Well, I bought a pontoon the first of December and so far I love it. The ramp to the little lake I usually go to is a little steep, which I guess is a good thing when the water keeps dropping. I had it out about 5 times with no problems. Then the last two times have been on warmer days so there were some green trash fisherman out and happened to pull their boats our right before me, leaving the ramp pretty wet. I have a Dodge Ram that is not 4 wheel drive. Even though the ramp is in great shape and has horizontal grooves in it, I have had trouble getting up the ramp (since the water is down, it's a long way up). One tire starts spinning. The other tire I can get on dry pavement, but the one in the middle where it's wet just spins. The first time, I finally managed to get up by myself. Yesterday, someone had to help pull me up. The truck has plenty of power, I just can't get enough traction.

So does anyone have any ideas on what to do that doesn't include buying a 4 wheel drive truck? Will adding weight to the back help much? I go by myself a lot and as it gets warmer, I'll go at night so I gotta figure something out so I don't end up stuck on the ramp again with no one around to help. Plus, it's a little embarrassing. Is there something that I could put under that one tire for traction?

how old are your tires?

throw out a line of kitty litter in front of tires?.......or install a winch on your front bumper and hook to a tree?.........or

I'd put some weight in the back of the bed.

If space on the ramp allows for it try zig-zagging up the ramp. You'll want to zig to the side of the truck which the drive tire is on first. That will put more pressure on the tire that is turning which will let you get more power to the ground before it slips. You can speed this along by jacknifing your truck right as your trailer gets in position.

I also had this problem right after I bought my big boat (3400 lbs dry). Good A/T tread tires are a must. I also moved my boat forward on my trailer to increase the tongue weight on the truck. If you can't do that, add some weight in the bed of the truck. Good tires did the most good for me and don't over inflate them. I have a 24 valve cummins diesel, So power was not the problem for me either. Good Luck, I've been there!

Put a locker in your rear. This way both tires spin 100% of the time when engaged. This can get pricey though.

An older fella taught me the best trick yrs ago and I'll still use it today before engaging my 4wd:
Simply push in the emergency brake a few clicks. Makes any vehicle with decent brakes Posi-track with both rear turning. Had a bass boat and a 5speed B-2000 yrs ago and never had another problem. Give it a try. Good luck

Put it in low. Put one foot on the brake and one on the gas. If you start getting wheel spin apply brake. It's like power braking but don't pour on the power or you'll spin anyway. Do not use chains or add sand to a boat ramp. That's a quick way to launch your truck.

My 4runner has a locking diff and that has saved my butt several times..
But only if you can get one of the two tires to grip. Your truck might have something like this and you may not even know it. A cheap pair if rubber floor mats can help too.

+1

Here I thought the Emergency Brake trick was only known in MN for snow/ice conditions. This will work great for you. Having some kitty litter or sand along can only help.

Get GOOD tires. This is one place that its worth spending a few extra dollars, as you want lots of traction.

Use LOW gear and EASE the accelerator. When you feel/hear slipping, back off a bit, but as long as you're moving forward theres no reason to stop. I have a 2WD SUV with a V6, and when I first got my boat, there were some heart-stopping moments ... you know the ones where you feel like you're sliding down the ramp into the lake ...

If you want some peace of mind, place a chock behind your rear wheel before you start pulling the boat up. Just have your fishing buddy pull it when the trailer tires are close.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I did try the emergency break trick, but I either did it wrong or it didn't work as hoped. I tried pressing the break lightly also. Same result. The tires are in good shape, but are not A/T. I will try the weight in the back trick first and try again with the emergency break and breaks. Next would be to get some mats of some sort. The ramp is wide, but is still only a one vehicle ramp...even so, there is likely going to be some dry pavement on either side so maybe putting weight in the back will be enough to help.

I did experience sliding backwards down the ramp even though the I was breaking. I never though I would slide into the water since the boat eventually floats taking most of the weight off, but I still would have preferred the truck stop when I apply the breaks! HA!

Again, thanks for all the input! I'll try some things out and come begging for more help if I can't get it.

Hm. Is the trailer tongue weight within appropriate limits? If the trailer is unbalanced and lifts up on the tow hitch, then you won't get as much traction as you should be getting.