How to make DIY Wooden Snow Plow on Honda Ridgeline?

Building your own wooden snow plow can be an exciting and rewarding DIY project, especially when you want a budget-friendly solution for clearing snow during the winter months. In this guide, the focus is on creating a functional snow plow that attaches to your vehicle’s hitch. Contrary to what some might think, you don’t need a pickup truck to complete this project; a powered SUV, like the Honda Ridgeline (which is essentially a Honda Pilot with a bed), can do the job just as well. The key to success is ensuring that the vehicle has at least a class three back hitch, and having a backup camera can be useful when driving the vehicle backward to operate the plow effectively.

The build starts with purchasing pressure-treated wood, plywood, and rubber floor mats from a local hardware store. These materials are essential for creating a durable and effective plow. The rubber mats are used on the bottom of the plow to prevent damage to the driveway, while the 2×6 wood provides the main support. The plow itself consists of two parts—a top and bottom section—secured together with a metal plate and bolts to form the plow’s shape. To adjust the plow’s angle and height for optimal performance, an adjustable ball mount is used, which is attached to the vehicle’s hitch. This adjustable mechanism ensures the plow is positioned correctly, and it’s important to use the right size drill bit to fit the hitch pin. A 5/8 drill bit is necessary, which many DIYers may not already have in their toolkits.

Despite the initial success of the project, the plow faced some issues during use, as the 2×4 component—where the plow connects to the metal ball—proved to be the weakest point. After several tests, the 2×4 broke, and the DIYer replaced it with a new one, reinforced with a metal plate for added durability. The 1/8-inch thick metal plate was attached to strengthen the connection, and a table saw was used to ensure the new 2×4 fit properly. Once the modifications were complete, the plow was ready for more rigorous use, with improved stability and strength.

The project didn’t stop there—Version 3.0 of the plow introduces an electric winch system, designed to make operation even easier. This version incorporates a 12-volt winch that is powered by a battery booster. The winch setup uses strong aircraft cable, a crimper, and a quick connector for easy installation and removal. The winch allows the plow to be controlled remotely, making it more efficient for snow removal. The design is also made for easy storage, with removable components that can be detached by simply pulling out pins. This version of the snow plow is both powerful and portable, offering a more advanced and flexible solution for those looking to take their DIY snow plowing to the next level.

 
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