What size truck do you drive? [Archive] - Snowplowing-Contractors.com

Wizard

01-20-2005, 04:47 AM

F350 here. I was looking for a 250 or 350 super duty, knowing it would be plowed with. The perfect F350 practically fell into my lap, was a great buy, and now I'm glad I did. I re-roofed my house last summer, glad I had the 1 ton for that! Just an example of convenient it is knowing it will take whatever you throw at it without worrying about overloading it. Oh yeah, the V10 helps too, try that in a F150...:D Even if he's only looking at a 7.5', go with at least a 3/4 ton. I've plowed with 1/2 tons before, they're just not strong enough and don't have enough clearance. I used to always get stuck when piling snow in the 1/2 ton. No more digging out the truck for me...

smorm

01-20-2005, 05:12 AM

I tried out a 450 with a Boss V-plow on it last night, and I thought it sucked for small parking lots. With the turning radius being what it was I basically had to plow the whole thing like a vacuum cleaner (i.e., push forward, reverse and move over a lane, push forward, etc.). It would have been if I could shot back and forth windrowing it in both directions. Maybe its just because I'm new to plowing. My bro-in-law had the same problem though, and he's been doing it for a while.

Is there something to be said for a smaller truck?

Plus, that V-blade makes a *** scoop compared to what I've seen of the Blizzards - or even a straight blade with scoop wings.

John DiMartino

01-20-2005, 06:29 AM

Howard,your giving us plow truck envy:D .That 5500 is growing on me,nice looking rig,I still think it should have an 8611 on it though.

business

01-20-2005, 08:41 AM

two PSD f-350's 2004 with 810 blizzard. If I could go back in time, I would've bought gas engines! Too much torque out of the engine and tranny. Tranny breaks easy!:canada

Mark Oomkes

01-20-2005, 08:45 AM

Originally posted by John DiMartino
Howard,your giving us plow truck envy:D .That 5500 is growing on me,nice looking rig,I still think it should have an 8611 on it though.

You think you have envy, John? Try owning 2 SD's with 5 speeds. lol

We are working our way to all 1 ton pickups. This may take longer than planned. (see above comment)

Snowboy

01-20-2005, 09:34 AM

I see a trend of 3/4ton HD's or 3500's I guess they figure why spend the cash on a 3500 when the HD would prolly do the same job.

jakegypsum

01-20-2005, 09:39 AM

F650 for the larger work. F250 for smaller jobs & clean up work.

Jake.

2004F550

01-20-2005, 10:24 AM

F550, 4yd SS vbox and the Fisher 9' MC. Quite a heavy rig whens its all loaded up, doesnt work well on small parking lots and don't think of driveways...its great on private roads tho

chtucker

01-20-2005, 11:45 AM

Comparing apples to oranges.. try an 05' F550 vs a 04 or older. The turning radius is MUCH tighter on the newer ones.

BUT, based on everyones tranny experiences I am glad I did not get a Ford again.

John D.... I went with the boss based on price/availability/service... It has not been any more reliable than the 810 that I have.... the 8611 would scrape a WHOLE lot better than the V plow. I am a little worried about my choice to be honest.

Howard

Fred Neddow

01-20-2005, 03:30 PM

It all depends what he is gonna use the truck for . If he is going to plow professionally then go for the heavier truck , but if its going to be a daily driver or only doing a few driveways he could problably get away with just a half ton . A buddy of mine has an old army truck and drives it daily , he always says it rides too rough and wishes he only had a half ton ! But when it comes to hauling thats another story , he always says "If it won`t haul it I don`t need it!" But what ever the choice remember that a heavy expensive truck is good but if you don`t need it , what good is it??

plowing!

szorno

01-20-2005, 04:11 PM

If I had to have only 1 truck, it would be a 3/4 T with 8 ft straight blade. That is the most versatile truck in the business. Everyone needs at least one of 'em. I drive the 3500 with V-plow. Really great for certain jobs. Horrible on others. Tough on my shoulder & wrist all the time. (6 spd) :rolleyes:

Stik208

01-20-2005, 06:08 PM

How about smaller....99 Ranger 7 Foot Curtis.
Jason

drobson

01-20-2005, 06:12 PM

I have an F350 now, and my last truck was an F250. I am glad I got the 350 this time, I like how much better it handles carrying more weight. If I was to buy another truck, I can't see going back to a 250 again.

dapgar

01-20-2005, 06:35 PM

i'm trying to figure out a way to put a plow on a VW beetle. any suggestions comments? i bet it would plow great! just kidding, I have a F350 and i wouldn't think about going to a 250 unless it was going to be a personal truck without a plow. i'll never buy a 1/2 ton.

