What tires should I get, for better traction at boat ramp

[Scout]

I have a hybrid xlt, still have the stock tires.
looking for better traction pulling my boat out at the ramp.
The hybrid has no tow hooks , so getting a pull not an option

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[RedRider]

I have a hybrid xlt, still have the stock tires.
looking for better traction pulling my boat out at the ramp.
The hybrid has no tow hooks , so getting a pull not an option

Its FWD, so its not the best on a greasy ramp. You should probably think about swapping upwards for a more expensive AWD Escape hybrid. Maybe you could try 3-peak ice tires for much better grip on hard and slippery surfaces, but be aware that they will wear like crazy in higher temperatures. Either that or clean off the slippery sludge on your ramp. You can definitely pull from the front, using soft hitches in the the tow holes under the bumper.

 

[Scout]

There is a whole thread about front tow.. which looks not doable

 

[Waterick]

I think you will be fine as long as your w/I your tow weight. The front wheels should remain on the better part of the ramp.

 

[Scout]

I think you will be fine as long as your w/I your tow weight. The front wheels should remain on the better part of the ramp.

Thanks. Small boat

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

I think I'm going to take one for the team, and buy one of these, and see if the hook will fit the winching hole. All you need is some assist up the ramp, as long as the guy on the other end of the strap doesn't take a 50mph running start, this should do the job

https://ledandsafety.com/shop/ols/products/all-grip70

HRG

 

[Scout]

I think I'm going to take one for the team, and buy one of these, and see if the hook will fit the winching hole. All you need is some assist up the ramp, as long as the guy on the other end of the strap doesn't take a 50mph running start, this should do the job

https://ledandsafety.com/shop/ols/products/all-grip70

HRG

Please post your results

 

[OleFordGuy]

Maybe something like this? I'm sure opinions will be all over the spectrum

https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tire/blizzak-dm-v2/225-65R17/
or
https://www.michelinman.com/auto/tires/michelin-x-ice-snow

 

[Jman79]

In the old days my pop launched Bayliner roughly 2x the size of the car used to launch and remove it. It was a malibu station wagon that had rear wheel drive and no traction control. You shouldn't need anything fancy or AWD.

There are so many options:
- Better tires yes, but maybe not the best bang for effort
- Perhaps try a different boat ramp if there is another / better option for that waterway. Less steep or with better traction surface.
- Traction mats to put down on the ramp to help you get some momentum.
- Few bags of kitty litter and sand in to throw down on the ramp for extra traction.
- A beefy third wheel on your trailer and a winch on your hitch. Disconnect the boat with your truck at the top of the ramp but not on the decline and winch the boat down to the water. Reverse the process to get it back up.
https://a.co/d/6Fipkov
- Get a come a long and use it to help your truck up the ramp if you've got something to hook to. I'd also get axle straps if you attempt this vs those front factory winching points. They scare me.
- You could do a front mounted winch vs the come along option but you'd have to get custom work done to mount it.

If it where my pickle, I'd make a hitch mounted winch plate and add the third wheel / boat jack option to my trailer. Seems the most versatile. Few extra steps, but could also have advantages like not getting your car near the water (esp if we're talking salt water). Park your truck at a nicer part of the ramp, chok the wheels, let the winch do the work.

I'm a little baffled trying to picture this boat ramp . Most I've seen are not too steep.

 

[Scout]

Thank you! All good ideas. I’m thinking the traction mats may be the ticket.
My fault not doing better research on the trucks lack of front hooks

 

[paneubert]

I'm a little baffled trying to picture this boat ramp . Most I've seen are not too steep.

I know this is a rare one, but check this out. It is in a reservoir where the water level drops many, many feet over the year. Photos from about halfway down the ramp.

 

[Scout]

I know this is a rare one, but check this out. It is in a reservoir where the water level drops many, many feet over the year. Photos from about halfway down the ramp.

That ramp looks familiar , where is that?

 

[paneubert]

That ramp looks familiar , where is that?

Just remembered you are local as well. Haha. It is in the Coho campground at Lake Wynoochee, over on the Olympic Peninsula. According to my Google skills, the claim is that the Lake elevation varies from below 690 feet (sluice invert) to 800 feet (full pool) due to the dam. I don't think the ramp is open when it is that low, but who knows. Maybe you just drive off the end of the ramp onto the lake bottom and hope you can get back out. But then again.....that ramp might handle a 100 foot elevation drop. It was pretty steep.

 

[Scout]

Just remembered you are local as well. Haha. It is in the Coho campground at Lake Wynoochee, over on the Olympic Peninsula. According to my Google skills, the claim is that the Lake elevation varies from below 690 feet (sluice invert) to 800 feet (full pool) due to the dam. I don't think the ramp is open when it is that low, but who knows. Maybe you just drive off the end of the ramp onto the lake bottom and hope you can get back out.

I think I’ll pass!

 

[Jman79]

I know this is a rare one, but check this out. ...

Ahh, OK, that paints a much better picture! So you're dealing with trying to drive on something that has possible slimy growth remnants and plenty of other crap I can't think of right now from being permanently submerged for long periods.

Would be interested to know what works for you in the end.

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