The Ford Ranger really is the perfect truck for personal use plowing. If you’ve got a long driveway or a small parking lot, a snow plow on your Ranger will save hours of time when compared to shoveling.
Versatility in Snow Management
With its small size and agile handling, the Ranger can easily travel through narrow spaces, clearing snow from even the most difficult areas. Whether plowing driveways, parking lots, or roadways, the Ranger’s adaptability allows you to maneuver with ease while leaving a clear path behind.
The Ranger’s reliability ratings show that the 2019 model received a one out of five from Consumer Reports, but the 2020 model improved significantly, receiving a four out of five reliability rating.
Snow-covered surfaces can be tricky, but the Ranger’s traction control technology ensures that you can confidently navigate the terrain.
Plow Options for Ford Ranger
Personal Plowing Experiences
Can a Ford Ranger be used for plowing? Mark McMullen of G&M Services has outfitted his truck with a plow kit, demonstrating that the Ranger can indeed handle basic plowing tasks like neighborhood driveways.
Ford’s Position
According to Ford, the Ranger is not designed for plowing, and doing so might void your warranty. Despite that, it is possible to outfit a Ranger for plowing at your own risk.
Ranger Specifications
- Base engine: 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
- Drivetrain: standard rear-wheel drive; available four-wheel drive.
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic.
Attaching a Snow Plow to Ford Ranger
If you plan to attach a snow plow to your Ford Ranger, the process can vary. For mechanical snowplows, the following steps generally apply:
- Refer to the purchase manual for electrical snowplows.
- Ensure you use a snowplow compatible with the Ranger’s specifications.
Is the Ford Ranger Capable of Handling Winter?
The Ranger has proven capable in snowy conditions, with enough ground clearance to tackle deep snow. It outperforms regular passenger cars on snowed-out routes and can be a formidable opponent to winter conditions with the 4WD option.
Plow Recommendations
When looking for a plow that’s the right fit for the Ranger, consider that the plow should be light enough not to strain the truck but still effective for the job. If you plan to service residential areas, the plow should match the requirements without exceeding the Ranger’s capabilities.
Plowing with a Ford Ranger
The Ranger can handle shallow snow coverings for tasks like clearing driveways. However, it might not be suitable for larger operations.
When deciding on a suitable truck for plowing, consider the following:
Recommended Trucks
- Commercial plowing: Dodge Ram 2500/3500/5500, Ford F-250/350
- Personal use: 1/2 ton trucks or smaller in some cases
Considerations for Plowing
- A four-wheel-drive truck is preferred for the extra traction it offers.
- Costs can exceed $40,000, factoring in the plow.
- Blade weight and size are important considerations.
- Momentum is crucial, especially for 2WD trucks.
Plow Options for Different Trucks
- Chevy, GMC, and Nissan Titans can accommodate plows with the correct preparation.
- Leveling kits and parts can customize the setup to your truck.
- For commercial use, 3/4-ton and heavier trucks are recommended, but 1/2-tons can still be effective with the right setup.