I'am 15 going on 16, and own a 93 Shadow, I plan to save money, sell the Shadow, and buy a Dodge pickup for plowing, and other uses like hauling a four wheeler and things like that, I'am wondering, what should I look for?
a 2500 or 3500? diesel or regular gasoline?

 

All 2nd gen 3500's have dual rear wheels. I personally like them, but it's a little much for a begining driver to handle. Also, with double the tires, you have roughly half the traction in the snow. Relatively the same weight, but twice the tire area, so half the downward pressure on the ground. I'd go 2500 in your situation.

Diesels will run forever, and have tons of power for pushing snow and towing. But with you living so far north, you have to worry about driveability in the cold. Diesels have to be plugged in to stay warm. And the fuel needs an anti-gel additive in extremely cold areas like yours. Unless you're going to be pulling an 8,000+ pound trailer on a regular basis, a gas motor is all you'll need.

On a side note, the automatic transmissions SUCK ***, so you should REALLY consider finding one with a 5-speed manual. It's a bit more difficult to plow with, but an auto will not hold up to plowing and towing for very long.

 

not to mention a 2500 even used will set you back $8,000-$12,000 and adding a plow is another $4,000! save your money kid and get a ranger or s-10

 

I like how you didn't include the Dakota.

I'm gonna agree, though. Plows are expensive, and if you are trying to make a business out of it, unfortunately, you won't make much, especially to cover the costs of what you plan on getting.

A Ranger is a good choice. Dependable, fairly good gas mileage (with my Ranger, I can easily get 19 MPG's in the city with the 4.0), and fairly cheap if you go used.

However, like the Dodges, the autos aren't that tough for plowing and towing.

 

Unless you are smart and have a crap load of money saved up, get a small truck for now. I was in the same position as you a little while ago, all my money went into my Camaro and I had very little left over for a winter beater, ended up with my Jheep, $800 bucks and in mint condition.

 

How about you drive your shadow, and check on craigslist for an old plow truck. Buy her for like 1000-2000, beat it up and be good to go. For the abuse your going to be putting it through, I sure wouldn't want that on my daily driver. Do what you gotta do though

 

Holy Topic Bump Batman!

 

LMAO, didn't catch that haha. I saw a few other's posts from today... and figured it was new.

 

Dont plow cheaper than the other guy.

If your truck breaks down how do you service your customers?

How much snow do you average a year?

How will you adjust contracts for rising fuel costs?

Get a loader or a little bob cat instead of a truck. Heck you can get mobile tractor that is actually a snow blower. no more ruined driveways or pavement and probably gets better mileage.

 

Holy crap I gave advise in an almost 4 year old thread...