Question for those of you plowing snow with a 4th gen

[jgillott]

Good afternoon all.

If you were equipping a new 4th gen to plow snow, how would you have it configured? I would need to go with a 3500 srw since I am going to be upgrading to a larger slide in spreader. But other than that, what options would you choose. Things like the Snow-Chief group are a given.

Specifically, would you go Aisin or 68rfe? I'm hearing from a couple of guys around here that there is a little delay that develops in the 68rfe between drive and reverse when you get them hot. Are you seeing the same with the Aisin?

Secondly, what is your opinion on the dual alternator option?

Thanks in advance for any feedback or experience you may have.

 

[CMB]

Do you have a link to the thread that talks about this delay in the 68rfe trans? I understand the need for efficiency but I can't imagine guys (and gals) are going from drive into reverse with out stopping.

 

[jgillott]

No, no link to a thread. I meant other snow removal people here in PA. Not on TDR.

I had never heard that feedback before and that's why I asked the question here. Sorry for the confusion.

The majority of the trucks used for snow removal around the area are Ford so it is hard to get good information from anyone locally.

 

[mjlexus]

My understanding is the Aisin was built for this type of work. Since you are going to use an electric plow pump (I assume), the dual alternators will help with the battery to keep a charge, but is not needed to plow. I would have the Aux switches installed for plug and play. If I recall the trucks were all 4.10 axle.

 

[jhenderson]

I run a Boss 9.2 Vxt on my 2015 3500. Snow chief package will give you everything you need from upfitter switches to dedicated light wiring so you don’t have to splice into your headlights. It also gives you a higher amp alternator. The dual alternator is an unnecessary addition in complexity and expense in my opinion. Belts are hard to come by in an emergency since it’s an option usually left to Cab and Chassis for Fire or Tow Trucks. I’ve done fine without it so far, but I’ve only got 4 plow seasons and 85,000 miles under my belt. I have the Aisin and it’s fine, but if a truck I liked had the RFE it wouldn’t be a dealbreaker. A little delay in engagement of reverse may just protect the driveline from hitting reverse before you’re stopped completely. I know, pro’s would never do that, right? As for gearing, only 3.42s are available on SRW trucks. They work fine. If it’s really bad you’ve got 4 low. my2cts.

 

[jgillott]

We are currently running a Hiniker plow and a Buyers tailgate spreader on the 04.5. Every once in a while you can get ahead of the alternator with that truck, but it only has a 160a alternator if I remember correctly.

My plan is to move the plow over to a new truck but pick up a slide in so I can move to bulk salt.

 

[16Ram3500]

My 2016 SRW 3500 just has the snow prep package. Only thing that I added was a 2.5" level kit so my 8" Boss plow wouldn't beat up my front end.

 

[jhenderson]

What do you mean by beat up and how does a spacer prevent it?