Champ, you should see me trying to back down! I've learned to put it in neutral or the driving wheels will drag the front tires. The outer edge of the driveway is basically like a small levy incline, if my truck goes off it will be down the hill till spring
I keep chains on one of the tractors all winter to do the snow removal.
You are correct that the right tire makes a difference, in the summer with proper tires I can pull a loaded 23' gooseneck up that drive no problem at all with 2wd. Does take a bit of a running start though, and you don't want to stop in the middle, it's gravel and you'll dig a hole immediately.
Overhead shot showing where it my truck would end up if I go off the driveway ... can't tell from straight overhead but it's about a 30 degree slope off the outer edge of the drive.
Photo courtesy of the drone the wife got me for Christmas.
