SnoWay wireless remote controller

[Lawn Lad]

I thought I'd start a separate thread on this topic alone. I've owned six or so SnoWays over the years on various sized trucks. I'm looking at buying another one, but things have changed since I bought my last one in 1998. I'm thinking about a new Jeep and would put the SnoWay on it.

The dealer tells me that he only orders the plows with the wireless system. They've only be out on the market for about one year, even though SnoWay has had the technology for three or four years.

Chris (Wyldman) chimed in on another thread that he would stick to the wired system. Which I'm inclined to agree with. However, I also like technology. I like the idea of not having a wiring harness and extra plugs to worry about. However, circuit boards, transmitters and receivers are more parts that can break.

I'm interested in feedback from those that have been using the new wireless. What are your thoughts? Do they work all the time?

Going wireless means no switches on the dash. The SnoWay toggles are no fun to opearate and the box is huge, requiring a large flat surface to mount, which is practically impossible to find in any newer vehicle which has curved dashes. On all but one of previous or current trucks with SnoWays we converted the switches to the Meyer set up of two slick swtiches either mounted directly into the dash or onto a mounting plate on the dash.

[wyldman]

I do prefer hardwired stuff,much less to go wrong,and you can troubleshoot,and make quick repairs easily.

If the remote craps out,you stuck until you can get a new one.

I happen to like the Snoway controllers.Mount it beside the seat,or on the centre console,so you don't have to find a spot,or worry about reaching the dash.The best thing is,the wired controllers have never failed me.They seem to last forever.

[Lawn Lad]

Here are shots of the switch set ups...

[Lawn Lad]

Here is a close up...

[ZR2DK]

Just out of curiosity lawnlad, what year s-10 is that? what size snoway do you have on it? thanks

[Lawn Lad]

1998 Sonoma with 6.5' SnoWay.

[Got Grass]

I would hate to see the batteries die in the wireless controller out on the road.
Worse yet run it over when it falls out when you get out to shovel.

[pbeering]

The best approach is both. We have used both the old wireless controller and the new one. I'd shoot you if you tried to take them away. The latest has tactile buttons so you know what you are doing by feel. You can run the plow from anywhere in the truck. It makes hookup a snap. I have suggested that SnoWay eliminate hardwired controllers.

As for batteries, we typically change them once a season. We carry spares, but we also carry spare solenoids, pins, etc.

When the controls are installed the wired harness gets put in too. The wired one is marked with a water proof tag under the hood so all you have to do is hook it to the power and you are on the road.

I have had no failures whatsover. We store the controller on the dash using a piece of velcro.

[Robo]

I have the new wireless remote on the 29 series and like everything about it but one little dead spot. I find I am liking to use it in my left while arm is on the door armrest (right hand is busy shifting and steering). In my truck I have a little deadspot right there. Its really tiny but kind of annoying IMO, move it a little plows works fine. Other than that Snoway or anyone would have a tough time improving IMO nice setup all the way around. You hardly know the plow is on the truck when driving other than looking at it ;)

[wyldman]

The GM's seem to be the worst when it comes to dead spots.Seems the dash causes a lot of interference.

Having both is a great idea,nothing like redundancy.

[Joelinnh]

I love my remote. I change the batteries in the fall when its time to PM the plow it self. Although, I do keep a set of batteries and screw driver in the truck to make myself feel better if the batteries run low while out pushing, but never had to change them. The remote it self gets thrown in the glove box when not in use. Holding the remote in either hand during plowing is great, no reaching or guessing where it is. Can rest my arm where I desire.

