When designing an all-wheel drive vehicle, an important task is to predict its traction properties and expected cross-country parameters. To solve such a problem it is necessary to have an adequate design model for interaction of a wheel propulsor and the deformable support base. The article deals with the problems associated with development of the test stand design, which allows to conduct fine experiments in the mechanical system “active wheel - ground” in a laboratory. The main tasks during the experiments on this stand are: simulation of the power and kinematic interaction of a real pneumatic tire (automobile wheel) with a deformable ground surface, the mechanical state of which can be varied; measurement of force and kinematic parameters of interaction in the system “tire - ground”; visualization of the process of unsteady interaction of the tire and the ground in the spot of their contact during acceleration, skidding and braking; development and creation of a measuring complex for assessing the physical and mechanical state of a ground massif. The authors reviewed the existing designs of similar stands and installations for determining the parameters of interaction of the wheel with the support base. Problems that need to be solved during the experiments are considered, namely: simulation of the power and kinematic interaction of a real pneumatic tire (automobile wheel) with a deformable ground surface, the mechanical state of which can be varied; measurement of force and kinematic parameters of interaction in the system “tire - ground”; development and creation of a measuring complex for assessing the physical and mechanical state of a ground massif. A set of measuring equipment is presented, with the help of which the physical and mechanical condition of ground conditions is evaluated during the tests. Investigations and experiments will make it possible to clarify the physics of the processes occurring in the spot of their contact, both from the tire side and from the ground.