Traction Issues

Hello everyone,

Having some traction issues. I have a 2011 regular cab 4x4. Tires are walmart Cooper discoverer A/T, new tires on stock steelies. I've been having trouble when starting from a stop and going up hill or turning into an uphill turn. I've went easy on the gas, knowing it would spin but it still does. I've tried activating the auto LSD - no help. At this point i'm wondering if the tires are the issue? All I have in my bed is the Toyota bed mat.

My dads old 94 had Bridgestone Duellers - I don't remember ever having traction issues but the bed was metal of course.

What are your thoughts? It rains a lot in SW Ohio and I need to feel confident while driving in the rain but not worry about going offroad if the situation arises. Wildpeaks? Sandbags? Help!

Thanks
TG

 

If the road is slippery or loose surface just turn on 4wd

 

What psi ya runnin'?

 

Thought about this but what about sharp turn uphill? Worried about binding.

 

29 front, 32 rear per the manual for 265/70 16.

 

Truck is an auto. Tried auto LSD in 2wd mode.

 

Well if it starts to feel like it's binding just turn it off. Depends on the sharpness of the turn and conditions of the road surface.

 

Normal for any truck with an open rear diff.

I'm in canada and I got really good at shifting in and out of 4x4 when I expect it.

 

Thanks. I just thought it was silly to use 4wd for light rain lol

 

How new are the tires? Tire traction will improve after the first 100-300 miles depending on the tire.

 

Thanks. Looks like I'll be experimenting using it more in the rain!

 

Probably about 300 miles or so. Hopefully that is the case.

 

Duelers are sticky, I've had several sets and really like them

Try putting some weight in the bed

 

Trust me, I've went as gentle as I could. It starts to go then breaks. I've been through the same spot a few times trying different things. I'm not sure the auto lsd did anything at all. Surely didn't stop the tire spinning or transfer any power.

 

I had a 98 V6 Manual. I always used it in light rain. Just turned it off and on when needed.

 

Thanks. I'd hate replacing new tires but I may have to. The discoverers were said to have good wet traction but maybe not for my truck. I'm weird about wet traction. Before that I guess I'll try using 4wd more. Probably could use more weight but I don't think that is a good solution for me.

 

Depending on the weight added your MPG's will go down and gas isn't cheap these days.

 

Thanks definitely going to give that a shot.

Really appreciate the responses everyone!

 

All other things considered, are you sure that your front brakes are not dragging a bit?

 

Lol. Thanks I think I'll see if they break in more and use 4wd more. If not I'll have to ditch them for safety sake. Worried about someone rear ending me because of it.

When I was in high school an ex girlfriend died in a head on hydroplaning accident. That's where I'm coming from.