Is the Promaster's Front Wheel Drive Better?

This video gives my opinion of how good the Promaster's front wheel drive train is. I've driven my Promaster for 50k miles and have been stuck several times. Listen to the video for the 6 positive points of the Promaster's front wheel drive.
The video mentions 2 places.
The Moki Dugway in Utah. Here is a link to the video: • Four Corners and South...
Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. Here is the link to the video: • Suwannee National Wild...
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[@conchscooter]

I don’t drive in snow but in sand I use the ESC button to disengage the stability control, put the van in first gear manually for maximum torque and there it is. Take a tall narrow raised Sprinter van on a slope and miss the low center of gravity of the wide low Promaster. Swings and roundabouts.

[@Lotuslaful]

So helpful! Thank you

[@mylifein75sqft87]

You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it.

[@scott8907]

Very interesting video . happy I stumbled into it. I had my van in CO for a few weeks running Wilpeaks and it was not bad. I was surrounded in the ski area parking lot by other Promaser conversions Running the stock tires I got stuck for a couple of mins at the Grand Canyon going up a small hill in an inch of snow.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

Makes sense. I don't want to drive my van in the snow. No way

[@oneadVANtureatatime]

Our Promaster weights 8600 pounds.....1st thing we did was get rid of the stock tires! We love Falken WildPeak AllTerrain Tires. Here is our experience: SAND: Promaster is TERRIBLE in the sand! Yes, it digs quickly because of the gearing. That is why we travel with traction boards and a shovel. SNOW: In our experience our Promaster does best in the snow...we have driven down a snow packed 10% grade without slipping.. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS! We added chains to the front tires and we were able to push 6 inches of snow! Now having said that the Promaster is limited as it is not 4 wheel drive! MUD: our Promaster is heavy! No match for mud . Here is the weight of our van via a certified CAT SCALE: Total weight 8520pounds Steer Axle 4180 lbs Drive axle 4340 lbs We consider our van to be a heavy build but you can see the axle weight is pretty close. In conclusion we have gotten in stuck in all situations mentioned above and have learned from our experiences......we find it fun and challenging. Overall we are really happy with our Promaster! Because we push our Promaster to the limit.... we ALWAYS travel with a shovel, traction boards and chains.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

I never drive in snow, but your are totally right about mud and sand. No good. Thanks for your info!

[@roadmachinevantravels3121]

Awesome point about the majority of the weight opposite your front drive wheels 👍 thanks for sharing 🚐💨

[@mylifein75sqft87]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@roadmachinevantravels3121]

You bet....im a brand new subscriber as of today and found out about your channel through Luis. Take care, be safe and well my friend! 🚐💨

[@mylifein75sqft87]

I'm so happy to have you aboard. I hope you stay safe and healthy and may God bless you. I hope I don't let you down. 🙂🙂

[@gaberoyalll]

Really helpful thank you!

[@mylifein75sqft87]

You're welcome!

[@madie72451]

Informative 🤗

[@mylifein75sqft87]

Thanks Madeline

[@annetteblackmon9578]

🤔thank you for sharing 👍

[@mylifein75sqft87]

You're welcome Annette.

[@RVTraveler]

I’m on my second Winnebago Travato. 270,000 miles and counting. Been on many bad roads and have been stuck only once in a grass area that was leveled. But in the Canadian Rockies I climbed a mountain in icy snow where no one else could. Great tires are a must.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

You're right about the tires. I'm sure mine aren't that good in mud. I think mud is bad. This summer, I helped multiple people get out of the mud. It took some time.

[@phillipkwan6941]

Hello Jim. Which tires do you have?

[@RVTraveler]

@@phillipkwan6941 Michelin Agilis CrossClimate 225/75R 16 Load E

[@dianeprice4819]

well done!

[@mylifein75sqft87]

Thanks Diane

[@thom_lester]

My wife and i swapped out our stock PM tires with stock sized BFG KO2s within a 100 miles of purchase back in 2017. We went places that move vannies can only dream of. We now have Falken Wildpeak AT3Ws and the ride is much more comfortable on the highway, yet off pavement is just as capable IMO. You might do some research on the AT3Ws use by others in snowy conditions, they are recommended.

