may even reference your vehicle's manual for the maximum weight capacity to help estimate the amount to add without hindering driving capabilities.
