2015 Ford F-150 Offers $50 Snow Plow Prep Package
By Tim Esterdahl
During a snowy afternoon in Detroit, we wondered: "Why plow with a half-ton?" Typically, snow plowing is reserved for larger, heavy-duty pickup trucks. Ford says this setup appeals to the occasional snow plower — a farmer, a homeowner with a long driveway or a small business with a parking lot. Instead of firing up the heavy-duty, these owners can adapt a new Ford F-150 to handle the job.
Ford says it is just beginning to offer the package for half-ton pickups and many dealerships are ordering the option for trucks to be sold off their lots. Currently, Ford has about 1,100 orders for the Snow Plow Prep Package (just $50), which requires some changes to the software program via a dedicated plow switch found on the F-150 instrument panel and an extra hot wire near the driver's knee to power the plow joystick toggle. With that option loaded, customers can then take their truck to a third-party plow manufacturer for additional electrical wiring and under-frame hardware items.
One drawback to this package is that owners of any trim level will lose their seat heater capability. Ford engineers said it's an issue of sacrificing something to handle the additional electrical load for the snowplow. The seat heaters were deemed the least critical choice.
A New Half-Ton Boss Plow
We tested a 2015 XLT SuperCrew 4x4 F-150 using a 7.5-foot-wide lightweight plow from Boss Snowplow; it was specifically designed for this pickup. From the straightforward hand controller to the 30-second hookup and unhook functionality, this plow was incredibly easy to use.
The F-150 plow package is offered on XL, XLT and Lariat models in all cab configurations with four-wheel drive; each has a recommended maximum weight limit of 450 pounds for the snowplow. Our test unit had a stainless-steel HTX plow developed by Boss Snowplow for half-ton and smaller pickups and SUVs. A 7-foot Boss blade typically weighs about 380 pounds, while the 7.5-foot blade weighs about 430 pounds. The plow has a thicker rubber pads at the top and bottom of the blade and includes a hydraulic cylinder lift as well as LED lighting.
Inside the cabin, the driver simply presses a dedicated plow button to transfer electrical power away from "nonessential features"; a controller allows for up and down, and left and right blade movement. The controller has a double-tap feature to engage a special "float" mode allowing the plow to better follow the contours of the road.
With the controller in hand, the driver can push snow off to the side in either direction. Thankfully, there is an automatic release feature on the blade so if it hits large rocks or curbs, the plow falls forward to minimize possible damage. The driver can simply re-engage the blade with the hand controller.
Lastly, attaching and detaching the blade is simple with a metal kickstand, a pair of quick release latches and a hydraulic coupler to lower it. After the blade is removed, there are just a few power wires to remove.
Boss Snowplow hasn't finalized pricing for the HTX blade, but estimates based on similar products in the marketplace will likely put it around $5,000 for the stainless-steel option. The HTX blade will be officially launched at the 2015 National Truck Equipment Association Work Truck Show in March.
Driving Impressions
Ford has done a pretty good job of figuring out power needs, weight capacities and handling dynamics for this new package, but we needed to see how well a light-duty pickup could handle the stresses of plow duty for ourselves.
Ford offers the snowplow package only with the 5.0-liter V-8 engine. The package is not offered with the EcoBoost because the turbocharger intercooler is located directly behind the blade, and a plow restricts airflow. The 5.0-liter does not have the same cooling limitations and is a lighter engine.
We made several daytime runs over a large parking lot with 1 to 2 feet of compacted snow covering the ground. In nearly every case except one, the V-8 handled the work with ease. On the one occasion it didn't, we hit a snowdrift nearly 3 feet high, and it stopped us with spinning tires. It was no problem though; we simply raised the blade height from inside our warm cabin and took two swipes at it.
We should note that while the 2015 F-150 weighs less than the previous model, it is still a pickup truck, which means there's little weight on the rear axle. For the best plowing results, Ford recommends putting more weight in the bed to act as ballast. In fact, most snowplow manufacturers call for added weight in the rear for all pickup trucks when plowing. Some plow makers will provide weight charts that specify the exact amount of ballast needed based for specific cab configurations and bed lengths.
With the additional 400 pounds or so on the front end of the truck with the plow, we did find we slid more when encountering larger amounts of snow; however, in a foot or so of snow while moving at less than 20 mph, the F-150 handled quite nicely; we could barely tell we were plowing.