[@billruprecht7398]

Hi Bob. I don't think the reason is because of the weight in the rear because I have experienced the same thing and my van isn't built out yet. Just a mattress in the back and my belongings have gotten me stuck off road. I believe the stock tires are fine for highway but are junk in off road conditions.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

You are probably right. I thought about getting a note drive tread, but I don't need it that much, just a few times a year.

[@robertwhitney2232]

These 10 ply hard tires are no good off road, I have a Dodge 3500 cargo van rear wheel drive, have been stuck on wet grass, stay out of the mud. Just got a new 3500 Promaster ext. will be an interesting show season in the cow pastures. Antique engine and tractor shows, if not canceled.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

I might get more aggressive tires the next time. Hopefully that'll be at least a year from now 🙂

[@robertschulke1596]

If you do get stuck, the first thing to do is to lower your tire pressures to 50% of specs. Drive only slowly, like

[@mylifein75sqft87]

Thanks for the tip!

[@bladimeeranga-angan7535]

I agree with you brother. I have a promaster and I designed it to be lightweight for same reason and also I put all terrain tire with snow peak ratings. Stock tires can only go so far into the forest road. Cooper tire is really good compared to a ko2s. Because it won't change your mpgs. I had a ko2 one time and destroyed my mpg lol.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

That Cooper tire are you running?

[@dinomarcaccio6288]

yep. i went from 20.5 MPG to 16 MPG highway when i put on slightly taller K02 ties (245 instead of the 225's that came on the 16 inch rims. and 14 MPG in the city. just crushed my mileage. so what are those Cooper tires.

[@jojorobino5312]

I definitely prefer rear wheel drive overall for all vehicles cars, trucks, and vans between fwd and rwd. But no doubt 4x4 will beat them in just about every situation I can think of. Awesome video.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

The only place 4x4 looses is in the cost 🙂. Thanks for your comment!

[@Sparkeycarp]

I have a Thor Sequence on a Promaster chassis. I was in Taos New Years of 2021 and got stuck in about 8" of snow on a fairly level driveway trying to turn around in the middle of the night. I had chains on and threw one on passenger side. I reset it and finally got out. I have experienced the same problems with the weight transfer at the rear. I just bought a Yakima cargo box (Carbonite 12) that will be mounted over the sliding door area as well as one for the drivers side to balance. I am also planning on putting a heavy push guard on the front hoping this may add a little compensation of weight to the front end. Your right keep the front end on solid pavement or just don't stop. Keep up your momentum going uphill.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

I'm glad you found a way to get out. It's amazing how I've gotten stuck of today ground. I'm glad I don't deal with snow with my van (house). Since I was an ice climber and ski racer up until I moved in the van, I've driven in lots of snow, just don't want to drive in it with my house.

[@ramblinvanman6250]

Couldn't agree with you more about the tires. My 2016 has 30k on it - worthless in snow and sand! My next set of tires will def be all terrain

[@mylifein75sqft87]

Maybe I should think about that next time.

[@oneadVANtureatatime]

We Love Falken WildPeak AT Tires!

[@davepalmetto]

Good to know thanks

[@mylifein75sqft87]

You're welcome

[@missionimpuzzible3510]

Ever thought of installing airbags or another type of air ride lift system in the back? You could inflate it to raise the back end up in the air to counteract the disadvantage of weight distribution and cancel the negative leverage affect when you are stuck.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

No. I never thought about it. My friend was thinking about doing that to his Winnebago built on a Promaster base. Thanks for the suggestion. Hope to see you today.

[@missionimpuzzible3510]

@@mylifein75sqft87 Sorry buddy wont see you today, my day off. Be back tomorrow, stop by and say hi.

