How To Equip Your Truck With the Best Snow Plow for Winter

When winter is around the corner it's a good idea to have a plow handy, especially if you want to clear some lots to make some extra cash. That said, you can't just slap a snow plow on any truck, and you need to make sure your truck is capable enough to handle the best snow plows. Thankfully, we have you covered because this article takes you through how to equip your truck with the best snow plow for winter. Read on to learn more.

Getting the Right Snow Plow

Shopping for a snow plow isn't as simple as choosing the first one you find, so it's important to learn more about the types of snow plows and how they impact your snow-plowing experience.

Straight vs V-Plows

When shopping for a snow plow you’re going to come across V-plows and straight plows (the most common options), so you’re probably curious about which one is better. The short answer is that V-plows tend to have better snow-stacking capabilities but they cost more, so there's a trade-off there. If you can afford one, opting for a V-plow is always a great choice because you can angle it to hit snow at the perfect angle, which gives you more flexibility over your plowing. What's more, V-shape plows are better at getting through tightly packed snow. On the other hand, if it's your first rodeo it's not a bad idea to start with a straight plow. Not only are they good enough for most jobs, but they're more affordable and easier to operate, which makes them a great first plow choice. For example, something like the Meyer 80-inch HomePlow Snow Plow is a great plow to start with if you want to start with your driveway and work your way up to residential roads.

Snow Plow Size

Size matters when it comes to snow plows, so it's important to find the right size for your truck. The most important size factor to consider is how wide the plow is on the front of your truck. Plan on plowing large parking lots and other areas with a lot of space? Feel free to slap on the biggest snow plow you can find. In parking lots and other large spaces having a bigger plow can save you a ton of time. On the other hand, if you’re plowing residential streets you need a blade that's big enough to clear the road without hitting parked cars. Typically, residential plows should be around 7 to 7.6 feet, and you can even go with a smaller 80-inch plow. There are also smaller sizes if you need them and you should factor in weight as larger plows weigh more and some trucks might not be able to handle the extra weight, especially if you’re adding a salt spreader. Connect with our sales techs to pair the right snow plow parts with your specific truck, or check your owner's manual to find your truck’s snow plowing limits.

Manual vs Hydraulic Lift

When you’re plowing snow you have to change the angle sometimes, whether that's up, down, or to a different side because keeping it straight doesn't always cut it. Moving a giant piece of metal attached to your front bumper is no easy task, which is why many snow plows come with electric motors that power hydraulic systems to raise, lower, and turn the blade. While more expensive, if you plan on plowing large parking lots and streets in your neighborhood, it doesn't hurt to have a little help from a hydraulic friend. On the other hand, you have manual lift snow plows, which need to be altered by hand. These snow plows are ideal if you just have to plow your driveway and maybe your local street. For residential use they're great, and you can find options for most off-road vehicles from pickup trucks to Jeeps.

Choosing the Right Snow Plow Accessories and Upgrades

Getting the best snow plow is only half the battle because your truck needs to be capable enough to handle the plow. What's more, adding lights and other accessories will dramatically reduce the risk of accidents in snowy conditions. Learn about a few accessories that can turn your truck into a plowing machine that's worthy of the best snow plows.

Lighting Accessories

If there's one thing you'll notice about snow, it's that it wrecks your visibility, and plowing in the dark isn't helping anyone, especially your truck. For this reason, it's important to consider lighting accessories for your snow plow or even a snow plow that comes with lights. If you need the former because you don't have any room on your plow, don't panic, because plenty of light bars and other lighting options are available. Even if you don't want to install a light bar because it's not your thing, upgrading to LED headlights or installing fog lights can help with the snow. Remember, every little bit of light counts in blizzard-like conditions.

Tailgate Salt Spreaders

If you really want to conquer the snow this winter, you can't go wrong with a tailgate salt spreader like the Meyer BL240. These accessories mount to your truck’s rear bumper and will spread salt as you go to make your life a whole lot easier the second time around. Plus, if you’re plowing parking lots and residential roads there's a good chance that snow will be required to complete the job properly.

Suspension Upgrades

Whether it's a leveling kit to keep your truck stable while you’re plowing, or you want more traction to avoid slippage, upgrading your suspension is a great idea. Fortunately, wheel and tire packages can help you find the right wheels for the job all in one convenient place and you can use a lift kit to give you more clearance for a bigger plow. What we’re trying to say is that slapping a plow on your truck isn't always enough, and you may need supporting parts to keep your truck safe and efficient.

Equip Your Truck with the Best Snow Plow

So, what's the best snow plow for your truck? At the end of the day, it's the plow that works for your situation. Plan on clearing large parking lots and run your own commercial plow company? Going with a large hydraulic plow is worth the investment. On the other hand, if you just need to plow your street or driveway, a smaller and more affordable option is a good place to start. Whether you want to equip your truck with the best snow plow to make some cash this winter, or you need one to clear your massive driveway, you've come to the right place. Shop online and connect with our sales techs to find the best snow plow for your truck this winter, along with any other parts you need whether that's a high-output alternator to handle additional accessories or bigger wheels and tires to improve your suspension.