Lack of traction

[philpalmer]

've just bought an LDV Pilot. It is a 2002 plate with 76000 miles.

One problem straight away is the lack of any grip on the back wheels. I had to drive over some grass the other day and it wasn't much fun.

I would guess this is because it is rear wheel drive and when unloaded, has no weight in the back.

It is currently on 185R14 (i assume 80's but can't see anything on the tyre). The tyres are legal but look bog standard Dunlops.

On my other vehicle - an old Honda CRV i have some Marix tyres which traction in the winter really good. It is a shame that no similar tyres seem to exist for a smaller wheel.

I was wondering...
Other than fill the rear with concrete blocks, is there a way to get better traction. If i replaced the tyres with chunky / all terrain / winter tyres, would this help all? I say IF because i'm struggling to find any suitable tyre!!!

I thought it anyone would know, it would be all the lovely helpful (and very knowledgeable) people on Pistonheads!

Thanks

[MarJay]

Don't mess with it, vans are like that. If you try to change the tyres etc you might end up making it worse, or ruining its on road handling. The trick would be to actually put something in the back. Which begs the question, why do you want to drive a van with no load? Surely you had an idea of something you want to put in it?

[philpalmer]

80% of the time, i'll be using the Honda.

Just wondered on the chunky tyres because when it is loaded (full of plants - not much weight), the last thing I'll want is the wheels spinning on a wet road.

Cheers

[HellDiver]

You should be able to get All Terrain tyres for that. I seem to remember the Pug 504 pickup had 185R14 tyres, and Dad's one was off road quite a bit, I think he had BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres on it which helped a lot.

[philpalmer]

Cheers. I'll have a look.

[liquidken]

AT tyres will be horrific on a van if you spend any decent portion of time on the road.

Get yourself an M&S (mud and snow) capable tyre or winter tyre. These will give you the benfits of standard rubber with the increased capability to negotiate soft/wet ground.

[McSam]

liquidken said:

AT tyres will be horrific on a van if you spend any decent portion of time on the road.

Get yourself an M&S (mud and snow) capable tyre or winter tyre. These will give you the benfits of standard rubber with the increased capability to negotiate soft/wet ground.

This is not just a tyre.

This is an M&S capable tyre...

[Bill]

liquidken said:

AT tyres will be horrific on a van if you spend any decent portion of time on the road.

Get yourself an M&S (mud and snow) capable tyre or winter tyre. These will give you the benfits of standard rubber with the increased capability to negotiate soft/wet ground.

They really won't help on a wet roundabout.

[GKP]

Check the regs of your van tyres before chopping and changing as most need specific weight and/or ply ratings.