How to Setup Your Silverado for Snow Plowing

Snow removal is a hard process, and it can be tough on any vehicle if it isn’t used properly. This fact alone keeps many wondering why people would want to put a plow on their Silverado. For one, snow removal can be hard on a truck, but it’s much tougher on the human body. You can’t always depend on someone else to come and bail you out every time your driveway is covered in snow. It’s also worth discussing work purposes. A job may demand the use of a snow plow. Because the Silverado is a known work truck, a plow may be an option to get that job done. 

Not all plows are equal. There are standard plows for random use and commercial plows. As one would suspect, the standard plow is meant for sporadic use and isn’t designed to take the abuse of full-time operation. These are perfect for those who plan to plow their personal properties and possibly a few neighbors. A commercial plow is designed to take the abuse of a snow removal career.

Budget will drive the decision to purchase a standard or commercial snowplow – just as it does the operation of the plow. Manually operated plows are available for those looking to save money while investing in a plow they will use occasionally.

Electric plows are the next step up and work off the vehicle’s factory electrical system to operate the plow from within the cabin. For the most demanding applications a hydraulic plow is the optimal tool. These units also can be operated from the cabin of the truck, but use a hydraulic system to lift and lower the plow.

It’s important to remember that plowing snow isn’t making snow vanish; rather you’re displacing the snow. Because everyone is dealing with the issues snow presents, it’s important to practice common courtesy. The snow should be pushed clear of any road ways and not into a position where it buries another person’s vehicles or personal property.

Local laws are something you’ll need to be aware of while plowing. For instance, some laws will prevent any unlicensed parties from plowing or maintaining main roadways. Before setting up a plan, you will want to read into the laws and regulations in your area to be sure you stay within the guidelines.

Plowing snow won’t remove all ice and snow from the surface of a roadway. This means even with a majority of the snow out of the way, a road may still be unsafe to travel. Salt spreaders can be mounted to the rear of the Silverado to put a layer of salt down to take care of the remaining ice and snow left behind.

How they work: A salt spreader works by electronic operation. On a Silverado, a salt spreader mounts to the rear trailer hitch. The unit consists of a hopper where the salt is stored. When engaged, a motor on the bottom of the hopper will spread the salt onto the road behind the truck as its fed into the motor. Luckily, these units are operated from within the cabin of the truck. 

Snow plows and salt spreaders add a lot of weight to a Silverado. Managing that weight on a dry road can be dangerous enough, but with the addition of snow and ice, it can be deadly. This is why setting up a truck to plow goes much further than simply slapping on the tools for the job. 

Helper springs are used to pair up with the factory suspension system to prevent the suspension from sagging too far. The brand that most lean on in this department is Timbren with their solid rubber jounce style helper spring systems that can be installed to the front of the truck to keep the plow from giving you truck a raked appearance. 

For those with a dedicated plow truck, the use of stiffer shock absorbers rated to handle additional weight will pair nicely with helper springs. Stiffer shocks will work to keep the truck from having to fully rely on the helper springs.

The rear of the truck may also be left struggling when paired with a slat spreader and other equipment stored in the bed while on the job. Helper springs for the rear of the vehicle are available but stiffer leaf springs or coil springs will also benefit the truck from having the truck squat when loaded up. 

Having a Silverado properly set up with a plow and the suspension of the plow may take a bit of work. It’s important not to forget there are steps you should take to keep the truck in safe operational condition during the cold weather. Below are some other areas to consider while gearing up for snow removal.

Even after the plow removes the bulk of the snow, the tires will have to roll over imperfect road conditions. Because of this, you will want to have winter tires to maintain traction. Snow chains are always a wise addition and may not be optional due to severe conditions.

Fluids and filters need to be kept in check during the winter season. Moisture in the gas can freeze up in the filter and prevent the truck from running. This means you should take the time to treat your Silverado’s fuel throughout the winter season with appropriate solutions. Oil, anti-freeze, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluids should also be checked. 

Plowing isn’t always done after the snow has fallen, and you’ll likely catch yourself out in a blizzard once or twice. Clear vision is essential, so popping winter-rated wiper blades on your truck before getting started is crucial.

Snowstorms make it hard to see and to be seen. When setting your truck up with a snow plow and the essentials, lighting shouldn’t be left out. Auxiliary lighting on the front and rear of the vehicle will make it easier for you to see while working, and warning lights on the roof will make it easier for others to spot you during their travels.