Tacoma for plowing?

New member from the snow belt of upstate New York. I'm a past Tacoma owner who's thinking of purchasing another one, and doing some occasional snow plowing.... only a couple personal/family driveways, not commercially. Anyone with experience have thoughts on using the Tacoma for this? Thanks in advance!

 

You would have better luck with an old full size 3/4 ton or full toner with a plow. No substituent for weight, especially weight close to the ground when plowing....

I wouldn't waste my time fitting out a Tacoma to plow. They are better at other things.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome & hello

 

Welcome!Look for other possibilities for the plow.

 

guy I work with has a plow on a suzuki truck...

 

I had a minute mount 11 on an 01 reg cab that worked like a champ. Stock height, snow tires,fiberglass cap and about 300lbs of tools in the bed. That was a steel blade, i dont think anyone makes a steel plow to fit a 2nd or 3rd gen, they wont hold up to it.if you buy a poly blade go easy and plow more often, like every 3-4 inches instead of waiting til 6 or8. If you are on tug hill or by buffalo 2 inches an hour happens . It is possible but as said before fullsize is made for that.

 

And welcome

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

I have approximately zero knowledge on plowing, but welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

Snowdogg makes a stainless for our trucks. Saw someone running a boss v-plow on a 2nd gen if you'd believe it. I run a SnoWay 7'6" ploy with hydraulic down pressure. Only do my house and a few other driveways. Snow tires and cap on with about 200# of salt in the bed and I'm all good. Took care of last March's 24" by keeping on it every 4-5" because I had to plow uphill.

I'm 'upstate' NY as well. Can always talk more if you want.

 

Welcome aboard,just use a Atv instead for plowing,my 700 Grizz w/50'' plow is awesome.

 

Howdy

 

Older thread I know but for those thinking about plowing their driveways with a Tacoma without stressing their truck (I'm in my second winter with my plow...just stock components on a 2.7L 5 spd. and no issues to date) I'd suggest two keys to keep in mind.

First, use a LIGHT plow. It will ease overall stress on front end components (tie rods, control arms, ball joints, etc.). I like the SnowSport for it's minimal weight, simplicity and low cost but there are others.

And second, your not plowing commercially or in a plowing race so go SLOW and EASY...no slamming into snowbanks from 30' out or trying to grind straight through 10"+ of heavy wet snow for long periods. Just take it easy, take reasonable 'bites' depending on snow depth/weight, and push the snow rather than slamming it. 4H in 1st gear, 4L only for straight-line pushing (like if you need more traction...turning messes with the front end in 4L). Weight ratios on Tacomas are about 60/40 front to rear and overall weight is about 4,000-4,500 pounds so putting about 300-500 lbs. of 'ballast' in the rear between the wheel wells can be effective for improving traction (plowing or not) and won't affect steering at higher speeds so it's a good idea for winter weather. If snow conditions get too dicey (too deep or heavy) either use a snowblower or hire the plowing out for that particular storm.

If you plow with the storm (every 4-8" or so depending on fluffy vs. wet...in any case don't wait for a 15" or 20" storm to finish) you can plow snow without hurting your truck any more than using a truck for 'truck stuff' does. Tacomas aren't road graders or commercial plow trucks but the idea that they won't/can't occasionally plow a residential driveway is nuts. They can and WILL move snow effectively...if the driver is just smart about it.

 

Heres a link I found from another thread
https://www.tacomaworld.com/posts/26374777

 

They plow fine. I plowed my hilly .4 mile road for many years with a second gen (4.0L). Use a light plow like a Homesteader and plow in low 4x4 if the snow is heavy. My 3rd gen (3.5L) plows exactly the same.

 

I like this vid found on YouTube...great camera work, really shows what a Tacoma and Snowsport plow can do. Kudos to the vid author, nice job!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of-DFAkmsoU

 

I’d go full size beater. However I’ve seen wranglers plow so I’m sure a taco is up to the challenge.

 

Re the above video by Yah-M, can't say enough about how well he presented his work...very top-notch (he's got vid skills for sure). Regarding the plowing end, the only thing I'd note is that YM has ALOT of room to put his snow to the sides of his driveway (that's a BIG driveway...more like a road with a field edge). Most people likely don't have anywhere close to that much room push snow. So, you'll need to plan ahead for both how and WHERE you'll put it and remember that some states don't allow pushing into or across a public way (it's illegal and can piss off the neighbors). Just take it easy on the push...slammin' ain't good for your truck no matter what you drive. I'm into my fifth winter using my Snowsport plow on my little 2.7L...no issues yet with truck or plow. Happy plowin' to ya.