Jeep Wrangler Snow Plowing: Can It Really Do It?

The versatility of a Jeep Wrangler means there’s a world of possibilities when it comes to the customization and accessories that can be added to these incredibly unique vehicles.

Given that we’re already heading into winter, I know you would be interested to know whether a Jeep Wrangler can plow snow After all, there’s no better time to prepare for the winter than the cool, crisp days of autumn. 

To really bring your Wrangler to the next level of usefulness and practicality, you’ll need to make some serious adjustments to your rig, and one of the popular customizations in areas with harsh winters is installing snowplow specifically made for Jeeps.

Snowplows for Jeeps will let you use your Jeeps capabilities differently and uniquely. But first things first, can a Jeep Wrangler plow?

Can a Wrangler Snow Plow

The short answer is Yes. A Jeep Wrangler is a rugged vehicle that is more than capable of carrying a plow, as well as handling the tough task of removing snow.

However, numerous factors come into play when plowing using a Jeep. Sure, a Jeep will do the task, but this vehicle isn’t primarily built for plowing, so there are a few exceptions as well as requirements.

For starters, you will want the weight of the Jeep to be substantial enough traction to provide added traction to the tires.

Furthermore, you need to ensure the pushing power, also known as the torque, is capable of pushing the snow. For instance, a Wrangler 3.6L Pentastar on a Wrangler JK is powerful enough, but other engines in the Jeep lineup (like the 3.0L turbodiesel) have more down low grunt. 

One of the best Jeep’s to snowplow with is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The 4.10 gearing on the Rubicon will let you navigate the snowy terrain with less stress and strain.

You also need to consider the type of weight that can be sprung from the front end of a Wrangler. You need to check the weight of the plowing blade and ensure that it works with your vehicle.

Often, plows start at widths of 6 1/2 feet for Jeeps. Overloading the front of your Jeep with a plow can stress the front axle and the suspension, as well as diminish the braking effectiveness.

Often, a Jeep that is overloaded with weight at the front has its front end sagging. If the weight of the blade alone affects the Jeep, now you can imagine the amplification of the sag once you start adding the weight of the snow.

Looking to get started? Check out our complete guide of the Best Snow Plows for Wranglers!

Best Snow Plow for Jeep Wrangler

Will Snow Plowing Damage My Jeep Wrangler?

While being able to plow your driveway with your trusty Jeep Wrangler is great when the weather is tough, it can also take a toll on your vehicle. Plowing puts a lot of stress and strain on various parts of your Wrangler, especially with heavy snow.

Heavier snowplows add a lot of weight to your Wrangler, and this is concentrated on the front of the vehicle. This can force your brakes and front suspension to work much harder to keep the vehicle under control in slippery conditions, which causes extra wear and tear on these components.

Having to carry the heavyweight of a snowplow whilst also driving forward and backward several times places a lot of strain on the front suspension. This can affect shock absorbers, spring coils, and other components.

You may even find that the front of your vehicle has started to dip down thanks to the weight of the snowplow pulling on its mounting bracket. This may cause cosmetic damage to the front bumper or the grille.

While you might not suffer from this damage while plowing, it can rear its head down the line while driving the vehicle in normal conditions. The brakes are especially vulnerable because brake pads can wear down much faster when having to stop a heavier vehicle.

The transmission can also suffer when you’re plowing, especially if you drive an automatic Wrangler model. Jeep Wranglers weren’t designed with plowing specifically in mind, so the gearboxes aren’t used to handling these demands.

Because of the acceleration and reversing demands during snowplowing, a vehicle’s transmission comes under a lot of strain and starts to overheat. This is fueled even more if you accelerate too harshly, causing the wheels to spin.

When considering the damage that snowplowing could do to your Jeep Wrangler, you have to weigh the cost against the necessity.

How to Install a Snowplow to a Jeep Wrangler

There are various designs of snowplow available for the different models of Jeep Wrangler, although most will follow a similar method of installation. Any snowplow that you use should be as easy to install and uninstall as possible. 

This is because you’ll need to uninstall the snowplow once the snow season has passed. Driving around with a snowplow permanently fixed to your Jeep Wrangler’s bumper is a recipe for disaster! 

Most snowplows use a front mounting bracket or hitch which permanently stays on the bumper while the plow itself is removed. Some snow plows are easier to remove than others.

The process for installing a snowplow on a Jeep Wrangler typically involves mounting the front hitch first before bolting the plow onto the hitch. 

Here’s a guide to basic installation:

You’ll need:

• Flat Head Screwdriver
• Torque wrench

Always refer to the instructions that come with your chosen snowplow for the exact installation process.

For a more detailed process, see this video:.

Considering Cost-to-Use Ratios for Jeep Snowplows

For residential uses on a driveway, a Jeep Wrangler will work great and is reliable. However, just don’t get into plow businesses and expect your Wrangler to hold up.

While your Jeep might do it, it won’t likely hold for long. That is unless you’re plowing using the fully boxed frame, and that would still redirect a lot of shock at the frame.

In particular, if you’re using an automatic Jeep, you need to be extra cautious to protect your transmission. I recommend that you get an external transmission cooler and a good electric fan, alongside a switch in the cab.

While the Jeep grill is raised pretty high up, you might still have issues with cooling, and this is why you might even consider an oil cooler.

Also, carefully examine the frame as well as the body mounts. Any sign of corrosion or a weakened section might cause further damage. So, take your time and strengthen these parts before you start plowing.

Commercial Use for Jeep Plowing

While some additional parts and accessories may need to be fitted into your Jeep, I wouldn’t recommend commercial plowing.

The probability of overstressing your engine during commercial plowing is too high, and in the end, you are more than likely to have the transmission and the axle giving you problems down the line.

While a Jeep Wrangler makes an inspired choice for residential plowing, I don’t recommend using it for commercial purposes.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, we’re not saying that it cannot be done, but the decision will ultimately depend on weighing the effort you need to outfit your Jeep, combined with the potential of stressing the engine, vs. how much you’ll get out of the plow.