Does anybody use their f150s for plowing. I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it financially. I'd be doing parking lots and residential roads. How cheap can I get a light plow, will these plows handle this kind of work? Do I need snow tires or will all terrains work?

I know people say the front ends of these trucks aren't good for plows, keep in mind:
-I will be rebuilding the front end this spring anyway.
-It is my work truck, I'm not afraid to get a few scratches and boo-boos.
-It's got the 5.4 and is 4x4

 

My father in law plows with his 2010 STX. In fact, I put the plow on it. It's a Snowdogg MD75. Really nice lightweight plow, and it's stainless steel.

There are 3 plows that work well on the F150...
1. Snowdogg MD75
2. Western HTS
3. Fisher HT.

All of these are right at the 400lb rating, which is as high as you'd want to go on the f150, (or any newer half-ton)

His truck handles the plow very well, and doesn't sag much at all when he lifts the blade.

That said, you need to go on the plow makers website, (whoever that may be) and use their matching tool to see if your truck is able to have a plow (legally). You'll have to put in your cab/bed configuration, engine size, and front and rear gawr.

Believe it or not, in some cases, the 4.6 liter is more desireable that the 5.4 due to having less weight on the front end. You'll see that when you put in your truck's info.

Don't take this as me recommending using the f150 to plow though. They are not designed for any commercial plowing. No matter how easy you are on your truck, Plowing is very hard on it. Not just the front end either. The transmission, engine, drivetrain, ball joints, tie rod ends.

Should you choose to plow with an f150, I'd stay away from commercial stuff.

 

I think with how fast you'd wear parts out on your truck you should look for an old 3/4 ton with a heavier front end. Plowing is brutal on trucks, like mentioned above, engine, front suspension, front steering, trans., 4x4 components..and if you use a salt spreader, rust. I think you may be better off financially finding an old, beat up 250 and you may be able to find one with a plow on it already, just my opinion..

 

It's a truck, just don't get rammy with it, and I'd look into stiffer coil springs n bfg all terrains

 

True, as long as you aren't ramming things and you're only doing residential stuff you'll be fine, but it is rough on your vehicle. I recommended what I did assuming your truck is your daily driver

 

Awesome. Thanks for the advice. I think it makes more sense to just get on a snow crew or drive a fullsize plow.

 

check out snowbear. I am on my 2nd year, on my 1998 f150 and now on the 2005. I have a brand new set of mounts to fit 2000-2004 f150

I built my own copy of the snowbear, 8" wider, stronger, heavier with a better blade

I plowed for many years with a 5' blade on my Yamaha Griz 660, but it is SO MUCH better in a truck with 8'. You can push amazing amounts of snow.

 

I have a factory built F150 plow truck, it is good for residential use, forget about commercial plowing with it.

I wouldn't want to beat the crap out of a regular F150 by plowing with it
.

 

I Owned a Snow Dogg MD75, Good plow for the F150, Front end does not sage as bad as say a Chevy does, U could always get a leveling kit or add Timbrens to the Front end.

I did and would stay away from Commercial plowing, u will kill the truck!! my truck as 50k on it and only thing i have replaced is of course the the ball joints. Recently Sold the plow due to cheap *** people around here. If i was to do it again i would pick up a Western HTS or a Snowpro by Curtis.

Best of luck and have some cash in the bank for Break downs, Biggest being Trans.

 

The nice thing about the plow prep package is it comes with heavier springs, a transmission cooler, and 4.10 gears.

And if I blow it up, it is covered under warranty, they can't void mine because it is a plow prep truck with no modifications and the factory drop shipped it to an Ford authorized installer to have the plow put on before it was delivered to the dealer.