Winter weather can bring icy roads and dangerous driving conditions. When snow and ice hit, you need a reliable way to keep roads safe. That’s where a salt spreader for your truck comes in. But with so many types and features, how do you pick the best one? It can feel overwhelming to choose the right salt spreader. You want something that works well, lasts long, and fits your needs.
This post will help you understand what makes a good salt spreader. We’ll break down the important things to look for, like how they work and what features matter most. By the end, you’ll feel more confident about choosing a salt spreader that will tackle winter’s challenges. Get ready to learn how to make your truck a winter-ready workhorse!
Our Top 5 Salt Spreader For Truck Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Salt Spreader For Truck Detailed Reviews
1. Buyers Products TGS02 SaltDogg Tailgate Salt Spreader
Rating: 8.9/10
Conquer winter’s icy grip with the Buyers Products TGS02 SaltDogg Tailgate Salt Spreader. This tough, American-made spreader is built for homeowners and small businesses alike. It easily attaches to your truck and spreads salt efficiently, making snow and ice removal a breeze.
What We Like:
- It fits easily onto 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, or 1 ton trucks with its simple 2-inch hitch mount.
- The hopper is strong and won’t rust. It holds 4 cubic feet of salt or ice melt.
- The electric motor runs quietly and smoothly. It also needs very little upkeep.
- You can control the spreading speed right from your truck’s cab.
- The 9-inch spinner throws salt up to 30 feet wide.
- The horizontal auger helps use every bit of your salt, so less is wasted.
- It’s made right here in the USA!
What Could Be Improved:
- For very large jobs, a bigger capacity might be desired.
- While durable, some users might want even heavier-duty materials for extreme conditions.
This SaltDogg spreader offers a smart and effective way to handle winter weather. It’s a reliable tool that makes a tough job much easier.
2. Buyers Products SaltDogg SHPE2000 Commercial Salt & Sand Spreader w/ Electric Drive Hopper
Rating: 9.2/10
Tackle winter’s worst with the Buyers Products SaltDogg SHPE2000 Commercial Salt & Sand Spreader. This tough spreader is built for serious work on 3/4-ton trucks or larger. It holds a lot of salt, 2.0 cubic yards to be exact. The stainless steel auger and durable poly hopper are made to last. You can control everything from inside your truck.
What We Like:
- It’s made right here in the USA.
- The stainless steel auger won’t rust and lasts a long time.
- The 12V electric drive makes spreading easy.
- You can control the auger and spinner speeds from inside your cab.
- The auger automatically reverses if it gets jammed, saving you hassle.
- It comes with a vibrator, top screen, tarp, and tie-downs.
- Forklift slots make it easy to load and move.
- The spinner can spread material up to 30 feet.
What Could Be Improved:
- It needs a truck bed that is at least 75 inches long.
- The minimum GVWR for the truck is 10,000 lbs.
This spreader is a solid choice for anyone needing reliable winter maintenance. Its features make it efficient and easy to use, even in tough conditions.
3. Buyers Products Saltdogg TGS07 Tailgate Salt Spreader
Rating: 8.7/10
Tackle winter’s worst with the Buyers Products Saltdogg TGS07 Tailgate Salt Spreader. This heavy-duty spreader is built tough in the USA to handle tough jobs. It easily attaches to your truck, making snow and ice removal a breeze.
What We Like:
- It fits securely on 3/4 ton or 1 ton trucks with a simple 2-inch hitch mount. This makes it super versatile for bigger vehicles.
- The hopper is made of strong, rust-proof poly. It holds 11 cubic feet of salt or a salt and sand mix, so you don’t have to refill it often.
- It runs on a quiet 12V electric motor. This means less noise and less maintenance for you.
- You get easy-to-use controls right from your truck’s cab. This lets you change how much salt spreads and where.
- The 12-inch spinner throws salt up to 30 feet. This covers a wide area efficiently.
- It’s designed for both ground loading and truck bed loading, offering flexibility.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for larger trucks, smaller trucks might not be compatible due to the hitch mount size.
- The 825lb capacity is great, but for extremely long routes or very heavy snowfalls, frequent refills might still be necessary.
The Saltdogg TGS07 is a reliable and user-friendly spreader that will make winter prep much easier. Its robust construction and smart features ensure efficient de-icing for any large truck owner.
4. Buyers Products SaltDogg TGS03 Tailgate Salt Spreader
Rating: 8.5/10
Tackle winter’s worst with the Buyers Products SaltDogg TGS03 Tailgate Salt Spreader. This tough spreader, proudly made in the USA, is built for serious work. It easily attaches to the back of your truck, ready to spread salt and keep roads and driveways safe. Its large hopper holds plenty of salt, and the powerful electric motor spreads it far and wide.
What We Like:
- It fits most trucks, from half-ton to one-ton models.
- The hopper is big, holding 8 cubic feet or 600 pounds of salt.
- It’s made of strong, rust-proof material to last a long time.
- The electric motor runs quietly and needs very little upkeep.
- You can easily control the speed from inside your truck.