IHI

01-21-2005, 11:18 AM

I'm the loser with the 1/2 ton LOL:p :D Good ole F-150 with 7.5' blade works great for me as far as plowing is concerned since for me it's just play time anyways!! Never been stuck and never been stuck stacking so wondering about above statement of clearance, but we dont "normally" get more than 4" at a time anyways-except last storm of 12":cool: and another 6-10" tonight!!

Wish I had at least a 3/4T for towing my car to the track and work trailer around town and wish I had a 8' plow so when angles it cut outside of the trucks path so I could get closer to buildings/parked cars and not worry about clipping my own mirror. As a red blooded american you can never go wrong by going big!!

If wife could stop destroying cars I might be able to get a new truck, but my healty down payment money went to buying her a new car after she was T-boned, so stuck with the 1/2T lil while longer:(

BKrois

01-21-2005, 06:59 PM

I drive a plow truck for someone and the truck is a 1988 Toyota extended cab with a V6, a 6'6" meyers plow and a 7' downeaster s/s electric v box. I like the truck a lot. It handles the weight well and pushes good for its size.

My plow boss also has 2 other Toyotas with plows and an 02 Wrangler with a western uni mount. The little trucks work out well for driveways.

westernforme

01-22-2005, 07:50 PM

I'm the loser with the 1/2 ton LOL Good ole F-150 with 7.5' blade works great for me as far as plowing is concerned since for me it's just play time anyways!! Never been stuck and never been stuck stacking so wondering about above statement of clearance, but we dont "normally" get more than 4" at a time anyways

hey know i take offence to that:cool: just kidding

i have a 99 150 extended cab 4 door. started w/ a unimount 6.5" and this year got a ultra mount 7.5" lots heavier and realized first day that i will need a bigger truck eventually. i have been tossing around the idea of getting another truck as soon as my payments are done.this yr. looking at 250-350 and haven't decided weither or not to get a flat bed so that i can get A v box so that i can save money on bulk salt. then again i could keep my tailgate spreader and load mutiple pallets of salt and calcium. some info would be great

by the way, i have loaded that truck DOWN:eek: when i had put my first plow on there i was driving around with a pallet and a half of salt all over town. one pallet is 1500, or 2000 pounds i can't remember but that puppy never let me down and i never got stuck, and this was all with 135000 miles
go ford:burnout

IHI

01-22-2005, 09:00 PM

LOL, 156,000mi. and still going about as strong as a 302 pulling a fully loaded 6000lb truck can go. If this woulda came with a 351 I'm sure I'd be alot happier, few times I've had the ladder rack/tools boxes off it was pretty peppy. Regardless, this is my first ford and it's made a believer out of me-it's like the energizer bunny!!

SIPLOWGUY

01-24-2005, 05:55 PM

04 Ford F350 with Fisher 8' MM2 X-Blade Stainless Steel.
97 GMC Jimmy with 6'8" Fisher MM

snowman914

01-24-2005, 06:24 PM

I love my half ton. Granted I cant piggy back a sherman tank like you sd350 and hd 3500 guy. Never had any problems stacking snow.

GrassWacker

01-26-2005, 04:26 AM

2004 F350, V10, Fisher 8.5V, Dualie w/1.6yd Smith Electric Sander as main truck. 1994 F150, Straight 6, Fisher 7.5 as Secondary Truck. Combination hard to beat.

If I was just starting out I'd do the F150 in a heart beat. Take your time and a half ton will do a lot of work. I'd look for 1992-1996 Vintage (anysize motor) or the brand new Body style. I hate the girlie man 1997 F150 Style. ;0)

Apologies to the Chevy and Dodge crowd, I apparently have Blue Ovals tatooed on my underware.

bolts indus.

01-27-2005, 05:15 PM

Other than load carrying capacity, I have found the difference between a toyota 1/4 ton and a chev 3/4 ton to be found in that little thing down on the floor called 4WD LOW. I plowed my 87 4runner for years in 4wd low and kept right up with the bigger boys. OK maybe I was 10 minutes slower on a big lot DAH. Now I run a one ton, DAH at 2 gallons an hour more.

Ecurb

01-28-2005, 01:24 PM

What ever i can steal dirt cheap in the summer. I have used ole chevy 1/2 tons for many years with out a lick of trouble. Have newer 3/4s now but would not toss a 1/2 ton. One 2500 i have is really nothing but a 1/2 anyway. I dont have to run spreaders on them so i am lucky.
Stacking? whats that? :grinz Push way far back the first time. Lucky around here lots of room...till lately.:burnout :cash

CT18fireman

01-28-2005, 02:13 PM

I run both and as stated in another thread the 1/2 ton Toyota with a 6ft spreader makes much more money then the larger trucks on the commercial route.

If I ever was to downsize, I think I would keep the Toyota for my driveway and a few others. It is more then capable.

