Plow Questions..

I'm getting a Sno-way 22-series installed on Monday. I did a lot of research and, although they are not cheap (~ $4500 installed), IMHO the Sno-way is by far the best plow for our trucks. The Fisher Homesteader just looks like a toy to me and the others are just too heavy for my liking.

The poly blade of the Sno-way is very lightweight but with the down-pressure I'm not gonna be worried about it floating. They offer a wireless control, great mounting system, and very good lights. The other key benefit is that the plow is not suspended by a chain like most plows...it's on a hydraulic cylinder. I believe that most of the "damage" that people fear from plows occurs from riding with a plow and hitting bumps, -- the plow goes up and then when it comes back down and hits the end of the chain physics kicks in a bad things happen.

I used to plow my driveway (300' paved) with a four wheeler and plow but got sick of being cold. Moved up to a 1986 Bronco II w/a 7' Fisher plow but that got tired. I love my Tacoma and plan to keep it until it or I die so decided to put the plow on. Since I will be plowing my driveway exclusively, I am not going to be worried about the wear-and-tear of the plowing. Just my 2-cents (ok...I suppose more like 4-cents).

 

I personally would never plow with anything under 3/4 ton truck. There is a reason why it will void suspension warranties on full size 1/2 tons. You might get away with doing your own driveway. But as for making cash.. not worth it.

 

I have a Fisher Homesteader plow that was installed the day after I bought my Tacoma. It's very capable for its intended use and I have no complaints. It cost $3100 or so.

I've had plows mounted on my trucks for over 20 years and I most recently stepped down (up?) from a Fisher 7.5 Minute Mount on an F150. The Tacoma cannot plow snow at the rate of an F150 - but the select driveways I plow don't require a large truck and large plow. The Tacoma's ability to handle a light-weight plow was a primary factor in my truck's purchase decision, and I researched it extensively.

I expect that my ball joints and tie rod ends will wear sooner due to the extra weight of the plow and plow frame, but that's the case whenever additional weight, including plate bumpers, bars and winches are installed on any truck. You simply replace the parts when needed.

Installing a plow will not void a warranty per se, but premature suspension parts failure due to extra weight or plowing damage can certainly be excluded from warranty repairs.

 

This how it looks when the plow is off!!

The frame is painted black.
You might be able to see it.

 

Pathfinder Stainless Steel Snowplow. 6.5 FT recommended

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/156334-plows-tacos-2.html#post5730176