Ford and GM are the only truckmakers to offer a plow prep package for half-tons, with the latter costing between $225 to $400, depending on the model. Ford also offers a heavy payload package that will give the truck heavier-duty front and rear springs.
Overall, Ford seems to have done its homework. As more snowplow manufacturers design new products and features, it's likely they'll find that Ford has delivered a pretty good blank canvas. And as a $50 option, it could be one of the most valuable ordering decisions a new-truck buyer can make.
But be warned: This is not meant to be a commercial-use option. It's a personal-use, small-job option, but we like that Ford is offering the added capability. For those doing more aggressive or extended plowing, a stronger and heavier-duty pickup is still the best choice.
Cars.com photos by Tim Esterdahl
Comments
for homeowners with a long driveway, this is a neat option.
Still might make more sense to buy a dedicated beater plow truck though.
I don't understand people who plow with 1/2 Tons.
I think it's awesome that half-tons are built heavy enough to plow, but I agree with gom that it makes a lot more sense to buy an old beater (a 3/4-ton, IMHO).
Plus, 5 grand for a plow seems excessive. $5000 will buy professional snow plowing for a driveway or small parking lot pretty much FOREVER. I realize these probably cost more due to the need for an electric motor to drive the hydraulics (no available hydro/power steering on new F150s) but again...that just argues for a 3/4-ton again...
I think plowing with a half ton is silly. Even with someone with "light/occasional" plowing needs like a long driveway (like I have) its a very expensive way to overkill the problem and add wear and tear to a platform (half ton) that really isn't meant to handle it even occasionally. I like that plows are being designed for specific trucks and I love that manufacturers are investing in making trucks more plow friendly but I don't see the point of half ton plowing. If you have enough snow to plow to justify all the expense of a truck plow then you should have a 3/4 ton or larger or hire a pro... There are smaller cheaper snow removal systems for lesser more occasional needs.
It better be for light duty plowing! Good marketing tool for Ford because the truck will be wore out in a year or two and then time for a new truck again.
1/2 tons have come a long way, they should be able to handle a small plow. If an ATV can do it so can an f150
So the dissenters are saying that someone who has a fleet of light duty trucks and a yard like say a pest control company or something, should invest in a 3/4 ton truck to do their plowing?
Even though they may already have a truck, or several of them. And they have a small lot.
That sounds like an incredible waste of money. It's very easy to spend other peoples money, isn't it.
Use what you have to maximise your returns.
I still see Ford Rangers with plows. I can see this being an attractive option for some. At $50 its kinda an easy option block to check for the 5.0 buyers. If I were a dealer in snow country every 5.0 I ordered would have it.
If you live 20 miles out of town....hiring a pro may not be an option....you wouldn't get plowed out for a week. Plus, half tons today are built stronger than a generation or two ago 3/4 tons.
If it's rated to carry the weight I don't see a problem. It's obviously been engineered for it. This is just an advantage of the lightweight of ford.... Opens up capacity to handle this task.
It was only a few years ago that GM built a 3/4 ton truck that they said could handle a plow. Now Ford got the F-150s plowing. Although I have to say I wouldn't want to play with a 1/2 ton.
The Chevy and GMC plow prep package for light-duty reg cab pickups includes a power feed for backup and roof emergency lights, 170-amp alternator, forward lamp wiring harness, provisions for cab roof mounted lamp/beacon, high-capacity air cleaner, underbody shield and heavy duty front springs. It lists for $225 to $400, depending on the model. The order code is VYU
I hope people realize that today's half ton trucks Re as capable as 3/4 ton trucks from 10 years ago with the exemption of today's 1/2 ton RAM that can't haul crap!
I disagree with many that say this is not a useful option. After having a couple of inches of snow become a foot or more Ford could not have any better timing.
If I really needed a light duty "occasional" plow vehicle, I'd put a blade on a Jeep Wrangler. Solid front axle, turns on a dime compared to a full-size half-ton, and nicely priced for both the vehicle and the plow kit.
Greg will never learn how to hide his stupidity.
It's funny how in the northeast there are 1/2 ton trucks all over the place with plows. They work just fine. As mentioned above the newer 1/2 tons are much more capable as well as the newer plows are much better built and lighter. With all that said, I don't think I would buy a brand new truck for plowing, but it is an option that used to not exist.
I am confused...one of the articles from the end of last week was how pricey trucks are thse days (40%+ increase in the past 10 years).
Now OEM's are setting up these rolling profit centers to be mounted with a tool of abuse, a snow plow!
