This package seems to no longer be available on the 2011 F-150's. The discussion came up in the ecoboost forum as the front license plate is off set to most likely allow for more air flow.

Would the new electronic steering have an effect on this as well? This is basically the same truck, what's changed?

Last MY, it seems that the package was available on FX4 models and it required heavier springs, shocks, transmission cooler and the rear e-locker.

Discussion?

 

I would think if you went to the 6.2 motor you could still get the snow plow prep. Wonder why they deleted it off the whole line?

The 6.2 still gets the conventional steering setup.

 

The previously available Snow Plow Prep Package was only available on XL or XLT's with the Heavy Duty Payload Package. Only the Heritage style F150's had the wider range of choices for models. I almost bought a 7700# Lariat in 03.

Most F150 owners who add plows aren't doing it on trucks that have a plow package. It's more a matter of I need a plow and my F150 will do a good job. Plow manufacturer's offer all sorts of options when it comes to plows that work with the lighter weight limits of the F150 front. They should be able to do the same thing with the 11's. But I think there's increased potential for steering problems and who knows just how expensive it will be to replace the electric assist power rack or any of it's components?

I'm 100% confident that the front suspension on our beloved F150's can and will handle the weight of a plow and the abuse associated with plowing. Heck, my 07 has done a great job. But I worry about what will happen to the steering. And since it's new, the parts world is not full of available cores for remanufactured assemblies. So, screw it up and buy a new one from the dealer. And NO, it's not Fords responsibility to repair problems associated with the front suspension or steering or even the transmission, if I'm plowing and something fails.

And I know boys and girls, on this site, I'm part of the minority who is willing to plow with a F150. But in there are lots of folks who plow with F150's. I see at least 20 F150's in my normal weekly travels with plows.

 

It would be good to hear an official answer from Ford on why they made that decision.

 

Interesting thread, as I thought I may put a LD plow on this truck for home drive use only (1300'). Going to Fisher, Meyer and Western sites none show an application for F-150's in 2011, 2010 and before yes, but not 2011. Make me want to change my order to an SD? No, just got rid of one. With money diff between and 150 and SD I'll look for an old beater with a plow and not put plates / insurance on it.

 

Don't jump off the ship just yet. The plow manufacturers are typically slow at updating their listings for new models. I've checked with Fisher and they don't have details worked out yet, but they will have them figured out before too long.

 

Visited a dealer on 8/17 to look over the 2011 w/ecoboost engine to replace my 2001 F150. Mentioned that I have a Western plow and would want a plow on the new truck. Was told that no plow is currently available because the electronics for the plow control interfere with the electronics for the electric power steering. According to the salesman, a couple of plow manufacturers (one is Fisher) are working to develop a plow package that totally separates the electrical circuits to prevent this "interference." FYI, I have a Western mid-weight plow and have had no problems with it on the 2001. Hope that helps.

 

Your dealer needs to read an F-150 owners manual. I just read mine again the other day and it states that none of the F-150's no matter which engine it has is rated to plow snow. The 6.2L trucks are the only trucks to have the hydraulic power steering system while all other trucks are equipped with EPS. I'm sure the EPS is a contributor to this decision but what's the rest of the story?

I'm not sure if Ford made a blanket statement for the snow plow for simplicity or if they intentionally de-rated the 6.2L trucks as well.

 

When I lived in Michigan all of the trucks I saw with snow-plows were 3/4 ton. Of course that was several years ago. A snow plow is pretty heavy on the front-end of a truck.

What did the dealer say?

 

On one of the other sites last night I found a service bulletin from Ford (I think) stating that with the electric power steering on the 2011 F150, the electrical system is maxed out and operating a plow can overload the system resulting in loss of other electrical systems on the truck. I don't remember the exact discussion thread, but it was one related to snow plows and Ford trucks.

 

I wouldn't put a plow on any truck that didn't have a solid beam front axle. All you see around here is 3/4 and up Fords with plows on them. I asked one of the snow removal companies why they use Ford instead of Gm etc....He said that the front ends of Gm's and such with the IFS would literally fall apart after about 2 seasons of plowing, he said in no way would he ever put a plow on anything that wasn't solid beam front axle again. He said the GM dealership voided his warranty on his suspension components due to the plow's he put on his service trucks. Ford however warranty's their trucks even with the heavy duty plow package.