Which New Taco Model for a Plow (Not Commercial, Home Use)

Afternoon all

As I read hours a day about the new Tacos, it occurs to me that I have a 500' gravel driveway in CT. If I was thinking of adding a plow to do it maybe 6-8 times a year, what model would I be looking at? I also of course would use it as a daily driver and I like my comforts.

Thanks in advance!

 

One that you'll upgrade the suspension on.

I had a '79 chevy blazer that was used as a plow and it even needed an upgrade. Plows are heavy by their nature and Tacomas sag with even a little extra weight.

 

The Tacoma is not the greatest truck for a plow, a heavier truck would suit you better. But if you are going to getba Tacoma to plow you'd want a V6 for the power, double cab for the weight and an Off-Road for the rear diff lock.

 

You would be looking at any model that drives. If you search on google there is a plow on just about every Taco mode available. I agree though the extra weight is an issue.

How have you been plowing it up til now? Maybe save your money and keep plowing like you have been doing it and just enjoy whichever mode you buy without buying a plow for it and save your money.

 

I'd buy a 20-30 year old beater full size truck.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I have been snowblowing and I actually made a wooden plow for my 98 4 Runner and used it a few times last year. My issue with an old beater is that I get it, invest in the plow and then it shits the bed. Remember, Im not getting it to plow to make money, just do my own when needed.

 

If it is not for commercial use than that shouldn't be as big of an issue.

 

I'll do a lot of things with my taco...but I won't plow with it. I also wouldn't plow with a regular sized truck either. You CAN with one of those, but I wouldn't.

Hard on the frames and everything else. Pay someone else until you can get a used dump truck or super duty, then plow all you want. I plow my own driveway which sounds a bit like yours but maybe a little bigger, and once those snow piles get big and you get a heavy storm you are going to beat your truck to death. It takes a lot of momentum to get big heavy snow moving, and then you gotta stop before you smash into the piles...taco brakes aren't that good in dry weather...I'm guessing you are gonna be smashing into them a bit, or going really slow and having to clean up with your snowblower alot. Not to mention being able to even push the snow when we get big storms and it's super heavy.

You can do this, it will work. But I wouldn't, and would never tell someone they should if they want their tacoma to last and not be beat to hell in a few years.

 

I have a friend who mounted a plow on his Lexus RX350. He did his own driveway until he slid off the side of his hill once, and was only saved from a rollover by hitting a tree. After that he paid someone to do his.

I hired someone to do mine when I lived in Wisconsin. There's usually no shortage of people looking to make some money in the winter, especially landscapers.

Another thought is to get an ATV and mount a plow. Yes it's more money, but you can buy used of course and also use it for offroading, landscaping, hunting and whatnot. You can thank me later for giving you an excuse to buy another wheeled vehicle.

 

ok thanks, Ive been convinced Going to test drive today, still unsure of which model I want...I want to feel the transmission for myself after all the hubbub.

 

western and boss makes non commercial plows i have used them on a jeep wrangler 2 door stock suspension, and chevy 2010,2012, and now 2017 colorado's all company work trucks the 2010 and 2012 stock suspension the 2017 had to put a leveling kit on front was too low.

 

Yes google...., they do offer lite weight plows for mid size trucks I’d say invest in one.
You know the truck will start.
The truck will push the snow. (Tires play a HUGE factor)
Find a reputable installer/dealer for plows and just do it.

 

OffRoad for the win....rear diff lock and also power steering cooler which alot of snow plow packages include.

 

Just me but cold day in hell I would shell out 30K plus on a truck and put a snow plow on it. I went with the beater to plow snow, 96 full size Jimmy with a western already on it for $1300 (the snow pig). Welded a piece of 1 1/4 inch water pipe on the cutting edge so I don't tear up the gravel or sod and shes never been out of 4 high since I've had it. In fact, I just evicted the mice (at least most of them) and started getting it ready for this Winter.

 

Old beater truck that runs with a plow. Better yet forget about it. Look in the penny saver or talk to neighbors. Pick a reputable one and let them beat up themselves and their truck. Have your coffee while they are out there burning their truck out. Yeah I used to snow blow. Wish I had got it out of my thick skull and got a plow guy sooner.

 

Thanks for the feedback and pics, appreciated.

 

I think putting a plow on a Tacoma is a terrible idea. Especially a truck that’s been know to previously have frame rot issues and a tiny frame. As already mentioned, I think an old beater truck or brand new base model ford or chevy single cab full sized pickup would be a better option. Id go with a utility 4 wheeler before I put on on my every day driver.

However if you must I would probably recommend a sno-way plow. They are small and poly so the weight is dramatically reduced. I think some other companies are shifting towards these as they are lighter and won’t rust. Not sure how they are dependability wise. Might want to do some google searches. Probably even a few 2nd gen guys who have them. Search the forum too