I can't immagine spending 50 or 60k on a truck and then putting a plow on the front of it.
Marketing folks these days are keen in making us want things we don't need.
I have to agree with others, but few years old 3/4 ton truck or older and add a plow to that.
Plowing is incredibly hard on a truck.
The weak links in plowing with a 1/2 ton is the lack of strength in the steering system, suspension and axle bearing strength.
3/4 ton trucks axle bearings are huge compared to 1/2 tons.
This might be fine for a occasional use, but I see it more of a used to clear a private drive by the guys with a $50K 1/2 ton truck kind of thing.
If you live 20 miles out of town....hiring a pro may not be an option
@Ryan
If you live 20 miles from town you probably already have a perfectly suitable old Ford (or IH?) tractor in the barn much better suited to pushing snow around.
That depends on which 1/2 ton you own:
http://file.walagata.com/w/bmjowett/tundravsf250.jpg
That said, I have seen many Bronco/Blazer/Jeeps with plows.
I spent less that $3K (used) on my one-owner Yamaha Kodiak with an Eagle Plow setup that I use for my property. I'd rather use it than my pickup. However, if I had much larger of a driveway to my house and my shop, I'd like a bigger rig.
My 16hp John Deere lawn tractor plows my long driveway just fine and I don't have to mount a plow on my 50k truck.
The F150 is the most robust half ton on the market. Even if it wasn't, snow plows are very forgiving when a mistake is made(like a curb hit). If you could do it in a 3/4 of a few years ago,you can do it in an F-150... for smallish jobs.
Oh, the complete ignorance of the average poster on this website.
I plowed commercially for years with a 84 Jeep Grand Wagoner. Any 1/2 ton pickup can plow for many seasons with no problems unless it's driven by a fool.
So the dissenters are saying that someone who has a fleet of light duty trucks and a yard like say a pest control company or something, should invest in a 3/4 ton truck to do their plowing?
Even though they may already have a truck, or several of them. And they have a small lot.
That sounds like an incredible waste of money. It's very easy to spend other peoples money, isn't it.
Use what you have to maximise your returns.
Posted by: the scrutineer | Feb 23, 2015 11:42:28 AM
Have you seen the price of a new F150? I can get a nice Power Wagon that rides better and would do circles around this F150 plowing. Or just get a 2500 Ram with a 5.7 or 6.4 HEMI V8 to plow. Just like this article states 1/2 tons are for home owners. NOT COMMERCIAL!
P.S. Funny you can't use a V6
My ATV with a plow suits me just fine!
Plus I can get into tight places such as sidewalks.
With Mud Lites tires and a winch on the back and front its nearly impossible to get stuck.
In the spring I take the plow off and have great fun off-roading with my ATV.
Also my ATV can tow 900 lbs, it also doubles as a log skidder.
Its a 2008 Suzuki 750 King Quad with a 54" Moose Country Plow had it since new, never had a problem with it
ATV may work for the little guy,
But here are the pros of truck.plow
*heat
*don't have to tow it to location
*not made from sheet metal
cons
cons of atv
*still have to shovel a lot of snow, the atv plows just are not heavy enough to do a good job back dragging.
*You need to have room to put the snow and push the early snowfall far enough into the yard that you have room for all the following snow falls. Once the bank sits and hardens you wont move it with the quad
*hard on the quad
I think many of you are overlookng that this plow was designed for a 1/2 ton. Did you see the weights? They are 7 and 7 1/2ft blades with a lighter duty edge. They won't put much extra load on steering or wheel bearings as they fall within the front axle ratings. We aren't talking a 9foot blade here. In New England there are loads of 1/2 tons with plows. Heck my neighbor has one on his Ford Sporttrac. If you are doing a small parking lot or long driveway they work just fine. Biggest wear and tear factor on a plow truck is the nut behind the wheel. Much like anything, if you abuse it, you will wear out and break stuff. FWIW if I wanted to plow with a quad I'd just keep my snowblower. Both options have you outside in the cold but the snowblower does a much cleaner job. Another plus for the truck over a quad is speed of the job getting done. The truck blade is almost double the width of a quad blade.
Tim,
A good overall review; but seriously this is nothing more than a marketing tool by Ford to “push” the aluminum trucks out the door with the illusion “they are tuff”.
True enough the 5.0L is required solely for the reason it is far more durable than the paltry EcoBoost offerings.
