How To Plow Snow with a Pickup Truck

When winter settles in and the snow starts piling up, a pickup truck can transform into one of your most valuable tools. When fitted with a premium snow plow, your truck can help you to clear your driveway, help neighbors in need, or keep a rural road safe and accessible—all while saving money. 

In this guide, we’re walking you through the process of plowing snow with a pickup truck. Learn the basics of setting up your vehicle, selecting the right plow, installing the necessary hardware, and safely clearing snow without damaging your truck, plow, or property. 

Stay tuned to learn precisely what it takes to turn your truck into a winter workhorse. 

Before you drop the blade and start pushing around snow, you need the proper setup and know-how. Plowing puts unique demands on your pickup—from added weight to increased electrical load. Preparation is crucial to having a safe, reliable plow rig all season long. 

Not every pickup can handle a beefy plow. Before buying equipment, ensure your truck is ready to support the added weight and stress of plowing. Consider the following factors if you’re looking to bolt a plow to the front of your truck: 

• Front-end weight rating: Can the front axle support the added weight of a plow assembly? A heavy-duty plow for full-size trucks or SUVs can weigh well over 500 pounds—up to 1,000 for commercial applications. 

• Suspension: Before installing a plow, inspect the front suspension and upgrade components like shocks and coil springs to better handle the added weight. 

• Tires: All-terrain or winter tires are a must for plow rigs, ensuring the traction needed to push heavy snow. 

• Electrical System: Depending on whether you order an entry-level manual plow or a premium hydraulic or electric plow, you’ll likely put additional strain on your plow truck's electrical system. Before installing a plow, make sure the battery and alternator are in good shape. 

It’s always best to handle these items upfront—that way your truck doesn’t incur excessive wear while plowing. 

Snow plows come in all different sizes and configurations. When ordering your plow, it’s essential to select a product that’s compatible with your truck’s make, model, year, and weight rating. Use these tips to get the right plow for your application: 

• Choose a snow plow that’s slightly wider than your truck’s track width.

• Match the plow style to your needs (straight blade, V-plow, poly blade, etc.) 

• Ensure the plow’s weight falls within your front axle’s load rating.

Additionally, you’ll need a front hitch receiver or a compatible mounting system designed for your truck. The hitch connects the plow assembly securely and ensures proper blade height and angle. When ordering your mounting setup, be sure to select the appropriate make and model to ensure compatibility with your ride. 

Once your parts arrive, you’ll need to install the front hitch and attach the plow assembly. While many outsource the installation to a shop, several DIYers tackle the job themselves. Fortunately, most front hitches feature simple bolt-on installations with little to no drilling or modifications required. 

After the hitch is installed, mount the plow according to the manufacturer’s instructions and connect any wiring for controls and lighting. Learn more about this process in our comprehensive How To Install a Snow Plow guide. 

With your truck running and the plow hooked up, lower the blade until it just touches the ground. Avoid pressing the blade down too hard into the ground, as this can damage the edge or scrape the surface below. A light, even contact patch ensures the most efficient plowing and the best results. 

Before you begin moving snow, verify that all functions of the plow are functioning as designed. Test features like the up and down controls, left and right angling, lighting connections, and safety release mechanisms. Verifying that everything works properly ensures smoother plowing and helps to prevent mid-job issues. 

Plowing isn’t a race. Keep your vehicle’s speed under 15 MPH to avoid stressing the plow, overheating the drivetrain, or damaging the plow or property. Slow plowing also guarantees clean, smooth, controlled passes. 

Push the snow to a safe, designated stacking area where meltwater won’t be an issue later on. Always try to place snow away from high-traffic zones. Avoid plowing directly up against buildings, near fire hydrants, or in areas that could reduce visibility for other drivers or pedestrians.

Looking to plow more effectively? Follow these tips to improve your efficiency and protect your equipment. 

• Plow with or immediately after a storm, as fresh snow is lighter and easier to move. 

• Make the first pass with the blade slightly raised to avoid hitting hidden objects. 

• Use four-wheel drive to increase traction. 

• Apply sand or ice melt afterward to prevent refreezing. 

• Take breaks to prevent overheating your drivetrain. 

• Angle the blade with the crown of the road. 

• Avoid plowing gravel and loose terrain with the blade touching the ground, as this can dig out loose material and make a mess. 

Are you ready to outfit your truck with a snow plow for winter? Check out our guide to The Best Slow Plows for Pickup Trucks. Learn more about the best models for different types of terrain, various vehicle types, and more, allowing you to pick the best plow for your needs.