For pick-up truck owners, snowfall can pose a major problem, because snow will accumulate in the truck bed, posing a danger to you, your truck, and others.
The right tool to remove snow is likely going to depend on what you have available, as well as the amount and type of snow. The most effective ways for removing snow from a truck bed include:
- Shovel
- Ice-scraper
- Snow rake
Since snow usually contains salt, if you leave snow to collect in the back of your pick-up truck, it will erode the bed of the truck over time and cause your truck to rust. This erosion and rust will wreck your truck’s finish and weaken your truck bed’s integrity over time.
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The weight of the snow can also be an issue during heavy snowfall. This added weight can put unnecessary strain on your rear suspension and put your vehicle off-balance while driving around.
Additionally, snow build-up in your truck bed will fly out while driving around, which can obscure the view of other drivers and potentially could cause accidents. You also don’t want chunks of ice or snow to fall out of the truck bed and hit another vehicle or person.
Thankfully there are a number of pieces of equipment you can purchase or use as a makeshift cover to protect your truck bed from snow, including:
- Tonneau cover
- Truck cap
- Bed liner
How to Remove Snow from Your Truck Bed
There are a few different tools you can use to remove snow from your truck bed. The right tool is likely going to depend on the type of snow (dry and light or wet and heavy) as well as the amount of snow.
I suggest wearing ice cleats anytime you are walking on snow and potential ice. The traction from the cleats is a great way to prevent falls in winter weather.
Shovel
One easily accessible tool which is excellent for removing snow from your truck bed is a shovel. When snow is packed on the back of your pick-up, a shovel is ideal for breaking up the dense layers and removing large amounts of snow.
I like this snow-removal shovel which is designed to reduce back strain while removing snow.
Just be careful when shoveling close to the bottom of the pile, as you risk accidentally denting or scraping your truck bed, which could cost a lot of money to repair.
Ice Scraper
Another common tool used in removing annoying snow is an ice-scraper, especially one like this ice-scraper with a brush, as well. Most people have an ice scraper lying around, as many people use them to get rid of ice from their windshield.
During light snowfall and frigid conditions, an ice scraper can also be used to remove snow from your truck bed. You will find an ice scraper works best on a thin layer of snow. Again, be careful not to scratch your truck bed when scraping off the snow.
Snow Rake
Possibly the most effective tool for snow removal is a snow rake. Most snow rakes are different from your standard household rake, as they are made of plastic or rubber, rather than metal.
Because they are made of plastic or rubber, you will not damage your vehicle’s finish when getting rid of snow. They are also much more effective at removing large amounts of build-up compared to an ice-scraper.
How to Prevent Snow from Building Up in Your Truck Bed
If you have ever had to remove snow from your truck bed, then you will know it is a time consuming and potentially painful task. Prevention is definitely better than the cure in this case.
Luckily, there are a number of affordable tools you can buy (or may even have at home) that you can use to protect your truck bed from snowfall.
Park Inside Your Garage
One of the best and most obvious ways to avoid snow build-up in the first place is by parking your car out of the way of snow. If you have a carport or a garage and you know a blizzard is coming, park your truck inside, and you will avoid the snow altogether.
Tonneau Cover
Tonneau covers are one of the very best ways to stop snow from building up on in your truck bed, especially if you don’t have a garage or carport. A tonneau cover shields your truck bed entirely, stopping snow from accumulating. Soft and hard tonneau covers are available and are usually composed of vinyl or fiberglass.
When purchasing, be certain to validate the correct tonneau cover specifically designed for your vehicle.
Truck Cap
Like a tonneau cover, a truck cap encases your truck bed, stopping snow from collecting. The main difference is a tonneau cover tends to be flat while truck caps are sloped and rise as high as your cab.
Both are effective ways of avoiding snow build up in your truck bed. When purchasing, be certain to validate the correct truck cap specifically designed for your vehicle.
Bed Liner
An inexpensive way to protect your truck bed from snow, consider a truck bed liner. These liners are easy to place and remove and protect your truck from erosion.
You may want to consider a spray-on liner instead of a standard one, as moisture can sometimes seep through and cause your truck bed to rust.
It is easy to prevent snow build up in your truck bed, as well as remove snow that has accumulated during a snow fall. Here are more useful tips for how to remove snow at home:
- How to Remove Snow from Your Roof
- Best Ways to Remove Snow from a Gazebo
- How to Remove Snow from Solar Panels
- Best Ways to Remove Snow from a Satellite Dish
- How to Get Rid of Snow on Your Balcony or Composite Decking