The marketing line provided by Ford that airflow is restricted for the EcoBoost is simply “not true”.
Ford’s own TSB’s (at one time) have up to three plastic covers eliminating 80% of the airflow on many Texas EcoBoost Ford provided “Band-Aids”.
Randy, on Ford's latest TSB those plastic covers were eliminated:
http://www.fordf150blog.com/2013-and-2014-ford-f-150-misfire-fix/
Furthermore, the intercooler may not even be the problem:
http://www.fordf150blog.com/f-150-misfireloss-of-power-fix-revisited/
Randy - First, I highly doubt 80% of airflow is blocked. Second, It is pretty common knowledge that plows block airflow to the point of sometimes causing overheating depending on conditions. In this case the plow pretty much sits dead in front of the intercooler. While it might not be a concern for a homeowner clearing a driveway perhaps, Ford needs to consider the guy who buys it then winds up plowing out his whole neighborhood then screaming that he overheated or burned up something.
Whether Ford made this option package or not, the plow companies would have made plows to fit the truck. They have for years despite the manufacturers stating they don't recommend doing it and the manuals for the plows state that it may void portions of your warranty. Being a factory prep item Ford has to cover themselves and make it fit their warranty. This isn't an uncommon practice. IIRC Dodge/RAM had certain configurations they said you could use for plowing and others they said no to. Had to do with cab, bed and chassis items. That being said, you could still get the plows to fit them all regardless of manufacturer suggestions.
plowing with a 1/2 ton is great if you dont have big parking lots. We plow many driveways, apartment complexes and small business parking lots and we use 92 s10 blazers, on our second one actually average lifespan of 10 years. this plow package is awful. why not just put a bigger altenator and skid plates like GM does. dont restrict power, add it.
A bobcat with a snow bucket work far better in parking lots with tight quarters since you can lift the snow over the curb and into taller piles. With a plow you end up with a messer job with small piles taking up a lot of parking spots. The recently switched to a plow company that uses pickup trucks where I work since they were cheaper and wow they suck compared to the people that used bobcats and a dozer with a buckets.
Would be even cooler if BOSS plows offered a plow with an aluminum blade to save weight...Steel frame and sub-structure, but the main part of the blade that is made from stainless steel could also be made from a sheet of aluminum.
It's only 380 lbs over the front axle.. Or one texan
I have a plow on my 1992 F150 , western 7'6 handles it perfectly. The guy who says it will wear the truck out in 1-2 years is a laugh.
I had a Western HTS 7.5 ft plow on a 2004 F-150 supercab, transferred it to a 2010 F-150 supercab, then sold it and I now have a Snoway 7.5 ft plow on my 2013 Supercrew. It is the most comfortable and maneuverable setup I have ever plowed with. With the Snoway plow, you don't need the button to disable unneeded electrical features. Hell I even jam to the tunes with my amp and subwoofer cookin'!
The reason it is 5.0 only is because of the restricted airflow. The bypass switch is for the current draw, in case you haven't noticed there's a lot of electronics in a modern truck.
The reason Ford did this is simple. When you drive around places like Michigan in the winter you see snow plow's on just about anything you can fit it on. You'll see plow's on S10's, S10 Blazer's, Jeep's, 1/2 ton pickups, etc, etc. GM has offered a snow plow package for their regular cab half ton trucks for years. It's one of those deals where the customers are already doing it so they might as well engineer a package for those who will do it whether you like it or not. They aren't trying to push people to plow with a half ton, just building the truck more capable for those who chose to install a plow on the half ton they buy. For some people the thought of a 3/4 ton is the end of the world. I don't understand it either.
Been plowing with an 03 Ram Hemi 1/2 ton Quad cab and a 71/2' Meyers for years. 280,000km now. Use low range when pushing 4' to 5' drifts and usually have 1000lbs of ballast. Run chains in real tough conditions. Changed out wheel bearings a few years back, but everything else is all original. Body is rusted thru on rear fenders and rockers now.
I have been plowing my 300 ft driveway ( and sometimes a friends) with my 2000 f150 for the last 8 years,7 1/2 snoway plow, works great. truck is going to fail inspection due to rust before anything else wears out. Thank you ford for offering this option. Most light duty trucks are getting to light. The trend is moving to the 3/4 tons with light axels that will not handle a full size plow. As for hiring a professional to plow , I don't like sitting looking out the window wondering where in line i am on the list when its 6am and I need to get to work. Rely on yourself and you will never be disappointed .