[salanf1]

well i have a boss plow with a handheld controller but i agree circut boards and electronics mmmmmmm trucks take alot of abuse plowing i would rather be wired directly !!!!!!!!hey another thought what if your out plowing and the wireless hand helds batteries die uh oh lol well i dont know if they are rechargeable or if they take standard batteries lol just a thought good luck scott

[david-nh]

hello all , well i called my local sno way dealer, i am looking at the new sno ways, i told him i had heard that there were some problems with deadspots, he said yes they had a few, and that they were on one batch of controllers, and they had a fix which was to put on a longer attenna, he said since then they have corrected the problem , and the new model wireless controllers have no problems,

[Joelinnh]

Standard 2XAA batteries are all that is required. Never had a problem.:burnout

[Joelinnh]

Hey Dave they will give you a demo with out an issue. My check of the back round of the company is they stand behind thier product. They have even sent me some great gear to wear. Call tell them Joel King with the trailblazer sent you and you would like a demo.

[N900WM]

I'm not very happy with mine.
I bought the plow new this year and used it first time today. It was very difficult to find a spot where it would work and even then it was intermittent.

When I talked to the dealer they told me that last year they figured out that the antenna was too short and that the problem was recitfied with a longer antenna mod which is now accomplished on all installs. Unfortunatly, they forgot to extend my antenna when they did my install. Now that it's extended, it's better but still very tricky. It's impossible to make fine angle adjustments.
It's certainly unacceptable at this point.

Going to try to relocate the antenna and see what happens.

[N900WM]

Update: Re-ran the antenna wire with no luck.
Figured out it works fine until the truck is started.

Dealer asked me to bring it back for trouble shooting. Said they will most likely replace the entire controller assembly.

[Robo]

I am glad you posted this. I have really had alot of trouble with my new truck and the wireless remote (worked ok in my 99 but still had a dead spot). In fact today I tried to stop by my dealer but he was closed (how do these people expect to run a customer service business and not be open at all on the weekend???).

Of course when I ask him about the longer antenna he will tell me it doesn't exist or I already have it. I have found the controller to be completely unacceptable as I am tearing up peoples lawns etc at the end of runs because it won't lift on time. I also am not sure I completely like the idea of taking up one of my hands with the controller sometimes it is nice to be able to turn the wheel with both hands.

[N900WM]

I'm just back from the dealer now. They completely replaced the receiver and controller with all NEW electronics and guess what? Still didn't work.
With the truck shut off, it works perfectly. But as soon as the truck is started, it won't work at all or is very slow to react.
I also noticed on the drive to the dealer that the electric compass was showing incorrect readings and the outside air temp was showing anywhere between 65 and 92 degrees!

They could not get a hold of SnoWay on the phone so they offered to replace the controller with the standard set-up. I accepted. As RoBo suggested, I can't be tearing up yards and driveways. It works perfectly now. The jury is still out on whether I can get SnoWay to refund the money I spent on the corless set-up.

[Robo]

I just talked to Snoway and my dealer today. Snoway said after running my serial number on my controller, it was one of the bad batch. My dealer said no problem bring it in we will take care of it. What if they do what they do and I have the same problem??

Take it off I say!! I would have bought a different plow if not for the DP and the wireless.:headwall

This will be a tough fight I have a feeling!! My truck is essentially the same as N900WM. If it doesn't work properly you can suck my you know what. Take it off refund my money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[N900WM]

RoBo,
They checked the serial number on my controller as well. Turned out I had one that was not in "the bad batch". So, I'll bet you a diner at Captain Coty's that yours still won't work once it's replaced.

I was concerned about having a cord when I bought the plow. As it turns out, the cord is not really a problem. I'm glad it's there and it's not in the way like others I've seen.

The down pressure is still worth it.

[Robo]

Captain Coty's?? I thought you were from NY??

I talked to my dealer yesterday and he said no problem bring it in we will give you the new remote, reprogram and go from there. My DP doesn't seem to be working as good as it did when new don't know why:confused:

The guy from snoway wants me to be totally satisfied he said. He doesn't want me to just "live with it" So I guess they are probably prepared to do whatever it takes.

[N900WM]

I flew into Flint a couple years ago and ended up weathered in. Ended up eating there and I remember it for some unknown reason.
Keep us advised on your progress!

