Seems as though Ford is going to add a snow plow option on all packages of the 2015 F150. They must really have a heavy duty front suspension for a snow plow. This isn't all that surprising, they've been doing it for years for the Super Duty trucks. I'm wondering since it sounds as though it's going to be standard across the board if they are offering a much stronger suspension like what was offered on the F250LD/F150 7700. Or with the reduced weight of the cab if that they won't have to.

This 2015 Ford F-150 Is Ready to Plow Some Detroit Snow

I first saw the news on my facebook feed https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater

what do you guys think?

 

You'll note that it's sporting a BOSS plow. BOSS plows are installed so the frame absorbs the majority of the shock and jarring instead of the front suspension.

This is a brilliant move for Ford and it's long overdue. http://www.bossplow.com/

 

I remember something about electrical power steering and snow plows not working together very well. Is that true?

 

I haven't found much information on how much the extra cost will be but I don't think it'll be more than a few hundred dollars. Seems as though they might have some sort of agreement with BOSS or if they just decided for the showing to have a BOSS plow on it.

 

I believe the issues are two. One is duty cycle - that's a lot of wear on those EPAS motors going round and round in circles. Second is electrical - the alternator doesn't produce enough juice to keep up with the EPAS in such a heavy use situation, especially when engine RPM is low and there are likely other aftermarket power drains added in (lighting, etc.)

The SSV F150 has an upgraded 220A alternator and it's supposed to deliver 80% of that at idle, if memory serves. Maybe they made that alternator standard across the line?

 

If you can fit dual alternators that could work, but that's twice as many problems and twice the cost to buy new ones.

 

The plow package is only available on 4x4 trucks with the 5.0L V8 in XL, XLT, or Lariat trim. It will, however, be available on all cab/bed configurations.

Apparently what they did is incorperate a "Plow Mode" button. It shuts off some non-essential electronics while plowing to ensure the EPAS system has enough power. Not sure what exactly that means, but that's what Ford is saying.

Maximum plow weight will be just over 450lbs, so you're talking a fairly light duty plow. Still better than what they've offered for the past few years though (i.e. nothing).

 

More plow info, seems to be just button to dedicate power to run EPAS and plow 2015 Ford F-150 Claiming To Be First Pickup With A 'Snow Plow' Button

 

I keep finding more reasons why this needs to be my next truck.

 

I wonder why they are now doing this and not 10+ years ago. For needing extra power, they should've just added a larger Alternator on the trucks with this option rather than putting a switch in to shut off non-essential electronics.

 

To be fair, a larger alternator would add more drag to the engine, something they specifically don't want to do. Hence the whole purpose of going to an EPAS system in the first place, as opposed to the old engine mounted hydraulic pump.

I also doubt a a larger alternator alone would solve the problem. You would need to support that with heavier wiring, another battery, etc. All this stuff would add weight, which is the opposite of what Ford is trying to do with the new truck. If they found they could have the exact same result with a button and some programming that's undoubtedly the way they're going to go.

 

I figured the ecoboost engines wouldn't be a candidate to be plow trucks, most likely a cooling issue. At least Ford has moved in the right direction.

 

other then the 11-14 non 6.2's we've been putting Boss Plows on all kinds of f-150s over the years. this green truck had a 8' super duty blade...bigger then i run on my f-250

 

From Ford, looks like you must have a 5.0 to plow.

All-New Ford F-150 Adds Tough New Snow Plow Prep Option Across All Cab Configurations | Ford Media Center

 

I'm not exactly sure I like the idea of someone else deciding what should remain turned on and what should be turned off.