[@darrelgill4500]

Good video. I put Cooper At3 XLTs on mine. They recieved good reviews. I also put a brush guard on the front. In addition to giving me some deer protection, it adds weight to the front end that should help it gain more traction. I hear you about all the weight being in the back. I thought as much the first time I almost got stuck in a little snow. prior to the brush guard and tire up grade. I live at times between Colorado and Montana. The plan was to be able to drive in snow. I recently watched a Trent and Allie video where Trent helped pull a Promaster out of a ditch that had slid off the road in the snow. He said "I have seen that van stuck in the snow on this road multiple time. That van doesn't belong on this road" I was thinking "Oh great. A few of the reasons I went with the Promaster is because of the front wheel drive which is better in snow on regular vehicles and that Trent had recommended it overall for a number of reasons. It just goes to show, vans or not cars and you don't know, until you go.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

Thanks for the informative comment! I was told to turn ESC off if I'm in a place where I could get stuck and that would help. Haven't been able to try it yet.

[@user-mk9pn4bj1n]

I have a 2018 3500 with about 60,000 miles. I was very disappointed when I first started driving it anywhere but paved roads because it would have traction problems on the slightest gravel, sandy or wet roads. Since replacing the stock tires with a higher end Michelin all weather tire (not all retain) I have improved mileage and traction. We've been in all kinds of conditions and now problems now so I am convinced it was just the tires. Factory tires were hard as rock and terrible tread design. They were made to deliver goods in city conditions and give fleet owners durability at lower cost. They ere not made to go off pavement. Neither is any big van.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

Yeah, those factory tires aren't that good. May will be the problem. I replaced my originals with the same tires. Next time will be different.

[@americanrambler4972]

There is an easy way to find out where you are carrying your weight on your axles. Go to a truck scale and get a scale weight. The will give you a printout of your total weight and each axle weight. You will probably find your weight is close to 50/50 on your Promaster. As far as getting stuck, there are some things to keep in mind. Once you start digging in, stop. And unless absolutely necessary, do not turn your steer wheels. Get that shovel and dig out ramps in front of all 4 tires. If your in tire shaped ruts, they act like tire chocks when you try ro climb out of them and will hold you in place. Lower tire air pressure helps a lot in soft surfaces. Those tires I saw on your van are like pizza cutters on soft surfaces. They will sink in instead of float across. I am hearing good things about these vans performance overall in ice and snow conditions compared with rear wheel drive vans, my Promaster City van, which is also front wheel drive does quite well in the snow. Much better than my other rear wheel drive vehicles in the same conditions. A number of vanners put more traction oriented tires on their Promasters if thy plan to operate in off pavement conditions on a routine basis. They seem pretty happy overall with the results. One of the reasons the Promaster seems to get the power down better than standard vans is the orientation of the engine crankshaft parallel to the drive axle. It saves the energy lost in the differential by not having to turn the rotating force at a 90 degree angle. There is a formula for that loss, but I do not have reference for it off the top of my head.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

Thanks for all that info. That was good. Some of it, I already knew. I'd like to see how much weight is on each wheel. I'm betting, I have a lot more weight in the back of my van. Thanks for your comment.

[@alexanderorban8971]

I am looking at a promaster as a van life van for weekends skiing in the CO Rockies. However, after watching this video, I feel like i should look into other van options with 4x4 drive.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

That would probably be a good idea. I don't know how the Promaster is with chains. Another important thing, I have 64k miles and only drove in snow once and it was just starting. 4 wheel drive will definitely be better. I've seen the Mercedes good through a deep cut stream and up a step bank with no problem in zion.

[@commoncents456]

Nice video. I have a 2500,high top 159wb. I use the truck for customer service, so I located my big toolboxes as far forward behind the partition so I have as much wt. to the front wheels. A few thoughts. This type of van was designed for parcel delivery, NOT OFF ROAD The longer the van the more you can load the rear, leaving the front light. The difference between the 1500 2500 3500 is more about wt carrying capacity. The wheel base will effect the traction. Unless you come from snow country it's hard to teach how to drive In slippery weather. Air bags won't distribute wt. forward. Recommendations... Dont drive off road unless you understand you are going to get stuck. So have recovery items available. The longer the van the less wt. and traction is over the front tires. If/when you get stuck STOP!!!!!!! Dont spin your tires. You need to go very slowly and rock your way Back out of where you got stuck. Tire tread is very important, so be careful not to run tires low on tread. These trucks are used around the world, including Canada, maybe look into how they deal with it.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

Thanks for all the tips. I have way more experience driving in mountains and big snow. There difference is the weight and length of wheelbase. You're right. No matter what solution, I probably won't be comfortable driving my house in the snow. The speeds I used to drive to and from readers digest in the snow was insane. A lot of people died on those roads during those 11 years.