[Robo]

Originally posted by N900WM
I flew into Flint a couple years ago and ended up weathered in. Ended up eating there and I remember it for some unknown reason.
Keep us advised on your progress!

Can't imagine you remembering that dump!! But it is definately located here in the armpit of america. :shades

Having trouble finding time getting my truck in to the dealer as I am on a b@stard schedule at work. Will keep you posted on progress. Have a bad feeling this is going to get ugly:(

Have you done anything further with yours??

[N900WM]

It appears that after talking to Sno-Way, the money for the cordless controller will be returned to me.

For what it's worth to you dudes with other truck brands, Snoway warranty claims that this problem is not limited to Chevy but other brands are seeing this difficulty as well. They say they are working on it and are trying different filters.

Mine works great with the hard wired controller. I'm happy. I thought the cord would more of a pain than it is.

[Robo]

Originally posted by N900WM
It appears that after talking to Sno-Way, the money for the cordless controller will be returned to me.

For what it's worth to you dudes with other truck brands, Snoway warranty claims that this problem is not limited to Chevy but other brands are seeing this difficulty as well. They say they are working on it and are trying different filters.

Mine works great with the hard wired controller. I'm happy. I thought the cord would more of a pain than it is.

I may have to go with the wired controller as well (although I haven't been to the dealer yet for the new wireless). I like the plow and everything but one of the major buying points for me was the wireless remote and of course DP. If I were not going wireless I might have gone a different route. One thing I can't believe is my plow is 1 year old and the mount is rusted to hell!! :headwall I wash it all the time etc but it looks 5 years old:confused: :confused:

[pbeering]

2 part solution to the rusting: Wash with warm soapy water. You can also get some chloride netralizer (Rhomar Industries). Pretty costly, but a lot of the muni guys use it.

Follow up with semigloss polyurethane paint. We keep cans of the stuff in the shop and touch up after cleanup.

[Robo]

Originally posted by N900WM
I'm just back from the dealer now. They completely replaced the receiver and controller with all NEW electronics and guess what? Still didn't work.
With the truck shut off, it works perfectly. But as soon as the truck is started, it won't work at all or is very slow to react.
I also noticed on the drive to the dealer that the electric compass was showing incorrect readings and the outside air temp was showing anywhere between 65 and 92 degrees!

They could not get a hold of SnoWay on the phone so they offered to replace the controller with the standard set-up. I accepted. As RoBo suggested, I can't be tearing up yards and driveways. It works perfectly now. The jury is still out on whether I can get SnoWay to refund the money I spent on the corless set-up.

Today I went and got my new wireless remote. I used the remote plowing a couple of driveways I had left and it appears the problem is solved no more dead spot:shades But we will see if it really helps in the long run.

[Robo]

Originally posted by N900WM
RoBo,
They checked the serial number on my controller as well. Turned out I had one that was not in "the bad batch". So, I'll bet you a diner at Captain Coty's that yours still won't work once it's replaced.

I was concerned about having a cord when I bought the plow. As it turns out, the cord is not really a problem. I'm glad it's there and it's not in the way like others I've seen.

The down pressure is still worth it.

Got the new controller and everything seems to work fine with it. Plowed for 16 hours yesterday and worked every time I pushed the button.

When we going to lunch??:shades

[N900WM]

Gald it is working for you.
Someplace other than Captain Coty's please...

[Robo]

Originally posted by N900WM
Gald it is working for you.
Someplace other than Captain Coty's please...

I insist we don't eat at that dump ;)

[lawn king]

We are going on our 4th season with the series 25 9 ft. steele blade. The remote works fine, however, we do have a spare remote in the glove box. Call it a $125.00 insurence policy. The remote doe's take some getting used to.

[snow4me]

I realize this is an old thread, but I'm experiencing the same problems with a used SnoWay 29 series stainless plow that has the wireless remote. I plowed with it Saturday for the first time and it is slow to react if it does at all and as a result I'm tearing up my customers grass and hitting curbs. I think my used plow is a 2008 as it has the release handles instead of the old pins.

