General Setup for a 2015 Sierra Plow

[gmyeah]

I know everyone will probably crucify me for considering plowing with a 1/2 ton, but it's purely for residential. My driveway and maybe one other (both on the long side), but this setup certainly wouldn't be used for commercial use......so I'm assuming I should be ok. All feedback is welcome though. This truck will be a daily driver....will use for everything.

The truck, 2015 double cab (with max package)...no snow prep package....as most of you know, you have to have the regular cab for that. Somehow Ford cheats the system a bit and offers a snow plow prep package on its 1/2 ton f150 ext cab though on the 5.0L V8.

Either way, considering putting on a fisher HT which is about 474 pounds (includes mount). I'm new to the fisher brand and don't know if this is just with them or generally what I would have to do putting a plow on a 1/2 ton, but my plow shop suggested a leveling kit (2.25", ready-lift) in addition to timbrens in the front. Then it could accommodate this plow. Seem reasonable? do I need to go 2.25". I've had the 1.5" version (without the plow) of that leveling kit on previous trucks and it worked farily well in terms of component wear. The 2.25" version just has an additional spacer that goes on the bottom of the shock as well. I've always been good with 1.5", 1.8"....maybe even 2", but the shop is suggesting the 2.25" setup if I put a plow on. Hoping that would be ok. Thoughts? This will be used as a daily driver as well.....so hopefully this won't kill my ride. I've modified my 2008 a handful of times and it's def stiffer up front, so not sure if I'll care if it's a little harsher. Added note, i'll probably put a 2 or 3" block in the rear as well just to make the stance a bit better.....along with air bags possibly.

Would it be possible to just buy some stiffer spring for up front...just thinking out loud. Thanks in advance for the input.

 

 

 

[newdude]

People put plows on them. Plow prep trucks have: power feed for backup and roof emergency light, (KW7) 170-amp alternator, forward lamp wiring harness, (TRW) Provision for cab roof mounted lamp/beacon, (K47) high-capacity air cleaner, (NZZ) underbody shield and Heavy Duty Front Springs.

 

The problem with anything other than a regular cab for plow prep has to do with the remaining front axle weight rating (FAWR). Spec is 3950lbs. VYU equipped 1/2 ton regular cabs are only allowed a max of a 500lbs plow and 40lbs permanent truck side equipment (see linked chart).

 

http://www.gmfleetorderguide.com/NASApp/domestic/printbook?pdftype=option&lang=1&vehicle=16823&rpoid=27701

 

The weights are published at one driver at 150lbs, plus a passenger at 150lbs, and standard equipment. Per the weights calculator on the GM Order Guide site, a 1LT max tow has a front curb weight of 3,196.8lbs. Max front weight is 3950lbs, leaving a 753.2lbs remainder for front end payload. Take into consideration 150lbs for a driver (for example), 40lbs for truck side hardware, that leaves 563.2lbs for a snow plow. So, if you weigh 150lbs, this could work. Lets say you weigh 200lbs, and you are plowing or driving around with the plow on and with your wife, say 130lbs. Take the 753.2, subtract the truck side hardware, you, your wife. That gives you 363.2lbs remaining front end payload. take a 474lbs plow to that number, you will exceed the FAWR of the truck.

 

Owners manual excerpt:

 

 

Caution: Do not exceed 64 km/h (40 mph) with a snow plow mounted to the vehicle. The vehicle could overheat and be damaged.

Before installing a snow plow on the vehicle, here are some things you need to know:

Caution: If the vehicle does not have the snow plow prep package, adding a plow can damage the vehicle, and the repairs would not be covered by warranty. Unless the vehicle was built to carry a snow plow, do not add one to the vehicle. If the vehicle has the snow plow prep package, called RPO VYU, then the payload the vehicle can carry will be reduced when a snow plow is installed. The vehicle can be damaged if either the front or rear axle ratings or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) are exceeded.

Some vehicles are built with a special snow plow prep package, called RPO VYU. If the vehicle has this option, you can add a plow to it, provided certain weights, such as the weights on the vehicle's axles and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), are not exceeded.

The plow the vehicle can carry depends on many things, such as:

• The options the vehicle came with, and the weight of those options.
• The weight and number of passengers intended to be carried.
• The weight of items added to the vehicle, like a tool box or truck cap.
• The total weight of any additional cargo intended to be carried.

Say, for example, you have a 318 kg (700 lb) snow plow. The total weight of all occupants and cargo inside the cab should not exceed 135 kg (300 lb). This means that you may only be able to carry one passenger. But, even this may be too much if there is other equipment already adding to the weight of the vehicle.

Here are some guidelines for safely carrying a snow plow on the vehicle:

• Make sure the weight on the front and rear axles does not exceed the axle rating for each.
• For the front axle, if more cargo or passengers must be carried, appropriate counter ballast must be installed rear of the rear axle. Counter ballast must be properly secured so it will not move during driving.
• Follow the snow plow manufacturer's recommendations regarding rear ballast. Rear ballast may be required to ensure a proper front and rear weight distribution ratio, even though the actual weight at the front axle may be less than the front axle rating.
• The snow plow manufacturer or installer can assist you in determining the amount of rear ballast required, to help make sure the snow plow/vehicle combination does not exceed the GVW rating, the front and rear axle ratings, and the front and rear weight distribution ratio.
• The total vehicle must not exceed the GVW rating.

Front axle reserve capacity is the difference between the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and the front axle weight of the vehicle with full fuel and passengers. Basically, it is the amount of weight that can be added to the front axle before reaching the front GAWR.