Honest Mike

01-28-2005, 06:39 PM

My one and only 1/2 ton Chevy, the one listed in my signature line. :) Mike :)

cja1987

01-29-2005, 01:50 PM

The two listed in my signature, 2000 F-150 and a 1998 Cherokee. I plow residential so I do fine with what i have. Both have plowed anything I could throw at it, including 34" of snow. I can stack as high as any other pickup truck cares to stack. Never got stuck either. If I wanted to get into commercial I would go with an F-350 SRW and probley a Blizzard 810 but for now iam fine with what i have. Iam not underpowered, iam just right for residential work. I drive the F-150 everyday, its not just a work truck so i also enjoy the money I save in gas vs what i would pay with a 250/350. Iam considering an F-250 in a few years but Id be willing to bet that when i get a new truck it will probley be another F-150.

ehal

01-30-2005, 05:45 PM

Need some plowable snow in NNJ. Tired of just salting....

My equipment

2004 Dodge Ram 2500HD Hemi 8.5' Western MVP
1995 Dodge Ram 2500HD 5.9l 203,000 miles 8' Sno-Way (never a problem)
1989 F350 7.3L Diesel rack body. 9' Fisher Pro Flo II
1989 F250 5.7 Gasser 7.5' Fisher V-box Spreader

Honest Mike

01-30-2005, 06:50 PM

Ehal, welcome aboard to the site! I see you are from northern NJ, I am too, where abouts are ya located? You say we need some plowable snow here in NJ, how about all that snow we got last weekend, was that not enough for you?!? :D Once again, welcome aboard! Mike :)

Assured Services

01-30-2005, 09:00 PM

Originally posted by chtucker
bigger
http://chtucker.home.bresnan.net/newtruck1.jpg

Nice pic. but look better with an 8611 on the front;)

Ole JIM

01-31-2005, 02:02 PM

Originally posted by snowman914
I love my half ton. Granted I cant piggy back a sherman tank like you sd350 and hd 3500 guy. Never had any problems stacking snow. I Dono? I guess It all depends ON What Your going to DO w/IT?--I personally in looking for 4X4 for My personal USE!-l look for a Used 4X4 1/2 Ton w/low milage thats never had a Plow On IT--& preferably a Short Bed!--& install HD 3/4 ton springs--& new Tires--& install an 8Ft Plow & in Deep Snow! just Don*t take such a Big Bite!--1/2 a blade Full is Plenty & from what I have seen--salt & sanding? is a Pain in the Butt?so I call a local Contractor to Sand my Yard!--& He calls Me to assit in His Clean UP!--He has a_fleet of Plows_ŽŽ& a Road Grader--I follow the Grader & clean UP the InterSections as This saves the Grader Operator from Backing UP several times in to Do the JOB--so It works out pretty GOOD!--Ole JIM--

OldFord

02-01-2005, 09:37 AM

Hello, first post, I find it interesting how many of you run 1/2tons, I never really see 1/2 tons w/plow out here. granted my 3/4 runs a dana 44 frontend I was worried about wheel bearings at first but have had no problems (3rd season) a short wheel base jeep/bronco etc would be great for small tight lots, SO would power steering! thats my project this summer for the old girl,cheers

OldFord

02-01-2005, 09:44 AM

1970 f250

SIPLOWGUY

02-01-2005, 02:32 PM

Great truck OldFord!!!

AL Inc

02-01-2005, 03:18 PM

my truck before the storm last week

SIPLOWGUY

02-01-2005, 03:23 PM

Ok heres my bunch:

ehal

02-01-2005, 04:49 PM

Thanks Mike. From lower West Milford. Last storm was a dud in my book. Yeah plowed for 28 hrs. but was looking forward to a real thumping. My new Dodge was awesome. Storm didn't pan out right...All the dustings are great for salting. Looks like we'll have to wait a little longer..

Ole JIM

02-01-2005, 09:08 PM

Originally posted by smorm
What size truck do you guys use? My bro-in-law i still hemming and hawing about a 250 or 350, but he's balking at the price and looking at a tricked out 150. He's only looking at a 7.5' blade. --smorm- Ole JIM here! I have to REPLY Here! as my WEB-TV informes ME down aprox 12 Replies- Page is too Long?--thus!-- I can NOT go any Further? DOWN--so I*LL answer Here!-Please Forgive!--I as most of You Know! have plowed for over 50 yrs--& the Biggest Mistake most Plowers Make? is!--taking Too Big of a BITE!--I don*t Fill over half of my Blade on an One Push!--to start with!--as that Cuts down On Dribbles!--which You Run Over & Pack down Hard!--making them Harder to Clean UP!--& I prefer a 3/4 Ton short Bed--my 88 Dodge 4X4 is a 1/2 ton w/ HD 3/4 ton Springs all around V-8 318 Auto-w/an 8 ft Fisher--too BIG? NO!--used as describbed above Works Great!-especially Cleaning UP! I personally Like the Bigger Diesels but Presently like Most of US!-Can*t Afford One!--so All You Guys w/ those Big Diesels--Take Extra Good Care of E*M as Perhaps? One Day?? the ONE your Driving could be MINE? & I like YOU like Nice Trucks! so Be Carefull!--& Be SAFE!--Ole JIM--