What is the answer to this problem as I'm second owner of this plow but spent a lot of money on it as it was lightly used? Does replacing the antenna really work or am I going to be wasting time chasing my tail and getting frustrated at how slow I'm plowing from using a plow that sometimes does what it is supposed to, other times I have to hit the button twice to get it to move at all...

Yes it seems to be some kind of electrical interference issues with the dash and yes it is GM 1996 Chevy Silverado Z-71

If I lift my hand up to the roof line I can get it to work better, but this is no way to be operating a plow truck. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[jmac5058]

There are many things that wireless makes much more user friendly,but I have never felt restrained running my fishstick while plowing.The furthest I move it is inches and the hard wire is no hinderance.If I went Snoway (love my x-treme V)I would opt for a hard wired controller.Just what advantage comes with wireless,you rarely need to control the plow from outside the truck.

[Basher]

Put entergizers batteries in it. Make sure the anttenna on the receiver (on the black box under the pump cover) is facing the truck. The wireless will always have a little delay it is not immedite like the wired. If you change your point of action and press the button just a little sooner it will work just fine. Some people make the adjustment others never can.

[OsborneConstruction]

When I had that remote, batteries made all of the difference in the world. I used energizer lithium and the dead spots and lack of response went away. The other thing that I was told was that there were different series remotes as well as receivers. I had three remotes, one older one, and two newer ones. The older one worked better, as my receiver was the older style. This year I upgraded to the new pro controller, and have had no dead spots, and zero delay ( which was my main reason for upgrading) the other advantage is that it is rechargeable and has a ciggarete lighter plug to charge it.

Another thing that makes a huge difference with the old ones and the new ones is leaving them in truck overnight parked outside. If the controller gets below freezing even new batteries will die quick. So if your not as fortunate as me and park in a heated garage, bring your controller inside when you are not plowing.

[snow4me]

Thanks, for the tips. Energizer batteries provided no better response. It's interference with the signal caused by the GM dashboard electronics. I checked the antenna too and it's fine. I can either live with it and keep tearing up my customers lawns or plow really slowly (time=$) or pay the dealer $350 to swap out my wireless system for a hard wired one. BTW- I just had to replace 3 hydraulic hoses on my old SnoWay Predator. The two angle ram hoses $31 each and the shorter lift hose $38, hydraulic fluid $9.24 per quart. In addition to that I have to pay $350 to replace the great modern state of the art wireless remote with a hard wired old technology version just so my 2008 29 series plow will operate properly.:mad:

I'm giving serious consideration to switching to Western Plows in the future...

[The boys]

Thanks, for the tips. Energizer batteries provided no better response. It's interference with the signal caused by the GM dashboard electronics. I checked the antenna too and it's fine. I can either live with it and keep tearing up my customers lawns or plow really slowly (time=$) or pay the dealer $350 to swap out my wireless system for a hard wired one. BTW- I just had to replace 3 hydraulic hoses on my old SnoWay Predator. The two angle ram hoses $31 each and the shorter lift hose $38, hydraulic fluid $9.24 per quart. In addition to that I have to pay $350 to replace the great modern state of the art wireless remote with a hard wired old technology version just so my 2008 29 series plow will operate properly.:mad:

I'm giving serious consideration to switching to Western Plows in the future...
And you think snoway parts are expensive. just wait till the controller or the mulitplexing box goes out of the western or better yet the iso module. A smart man from Kentucky once said "well boys im going to tell you something youve got to pay to play"

[Basher]

The new wireless control chagre from a power jack and DOES NOT have the problems the older remote have with some of the new interferance pads in todays dashes. $350 dollars for a complete control, module, and wiring harness is cheap, check out compairable parts from the compeditors. As for hoses, plows are all about maintance, maintance, maintance.

[Chuck Smith]

In general, there is nothing cheap about owning a plow. Just sayin'

~Chuck