[@commoncents456]

@@mylifein75sqft87 Yes it's scary to think front wheel drive is the cure all. ME INCLUDED

[@commoncents456]

I didn't mean it to you directly..some of the comments suggest this van is a cure all.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

@@commoncents456 no problem. I knew that

[@johncampbell4498]

I am an engineer and i have studied this problem of FWD traction. Yes, you are correct, the rear weight bias in your Promaster creates a disadvantage to the traction from FWD. The problem is made worse because you have the long wheelbase + extended. Q. When you have become stuck - is it mainly a problem that one of your front drive wheels starts to spin? > with open diff if one wheel spins you loose all traction also on the remainder side drive wheel and you no more move. With an LSD it should allow some drive to be maintained on the non-slipping tyre. Something which could help is to fit a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) to the front gearbox differential, i have not reserched if this is possible for the Chrysler 62TE transaxle on the Promaster. Unless maybe you have the diesel engine. It could be worth a little research if there is an LSD. The Other solution is to add an auxiliary(hybrid-like) drive system to the rear axle. This is a project which i am working on now to add a 48v electric drive for part-time assistance to the rear wheels. The battery system to support the traction motor provides an increased onboard electrical supply as a side benefit. Because of the low voltage it means only a quite low

[@mylifein75sqft87]

Thanks for your info John. I think when I get stuck, both front and rear wheels have sunk into the ground. I believe both front wheels spin, because they go deeper into the ground. Please keep me updated on your progress with the rest wheel 48v drive system. Thanks!

[@jaminthevanuk296]

Me too caravan movers on each rear wheel 50 mm box and away you go .....

[@fratermus5502]

IMO the issue in deep gravel and sand occurs *before* getting stuck; the ESC detects spin on both drive wheels so it backs off the drive-by-wire throttle. The PM loses forward momentum and bogs into the soft surface. Shovel (or towstrap) time. Disabling ESC throttle control with the ESC OFF button on the dash makes a monster difference. Brake-based "limited slip" still works when the button is pushed, and it works surprisingly well. It also works on the fly, so if you accidentally drive into deep stuff hit the button and carry on while you look for a way out. :-)

[@rajones007]

As a Canadian who's driven for 40 years I can tell you that a FWD with 4 decent tires, even if it had an even weight distribution it would still be a much better option. And a set of winter/all-weather tires would put it over the top. A RWD only vehicle just isn't a serious consideration anymore. It's all in how you drive anyways. If I found a great deal on a Transit and had some great all-weather tires put on it, I'd do it. I guess I wouldn't be so worried about the drive train as I would about the fuel type.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

I think once you put all the weight in the back of the van like I did, it changes the way the front tires get weighted. As an ice climber, ski racer and mountaineer, I've driven in some real bad weather conditions. I think we cost can be real bad if you get stuck in it.

[@FreeRV]

THANKS IM IN PRINTER, WILL GET PROMASTER NEXT!

[@mylifein75sqft87]

You're welcome. I knew what you meant, sprinter.

[@angelgjr1999]

Ford transit is best

[@mylifein75sqft87]

Maybe you should do a video about it too explain why you think that. 🙂

[@angelgjr1999]

@@mylifein75sqft87 I work amazon Delivery Ford transit is bigger

[@mikediamondcoxon6556]

Fit two electric caravan movers to rear axel and you will have emergency AWD. Mike. Uk

[@h3bysuzanne902]

Hey, have a question. If you were taking a long haul, what things/essentials ( oil and stuffs) would you take with you? Like engine related stuff, or other things of importance. I do have a set of Tracks in case I get stuck, air pump, a rolling kitchen cupboard basically. lol

[@mylifein75sqft87]

I live in my van, so I have everything I own. I have a shovel in case I need to dig out, but that's about it for that. I have tools for fixing the van and tools to fix anything in my cabinetry and other build features. That's about it. I've been ok in the 3.5+ years I've been doing this.

