A Serious Winter Upgrade: Installing a Snowplow A do-it-yourself project from the DIY Network TV series Weekend Mechanic: Bruce Bonebrake installs a removable, hitch-mounted snowplow on a work-truck.

After performing some basic winter-maintenance, Bruce Bonebrake installs a hitch-mounted snowplow on this work truck. This easy-to-use snowplow is made of lightweight extruded aluminum with a replaceable blade, and attaches to the front of the truck using a standard trailer-hitch receiver. In this Weekend Mechanic project, we get serious with winter upgrades. Host Bruce Bonebrake installs an economical, hitch-mounted snowplow -- one that requires no expensive hydraulics or complicated mechanics -- on a GMC work-truck. Materials: In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.) and the snow-plow and hitch kits, the only specialty tools that will be needed for the projects in this episode are a fish wire, engine-degreaser spray, steering lube-kit and a level. An air-compressor and set of pneumatic tools is optional, but may be very helpful for this project. DIY Difficulty Rating for the Projects: In summary, the projects shown in this episode are relatively basic and straightforward. We gave them a difficulty rating of 2 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. It took us about 8 hours to finish the projects shown. Depending on the nature of the problems you might uncover, your work time could vary. Figure A Figure B Installing a Snowplow The snow-plow and the mount are two separate pieces. The snow plow requires a standard receiver -- like the one common on the back of many trucks (figure A). In this case, it will be installed on the front for the plow. Following are the basic steps for installing and operating this removable snowplow. First, jack the truck up and support it on jack stands so you can work safely under the front bumper. Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, don't rely solely on a jack to support the weight of a vehicle. When using a jack to access or work beneath a vehicle, always use jack stands for support. Use jack-stands rated for the size and type of your vehicle. Drop the hitch bolts into the truck frame using the fish-wire tool. The fish-wire allows you to insert the carriage bolts into the truck frame where our hands cannot reach (figure B). Figure C Figure D The carriage bolts have spacers attached so they will not turn when tightened. Spacers are added to the front of the mount bracket bolts and all bracket bolts are hand tightened only (figure C). Final tightening will be after the hitch is mounted. Repeat the steps on the other side of the truck, using the fish-wire to insert the bolts, mount the brackets and loosely tighten the bolts and nuts so that you can bolt in the hitch bar itself. The receiver hitch bar is mounted to the hitch brackets with six half-inch nuts and bolts (figure D). It is very important that these bolts and nuts are securely fastened. For most hitches, tighten the bolts and nuts with an air-wrench if you have one. Do not use lock washers. Note: Some bolts may need to be tightened to specific torque-specs. Read and follow the directions that come with your hitch kit. Figure E Figure F Next get the plow parts together and begin assembling it. With the interceptor in the hitch, mount the upright push-bar to the interceptor (figure E). Four bolts and nuts are used on the push-bar, and they can be adjusted to make the bar the correct height. Use a level to check the bar to make sure that it is mounted with the proper orientation (figure F). The utility plow blade comes from the manufacturer with the rubber cutting edge already attached. The blade is flexible and replaceable if it becomes damaged. You can reinstall the rubber blade by simply reinserting the original carriage bolts and the nuts. When it becomes necessary, follow these steps to install a replacement: Add the rubber ends and bolt them into place using the mounting plates and quarter inch bolts. The bolts screw directly into the ends of the aluminum blade housing. Tighten all the bolts by hand with a socket wrench, being careful not to over-tighten the bolts in the aluminum blade. With the blade secured properly, add the bright orange flag poles to the top of the plow. This gives the driver an indicator of the plow-width and also makes the plow more visible to other motorists who may drive by in close proximity to the front of the truck. With the receiver and push-bar mounted securely on the truck position the plow on the push-bar (figure G). The plow itself is made of extruded aluminum, so it is lightweight. To operate the plow, remove the clips that hold the plow in the travel position (figure H). Figure G Figure H Figure I Grab the handle and the bottom of the blade, then lower the blade on each side. To raise the blade, grab the middle handle and lift up (figure I). Your snow plow is ready to use. Important: Included in this project are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode of DIY's Weekend Mechanic. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts. Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and ear protection, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with power tools. Also wear eye protection any time that you are working beneath a vehicle. Return to Road Gear Home Page.