The first thing you'll need to determine is if you'll be taking on the task of snow removal and ice control yourself or will you hire someone to do it.  Here are some key advantages and disadvantages for either option.

Going it Alone
Advantages
You control treatment
Upfront cost savings

Disadvantages
Time commitment
Being on call 24/7
Insurance costs
Preventative maintenance costs
Repairs & down time

Hiring a Pro
Advantages
The burden of performance is on the contractor
Less initial investment
Minimal time investment
Personal safety
Liability assumed by the contractor

Disadvantages
Long term yearly costs add up
You have to rely on the contractor to do the job
Upfront equipment investment

If you decide to tackle the job yourself, you’ll need a plan. Read our “Doing it Yourself” article.

If you decide to hire a professional SRIC contractor you’ll need to find one. Read our “Keys to Selecting an SRIC Contractor” article.

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Snow plow Prep Package Myths

Myth 1:  My truck has a snowplow prep package so it can be equipped with a snowplow.
Reality:  A snowplow prep package does NOT guarantee that a truck can be equipped with a snowplow.

Myth 2:  A snowplow prep package increases the durability of my vehicle.
Reality:  A snowplow prep package typically does nothing to increase the axle rating, suspension, or tire capacity and won’t increase the ruggedness of a vehicle.

Myth 3: A snowplow prep package makes it easier to install a snowplow.
Reality:  A snowplow prep package doesn’t really affect installation one way or the other.  Mounting systems and electronics usually aren’t affected by this package.

Myth 4:  A snowplow prep package will make it easier to plow snow.
Reality:  A snowplow prep package does not directly affect the ability of a truck to plow snow.

So just what does a snowplow prep package do?

A snowplow prep package, added as an option to your new truck, will typically add the following equipment:

1) Transmission cooler
2) Automatic transmission
3) High-output alternator
4) An extra battery tray

While these are great features, these additions don’t automatically make a snowplow a good fit for your truck.  There are still questions to be answered before you equip your truck with a snowplow.

The biggest concern you should have when selecting a truck for plowing is the weight ratings and vehicle capacities [Click here to see our TIP:  “Before you buy a plow truck…”].

With the truck industry lightening suspensions and capacity these days it’s not unusual to have a ¾ ton truck that won’t accept a snowplow.  You’re going to need a front gross axle weight rating (FGAWR) that will allow your truck to be equipped with a plow.  Without a sufficient FGAWR you’ll be out of luck.

A snowplow prep package is almost always a good idea but you can get by without the snowplow prep package if your vehicle has the proper weight ratings but not vice versa.

If you have questions about whether or not your truck will accept a snowplow call the experts at LH Jones today at 888-292-1305.

Consider this... You've just purchased a truck for plowing this winter. You joyfully bring your new vehicle to LH Jones to upfit it with a snowplow only to find out that plow manufacturers don't recommend a snowplow be put on the vehicle.

Wow. You just spend a lot of money on a truck that won’t accept a plow.

How can this happen? The answer is complex. The solution is simple.

Weight Ratings
Trucks are equipped with various axles, tires, suspensions, and other equipment that determine how much weight a particular truck can carry and where it can carry it. The truck is then rated based on all of these figures in various categories like:

• Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (FGAWR)
• Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (RGAWR)
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
• Curb Weight
• Center of Gravity

Safety Standards
Each vehicle manufacturer then dictates, based on Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), how much weight can be placed on the vehicle and where it can be placed – like having a plow at the front or a spreader on the rear of the truck.

Plow Recommendations
Plow manufacturers review the vehicle manufacturers data for each new model year and specify which of their plows will fit which trucks. Unfortunately, sometimes the results are surprising. What used to be a hefty truck now might have a light front end and a particular model might not accept a plow anymore.

Snowplow Prep Package
It almost always a good idea to have a vehicle equipped with a snowplow prep package if you’re going to be plowing. Also, if you’ll be upfitting the vehicle with a spreader you should consider a camper package that allows more weight on the rear of the truck. But, these packages are not always required.

The Solution
The easiest way you can tell if a vehicle will be able to be equipped with a snowplow is to contact LH Jones and give us the vehicle specs BEFORE you buy your new truck. We’ve seen far too many good folks get really frustrated when they find out their new truck won’t accept a plow. Don’t be disappointed - call the plow experts at LH Jones to make sure your truck can be equipped with a plow - before you buy.  Call today 888-292-1305.