[@jupiter6647]

An extra serpentine belt, radiator hose,fuses, road flares, gorilla duct tape. The belt @ hose A: take a beating. B: don't want to hear " oh, we're gonna have to order that", ie,. wait for 3-5 days. Both, small @ easy to stow, but crucial parts. One more thing, you would not believe how many folks I encountered who don't carry AAA GOLD! Hope this helps. 🙏😎✌

[@johncampbell4498]

Do you think there is a market to provide a retrofit drive capability to the rear wheels? Not a full time 4WD but some part time electrica motor assistance to drive the rear wheels only at low speeds to get yourself unstuck?

[@mylifein75sqft87]

I don't know of anything or if it would sell. It would be nice though.

[@raymonddriggers]

I thought we were keeping up with each other in mileage, I’ve purchased my Pro Master in mid to late 2018 and I got right at 60,000 miles on it and you just said you have 2 1/2 years with yours and you are right at 50,000, it’s hard to believe you’ve had yours a year longer and I’ve put 10,000 more miles seems like you’ve been all over the states and I’ve only had a 4 too 600 mile radius range

[@mylifein75sqft87]

Seems crazy doesn't it? There are times when I don't drive much and there are times when I make up for that and put huge miles on the van. I've been trying to take it easier lately and not drive as much.

[@sparkyjones222]

I have a van build question. Is it worth the extra time, money and bother to add sound deadening material like rattle trap or kill mat?

[@mylifein75sqft87]

I didn't add it to mine. Once you see insulation and wall panels, I think most of the nose is d deadened. It would be nice to know if it was would make a difference.

[@jerrymc9495]

I have it and there is a world of difference for road noise . Before it was like rolling down the road inside a 55 gal barrel , now more like a nice soccer mom mini van . Doesn’t cost much but big difference.

[@johnnypena1083]

I’m spending money like crazy on mine but I’m keeping her.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

Money goes fast when you're building a camper van.

[@TheSkymtb]

Are you carrying any recovery equipment? I ordered a set of inexpensive recovery boards after watching a couple of other promaster KZbinrs get stuck.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

No. I don't carry anything, not even a shovel. I've thought about it. Maybe I will get one.

[@oneadVANtureatatime]

Our Promaster weights 8600 pounds.....1st thing we did was get rid of the stock tires! We love Falken WildPeak AllTerrain Tires. Here is our experience: SAND: Promaster is TERRIBLE in the sand! Yes, it digs quickly because of the gearing. That is why we travel with traction boards and a shovel. SNOW: In our experience our Promaster does best in the snow...we have driven down a snow packed 10% grade without slipping.. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS! We added chains to the front tires and we were able to push 6 inches of snow! Now having said that the Promaster is limited as it is not 4 wheel drive! MUD: our Promaster is heavy! No match for mud . Here is the weight of our van via a certified CAT SCALE: Total weight 8520pounds Steer Axle 4180 lbs Drive axle 4340 lbs We consider our van to be a heavy build but you can see the axle weight is pretty close. In conclusion we have gotten in stuck in all situations mentioned above and have learned from our experiences......we find it fun and challenging. Overall we are really happy with our Promaster! Because we push our Promaster to the limit.... we ALWAYS travel with a shovel, traction boards and chains.

[@dkr6617]

I currently own a 2021 1500 Pro master cargo van 136"wb, high top, I plan to buy a 20X Air stream Base camp travel trailer in April 2022. This Air stream trailer has a GVW of 4,300lbs, in your opinion do you think a 1500 high top Ram Pro master would hold its own on most of our So. Calif. highways? I may hit some dirt roads on BLM land later on but very curious on My particular Pro master and this Trailer combination THANKS VERY MUCH

[@mylifein75sqft87]

I have a 3500 and have never been on a 1500. I had my van on some really bad off road stuff and it did well. If the 1500 is anything like mine, it will do ok. Mud can be bad though, just saying

[@TheologyUnleashed]

So would rwd be better on a steep gravel driveway in a work can loaded with tools and gear?

