Ecoboost with plow.
#11
Originally Posted by Watt-maker
I'm curious as to how they bypass the EPAS. Peterson's 4wheel and offroad mag built an eco to wheel some serious trails. One of the things they did was convert the steering to hydraulic. That's one way to do it.
I used to install Hiniker plows years ago. On those plows the hydraulic pump only runs when you move the blade so I can't imagine that it puts that much more strain on the electrical system. However, on the '08 and up super duty trucks they either need the snow plow prep pkg or have the BCU flashed in order for the lights to be able to switch from truck to plow. Maybe some of the same on the F150. Unless it has more to do with the weight of the plow stressing the EPAS.
If a plow draws too much power, then I guess a winch is out too. I don't plow but I do use a winch now and then (haven't had to in the time I've owned this truck). Damn, maybe I bought the wrong truck.
#12
Senior Member
#13
Sno-way model 26 will work with a '12 EB. A Ford dlr in NJ said Snoway will backup the drivetrain warranty if anything happens (I did NOT see that in writing). The installer they use has installed them on many F150 Ecoboosts without any problems. He told me that there could be an electrical drain if 1.raising the plow while 2.turning the plow and 3.turning the truck...all at the same time; very unlikely. They need to cut into the plastic shroud for mounting and you'll likely loose some ground clearance. He recommended Timbren Rings (similar to airbags) that will cushion the weight but not affect the trucks ride when the plow is not on as 1/2 ton trucks are really made to ride like a car. I couldn't find ANY pics of what the truck would look like without the plow on it: huge bar, etc. I opted for an ATV w/a plow.
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Watt-maker (11-30-2012)
#14
Originally Posted by dwilli
Sno-way model 26 will work with a '12 EB. A Ford dlr in NJ .... He told me that there could be an electrical drain if 1.raising the plow while 2.turning the plow and 3.turning the truck...all at the same time; very unlikely..........
#15
This is an interesting one for me as I plow my driveway with a 2010 FX4. I like the mileage increase of an ecoboost but suspect a 6.2 will be a step back. So I keep the 2010 and, if something happens to it, then I look for a stripped down 2009 F150 or even a F250. Also, I could buy a Chevy or Dodge but really hate that idea.
I don't see why anyone would void their warranty on a new truck to plow but am confident that someone will put a plow on a 2011 Ecoboost when the warranty is done.
Also, for everyone who tells me to just buy a 250, 250's are typically stripped down work trucks, have a much harder ride and are significantly less comfortable in almost every way. Also, the load for residential plowing is very different (i.e. much less) than for commercial. Just because Ford won't oblige, why can't we dream about one truck doing it all?
Been plowing since 2004 and have no plans to stop.
I don't see why anyone would void their warranty on a new truck to plow but am confident that someone will put a plow on a 2011 Ecoboost when the warranty is done.
Also, for everyone who tells me to just buy a 250, 250's are typically stripped down work trucks, have a much harder ride and are significantly less comfortable in almost every way. Also, the load for residential plowing is very different (i.e. much less) than for commercial. Just because Ford won't oblige, why can't we dream about one truck doing it all?
Been plowing since 2004 and have no plans to stop.
#16
Street Queen in the Mud
Am I the only one who finds this whole thing incredibly stupid on Ford's end? In the manual on my 99 it says that plowing is fine with a F150 so long as its 4wd (duh) has at least the 4.6L motor and is an automatic. Why would ford make a change like this that severely limits one of the main functionalities for a truck? (at least from my perspective living in the northeast)
#17
Senior Member
Because they sell more F150 trucks in Houston than they do all of the Northeast combined. What is a major factor for you, is a small portion for Ford. At the end of the day they have to meet these stupid cafe standards. The way they get around it is to build lighter fronts ends that clearly are not made to handle the extra stress of a plow (I say that since they say no plows on all 2013s, including the 6.2 with hydraulic steering). That is why the EcoBoost/5.0 makes great MPG numbers is the standardized test, but is well below those numbers in real life. They figured out the sweet spot in the tuning, and went from there. Anyway, in an economy of scale, the plowing contingent using 1/2 tons is very small as compared to the total number of F150s. Plus, they would rather push people to SuperDutys anyway.
#18
I have checked numerous Ford lots in my area and noticed that they are stocking F150 and F350 models. When I asked one salesman where the F250's were he said that Ford is pushing the F150's and F350's. Are they thinking of phasing out the F250's I wonder if they're changing to a light duty F150, medium duty F350, and heavy duty F450 or 550.
#19
Former Powerstroker
Thing is the 250 and 350 are identical trucks with different badges thats about it. And a sticker on the door that says it can haul more. It would be dumb to phase out a 250 some people buy those to keep cheaper plates and sometimes they get out of state inspections too if the gvrw is below a certain number.
#20
Willieboy,
I certainly understand what you are saying and have posted that as recently as last spring. Since the mileage boost from EPS is rather small, I wish Ford permitted a configuration that I use. That's back to my comment about wanting it all.
For me personally, what Ford has really done is made it such that I am unlikely to buy a new truck ever again. Given my past history with vehicles, it seems I should thank them as it will save me money in the long run.
I certainly understand what you are saying and have posted that as recently as last spring. Since the mileage boost from EPS is rather small, I wish Ford permitted a configuration that I use. That's back to my comment about wanting it all.
For me personally, what Ford has really done is made it such that I am unlikely to buy a new truck ever again. Given my past history with vehicles, it seems I should thank them as it will save me money in the long run.