OldFord

02-02-2005, 02:04 PM

Thanks SIPLOWGUY, built it about 6 years ago, works good, really does need power steering,nice looking fleet you've got

EZSnow

02-17-2005, 12:19 PM

It seems I'm always hauling, towing or plowing- whether for fun or for hire, or for working on the house, I'm always loadin'er up! Every time I leave Home Cheapo, I comment on how I can't imagine life without a truck. Frankly, I can't imagine life in less than a 1-ton, and I'm definetly eyeing up those 550s/5500s for my next truck purchase. I really like the looks of the 5500s, and I think they have higher ratings, but I wish they had more motor.

1-ton-and-up for me from now on!

Ole JIM

02-17-2005, 04:49 PM

Originally posted by EZSnow
It seems I'm always hauling, towing or plowing- whether for fun or for hire, or for working on the house, I'm always loadin'er up! Every time I leave Home Cheapo, I comment on how I can't imagine life without a truck. Frankly, I can't imagine life in less than a 1-ton, and I'm definetly eyeing up those 550s/5500s for my next truck purchase. I really like the looks of the 5500s, and I think they have higher ratings, but I wish they had more motor.

1-ton-and-up for me from now on! I DONO? I guess? What YOU plow with? its a personal Preferance?--I prefer a short Truck! like my 88 DODGE Short Bed!-a lot easyer to get around--& being an Old Plower--I*M NOT into this HEH! Look what I GOT!--WE have a Plowing Contractor that has a Volvo Tri-Axle & HE has Stated!-it Takes Him Longer to Turn Around--at the End of His Route--that Plowing IT--I plowed w/ a4 X 4 Crew Cab a few storms Ago!--& in a ll Honesty!--I never have Worked so Hard in my LIFE!--as their Just Too DAM LONG!--& some of the Younger Guys have 4 X 4s w /Lifts--& those Huge Wide Tires!--all Worthless in my Opinion!--Best is Normal 4 X 4 height--& Narrow Tires! Ballest? aprox Weight of your Plow!--& MOST?--All YOU can GET? Rear of Your Wheel Wells--& Tread?--a Little Narrower at the Top of Your Tread-than where the Tread Meets the Tire Body!--& their Hard to Find!--as most I have looked at?--are Square!--Streight Down!-& Useless!--as they Will NOT Clean Themselves!--as they ROTATE--& Plowing SNOW--Is a Sciense like every other Occupation!--& with the WRONG Equipment? Your Just Spinning Your Wheels!--Enough SAID! --Ole JIM--

Pickering Snow

02-18-2005, 04:06 AM

I run mostly a mix of 3/4 and 1tons my hopes are that if i collect enough Super Dutys i might beable to trade them for one good dodge deisel pickup still think iam gonna have to collect a few more to get there on the upside i have three 5 speed trannies to interchange with :D

Ole JIM

02-18-2005, 07:34 AM

Originally posted by Pickering Snow
I run mostly a mix of 3/4 and 1tons my hopes are that if i collect enough Super Dutys i might beable to trade them for one good dodge deisel pickup still think iam gonna have to collect a few more to get there on the upside i have three 5 speed trannies to interchange with :D Pickering Snow--I don*t know? about Trading a lot of FORD stuff? a DODGE Diesel? as I don*t Own One--but I hear the FORDS Diesels are Pretty Good Trucks--I was looking 3/4 & One tons 4 X 4s--{w/Single rear Wheels** over yesterday at a Huge Ford dealer!--& inquired? about a Regular CAB-Plain JANE?--& was Quoted--$40,000--& asked if the Salesman was CRAZY?--as I*M Not into this all this Marketing HYPE!--such as the Harleydavidson special Edition Ford Pick-UP!-- $40,000 for any Pick-Up? I don* thnk SO!--as I personally have had pretty good Luck in Building My Own!--I*LL scan or local Truck salvage yards until I locate a Good Older model Diesel--Dodge? or Ford?--4 X 4 that never Plowed--a Mechanical One-w/ NO Computer!--Buy IT!--& Re-build IT! over the Summmer Months!--& them--I*LL know Exactally what I have!--& it wont Cost me $40,000 Dollars--all my Freinds that have new & latter Computer Models are having Problems w/Them!--allways Some-Thing??--& I*M form the Ole School--if? I can*t Repair IT?-Its NO GOOD to ME!--DONO? about all this New Stuff?--GOOD LUCK!--Ole JIM--

FFJSV

03-11-2005, 11:56 AM

I run a 1/2 ton chevy extended cab short box. I have had no problems, and stacking has not ever been an issue.