[@mylifein75sqft87]

I'm not sure because I'm not an engineer, but from what I've experienced in my many miles behind the wheel, I would think rear wheel drive would be better in most of the times I got stuck.. It really makes sense to me.

[@jackiehorn3724]

great video. I wish someone would do a video comparing the promaster 1500, 2500, and 3500. Even on the promaster web site, unless yiu are mechanically inclined To someone like me, it is confusing Other than the obvious price differences,

[@mylifein75sqft87]

Thanks Jackie. I don't know enough about the 1500. I think the 2500 is close to the 3500, but it's gross weight limit is lower than the 3500. 1500 is smaller and carries less loads.

[@JG-kv4oi]

They're all the same mechanically, even the same wheel bearings 😕 the difference is the springs have a heavier weight capacity as you move up the line.

[@Steveteras]

Did not understand what you meant when you explained the bottom line at 4.14. Can you clarify pls? Thanks

[@mylifein75sqft87]

I don't really know what your comment is in reference to since KZbin only gave me the comment and got the video associated with it

[@explorervango880]

I prefer rear wheel drive. When I bought my F-150 crew cab with the small 2.7L twin turbo EcoBoost for better fuel economy on road trips I had two options RWD with 6.5’ bed or 4x4 with 5.5’ bed. Since I live in Wisconsin I got the 4x4, but I would have liked that longer bed.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

I can understand that. It's been a long time since I had rear wheel drive. I either had front wheel or 4 wheel drive.

[@explorervango880]

Had two Mustangs over fifteen years as daily drivers and my work truck is RWD. Work tuck is always stuck. V8 manual Mustang I had high performance race car snow tires and V6 just all season but automatic and traction control-never got stuck. The F-150 with the 10 speed automatic and a drive mode for snow with traction control I don’t need 4x4 on the road even in a snowstorm and I have highway tires for fuel economy not off road. Modern technology really changes things.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

That's really good info.

[@explorervango880]

My Life In 75 SqFt people hearing they don’t have to be afraid of a rear wheel drive van from you might mean more.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

Who knows. My front wheel drive doesn't cut it all the time. I wonder what rear wheel would be like.

[@Chrismzeller]

Oooh thanks for sharing. I need a converted van for four season outdoor sports and am thinking of a promaster as Mercedes 4x4s are so expensive. Maybe I’m better off with one anyways as I’d like to use it in snow as well as remote dirt roads. Also have you tried sand ladders (grip strips) for those times you go stuck. ?

[@mylifein75sqft87]

No, I never tried anything with the exception of natural stuff on the woods. Good luck with your decision on whatever you choose.

[@dinomarcaccio6288]

yu crushed it. yu shud have 100k subs. I dont get it. yu just 'get down to biz' with all your videos. i listend to EVERY WORD on this video becuz every word was important. thanks. i cannot believe a 9000 lb RV with a 3500 chassis still can get 30 MPG. My 1500 Promaster Thor Scope 18M just barely get 20MPG on the highway and now 16MPG when i put a 1.5" riser kits, better shocks and struts and a little taller tire 245's instead of the original 225's. what is DIFF between 2500 and 3500. it is more torque. if the MPG is the same then wow.... i need a 2500 or 3500 next 'go round'.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

The best I ever got was 20mpg. Now I can get close to 19mpg at most. I probably have more weight now too.

[@jaminthevanuk296]

Put a caravan movers on both rear wheels connected to a solar battery .then you will have emergency 3 wheel drive ....

[@coreywallace5953]

Now if you had a rwd ford transit you have been better off

[@mylifein75sqft87]

Maybe. I think turning the ESC control might help too.

[@michaelwas8549]

thinking about buying one of these to convert but being a fiat product scares me.

[@mylifein75sqft87]

I don't know where this info comes from, but fiat doesn't build these. The engine is the same one they put in the Jeep.

[@joeshmoe8952]

@@mylifein75sqft87 Fiat owns Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep. As of this year they had a name change due to another investor getting in the business. Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep is now owned by Stellantis.

[@DJNoMask]

Minivan = FWD Work truck = RWD it’s not a real 2500 or 3500 lol

[@ross1116]

You have charisma but you dont understand the mechanics of the vehicle at all.