Can a Ford Ranger Be Used for Plowing Snow?

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Every season presents its peculiar headaches, and in winter, snow plowing is one chore you’ll have to endure. A truck and a snowplow are all you need. But what if you have a pickup truck, like a Ford Ranger?

A Ford Ranger can be used for plowing snow, but only in small areas. Although Ford Rangers aren’t purpose-built for plowing snow, they can be used to clear shallow snow coverings and for short runs such as driveways. Large parking lots or bigger depths, however, require heavy-duty trucks.

Do you own a Ford Ranger or a similar vehicle? If you’re planning on using it to clear snow from your property this winter, read on to know how you can attach a snowplow to it.

Ford ranger can be used to plow snow

How To Attach a Snow Plow to Your Ford Ranger

Attaching a snow plow to your Ford Ranger depends on the snowplow you plan to use. For electrical snowplows, refer to the purchase manual. However, the process below works with any mechanical snowplow. 

Here’s what to do:

  1. Assemble your tools. You’ll be working with fish wire, nuts, bolts, matching bolt plates, and a wrench. So get them ready and keep them handy.
  2. Fasten the bolt plates. Take a bolt and run it up a bolt plate while adding a fish wire at the end. Look for a hole above the sway bar bushing of your vehicle and pass the fish wire through this hole.
  3. Snap the bolt and hole into position. You can do this by pulling the wire through the hole in the frame. Also, pull the bolt through the same hole. Ensure that the bolt can pass through the structure, or you’ll have to adjust it again until it can pass through it.
  4. Run the wire through this hole on the hitch. Pull the bolt through the frame hole and the hitch and fasten them with a wrench and socket.
  5. Attach the plow mounting bar to the receiver. When you’ve checked all steps above, insert the plow mounting bar to the receiver, and you’re ready to plow.

Best Snow Plow Ideas for Your Ford Ranger

Having a Ford Ranger is one thing, but it’s another to use the appropriate snowplow. Several snow plows fit different vehicles, although some may also apply to many models. Ford Rangers have evolved to lighter and more compact forms than the earlier models, so you’ll have to use a suitable snowplow to get the job done. 

Let’s take a look at some great suggestions.

Kolpin ATV Switchblade Plow

The ATV Kolpin Switchblade Snow Plow System is a small truck-friendly snow plow package. It boasts a strong square tube steel chassis with strategically placed reinforcements.

This snow plow is easy to assemble and install – you won’t need more than an hour. However, you’ll need a winch (offered separately) to install it.

 The Kolpin ATV Snow Plow is portable and can conveniently fit in the back of your vehicle. This snow plow was designed to fit most vehicles, according to the manufacturer.

WARN ProVantage Straight Blade

Although built for bigger trucks, the WARN ProVantage Straight Blade can fit with your Ford Ranger. However, you’ll need a compatible mounting bracket to attach it.

The ProVantage plow is made of thick 12-gauge steel; it has reinforcing ribs, a center cross member, and a durable boxed design. 

It has wide and solid plow bases and extra-large plow skids, which guarantee outstanding performance. WARN plow blades are built for maximum ground clearance and fast installation or removal.

Open Trail Straight Blade

Here’s another great snow plow idea for your pickup truck. Although made for ATV vehicles, the blade can conveniently fit with your small truck using compatible mounting hardware.

It’s easy to install. Made of top-grade steel and a user-friendly system, you can be sure of solid and reliable performance for many years.

Other Vehicles That Can Be Used To Plow Snow

Suppose you don’t have a Ford Ranger, but you own a pickup truck and want to handle your snow business yourself; you still have options. Here are some suggestions to consider:

  • Ford 150: This is an even better choice than your Ford Ranger. It already comes with a built-in snow plow package, so you don’t have to go through the headache of installing one. Add that to its sturdy and durable quality, and you have a top choice.
  • Toyota Tacoma: This vehicle isn’t as sturdy as the Ford 150 and doesn’t feature a built-in snow plow, but it can do as much as a Ford Ranger. So, if you own a Tacoma, install a snow plow and plow the snow.
  • Toyota Tundra: The Tundra is probably stronger than all the vehicles listed above. Although it doesn’t also come with a built-in snow plow, it can go places beyond the reach of the Ranger.
  • Ford F-Series: These are perfect for snow plowing. They also come with a built-in snow plow package. They’re solid and durable and can take you anywhere. The F-250 or 350 are the most popular options in this series.
  • Nissan Titan: Although a less popular choice, this vehicle is also a great option if you have it in your driveway. Some models even have a built-in snow package, making things easier.
  • Chevy Silverado: It’s also another relatively unpopular option that’s also great for snow plowing. The Chevy Silverado is sturdy and durable and even features a built-in snow prep on some models.
There are other trucks that can work as a snow plow

Wrap Up

Winter will always come, and when it does, you’ll have to clear the ubiquitous snow off your surroundings constantly. While some people would hire a service, others prefer to do the job themselves.

You may not have the heavy-duty trucks of the commercial service providers, but if you have a Ford Ranger in your garage, you can do some great work.

Ford Rangers perform well on short runs and shallow areas. However, as things get more expansive and steeper, you’ll need something bigger and stronger. Ford F-Series, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, and the Chevy Silverado present better alternatives.

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