Buyers Remorse might be starting...

[Artsyguy]

Sooo....I bought a used 2015 Chevy Express Cargo with about 24k miles on it in May. I've built it out, it's enjoyable to camp in, and super clean. The problem:  I have a fairly steep concrete driveway. On numerous occasions I've noticed that if I stop in the middle, I'm stuck. Doesn't seem to matter if it is dry or wet. Even if I'm gentle on the gas in low gear, still spins and just burns up rubber. Is this normal in a van like mine?  Anything I might install via factory parts or after market that would take care of this?  Winter is coming and I'm not feeling good about driving in the rain, let alone a light snow!  My tires are the stock Bridgestones that come new with the van. TIA for any ideas...

 

[user 423]

Don't stop in the middle...LOL. Sorry.

Adding some extra weight directly over the rear wheels might help.

 

[Ballenxj]

I'd want to see a pic of the driveway. Does your van have limited slip? Also, a more aggressive tire would be better than the stock Bridgestones that are no doubt a highway tread.

 

[wagoneer]

How steep is your driveway?

 

[Artsyguy]

I'd want to see a pic of the driveway. Does your van have limited slip? Also, a more aggressive tire would be better than the stock Bridgestones that are no doubt a highway tread.

I'd guess it is about a 30-35 degree incline. Apparently since only 1 wheel spins, I don't have a slip diff. I just can't get over the fact that this, on paper, is a heavy truck. Seems like a v-8, low gear, and smooth throttle would go on the dry. I'm dreading Pittsburgh winter already.

 

[RVtrek]

1) Don't try to go up the hill if you're stopped. Go down the hill (backwards if necessary) until you can get proper traction, then utilize some speed going back up.
2) Change out the tires for something that'll give better traction.
3) Try throwing an extra 500 pounds of something over the rear axles and see what happens.
4) Install a winch and winch yourself up!

 

[Artsyguy]

How steep is your driveway?

I see your from SF...having visited numerous times there, I know this van wouldn't be suited for driving your steep city streets, unless you only park facing downhill

 

[WanderingCanuck]

Apparently since only 1 wheel spins, I don't have a slip diff.

I just can't get over the fact that this, on paper, is a heavy truck. Seems like a v-8, low gear, and smooth throttle would go on the dry. I'm dreading Pittsburgh winter already.

As others have mentioned, if you can't get the power to the ground you're just spinning your wheels - literally. I used to own an older Chev 2500HD 4X4. Unbeknownst to me, there was nothing in the drivetrain to prevent one wheel from slipping while the other THREE were standing completely still.

I think you can purchase aftermarket differential locks - often for 4x4/off road enthusiasts, but might not be in your budget/plan, and may not be available for your diff. Sometimes light pressure on the brakes can transfer some power to the non-slipping wheel and get you going again.

Good tires and substantial weight in the back can make a huge improvement in traction.

 

[John61CT]

Aggressive snow tires year round.

Mod your build so lots of heavy over or rear of the axle: batteries, propane & water tanks. Where's the spare?

Carry chains and salt/sand in winter.

Move to a house on a flat lot

 

[Almost There]

What IS over your back axle in the van!

Vans are all terribly light weight in the rear end because they were built with carrying cargo in the rear part of the van, same as a pick up truck is light in the rear. 

My first van had to have a 1/2 dozen concrete blocks over the rear axle in the winter or I could guarantee I'd be doing donuts in the lightest of snowy weather.

I had no fear whatsoever of placing the 4 Trojan T105REs right over the rear axle on my 2002 GMC Savana because I knew I not only needed the weight there but that it could handle it with no problem.

Too late for this year but with a concrete drive on that steep of a hill, you might want to consider adding some traction bars to the concrete such as you see on parking garage ramps that are exposed to the weather.

 

[tx2sturgis]

You obviously don't have electronic traction control or limited slip differential.

As others have said, adding weight to the rear might help, adding some manual braking with the parking brake, or getting an upgraded rear diff might be the answer.

 

[Artsyguy]

I'm going to do some research and see if it is possible to have a ltd slip retrofitted. Probably will be very expensive, if it can be done. Maybe could find one in a salvage yard...the van does have StabilTrack, but no ETC since only one wheel drives. I have a full size bed between the wheel wells with camping gear and stove stored under the bed. I had planned for a battery to go behind the front seat. I envy you flat landers!

 

[Almost There]

That's not nearly enough weight...we're talking 300 0r 400 lb extra pounds here.

Also some winter snows will help traction.

IIWM I'd be doing some of the alternatives you've been given before either replacing the rear end or replacing the vehicle.

And while I sounds facetious to say so, don't stop in the middle of the hill! Get a running start at it to get all the way to the top. With such a steep hill, I'd be more worried about  not being able to stop at the bottom...

 

[John61CT]

That is one advantage of the little foreign mini-vans, engine is always right over the drive axle.

My Toyota, Honda, VW vehicles (not just vans) over the years have all had great traction and snow handling, right back to 50's models.

Plus great build quality and longevity, hold their resale value for a reason.

 

[highdesertranger]

I am going to play Captain Obvious, what PSI are you running in your tires and what's the max? highdesertranger

 

[MrNoodly]

Have you tried angling your way up/down the driveway?

 

[Artsyguy]

Running 80lbs in rear (per door sticker) As far as the stopping/starting stuff on the steep...I DO know how to drive. I've been dealing with this driveway for 30 plus years. Just not in a large cargo van. Still trying to understand what is normal and not for this behemoth. Everybody preaches keeping your van light during the build, now I'm hearing add cinder blocks
Not sure how snow tires would be a good idea on dry concrete either. I do appreciate everyone's responses!

 

[highdesertranger]

try airing your tires down a little bit. just because the door sticker says 80psi doesn't mean you have to run at 80. just make sure you are not underinflating. and dang a 30% grade is like 3 feet up for every 10 feet traveled. that is one hell of a grade. highdesertranger

 

[Artsyguy]

and dang a 30% grade is like 3 feet up for every 10 feet traveled.  that is one hell of a grade. highdesertranger

Now you're being Mr. Obvious.   I had them down to 65lbs, but that triggered the tire sensors and I don't like glowing lights on my dash, so the dealer set them back to 80. It would seem a softer tire would give better grip. But then...I'm afraid of wearing out my tires sooner. Did I mention I'm kinda cheap too?  But yeah...my driveway is a bitch

 

[highdesertranger]

question when down to 65psi did it slip on the drive way? were they underinflated? what's the minimum psi that doesn't set the sensor off? highdesertranger