How much does it cost to add a plow to a truck?
For most pickups, adding a plow typically costs roughly $2,000 to $7,000, including parts and installation. The exact price depends on blade size, type, brand, and whether you buy new or used, plus whether you install it yourself or hire a shop.
Plows are sold in sizes from about 6 to 9 feet and come with mounting kits specific to your vehicle, plus wiring harnesses and controllers. Labor charges vary by region and shop, and the final price will reflect the complexity of your truck, whether you need a four-wheel drive mounting kit, added headlights or controls, and whether you choose a basic or feature-rich model.
What you get with a plow kit
Plow kits have several configurations. The following overview explains the typical components and choices you’ll encounter.
- Entry-level plow kit (6–7 ft blade; manual lift or basic hydraulic angle; basic steel blade)
- Mid-range plow kit (7–7.5 ft blade; power-angle with hydraulic tilt; improved motor and lighting)
- Heavy-duty or premium plow kit (8–9 ft blade; advanced controls; stronger frame and high-output lighting)
- Mounting kit and vehicle compatibility (vehicle-specific mounting brackets; optional added features like accessory brackets)
- Wiring and control options (plug-and-play harnesses, wired controllers, or wireless remotes)
Prices reflect kit components and how they match your truck. Labor and installation are typically extra when purchased through a dealer or shop.
Cost ranges: New vs Used
Prices vary widely depending on size, brand, and condition. Below are representative ranges for commonly chosen configurations. Note that installation fees are often extra if you have the kit installed by a shop.
- New entry-level kit (6–7 ft blade) installed: about $2,300–$3,500
- New mid-range kit (7–7.5 ft blade) installed: about $3,500–$6,000
- New premium kit (8–9 ft blade) installed: about $5,500–$9,000 or more
- Used kit (6–7 ft blade, good condition) installed: about $1,500–$3,500
- Used premium kit installed: about $3,500–$5,000
Shopping for a used plow can save money, but pay attention to blade wear, mounting bracket integrity, and the wiring/controller's condition. Professional installation can add $200–$700 depending on complexity.
Factors that influence price
Several variables determine the final bill beyond the base kit price. Here are the main ones:
- Blade size and type (6–7 ft vs 8–9 ft; straight blade vs V-plow)
- Power vs manual operation (manual lift vs hydraulic angle; tilt and lift features)
- Vehicle compatibility and mounting kit (vehicle-specific brackets; extra hardware)
- Wiring and controls (basic harness vs advanced, wireless remote or integrated lighting)
- Brand and build quality (OEM-brand vs aftermarket)
- New vs used (condition) and availability
- Labor costs and region
Understanding these factors helps you compare offers and set a realistic budget.
Installation considerations
Professional installation ensures proper mounting, wiring, and safety checks. DIY installation may save money but requires appropriate tools and mechanical skill. Expect installation labor to run roughly a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 depending on the truck, kit, and shop.
DIY vs professional installation
DIY installation can save money but may affect warranty coverage or require a careful approach to electrical systems, brackets, and safety. If you’re not comfortable with wiring or mounting work, a professional installation is recommended.
Vehicle compatibility and mounting considerations
Some trucks require extra brackets, modifications, or different wiring harnesses. Always verify compatibility with the mounting kit and your vehicle’s year, make, model, and bed configuration.
How to shop for a plow
Follow these steps to get a price and fit that works for your truck and winter workload.
- Identify your truck’s exact year, make, model, and bed configuration; determine preferred blade size (6–7 ft, 7–7.5 ft, or 8–9 ft).
- Decide on manual or powered operation and whether you want basic or premium controls; consider lighting and wiring needs.
- Get quotes from multiple dealers or installers; ask for itemized estimates including blade, mount, wiring, and installation.
- Check warranty terms, return policy, and service support; verify that the kit includes the required mounting hardware for your vehicle.
By comparing models and installer bids, you can balance price with reliability and practicality for your winter needs.
Summary
Adding a plow to a truck is a significant but manageable investment, typically ranging from around $2,000 to $9,000 installed, depending on blade size, features, and whether you buy new or used. The cost is driven by blade size, power vs manual operation, mounting compatibility with your truck, wiring and control complexity, and installation labor. Careful shopping, verifying compatibility, and considering professional installation can help you get the best value and a plow setup that suits your winter workload.
How much do people charge for plowing?
The average cost of residential snow removal is $30 to $100 for up to 6" and $30 per additional 6". Snow plowers charge $25 to $75 per hour, with contract prices at $200 to $600 per season. Commercial snow plowing rates are $50 to $200 per hour for parking lots and $150 to $350 per acre for salting.
How much does it cost to put a plow on my truck?
Putting a plow on a truck costs anywhere from $1,300 to over $4,000, depending on the type of plow and its features. A basic, manually operated plow can be at the lower end of this range, while a heavy-duty, electric or hydraulic model with in-cab controls will be at the higher end or even more expensive. Installation costs may be additional, especially for more complex systems, and you should also ensure your truck is rated to handle the weight and stress of a plow.
Cost breakdown by type
- Manually Operated: These are the most affordable, starting around $1,300. They require you to manually lift, lower, and angle the plow, but are ideal for smaller properties.
- Electric/Hydraulic: These cost $1,300 to over $4,000 or more and offer the convenience of in-cab controls for lifting and angling, making them a better choice for larger jobs.
Other factors to consider
- Installation: You may need to pay for professional installation, which can add to the total cost, particularly for systems requiring hydraulic and electrical work.
- Truck compatibility: Not all trucks are suited for plowing. A heavy-duty truck is necessary, as plowing puts significant stress on the frame, axles, and transmission.
- Custom mounts: For some plows, you will need a custom mount that is sold separately, adding to the overall price.
Can you add a plow to any truck?
There's no question about it: snow plows for pickup trucks are pieces of equipment. As such, they require a sufficiently heavy-duty pickup truck to operate them. When people ask us if they can install a snow plow on their truck, we ALWAYS recommend following official standards.
Is plowing hard on a truck?
Overloading can strain your truck\'s engine, transmission, and suspension, potentially leading to costly repairs and downtime. Keep your snowplow away from salt and de-icing chemicals. These substances can accelerate corrosion and cause damage to your plow and truck.
