How to deal with FWD on slippery ramp

[nola mike]

I wonder how snow tires would do

 

[bruceb58]

I wonder how snow tires would do

I wonder how tires that aren't bald would do.

 

[GoldDuster360]

The other day I was at a new ramp that was concrete and fairly steep compared to what I am used to. I have a FWD V6 SUV and I found the tires were slipping (new tires about 10k miles ago) so doubt they are the issue. I know having 4x4 or RWD is better but do not say replace the SUV I just want to know how to better deal with the FWD and slipping issue.

With my tilt trailer wet traction is never an issue:

 

[SkaterRace]

With my tilt trailer wet traction is never an issue:

I have an ez loader trailer with tilt on it, works awesome unloading and loading just not at the one ramp. One I normally use it awesome, as in low angle for most then semi sharp in the water. Great until the water levels are super low like in June.

 

[dlngr]

What about letting out some air out of the front tires - maybe 10 lbs.

Bring an inflator so you can increase air pressure once boat has been pulled out.

Should give you better traction in a pinch.

This is an old wives tale.Tires always work best when they are properly inflated,whether at speed,going slow,towing,or in low traction conditions.

 

[oldjeep]

This is an old wives tale.Tires always work best when they are properly inflated,whether at speed,going slow,towing,or in low traction conditions.

Hmm, most off-roaders would agree with your old wife's story. Now it may not be of a ton of value on a flat surface, but if there is anything for the tire to grab/grip around then having them at a lower pressure definitely increased traction.

 

[nola mike]

This is an old wives tale.Tires always work best when they are properly inflated,whether at speed,going slow,towing,or in low traction conditions.

How would a greater contact area (deflated tires) lead to less traction?

 

[dlngr]

Easy-the softer tire will 'squirm' because it doesn't have a solid foot print as it would when properly inflated. here's another way to look at it-run a tire 'low'-what happens to the tire as far as wear? The outer edges wear down and the center of the tread stays un worn. The tire is not pushing evenly on the pavement,therefore you have a lesser 'contact patch',not larger.

 

[tonyjh63]

I'm a little confused...the OP stated at the beginning that his tires are newish/10k miles old, then later he says they're almost bald??
Also, I'm wondering if this might work for FWD vehicles having trouble at ramps: have a reversible tongue, so that when in normal operation, the trailer is level, but when retrieving the boat, have the trailer sitting a bit too high, which should have the effect of taking some weight off the back end of the tow vehicle and putting more weight on the front wheels - hopefully increasing traction enough to get up the ramp. Thoughts?

 

[bruceb58]

I'm a little confused...the OP stated at the beginning that his tires are newish/10k miles old, then later he says they're almost bald?

You noticed that too huh?

 

[nola mike]

Easy-the softer tire will 'squirm' because it doesn't have a solid foot print as it would when properly inflated. here's another way to look at it-run a tire 'low'-what happens to the tire as far as wear? The outer edges wear down and the center of the tread stays un worn. The tire is not pushing evenly on the pavement,therefore you have a lesser 'contact patch',not larger.

Sure, in everyday use at speed. Not when the tire is stationary.