Question : What’s the deal with snow plows and 1/2 ton truck warranties? Ford, Dodge, Toyota?
So I’m looking into 1/2 ton trucks for my property management business. Basically, I mow grass in the spring, summer, and fall, and push some snow in the winter. In all truth, a mid-size pickup like a Dakota, Ranger, or Tacoma could do the job of pulling my trailer and mowers. I’m stepping up to a 1/2 ton for the snow plowing bit. The problem is, snow plowing is maybe 10% of my business, it only snows a few times a year, sometimes not even that. If I lived in Boston or Milwaukee I’d consider buying a 3/4 ton or 1 ton for the plowing, but it would be overkill for the amount I need my truck to plow. Well the manufacturers are telling me conflicting things. One says putting a plow on a truck makes the warranty null and void. Another tells me, if something in the powertrain happens while plowing, its void. I’ve heard that it depends if you use the factory plow prep or a 3rd party prep, etc. etc. I’m worried a salesman is trying to play both sides of the line, “it only affects it while the plow is on it” on the lot, “well you had a plow hooked up this past winter, that voids the warranty” when I bring it in for service. Does anyone know a definitive answer to this for any of the three manufacturers I listed? I’m looking at a F-150, Ram 1500, and Tundra.
boston property management

Best answer:

Answer by Johnny Rotten
When it comes to trucks bigger is always better…Especially when pushing snow…Sure you can get away with a half ton but you have to remember that the resale is always better for the 3/4 and up versus the 1/2 ton…I plow snow for the state of calif and all our international trucks have plows and the warrantys are good…I think that the salesmen are playing both of the fields…Of course they want you to use the plows they sell…They want to make money off of you and as much as possible…I look at it like lift kits….Sure they say they will void the warranty if you put the lift on yourself but if they do it for you it,s o.k….So you buy a truck,you buy a plow,you tell the dealer to install it,They are gonna say no it,s gonna void your warranty?I don,t think so…