Truck will handle a plow with ease. A few things will make it easier though.
First is turn your torsion bars up some if not done allready, this will help in the sag you get when lifting the plow up. I also added timbrens in the front(replaces oem stops), they helped out lots.
Put some weight in the box if your not running a salter(1000lbs or so) as this will help out with the rear tires getting traction and take out some of the front end sag. Depending on snow and accumulation i run in 2wd alot with a skid of salt in the rear.(30bagsx88lbs=2600lbs).
Defiinetely skins with some good bite help, i've found that the bfg a/t's work awesome. The skinner the tire the better grip you will get than a wide tire that will float on top of the snow and get you no traction.
As far as plows i run a 8ft poly Artic plow with removable wings(box plow idea). Plow weighs 962lbs one of the heavier out there. Basically your plow selection should be partionally determined by how close your dealer is for service and support. You do not want to be driving a long way for a part you need when its still snowing and you need to keep plowing. Meyers, Artic, Western, Boss seem to make quality equipment from my experience. As far as the Hiniker, neat idea but from what i;ve read and heard stay as far away as possible. I wouldn't put anything smaller than a 9ft on a dually as if you go smaller then the outer wheels will be running in your windrow and loosing traction. It will be even worse when you angle the plow. Your probably allready used to having to watch out for your dually flares, but they seem to stick out more when plowing for some reason(lol), becareful.
I've been plowing for 11years now(no expert by any means) and the dmax is by far the best plow truck i have ever used, yes even better than a solid front axled truck.
I see you have an 01 and an 03. Make sure your NSBU switch on the side of the tranny is upgraded on the 01 to the tan coloured one. I've gone threw the factory black one(01 switch) upgraded to the tan coloured one and that still went on me. I now carry a spare with me just incase. Learnt my lesson last year when the tan one went on me when i still had 12hours to go. Had to plow the remainder 12 hours in 3rd gear only as it was sunday and couldnt get a new switch. Needless to say the tranny temps were way up there, definetely won't do that this year with the Suncoast under her.
Hope this helps and let the white gold start falling anytime. Later Jeremy
Edited by: heartbeatcanada