This will be my second winter driving my '03 2WD Blazer, and I haven't quite yet found out the ideal amount of weight to put in the back. I'm concerned about having enough weight to get traction from a stop (especially on inclines). Last year, I used two 70lb. sandbags; is this enough with such a light rear end?

Anyone have any tips or recommendations?

 

So how did it handle last year?
I have older, heavier 4x4's, but if I had a lghter, newer 2WD I'd probably put about 200lbs of sand and a 50 lb bag of salt in the back. I guess it depends on what kind/condition of tires you have on and if it's a standard or automatic. I hate automatics in the snow, you almost have to throw them in neutral to stop sometimes.

 

why does putting it in neutral help?

 

It helps when you're stopping on a slippery surface, if you put it in neutral the tranny isn't trying to push you.
With a standard you can down shift or step on the clutch.

 

i drove 3 long winters in a 2wd ford ranger... approximately the same weight as a blazer..... a good set of snow tires and 200lbs. of sand got me anywhere I needed to go..... but yeah... neutral when stopping, and even with an auto if you are going down a snow covered hill, drop your tranny down into 1...... lightly tap your brakes the whole way down... you will be good to go. a couple of drives in the snow and you'll be a pro...

 

My dad taught me about shifting to Neutral, and downshifting to 1 back when he first took me out for driving lessons. It's worked great in any vehicle I've ever owned on slick snow and ice.