Snow plow prep package question
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 710
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Snow plow prep package question
Why do so many trucks on the lots have the "snow plow prep package"? Is there some other advantages having it above and beyond adding a snow plow, which I'm sure most of us would never add? Does it affect the ride or handling of the truck?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2017
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-the front springs match the rear (almost). Stiff rear springs and soft front, feels a bit weird to me.
-It's at least an inch taller than the soft front springs
-Tows great, less porpoising
-If you don't have proper shocks that can dampen serious hits, you can use extra stiff progressive springs to Bandaid the situation. If you want a softer ride, but still soak up big bumps, you need to spend serious $$$$ on shocks, then softer linear springs.
-You get one big HD alternator.
-A winch and winch bumper weight as much as a plow. LOL.
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 710
Likes: 58
There's a few reasons.
-the front springs match the rear (almost). Stiff rear springs and soft front, feels a bit weird to me.
-It's at least an inch taller than the soft front springs
-Tows great, less porpoising
-If you don't have proper shocks that can dampen serious hits, you can use extra stiff progressive springs to Bandaid the situation. If you want a softer ride, but still soak up big bumps, you need to spend serious $$$$ on shocks, then softer linear springs.
-You get one big HD alternator.
-A winch and winch bumper weight as much as a plow. LOL.
-the front springs match the rear (almost). Stiff rear springs and soft front, feels a bit weird to me.
-It's at least an inch taller than the soft front springs
-Tows great, less porpoising
-If you don't have proper shocks that can dampen serious hits, you can use extra stiff progressive springs to Bandaid the situation. If you want a softer ride, but still soak up big bumps, you need to spend serious $$$$ on shocks, then softer linear springs.
-You get one big HD alternator.
-A winch and winch bumper weight as much as a plow. LOL.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 902
Likes: 51
From: Clark, WY
The simple answer is that is how you get maximum rated springs and rating on the front end. If you get the snow plow in any truck you get a 5990# rated front end. If you do not spec that package there are multiple ratings that the computer could assign to your spring rates because it seems that most consumers are worried about ride over capability. There used to be a "max spring" option but no more.
As an fyi, the HD spring option just raises the springs one level from what the computer would select for any given build. The HD option is if you want to run a heavy bumper and/or winch bumper. A snow plow puts a lot of force on the front end so the higher rated is needed, others may select it just to have a heavier duty truck. It would seem the dealer you are looking at have consumers that rate capability over ride.
As an fyi, the HD spring option just raises the springs one level from what the computer would select for any given build. The HD option is if you want to run a heavy bumper and/or winch bumper. A snow plow puts a lot of force on the front end so the higher rated is needed, others may select it just to have a heavier duty truck. It would seem the dealer you are looking at have consumers that rate capability over ride.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 1,123
The biggest thing is higher spring rate from min 5200 to 6k
The rake is less, I have plow package and dual HD alt on my 18. I belive the setting on the cooling fan is set different.....was on earlier models.
I prefer the slightly stiffer ride. My 17 Platinum didn't have it and it handle my plow just fine.
My plow setup is 1100 pounds.
The rake is less, I have plow package and dual HD alt on my 18. I belive the setting on the cooling fan is set different.....was on earlier models.
I prefer the slightly stiffer ride. My 17 Platinum didn't have it and it handle my plow just fine.
My plow setup is 1100 pounds.
Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: land of sky blue waters
I'm gonna put a plow on mine (it's the primary reason I got a SD), but I understand some guys here in snow country (MN) get it because it makes it easier to sell. Even if they don't need it, the next guy may want it.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 610
Likes: 0
From: Witness Protection Progam
The simple answer is that is how you get maximum rated springs and rating on the front end. If you get the snow plow in any truck you get a 5990# rated front end. If you do not spec that package there are multiple ratings that the computer could assign to your spring rates because it seems that most consumers are worried about ride over capability. There used to be a "max spring" option but no more.
As an fyi, the HD spring option just raises the springs one level from what the computer would select for any given build. The HD option is if you want to run a heavy bumper and/or winch bumper. A snow plow puts a lot of force on the front end so the higher rated is needed, others may select it just to have a heavier duty truck. It would seem the dealer you are looking at have consumers that rate capability over ride.
As an fyi, the HD spring option just raises the springs one level from what the computer would select for any given build. The HD option is if you want to run a heavy bumper and/or winch bumper. A snow plow puts a lot of force on the front end so the higher rated is needed, others may select it just to have a heavier duty truck. It would seem the dealer you are looking at have consumers that rate capability over ride.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
For what it's worth this is my 1st super duty having 7 F150's prior. My SD has both the camper/snow plow prep. I went with upgrading shocks to the Rancho 9000s. The stock ranchos are a joke. I've read some negative feedback on the longevity of the ranchos but I can't comment yet cause I've had them for about 3k miles. That said my SD rides darn near as good as my F150s did. I tow often, all season in the Midwest. I like the extra stability. Reading other sections a set of Fox Shocks with res might be in my future.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,840
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From: Jacksonville
Here's a comparison of a '17 F-250 without the plow package vs an '18 F-350 with plow package. There is a couple of inches difference in the front but almost even in the back. Both trucks have 20" wheels & 6.7's. The F-250 does have about 52k miles on it vs the 5k on the 350.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,441
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Every inch counts. (except if your stealing girlfriends from dodge owners, then you only need a few)
If the spring s bother you, when you change your front shocks out, it's a 5 min chore to move your jack and pull out your front springs. And I think OEM springs are pretty cheap. Hardest part is adjusting the steering rod so the wheel is straight.
If the spring s bother you, when you change your front shocks out, it's a 5 min chore to move your jack and pull out your front springs. And I think OEM springs are pretty cheap. Hardest part is adjusting the steering rod so the wheel is straight.