Plower737

03-17-2005, 06:15 PM

I run 3/4 tons and 1 tons. they're perfect for what I do. It all comes down to how your going to use the truck. 1 is a 70 K20, another is a 95 K2500 and the last 1 is a 83 C3500 dump. Out of all of them, the 70 pushes the best. Ask Craftybigdog.

ratlover

04-05-2005, 11:36 AM

A 2500HD has a 9200# GVW. a 2500HD is a 1 ton truck not a 3/4 ton. :wink

Ole JIM

04-05-2005, 06:01 PM

A 2500HD has a 9200# GVW. a 2500HD is a 1 ton truck not a 3/4 ton. :wink
GM makes a variety of 3/4 & one tons--as I have Two a 3/4 ton Standard Duty & a Heavy Duty--& the Best way to tell if Yours is a one ton?-Is-on One tons You can Remove the Rear Axle w/out Removing the Wheel--& this type of Rear is called a Full Floater!-like a Med duty Truck!-- & 3/4 ton pick Ups-You have to Remove the Wheel & brake Drum before You can Remove the Rear Axle!--Ole JIM--

Joey D

04-05-2005, 06:32 PM

GM makes a variety of 3/4 & one tons--as I have Two a 3/4 ton Standard Duty & a Heavy Duty--& the Best way to tell if Yours is a one ton?-Is-on One tons You can Remove the Rear Axle w/out Removing the Wheel--& this type of Rear is called a Full Floater!-like a Med duty Truck!-- & 3/4 ton pick Ups-You have to Remove the Wheel & brake Drum before You can Remove the Rear Axle!--Ole JIM--
On the older trucks, pre 01 HD's, the 2500 got the full floating axle with the 454 or the 6.5 diesel. On the newer trucks, 01 and later, 6.0 2500's all have the older 10.5 in ring gear full floater and the 8.1 and the 6.6 get the 11.5 in ring gear full floater.
There is also the 00 and later 8600 gvw 2500 non HD that uses the 14b 9.5 in ring gear semi floating axle which was also used on the pre 01 2500 8 lug trucks with the 5.7 engine
Make sense? I am even confused after reading it. :confused:

Ole JIM

04-06-2005, 09:26 AM

On the older trucks, pre 01 HD's, the 2500 got the full floating axle with the 454 or the 6.5 diesel. On the newer trucks, 01 and later, 6.0 2500's all have the older 10.5 in ring gear full floater and the 8.1 and the 6.6 get the 11.5 in ring gear full floater.
There is also the 00 and later 8600 gvw 2500 non HD that uses the 14b 9.5 in ring gear semi floating axle which was also used on the pre 01 2500 8 lug trucks with the 5.7 engine
Make sense? I am even confused after reading it. :confused:
Joey D--Thanks for the Specs--& Your Right! it is Confusing!--I owned & operated several Businesses before I retired & in those Businesses We operated many pick up trucks & other heavy Equipment-now I*M AWED by the Prices of every thing--as Prices continue to Rise!--I DONO? such as a good pick-up today Costs $40.000--& just a few yrs AGO!-I remember buying a New Wheeler Dump for less Money! where it will End? DONO?--Ole JIM--

Wizard

04-06-2005, 04:12 PM

A 2500HD has a 9200# GVW. a 2500HD is a 1 ton truck not a 3/4 ton. :wink

Interesting... Here in Minnesota, anything over 8600 GVW gets one-ton "Y-class" plates, such as my F350. Thing is, I've never seen a 2500HD with 1-ton plates... Every '04 and previous (haven't looked at any '05s yet) 2500HD I've ever come across have an 8600 GVW. Is this something new, or is every truck bought around here just coincidentally spec'd lower? Perhaps the 9200 GVW is a special option? Forgive me if I'm just being naive...

On the same note... now that I think about it, my F350 is actually a 1.5 ton given it's load rating, and dually's are even higher...

Joey D

04-06-2005, 06:39 PM

a 2500 hd has a 9200gvw it's not a 1 ton. It just has a rating equal to the pre hd's 3500 single wheel which was 9200gvw. If they go up to 9900gvw on the 2500hd it's still a 3/4 ton. Just like HP everything goes up to match or beat out the compitition.

Wizard

04-06-2005, 08:11 PM

One other thing... When we're talking about GVW's... Keep in mind that GVW stands for Gross Vehicle Weight. If it's rated at 9200, that's the weight of the truck, fuel, accessories, passengers, and cargo/payload. This has less to do with payload capacity. Today's trucks are getting heavier as well... Bigger frames, heavier axles etc. GM's are notoriously overweight due to all the extra bells and whistles. Maybe GM got too carried away with the excess weight and had to increase GVW so they didn't have to decrease payload capacity... Who knows... :beatsme

Last time I scaled my F350 empty, it was about 7000 lbs. With a GVW of 9900lbs minus a 200lb driver, it realistically has a payload capacity of about 2700lbs, or almost 1.5 tons. Of course we still call it a 1-ton... Maybe those dually's with a GVW of 12k+ should be called 2 or 2.5 tons... :beatsme

I do know this. I've seen 3/4 ton trucks worked in ways we wouldn't have even thought to work a 1 ton 10 or 15 years ago. Trucks are constantly increasing in capacity and abilities... Aint it great... :D

Peopleeater

04-06-2005, 08:20 PM

Hopefully a bigger one in the future, now that I found out about the "Hummer law". Aren't taxes great?!