- The spinner throws salt up to 30 feet for great coverage.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, some parts might eventually need replacement.
- For very large areas, you might need to refill it more than once.
This SaltDogg spreader is a reliable partner for any tough winter job. It makes spreading salt simple and effective, helping you clear the way quickly.
5. Buyers Products UTVS16 UTV Broadcast Spreader For Salt
Rating: 8.7/10
The Buyers Products UTVS16 UTV Broadcast Spreader is a fantastic tool that turns your UTV into a workhorse for all seasons. You can easily spread salt, grass seed, fertilizer, and even deer feeder seed. It holds a good amount of material, 150 pounds, and comes with a lid to keep everything dry.
What We Like:
- It’s fun and functional, making your UTV a great landscaping tool.
- You can spread materials up to 30 feet wide with its 15-gallon hopper.
- It works all year round, handling salt, fertilizer, seed, and feed.
- You can control how much you spread with the adjustable shut-off gate.
- The motor is sealed and protected from the weather, and it includes a wiring harness.
What Could Be Improved:
- Longer wiring harnesses are available for some UTVs, but you might need to buy them separately if yours isn’t a common model.
This spreader is a great addition to your UTV for any yard or farm task. It’s built tough and makes spreading materials easy and efficient.
Choosing the Right Salt Spreader for Your Truck
Winter weather can be tough. Slippery roads are dangerous. A good salt spreader for your truck makes clearing ice and snow much easier. This guide helps you find the best one.
Key Features to Look For
- Capacity: How much salt can it hold? Bigger is better for large areas. Smaller ones work for driveways.
- Spreading Width: How wide can it spread salt? A wider spread covers more ground quickly.
- Material: What is it made of? Strong materials last longer.
- Type: Is it a tailgate spreader, a hopper spreader, or a tow-behind spreader? Each has its own advantages.
- Control: How do you control the salt flow? Some have manual controls, others have electric or hydraulic controls.
Important Materials
The material of your salt spreader is very important. It affects how long it lasts and how well it works.
- Polyethylene (Plastic): This is a common choice. It’s strong, rust-proof, and lightweight. High-quality polyethylene resists cracking in cold weather.
- Steel: Steel spreaders are very durable. However, they can rust if not treated properly. Look for powder-coated steel for better protection.
- Stainless Steel: This is the best for preventing rust. It’s strong and lasts a long time. However, it is usually more expensive.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a salt spreader better or worse.
- Construction: A well-built spreader has strong welds and sturdy parts. Poor construction means it might break easily.
- Motor Power (for electric models): A more powerful motor can handle thicker salt and spread it more evenly. A weak motor might struggle.
- Rust Resistance: Spreaders that resist rust will last much longer. Salt is corrosive, so good protection is key.
- Ease of Use: A spreader that is easy to fill, attach, and operate makes your job simpler.
- Brand Reputation: Trusted brands often make higher-quality products.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the spreader matters a lot.
- Homeowners: For clearing driveways and sidewalks, a smaller tailgate or tow-behind spreader is often enough.
- Small Businesses: If you clear parking lots or small commercial areas, a larger tailgate or hopper spreader might be needed.
- Professional Snow Removal: For large jobs, powerful hopper spreaders that mount directly to a truck are the best choice.
A good salt spreader should be easy to mount and dismount. It should spread salt evenly. You should be able to control the amount of salt easily. Cleaning it after use is also important to prevent rust and keep it working well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a tailgate spreader and a hopper spreader?
A: A tailgate spreader attaches to the back of your truck’s tailgate. A hopper spreader is a larger unit that sits in the truck bed.
Q: How much salt can a typical truck salt spreader hold?
A: Capacities vary greatly. Small tailgate spreaders might hold 50-100 pounds. Larger hopper spreaders can hold over 1,000 pounds.
Q: Do I need a special truck to use a salt spreader?
A: Most salt spreaders are designed to fit standard pickup trucks. Check the spreader’s weight and mounting requirements to ensure compatibility with your truck.
Q: How do I maintain my salt spreader?
A: After each use, rinse the spreader with water. This removes salt residue. Lubricate moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer.
Q: Can I spread sand or other materials with a salt spreader?
A: Some spreaders can handle sand or ice melt products. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the material is compatible.
Q: What is the benefit of an electric spreader over a manual one?
A: Electric spreaders offer more consistent spreading and easier control of the flow rate. They often have adjustable settings.
Q: How wide can a salt spreader spread salt?
A: Spreading width can range from 10 feet to over 30 feet, depending on the spreader model and the material being spread.
Q: Is it worth buying a stainless steel salt spreader?
A: If you live in an area with heavy snow and ice and plan to use the spreader often, stainless steel is a great investment because it resists rust and lasts longer.
Q: How do I choose the right capacity for my needs?
A: Consider the size of the areas you need to clear. For a long driveway, you’ll need more capacity than for a small walkway.
Q: What should I do if my spreader starts to rust?
A: Clean the rusted area thoroughly. You can use a rust converter or primer and then paint it with a rust-resistant paint to prevent further damage.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.