Can a Toyota Tundra Be Used as a Snow Plow?

by

The Toyota Tundra, known for its excellent ground clearance and supreme engine power, is an ideal truck for almost any job – whether you’re hauling, pushing, or trucking along down the highway. However, if you find yourself snowed in, you might wonder if your practical Tundra can be used to work a snow plow – and it can!

A Toyota Tundra can be used for plowing snow as long as it was made before 2022. The older Toyota Tundras have a design that lends itself well to snowplowing, but a plow can interfere with the airflow required to cool the hybrid turbo engine in newer Tundras. 

So, let’s talk about snow plowing with your Toyota Tundra. I will explain why the 2022 Toyota Tundra can’t be used to plow snow, and I’ll also tell you what you need if you have an older model and plan to use it for snow plowing.

If your Toyota Tundra was made before 2022 it can plow snow

Why Can’t You Plow Snow With a 2022 Toyota Tundra? 

Toyota Tundras are among the best trucks for traveling in snowy weather, with 4WD options and innovative traction systems that make driving on rugged terrain a breeze. However, newer models have a few additional features that might make them a bit less well-suited for some jobs. 

With car companies making moves to lower carbon emissions, Toyota decided to shift to a hybrid engine on the Tundra. The specs on the 2022 Toyota Tundra are:

  • 3.5 L V6 Engine
  • 8,300-12,000 lbs Towing Capacity
  • 18 city/ 24 highway MPG
  • $35,950 MSRP
  • 348-389 Horsepower

While fans are excited about the 2022 Toyota Tundra’s shiny new features like increased tow capacity, unique frame and rear suspension, and a 14-inch (35.56 cm) monitor, you are out of luck if you were anticipating using this truck for a new snowplow.

You can’t plow snow with a 2022 Toyota Tundra because it has a hybrid turbo engine. This more efficient engine needs lots of air to help the engine run properly. A snowplow would block the airflow, and the truck wouldn’t run at its highest capacity. 

Since this engine change reflects a move towards fewer emissions and better fuel efficiency, it’s likely that future generations of the Tundra won’t be able to plow snow, either. So, if you are looking for a snow plowing truck, it’s best to go with an older Tundra. 

If you already own or are looking to purchase an older model of the Toyota Tundra for a snowplow, you have chosen a great truck. The specs on the 2021 Toyota Tundra are:

  • 5.7 L V8 Engine
  • 8,800-10,200 Towing Capacity
  • 13 city/17 highway MPG
  • $34,125 MSRP
  • 381 Horsepower

These trucks are fantastic for snow plowing, which adds to the Tundra’s repertoire of ideal applications. 

Toyota cars are well-known for their reliability, and the Tundra is no exception. This truck is powerful and efficient in heavy-duty work like plowing snow due to its big engine and substantial towing capacity.

Equipment Needed for Plowing Snow With a Toyota Tundra

You just need two things to plow snow: a vehicle and a plow. 

What To Know About Your Truck

If you’re using a truck to plow snow, you should first establish what type of truck you have and if it can do the kind of plowing you need. If you plan on doing commercial snow plowing, you will need at least a three-quarter-ton pickup truck. 

A smaller half-ton truck will work fine, if you’re planning on personal plowing. The Toyota Tundra falls into the half-ton truck category, so it is an excellent option for private snow plowing.

You’ll also need to know your truck’s gross axle weight rating (GAWR). You can find this on the VIN label that should be on the side of the driver’s door. When searching for a snowplow, keep in mind this number and read the plow’s specifications carefully to ensure that your truck’s max GAWR and the plow’s recommended GAWR match up. 

Next to the GAWR, it should list an FR weight which is the maximum weight you can attach to the front of your truck. Your snow plow should not exceed this weight. 

After you know your GAWR, you should find the track length of your truck. You can measure this by using a tape measure to find the width from the center of one front tire to the center of the other front tire (or the outside tread of one front tire to the inside tread of the other front tire). Knowing this track length will help you choose a snowplow that is the right size for your truck.

Toyota Tundras are capable of plowing snow

Snowplows

Once you know the dimension of the snowplow you need based on the measurements from your truck, you can choose to customize a few essential things about your plow. 

You should first consider your budget and what type of plow you can afford to get. Basing your decision on these factors will help you find your plow’s ideal shape and material. 

Some other features to consider are the attachment system and lights. You’ll want to find a snowplow that fits your truck’s requirements and is convenient in the winter.

Doing some research and comparing reviews on different snow plows should help you decide on the best model for your situation. You can consult your local Toyota dealer about what type of snowplow to get, but they can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $7,000. So, be prepared to splurge a bit. Once you’ve purchased your snowplow, you should be sure to read the instructions for use. 

You can also search “how to attach a snowplow to a Toyota Tundra ” on YouTube, and there are a variety of helpful videos. Just be sure to find a video relevant to your specific brand of snowplow.

You can watch a video for some tips and tricks here:

Conclusion

The 2022 Toyota Tundra won’t work well for plowing snow, but Tundras made before 2022 are the perfect vehicle for plowing snow privately. If you have the right Toyota Tundra and have found a quality snow plow, you are all set to keep your roads clear of snow this winter. 

Sources