Truck

[Fixxxer93]

It may seem this is in wrong topic, but here's my question. I pull a 16/5 ft astro-glass w/ 115 with a S-10 pickup and on some ramps it spins way to much when trying to pull boat out. It has 175/65/r15 tires, I need some with more "grip", any recommendations on a good size that would have more traction pulling the boat out of the water? Does great when ramp isn't soaking wet or its a good ramp, but if it has rocks ect its a pain, any suggestions? Need boat tires too, but one thing at a time. lol If its in wrong, please move.

 

[humdinger]

I think its really a weight issue. The back of your truck is too light. A good thing to try is to make shure the tank is full. The more weight you can get on the back tires the better! As far as gripping when its wet I have allways had the best luck with Michelin Tires and they seem to last along time. JMHO

 

[MooreEagle]

My dad once put two big ole pieces of a pine tree in the bed to help with this same issue.

 

[jcsanders79]

I'm guessing its not 4 wheel drive..... Used some bad ramps duck hunting and never seen one that 4x4 can beat (now iced ramps are a different story). Winched a few 2 wheel drive trucks off ramps up in Meigs Co. that had weight in the back of the bed.

I'd use ramps you know are safe/easy for your set up.

Firestone Destination AT's are great tires if your looking for tires to help with grip.

 

[Fixxxer93]

Thanks for the brand recommendations, Michelin and firestones are the two i was looking at. So my next question is what ramp on the river side of the dam do you suggest? Took buddys boat to Suck Creek yesterday, so thats a NO lol, but he said Racoon mts wasnt toobad, but I used to put in at Sullivans years ago and dont remember it well, but do remember it wasnt steep.

Edit: Put a "n" where it didnt belong lol

 

[Triton20xHarris]

Bf goodrich makes a good tire

 

[JaSkynyrd]

Keep 6 50 pound bags of sand in your garage or heck in your boat. Whenever you are going fishing move them into the bed of your truck, when you pull out of the water, put them back in the boat. That way you've got some extra weight for more traction when you're pulling your boat out. Different tires may be easier but sand is cheap.

Also, there is a brand of retreaded tires called treadwrights and you can buy a set of tires that have what they call "kedge grip" mixed in with the rubber compound, it's a mixture of crushed glass and walnut shells that they use a lot up north for traction in snow/ice. May be worth it to buy some tires with that mixed in for better grip on the ramp.

 

[Fixxxer93]

JaSkynyrd - 5/24/2012 12:56 PM

Keep 6 50 pound bags of sand in your garage or heck in your boat. Whenever you are going fishing move them into the bed of your truck, when you pull out of the water, put them back in the boat. That way you've got some extra weight for more traction when you're pulling your boat out. Different tires may be easier but sand is cheap.

Also, there is a brand of retreaded tires called treadwrights and you can buy a set of tires that have what they call "kedge grip" mixed in with the rubber compound, it's a mixture of crushed glass and walnut shells that they use a lot up north for traction in snow/ice. May be worth it to buy some tires with that mixed in for better grip on the ramp.

I'm in the market for new tires and someone told me to go with a slightly wider tire than I have, but I'm ignorant on sizes of tires and what size needs to be wider. I like the sand bag idea, after I get the tires I'll try that. I'm assuming the 70 in the tire size the width, maybe try a 80, but not sure if thats right. I gotta look at value too cause I drive it to Chatt to work daily, so its gotta be good for that too. Thats why I like the sand idea lol

 

[Carl Guffey]

<font size="3" face="georgia,palatino">A wider tire will make the spinning worse. You are taking the weight to tire out to a wlder load and it will spin more, especially when wet. Stay with the normal size tire for your truck. A wider tire will also cost you fuel mileage going to work. Stay with the sand and good ramps.</font></p>

<font size="3" face="Georgia">You can also change to a softer rubber compound in your tire and gain more grip, but you will lose out on mileage. Another option is to put a locked rear differential in your truck. The down side would be that a truck, especially one light in the rear endtends to spin out sideways on wet curvy roads. It is great going straight, just dosen't turn all that well.</font></p>

 

[Liveliner]

Something I did not see mentioned.. because of the FACT the rear of your truck is so light, in the event you are having to stop suddenly from a higher speed, It will "Jack Knife " you so fast you will never know what happened until you have you boat in the bed of your truck. The forward weight of your boat will actually lift the rear off the ground and whip you around. Those Sand bags could save you some real heartache. I have a Chevy Dually and My Proline has surge brakes and I still get concerned stopping on wet roads. When you are pulling out, put in the lowest gear and take your time slow and easy ... If you are rushing, you are pulling against the water resistance.

 

[coondog]

the river park ramp is a decent ramp. just not enough parking

 

[SNUFFY]

The number on the tire represents a percentage of the sidewalls of the tire relative to the actual tread. The higher the number (65,70,80) the narrower the tread. Proper inflation has a lot to do with traction too. Slightly lower might help. If you use the sand bags, you can place them against the tailgate to enhance the effect of the weight with the added leverage. but I`d move them back up slightly in front of the rear wheels for driving down the road. It will handle better with the weight between the front and rear wheels. Your 65 series tires you have now should be on the slightly wider side of standard tires for that truck. They should be wide enough.

 

[Fixxxer93]

Thanks Guys. I think what I'll do is go with Michelin since they have good tires and tread life, but good for towing the boat and driving to work everyday. I'm going to get the factory recommended size, but just get them one size wider, and also get the sand bags and do like you all suggested. Liveliner, appreciate the heads up on jack knifing, people hate me lol, but I try not to get close to anyone, dry or wet so I have plenty of time to stop ect. Thanks Snuffy for the tire size input helps alot and also for reminding me to move the sand bags up front of bed for weight distribution. I'm also investing in a tow rope, just incase lol thanks everyone. Honestly I hope this thread helps anyone else that has a smaller truck and was wondering the same thing. emoCool

 

[JaSkynyrd]

SNUFFY - 5/25/2012 7:25 AM

The number on the tire represents a percentage of the sidewalls of the tire relative to the actual tread. The higher the number (65,70,80) the narrower the tread.

Close...the number (65,70,75,80)does not change the width of the tread, only the height of the sidewall.

SNUFFY - 5/25/2012 7:25 AM

If you use the sand bags, you can place them against the tailgate to enhance the effect of the weight with the added leverage. but I`d move them back up slightly in front of the rear wheels for driving down the road.

Good idea.

 

[Strato-G]

emoQuestion Automatic or manual trans emoQuestion if automatic , put gear lever in 2nd as it limits power thru trans to diff, therefore reducing the likelyhood of spinning, as mentioned , wider ntire are for looks, not traction on slick surfaces. You may also want to check toungue weight as it will assist in having weight distribution onto rear of vehicle, u probably can move the boat a few inches forward on trailer & that will add toungue weight which can also assist in rear weight on vehicle....... emoGeezer emoUSA