GMC/Chev 1500

[Paystar]

The local hydraulic shop/snow plow installer now has a big sign out front......."We will not install plows on GMC/Chev 1500 pickups. HD models only."

Apparently the front frame horns keep breaking off them?

 

[s219]

Be interesting to know the real reason -- I have heard everything from engine overheating at high speed (airflow gets sucked forward), issues with front mounted sensors (airbags, stability, etc), and loads from electric power steering. GM offers a plow prep package for regular cab 4x4 models that apparently address these issues. Trucks without that package will technically void the warranty by installing a plow. Ford and Ram have had similar packages and warranty limitations too.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Big issue on these new trucks is Electric Power Steering instead of a hydraulic system with a power steering pump. The electric hydraulic pump for the plow and electric power steering put too much load on the alternator.

I have talked to a couple plow companies and many are going to change over to linear actuator system vs the old hydraulic. The new systems pull about 30 amps vs 300 for hydraulic systems.

Chris

 

[George2615]

Most brands of 1/2 Tons haven't put plows on them for several years now. Since the early 2000's.
Chevy / GMC still charge for a snow plow prep package on half tons but tell you you can't put a plow on. I think it has to do with the lighter suspension and frame.

 

[Wolfy]

Weak frames and hit or miss electrical systems have plagued Chevy/GMC for some time. Otherwise, they are pretty good trucks.

 

[timswi]

I haven't experienced that with any of my GM trucks..Weak frames, don't think so.

Generally, no 1/2 ton anything should be running a commercial snow plow. That isn't what they are built for.

 

[crashz]

Hmm. I had a 7.5HD fisher on my 04. No frame problems at all in 180K miles. And that plow was heavy. And I plowed commercial lots with it for a few years. But that was on a 10 yr old truck now.

One thing to keep in mind is that nobody ever re-tightens the mounts for the plow. This does a lot of damage to the front section and in my opinion leads to the cracking problems. I've see complaints in the plowing forums regarding this issue on the GM HD trucks, but some Ford and Dodge too. Makes me think its the mounting instead.

 

[timswi]

Hmm. I had a 7.5HD fisher on my 04. No frame problems at all in 180K miles. And that plow was heavy. And I plowed commercial lots with it for a few years. But that was on a 10 yr old truck now.

One thing to keep in mind is that nobody ever re-tightens the mounts for the plow. This does a lot of damage to the front section and in my opinion leads to the cracking problems. I've see complaints in the plowing forums regarding this issue on the GM HD trucks, but some Ford and Dodge too. Makes me think its the mounting instead.

You're probably right about the mounting...I also doubt that you beat the $*^& out of your truck plowing...A buddy of mine plows condo neighborhoods and I see what happens to his 1 tons and 3/4 tons of every make. Trannies, transfer cases and woe unto the front suspension parts and u-joints...He does have others running some of the trucks though. The 1, 5 and 10 ton dumps hold up nicely tough as does the Toolcat

 

[arnoldziffel]

My "Classic" 2007 1/2 ton Silverado is starting its 9th winter plowing 24 rental home driveways.

I have a Fisher 7.5 RD plow system.

No problems.

 

[Clint S]

Many have cracked behind the upper control arm for the older models. Do not know about the newer ones (2011 and newer).