Plowing Snow With a Toyota Tacoma (Is It Feasible?)
Although the Tacoma is not the best choice for snow plowing, there are some cases where it might make sense.
If you live somewhere that gets snow, you want to know just how capable your Tacoma is. Before you go plowing snow with a Toyota Tacoma, it’s best to keep reading.
We discuss whether the Tacoma can plow snow, plus the pros and cons of using it for such a job. We also look at what some other Tacoma owners say and give you a few expert tips.
Is a Tacoma Capable of Plowing Snow?
Let’s start by examining what types of trucks make for good plowing vehicles. Here are a few suggestions for a good plowing truck.
- It’s ideal to have a 1-ton truck, but a ½-ton truck may be sufficient.
- The truck should absolutely have 4WD.
- The engine must be powerful enough. A typical 4-cylinder isn’t going to work. You need a minimum of a V6, but an 8-cylinder or diesel powertrain would be best.
- A powerful alternator (minimum 160-amps) should be installed in the truck.
- The truck should be equipped with an automatic transmission.
- It’s best to have an adjustable front suspension.
Based on this information alone, we see that the Tacoma isn’t considered an ideal truck for snow plowing. However, that doesn’t rule this Toyota truck out completely. It could plow some snow, but there would be limitations.
It would be important to carefully choose the trim and gear on your Tacoma for off-road-based driving. You also want to equip it with a compatible snow plow and a solid adapter in the front. You could run into trouble if the snow plow isn’t the correct height.
Finally, if you choose to use your Tacoma for plowing, make sure you install a beefy set of snow tires. You are going to need that traction when the going gets slick.
(VEHQ, Vehicle Freak, Ninja De-icer)
Pros and Cons
Why would you want to plow with a Toyota Tacoma? There are several benefits to having a Tacoma snow plow, but also some cons that are worth discussing. Let’s look at both sides of the equation.
Pros
- Convenience (you no longer have to wait for a municipal plow)
- Ideal for rural living, allowing for flexibility to clear a path after snow
- Could earn a little extra money when plowing for friends and family
- Being able to plow snow is downright awesome, allowing for some adult playtime
Cons
- You could damage the truck by overheating the engine, rusting out the frame, breaking suspension parts, etc.
- Upgrading the Tacoma to plow snow is expensive
- It can create an unsafe situation if you get the truck stuck or it slips while plowing
- You could damage your property if you fail to plow correctly
(Motor Biscuit, Cars.com, NAPA)
Size and Fitment
The majority of pickup trucks work well with 6.5’ to 7.5’ plows. Half-ton trucks generally use 7’ or 7.5’ blades, while ¾- and 1-ton trucks do better with 7.5’ and 8’ blades. The plow blade gets wider as the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) gets heavier.
The most important consideration is to ensure the snow plow is wider than the track width of your Tacoma. Considering the track width is 63”, you would do good to purchase a 65” plow or wider. Just keep in mind that any angled plow needs to be even longer.
To attach a snow plow to your Tacoma, you need to read the manual. The directions depend on your model year Tacoma and the snow plow brand. In most situations, you need an adapter attached to the front of the truck. The snow plow then attaches to that adapter.
(Snow Magazine, Snow Plows Direct)
Experiences From Tacoma Owners
What do other Tacoma owners think about using the truck with a snow plow? Let’s take a quick look at a popular forum to see what’s being discussed.
Most of the online boards are filled with owners looking for advice on installing a new plow on a Tacoma. However, the few forums with users discussing how it has worked out seem favorable. There aren’t a lot of negative comments to pull from.
Expert Tip for Plowing With a Tacoma
If you decide to plow with your Tacoma, it’s best to take some advice from an expert. Here are a few pro tips from Boss Snowplow.
- Do not rely on your mirrors or backup camera when maneuvering. It’s best to physically look around to see what’s going on.
- Avoid sticking out your head while plowing to avoid injury.
- During subzero temperatures, the camera view in your truck can become distorted. This creates a safety concern if you can’t see what’s behind you.
- Consider upgrading to an aftermarket commercial camera instead. You can find some heated options to avoid failure or install one on the front of the plow for better visibility.
- Practice with your snow plow in a safe location, like an empty parking lot, before using it around traffic or parked cars.
- Always inspect the snow plow and equipment before using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Get Plowing
If you want a faster way to get rid of snow this winter, go ahead and install a plow on your Tacoma. Just ensure you have the right equipment and choose a compatible plow.
It’s also helpful to choose a plow from a reputable manufacturer. With detailed instructions, you should have no trouble getting the plow attached. In no time, you’ll be sitting around waiting for snow to fall so you can play with the new equipment.