I don't understand why people don't think a 1/2 ton can handle regular plow duties. I have jeep TJ's with 450 lb western blades that I've been cleaning commercial lots for over 10 years without problems. As long as you maintain the vehicle regularly and dont plow like an amateur nut then it will last forever. If a tiny jeep can handle it I'm 100% certain a 1/2 ton with a factory plow prep package can do the same. Have faith in the product and maintain it and you will be just fine. Love this truck and love the boss plow. Finally someone listened and went to LED powered headlights.
We are installing more and more plows on half ton trucks each year. In most cases it is the operator that is in error if and when something goes wrong. The biggest issue for us as most new trucks sit to low for proper installations. Lift them up use the proper ballast and these trucks will last as long as any other. I would say that maybe 1 out of every 20 plows that come into our shop have ballast in them. We stress this all the time. It saves so much wear and tear on a vehicle but most refuse to do it. Have a great season all!
IT's the guys who have no experience plowing with a 1/2 ton that think they won't handle the job. Funny how those big truck drivers get so heated when someone says "I can do what you do with my smaller truck." Don't be mad we spent a lot less money for the same results! You just need the appropriate plow, and the smarts to sell your customers on the fact that they need plowed roughly every 3 inches and guess what....NO PROBLEMS BECAUSE THE TRUCK IS NOT BEING OVER BURDENED BY A FOOT OF SNOW! It's all in the driver....
for all of you saying you cant plow in a half-ton, we had a 1984 chevy k1500(not sure on the badge that far back) that plowed until we bought a 2002 f250. It was a standard bed regular cab and we plowed driveways, and sidewalks with it, also to get the smaller stuff a 3/4 ton couldn't get. Also a new 1/2 ton is nowhere near a 10 year old 3/4 ton. Our 2002 f250 had 6000 pounds in the back and a 800 pound 8' plow up front for 13 years and did a LOT of lots. never needed ball joints, never changed tranny fluid for the 140,000mi we had it,( it started to slip between 1st and 2nd) tires were A/T 235/75 r16 and lasted 60,000 miles a pair. we once threw 7500 pounds of stone dust carrying it on I-95 and drove up an hour for a eagle scout project, oh and it was the "dog" 5.4 and it held up fine, although even with three people up front (regular cab) the front was very light.NO half-ton could hope to do that weight, they build them tougher today for sure, but our new truck (2015 Chevy 1500, 5.3 also regular cab) had trouble with 3,000 pounds of concrete on the back. the new trucks are built stronger but to build them as strong as people are suggesting is not true, were putting a plow on it for now and will possibly trade in for a super duty in a few years if they are a reasonable price.
can you get the snow plow prep package after market? I was thinking of putting a plow on my new f150.
I plowed with my 2007 f150 for 7 years my buisness and home and occasionaly a friend deserted by their plow guy. would still have it except for the power steering pump that they dont make new anymore reconditioned stinks.
hey people. if your wealthy and want to have fun . who cares buy the f150 and have fun........lets do the math. does it really matter. f150 is an expensive truck to begin with. mine is 2016 xlt ran 50,000 after insurance was added and of course the undercoating. So just add 10 % for plow. My previous truck chevy avalanche 27000 used with 30,000 miles. Absolutely fantastic. It was a 150 so I couldn't and wouldn't plow with it.
I hire out and spend 1500 on a heavy winter. 150bucks for lot and sidewalks which is very reasonable. Had to switch from a chevy to a Ford because I am tall and couldn't fit. Have a great day.....Go Cubs
My guess is the gearing. My avalanche with a 5.3 got 15 mpg. New ford has a 5.0 liter and I know it wont match that. The get up and go with the chevy av blows the ford away. Mu chevy is steel and the ford is aluminum. hhhmmmm...the ford truck wasn't made to beat a SUV avalanche is my guess...
Listen, when you buy a truck, 1/2 , 3/4 ore 1 ton, it's got to be ready for work, ive plowed my personal 1/4 mile driveway and my business briveway, that's 3 months out a year. So to drive around with 3/4 tons 9 months at 9 to 12 miles per gallon is not in my radar... 2015 f150 with 5.0 22 highway and 19.75 to work this truck is exactly what I need year round,, just bought a fisher ht, and it works great.. and when I drive my truck daily, I don't need a kidney belt.. smooth ride, it's too bad chevy has no option to plow 1/2, thanks US built fords
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