Jeff

Ole JIM

04-06-2005, 10:00 PM

Interesting... Here in Minnesota, anything over 8600 GVW gets one-ton "Y-class" plates, such as my F350. Thing is, I've never seen a 2500HD with 1-ton plates... Every '04 and previous (haven't looked at any '05s yet) 2500HD I've ever come across have an 8600 GVW. Is this something new, or is every truck bought around here just coincidentally spec'd lower? Perhaps the 9200 GVW is a special option? Forgive me if I'm just being naive...

On the same note... now that I think about it, my F350 is actually a 1.5 ton given it's load rating, and dually's are even higher...
I was talikng w/ a couple of new Pick Up salesmen-Ome Sold a Jap truck & the other an American Brand--both were side by side--the Jap truck was listed as a 3/4 ton & the American as a 1/2 ton & side by side the American 1/2 ton was a lot heavyer Sys Wise!--Larger Springs Ect--Larger tires ECT!--any One Know? if the Japs have a Differant Rating? than We DO?--as I*D call the Jap truck I was looking at a 1/4 ton? DONO?--as It sure was Smaller in every Department that I could See?--& heres some thing I didn*t Know? yrs AGO when I was a Long Haul Trucker--& freind that operaes an auto Body Shop asked Me to Pick Up a bed for a 55 chevy out West--which I did--& when I deliverd IT--the Bed floor was Steel!--like the Newer one of Today!--the One He Removed had a Wood Floor!--& several metal Strips that held the wood In!-so He called the Guy out West!--& was Told all the Ones He had ever seen had Steel Floors!--Weird?--heres another--remember the 56 & 57 Chevys?--Out West both front & rear Bumpers Were One Solid Piece!--& here in the East--All front & rear Bumpers were Three Sections!--so If You had 56 pr 57 chevy & wanted to install a Continetal kit--You had to get an East Coast Rear Bumper!--& remove the Center Section to install the KIT--GM produced some Really Weird Stuff?--just food for Thought??--Ole JIM--

Ole JIM

04-06-2005, 10:07 PM

Hopefully a bigger one in the future, now that I found out about the "Hummer law". Aren't taxes great?!

Jeff
JEFF--whats the SCOOP on the HUMMER LAW? as thats a New one on ME?-DONO?--Ole JIM--

T-Zab

05-31-2005, 08:46 PM

Dwan

08-31-2005, 10:12 PM

92 F250, 92 F350 DRW, 94 F350 DRW, 95 F350 DRW, 2004350 DRW all 4X4's 1973 F600 10X10 all wheel drive, 1988 L9000 10 wheeler dump truck, 1963 REO 10 wheeler 8 yard dump.

snowmatt13

10-04-2005, 06:42 PM

2500HD for fun
2004 International 7400 5-yard w/11' road plow and 9' wing for work :nodd

Honest Mike

10-08-2005, 11:16 AM

SIPLOWGUY

10-08-2005, 11:21 AM

Cool Mike! Good luck with your new truck! Post pictures ASAP!

Western22288

10-08-2005, 11:21 AM

my personal truck is my 1993 ford f-250. 8ft western plow. this truck is my daily driver, plow truck, work truck, play truck. it pulls anything from my mowers to 2 yards of mulch, brush, anything i need it to. we have an f550 for all the heavy stuff and pulling our excavator and back hoe. that truck will be getting a plow soon enough.... :blizzard

MD POWER PLOW

10-08-2005, 04:13 PM

bigger trucks bigger blades

slplow

10-09-2005, 09:44 AM

I have a 01ram 3500 (gasser) dump w a fisher 8.5 straight blade/ o1 fisher spreader already rotted out.( dam powder coat) I also run an 05 gms gasser 2500 hd ext cab w/ one of those white plows that saves me a sh** load of time :blizzard
I hope by next season I will get a new dump/ blizzard.

wpd519

10-14-2005, 05:17 AM

I have a 98 Dodge Ram 2500HD. Personally I think its the best of both worlds, not to big, and not to small.

98 Dodge Ram 2500HD, 7.5 Western Ultramount w/Backdrag

TOZOVR

11-09-2005, 05:21 PM

Nice photos there Howard!

I am in a Dodge 2500 - 3/4 ton and looking, wanting, needing to go to at least a 1 ton. If I had thought it out before this truck (now keep in mind I do love this truck I have now) it would have been a 1 ton Dodge.

