How To Install a Snow Plow On Your Truck

Installing a snow plow on your truck might seem like an intimidating task, but it’s a job that’s relatively simple for the average DIYer. With a bit of patience, proper tools, and attention to detail, correctly installing a snow plow can take as little as a few hours with nothing more than conventional hand tools. 

While an improperly-installed plow can unnecessarily stress your truck and fail prematurely, a well-installed snow plow ensures reliable performance in everything from light snow to heavy storms. In this guide, learn how to install a snow plow from start to finish, including selecting the right parts, installing the front hitch, mounting the plow, and verifying that everything works as designed. 

While each plow manufacturer’s instructions may vary slightly, the general instructions in this guide should apply to all makes and models. Use these steps as a general guide, and your specific plow’s instructions as a source of truth during the installation. 

Before you ever pick up a wrench, make sure you order the correct parts for your truck. Choosing compatible parts is the foundation of a successful installation—one wrong product can throw off the entire installation, leaving you waiting for replacement parts while your driveway collects more snow. 

In most cases, you’ll need a front receiver hitch designed for your truck’s make and model, an appropriately-sized snow plow for your truck’s weight rating, track width, and intended use, and any associated mounting brackets, wiring harnesses, and adapters. 

Most plow setups require a hitch or dedicated frame mount to bolt to your vehicle. Without these components, the plow can’t be adequately secured to your vehicle, which may lead to structural, reliability, and safety issues. 

The front receiver hitch serves as the central mounting point for most snow plows. Installing it correctly ensures your plow sits at the proper height and angle while pushing heavy snow. 

Every truck and hitch combo is a little different. Reading the instructions before starting the process prevents surprises partway through the job, like cutting or drilling that require tools you don’t have in your arsenal. 

With the instructions in hand, lay out any bolts, nuts, brackets, and accessories included with the hitch. Confirm that every piece listed in the instructions is accounted for. The worst time to discover missing hardware is after you’ve already removed the front bumper or begun the installation process—especially if you don’t have a second vehicle to make a trip to the local hardware store. 

Most front hitches require removing the front bumper, splash shields, and tow hooks to gain access to your vehicle’s frame rails. Set these parts aside in an organized manner, so they’re easy to reassemble later. 

Some truck and hitch combos may require trimming or modifying components, such as skid plates and air dams, as specified in the instructions. 

Lift the hitch into position and loosely install the supplied hardware. Keeping everything finger-tight lets you shift the hitch slightly to align all mounting holes, which is crucial because frames can vary somewhat from truck to truck due to manufacturing differences, past accidents, and repairs.

Once everything is aligned and all bolts are installed, torque each fastener in the specified order to the specified torque value with a reliable, accurate torque wrench. Don’t forgo this step—torquing bolts ensures that hardware isn’t stretched or damaged, the hitch won’t loosen over time, and structural components maintain their integrity. 

With the hitch secured, reinstall the bumper, trim panels, skid plates, and any accessories removed in earlier steps. Double-check clearances to ensure nothing interferes with the hitch or plow mounting points. 

With the hitch in place, you’re ready to mount the plow assembly. This stage can vary depending on the plow style, but the core process is similar across most systems. 

Before continuing, ensure your truck is parked on level ground with the ignition off and the parking brake applied. 

Some plows arrive pre-assembled, while others may require attaching brackets, lights, skid shoes, or hydraulic components. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely, making sure all parts are tightened and oriented correctly. 

Lift or slide the plow into the hitch receiver, then secure it with a locking pin or the included mounting hardware. Make sure the plow sits level and fully engages the hitch receiver for maximum safety and predictable operation. 

Connect the plow’s wiring harness to your truck’s power leads, controller, and lights. Once everything is plugged in, test the plow’s functionality, including up-and-down movements, left-and-right angling, and all lights and signals. Additionally, check all wiring for secure, weatherproof connections. 

If any performance is questionable, troubleshoot the issues before attempting to plow to prevent further damage. 

Now that you know how the installation process works, it’s time to choose the proper snow plow setup for your needs. Whether you’re clearing a driveway, maintaining rural roads, or preparing your rig for commercial duty, RealTruck offers a complete selection of high-quality plows, hitches, and winter accessories. Read How to Plow Snow with a Truck and explore our top-recommended plows in our guide to the Best Snow Plows for Pickup Trucks.