I have to laugh at myself a bit w/regard to snow. I have the 4WD and don't regret it, but many years ago (1975-1979) as a student in the Buffalo NY area I, like most other folks up there, got along fine most of the time in 2WD. No front wheel drive or radial tires in those ancient times either. The "secrets": a)TAKE IT EASY, both starting and stopping. b.(very strongly recommended for 2wd)dedicated snow tires, maybe studs if legal. Snow depth was mostly no problem. The biggest hazards were ice, poor or no visibility, and maniacal drivers; none of which are helped much by 4WD. Adding weight can help some, but can be offset by the addtional momentum your truck gains if the rear does start to break away--80-100 lb should be OK. Driving my X the last few days in snow for the first time, I haven't noticed any unusual instability in the snow when in 2WD given the stock tires.