Oh well, nothing wrong with having a 1 ton to look after my 3/4 ton now is there? :grinz

I love my 3/4
http://www.endlessearthphoto.com/1FREE/images/IMG_5024.jpg

The Curtis 8' Sno-Pro 3000 goes on Tuesday!

TOZOVR

11-09-2005, 05:23 PM

1992 Chevy 1500 Silverado sold, and being replaced with a 2006 Ford F350 SRW XLT 1 ton. I have no clue what the GVW was on the Chevy, but the new one with the V10 is going to be 10,700. If I got the gas V8, it would have been 10,500, and if you get the diesel, its 11,100. Mike

Weird, we have an '04 DRW F350 with the 6.0 (Supercab, longbed) and the GVW is 11,100 as well. The '99 F350 DRW supercab Longbed was 11,200.....

Ole JIM

11-09-2005, 06:09 PM

Ol Jim, I believe what he is talking about is that you can take the full depreciation of the vehicle in the first year.
But you cannot sell the vehicle then for five years or you will be penalized. If You sell or trade then you owe the goverment the big deduction short of the number of years you paid. Plus it is only a deduction for that year so next year you have nodda.
It can be a good short term savings but if you decide to dump the vehicle for some reason (lemon, cannot afford it, up gradeing, what ever) get ready to pay back the big deduction you got. Think twice about locking into this, 5 year deduction wont get you in trouble as your deducting only what you have used of the truck.
Hope this made a bit of sense :scramble
Todd
TODD--thanks as that Hummer Deal went right over my Head--I have a Freind that bought a Hummer & WE Fish together--I asked? what the Hummer was getting for Fuel Milage?--JIM its Terrorable!--He never Did really Say?-- but--Hes got plenty of $$$--So I assume? cost of His Fuel is NO Problem?--I have driven IT--Runs Good but is a bit Wide--& His Wife Hates IT--She says it looks like a TANK? whats She Know?--I Do know It don*t fit in their Garage! I liked IT--but--Not the Price!--I assume? We will finally get to that Pond way out Back!--thats only acessable by Foot--& Hopefully catch afew Big Ones?--Ole JIM--

gumbygold

11-21-2005, 03:46 PM

I have a 79 1/2 ton chevy 350ci with a meyer. First year plowing. I have a few residentials and a few commercial lots. from what i am hearing i might be in trouble. have about 2500lbs in the bed between snow blower and salt so i hope that helps. 4" lift and 3/4 ton leaf springs. well when it snows i'll find out if im in over my head or not. Any advice is always appreciated.

Big Dog D

12-12-2005, 08:27 AM

I run a F-350 but the majirity of my trucks are F-550's.

Mark Oomkes

12-12-2005, 09:29 AM

Welcome Big Dog, nice to see you over here.

Big Dog D

12-12-2005, 12:31 PM

Welcome Big Dog, nice to see you over here.

Thanks, wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you!

Barger Signs

12-13-2005, 06:23 AM

Welcome Big Dog

Dreamin' of a :blizzard

orenlasko

12-14-2005, 03:15 PM

had a look at a 1/2 ton dodge mega cab... the thing has solid axles in front now, and get this, its rated the same as my diesel - 5200 lbs... the coil springs however were thin as hell, looked like i could bend the steel with my bare hands. easy solution - spend 400 and put hd springs in it and booom! - a one ton for the price of a half ton....

me personally - i have plowed mostly with one tons over the past 12 years or so, with one 3/4 mixed in for good, and it just barely lasted 3 years....

currently using a 2005 3500 quad cab short box cummins with a 9,5 western mvp and timbrens and a set of 48/47 springs - i love this set up.

regards.

oren.

Dwan

12-14-2005, 03:36 PM

As been stated here many times. "Just changing the springs does not make a 1/2 ton into a 1 ton." There are brakes, shocks, tires, wheels, frame size, and most important the little sticker on the door that makes it all legal.

CGSI

01-04-2006, 09:23 PM

see below:rockon

hlntoiz

01-30-2006, 05:07 PM

Nice pic. but look better with an 8611 on the front;)

chtucker,

Ditto!! I agree with Assured Services. Would look much nicer with a 8611!! I got one on my 6500 (see avaiter) and a 9.5' Fisher EZ-V on my F450. Both serve their purpose not to crazy about the trip edge on the boss. I want a GMC5500 for my next truck with another Eire Special from Jerre!

PS I forgot how beautiful CO is. Thanks! Was out there for 2 years for school Did a lot of snow boarding when I wasn't in class. Man I miss it!!

