Snowplows on '03 3500
 

I went to my Western snowplow dealer today to inquire about putting a snowplow on my '03 Ram. I was told because of the weight of the diesel engine the only plow which could be installed is a "standard duty" plow. It was my intention to install the Western V-plow or Pro-plow since we use it commercially. The standard duty plow is actually Western's light duty plow and is unlikely to put up with commercial use. When I returned home I verified the dealer's information on Western's web site. Now, maybe I should have checked before purchasing this truck but I think anyone buying a 3500 Ram with the diesel engine would assume it could handle a something more than a light duty snowplow.
Any comments or suggestions would be welcome.

Re:Snowplows on '03 3500
 

I have a Boss V-plow on mine. It is a very heavy plow. I do plan to install a leveling kit of somekind.

Re:Snowplows on '03 3500
 

I had an 8 foot, steel, Fisher snow plow installed on my 2500 crew cab. It was suppose to be under the maxium weight that chrysler would allow. My buddies Ford f250 had to go with the 7.5 foot.

Re:Snowplows on '03 3500
 

The heavy plows probably exceed the axle rating. You can thank the lawyers and their litigation for Western being cautious now.
Worked some time ago on the highways plowing. The trucks had to have a minimum 16k front axle or 18k if it was setback. The gov"t trucks we replaced were all 14.6 setbacks. It was our insurance carrier who wanted the heavy front ends. Again for liability. FWIW

Re:Snowplows on '03 3500
 

I'm a baaaaaaaad boy. I went in last February, ordered the 8.5 MVP from Western, and had them install it. The dealer wasn't real warm and fuzzy about the whole thing but also said he didn't figure I'd be travelling at 60mph down the highway with the whole family in the thing either. I think he was just happy to make a sale. FWIW :-

But I gotta say ... it's a great plow ;D

Re:Snowplows on '03 3500
 

I saw a guy today at lunch with a brand new Blizzard? plow on the front of his new F350 SRW PSD Ford. Huge thing, looked like it belonged on the front of a big tandem dump truck - battleship ready. Said it was around $3200. Very tidy looking installation.

He admitted that he needs helper springs for the front because its just about bottomed out right now. We were parked next to each other and when he set it down I felt it.

Re:Snowplows on '03 3500
 

Yeah I don't think i'd even consider a plow without a front end leveling kit and some beefier shocks and steering stabilizer.

Re:Snowplows on '03 3500
 

Just had the 8ft western Proplow installed on my 3500, no real noticeable front sag. I think a key point is to have the weight counterbalance by having some ballast behind the rear axle.

Re:Snowplows on '03 3500
 

I had a 8' Fisher X-Blade put on mine (love that stainless steal look). The dealer told me I can only put on a 7.5' RH blade, but he put the X-Blade on for me anyway. 2003 2500 HO auto.