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When Snow Has Got To GoYou have at your disposal the ultimate weapon against the onslaught of winter, your pickup truck. All you need is one key accessory and you can literally push winter out of your way.Snow plows come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials - finding the right combination requires a little bit of forethought. Here are some questions to consider. What can your truck handle?You'll want to make sure your truck is compatible with any plow you're looking at. Consult your Owner Manual or talk to your dealership service department to learn what your truck is capable of and to make sure you won't be voiding your warranty. A ½ ton truck can typically carry a 7-7.5 ft. blade while a ¾ ton truck can handle up to a 9 ft. blade.What are you planning to plow?Are you just clearing a few neighbourhood driveways or are you plowing parking lots? The more work you expect your plow to do, the more durable it should be. You will also need to select a hydraulic system - full hydraulic or hydraulic/electric. Full hydraulic systems give you more control from the cab but require more room under the hood for installation. Hydraulic/electric systems are less expensive but typically only offer manual angling. For larger jobs a full hydraulic system makes more sense.How's the weather?The type of snow you will be plowing makes a difference to your plow choice. Warmer snow means wet, sticky snow so you'll want a blade that is either made from, or coated in, friction reducing plastic like polycarbonate, which is hard, won't rust and doesn't stick to snow. And if you will be pushing deep snow you'll want a plow with a deeper curve to accommodate more of the white stuff. You should avoid straight or shallow blades altogether.Who's the best?When you are looking around you'll notice different features from different manufacturers. Some plows are available with wireless controls that are easier to install and less invasive to your truck. A hydraulic Down Pressure TM system distributes weight evenly over axles and puts more pressure on the cutting edge for better traction and more consistent cleaning. It is important to remember that many manufacturers use proprietary wiring harnesses that make mixing and matching of components difficult.The bottom line is that not all plows are created equal and not all plows are right for you. It pays to do your research and think about your needs, but one thing you definitely need to consider is the GM VYU package. The VYU package provides heavy duty suspension, cooling, and various electrical components (including back up and roof beacon lights) necessary for snowplow installation. |
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