Mark W
Well-known member
Sun stars and moon all aligned yesterday afternoon. Meetings were cancelled and cleared it with the boss to leave a couple of hours early. I knew it was going to be hit or miss at the ramp so I brought along a shovel and some ice melt. Figured between the two I'd be set.
Got to the ramp and it was snow over ice as expected. Someone had tried to launch their boat and got 90% down the ramp and then must have gone back up. I could see the trailer tracks and could see where the vehicle spun it's wheels. Also saw parts of trees pushed to the side of the ramp that must have been used as traction enhancement devices. Not a good beginning. Being manly (ie stupid), and owning a Jeep with the best 4 wheel drive in the whole world (their claim, not mine), I thought I wouldn't have an issue. I unhook the trailer and slowly backed down the ramp and was able to get up and down. Easy easy easy.....
I attach the trailer and would go backwards 2 feet at a time, put it forward and then see if I could move up the ramp. Slippery but not a problem. Things are looking good for a short but fruitful hunt. I parked on the ramp to was beginning to remove the boat cover when I see the Jeep and trailer slowly slipping down the ramp. Not good, not good at all. I push against the boat and hope and pray I can stop the slide. It works I don't know why but it must be back to the "manly" comment made earlier. I'm feeling pretty good being able to prevent a 4500lb vehicle plus the weight of the boat and trailer from sliding down the ramp. I make a move towards the Jeep and the rig starts to slip again. I put my foot behind the trailer tire and stop the slipping again - somehow. Now I am in a bind as if I move, the rig goes 20 yards down the ramp and into the drink. I stand there unable to move and no one around. I stand there some more thinking about how to explain this one to the wife and then to the insurance company and so on down the line. I've concluded there is no good explanation.
I slowly move my foot and nothing moves. I gingerly jump in the Jeep, start er up, put it in 2nd gear and slowly get it up the ramp. Relieved is not even close to the feeling I'm experiencing.
So, here is the results of my afternoon "hunt" Spent a hour or more shoveling the ice off the ramp in order to hunt this afternoon. Will try again. Bringing a buddy, some alcohol and winch along should things not turn out so well.
[inline ramp.jpg]
Mark W
View attachment ramp.JPG
Got to the ramp and it was snow over ice as expected. Someone had tried to launch their boat and got 90% down the ramp and then must have gone back up. I could see the trailer tracks and could see where the vehicle spun it's wheels. Also saw parts of trees pushed to the side of the ramp that must have been used as traction enhancement devices. Not a good beginning. Being manly (ie stupid), and owning a Jeep with the best 4 wheel drive in the whole world (their claim, not mine), I thought I wouldn't have an issue. I unhook the trailer and slowly backed down the ramp and was able to get up and down. Easy easy easy.....
I attach the trailer and would go backwards 2 feet at a time, put it forward and then see if I could move up the ramp. Slippery but not a problem. Things are looking good for a short but fruitful hunt. I parked on the ramp to was beginning to remove the boat cover when I see the Jeep and trailer slowly slipping down the ramp. Not good, not good at all. I push against the boat and hope and pray I can stop the slide. It works I don't know why but it must be back to the "manly" comment made earlier. I'm feeling pretty good being able to prevent a 4500lb vehicle plus the weight of the boat and trailer from sliding down the ramp. I make a move towards the Jeep and the rig starts to slip again. I put my foot behind the trailer tire and stop the slipping again - somehow. Now I am in a bind as if I move, the rig goes 20 yards down the ramp and into the drink. I stand there unable to move and no one around. I stand there some more thinking about how to explain this one to the wife and then to the insurance company and so on down the line. I've concluded there is no good explanation.
I slowly move my foot and nothing moves. I gingerly jump in the Jeep, start er up, put it in 2nd gear and slowly get it up the ramp. Relieved is not even close to the feeling I'm experiencing.
So, here is the results of my afternoon "hunt" Spent a hour or more shoveling the ice off the ramp in order to hunt this afternoon. Will try again. Bringing a buddy, some alcohol and winch along should things not turn out so well.
[inline ramp.jpg]
Mark W
View attachment ramp.JPG