Jt13speed

01-30-2006, 05:45 PM

Hey Oren, i loved that picture you put on the other site, your 3500 dually with fisher V, you dont happen to have any other pics of that with the plow on do ya? How about some pics of the New dodge setup with that huge western V? That would be sweet, and im sure the other guys here would love to see it to. Thanks

That goes for the rest of you dodge owners, how about some pics?

trustyrusty

08-01-2006, 12:38 PM

1/2 ton right here. never plowed with it yet but it is good all around for me since i dont do much hauling or towing just the occasional over the roof mulch or dirt:haha :haha

THEGOLDPRO

12-28-2006, 09:49 PM

dodge ram baby

Q RIVER

12-29-2006, 01:46 PM

I think itsgood to be ready for anything ss with push box chvy 4500 f350 mason dumpf350 pu and f 250 i have a 06 nissan frontier that im thinking about puting a blade on now we need snow

scaper27

01-13-2007, 07:49 PM

I have a good range, all different ones

Mark Oomkes

01-14-2007, 11:58 PM

It all depends on what I get to do. SInce I'm the boss, I get in whatever truck doesn't have an operator or if I want to pull rank.

It can vary from a Kubota RTV with a 5' plow for sidewalks to a Jeep to a F350 with V or LoPro to a F750 with a 10' Monroe or even a JCB 212 with a Daniel's 14' Wing Plow.

I'm the only operator for my truck though. If it's getting smashed, it's gonna be doing it. :( :wink That and I don't trust anybody else with the SideWing. :wink

RedneckPlowGuy

01-15-2007, 10:54 AM

i have an 01 Ram 2500 CTD QC LB

HeyUvaVT

02-11-2007, 06:38 PM

have a 1/2 ton chevy and a 1 ton PSD king ranch crew cab dually F350...looking at a 08 f450...also running paper work on a tandem to pull our trailers around with

GuzmanProperties

02-12-2007, 08:52 AM

97 F250 with Western 8' plow

JRod920

01-18-2008, 01:44 PM

1/2 ton Chevy Ext Cab with timbrens. Meyer 7'6" Poly. Never stuck, Never had a problem YET!!!!

2dogs2

01-27-2008, 02:17 AM

Well, I've got a 89 Full Size Blazer w/8ft Western, and it works just great. Heck I don't even have any ballast in the back. I used it last week for the first time in 4L since we had heavy wet snow, and it was like the snow wasn't there. :popcorn2

The only thing I wish it could do better is back blade..

adb

08-26-2008, 11:02 PM

i have a 80 k5 blazer 1/2 tom but upgrading axels to 3/4 next summer

IHI

08-27-2008, 04:09 AM

i have a 80 k5 blazer 1/2 tom but upgrading axels to 3/4 next summer

Wouold'nt it just be easier to spec out some Moser, Strange, MW, or yukon aftermarket axles instead of messing with factory junk? $250-300/set and you aint breaking them.:cool:

adb

08-27-2008, 11:17 AM

havent look into em. everone on ck5 is using 3/4 1 ton stuff w no problems. of course they are rebuilding and up grading

IHI

08-27-2008, 11:55 AM

havent look into em. everone on ck5 is using 3/4 1 ton stuff w no problems. of course they are rebuilding and up grading

I understand, i guess it boils down to budget. Figure an aftermarket set of axles runs ya $2-300 a set with $300 being the high side, Yukon makes very affordable badazz axles for cheap, I think $240/set, and their name is sononimous in the 4wheel drive spectrum just as moser, strange, and mark williams axles are in drag racing.

but if you can scrounge some from a bone yard then what the heck, but i'd have to wonder how much other BS goes along with it since bolt patterns will be different, carriers will have to be different since axles will undoubtdely be larger diameter and different spline than factory 1/2T stuff. Brake set up's i'd have to venture a guess would be different as well since the 8 bolt stuff will use larger calipers/rotores. Stgrength wise, you can make your 1/2T stuff just as if not more bullet proof than the 1T stuff, but it boils down to how much hillbilly fabrication your willing to do to save a buck vs just ordering a few items and installing them in what you have already. just doing a perimeter weld around where the axle tubes enter the pumpkin/housing stiffens them up big time, add a diff cover with girdles to load the bearings so they're less prone to walk and right there you will have a hard time ever hurting the diff under normal circumstances.

I dunno, just knowing what i know swapping to the big stuff seems like a huge project/undertaking depending on trucks intended purpose...are you mounting 44"+ tires, then yes, it's a no brainer, but for a simple plow truck, way overkill.

wolcottseptic

11-24-2008, 08:16 PM

1/2 ton here works great and i have no complaints but i def want a 3/4

coolcatman1

11-25-2008, 10:14 AM

i drive a GMC 3500 qc dually flatbed with a curtis ts17 v box and a 9 foot snowpro 3000 its a little long at first but after you get used to it its not bad at all i am currently looking at a new truck and hoping to pick it up tonight a 2001 dodge ram 2500 qc lb 24v ctd off road i included a pic what kind of plow should i throw on it im thinking blizzard will it handle a 8611?