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Thread: plowing with a dmax crew cab

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
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    bayville, new jersey, USA
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    Default plowing with a dmax crew cab

    hi all,

    thinking of a plow for my 3500 dmax crew cab...

    any preferences on brand? weights ?

    thanks !
    '12 gmc sierra 2500 dmax slt carbon black.
    '12 s350 diesel mb
    '10 mazda 6i, for sale
    '77 450sl benz, in family since new, sold, still in jersey thou
    '91 350sdl benz, 3.5l diesel, 28 mpg
    '90 560sel benz

  2. #2

    Default

    8' (SRW) or 8' 6" (dually) Western Ultramount straight blade is my choice for 3500 series doing driveways, small/medium parking lots, etc. Steel blades work better overall due to their weight than the poly blades, as they don't 'chatter' as much over uneven surfaces and they backdrag much better. However, the polys will look better over time (resale value) if you keep them out of the sun. Otherwise they turn pretty PINK!!! Steel blades up here in salt country rust and peel badly in about 3-4 seasons, we try to trade them every 2-3 before they look bad.

    If you have to bust deep powder in mountainous conditions, or maintain long winding roadways, a V-plow may be warranted. Also useful for 'carrying' volumes of snow short distances, but overrated for commercial use compared to a S250 Bobcat 2-speed or similar with a 96" snow bucket, which will run circles (literally) around a pickup with an experienced operator.

    Most of the new guys in the business up here mistakenly buy expensive, mechanically complex V-plows and then sell them after the first few seasons for simpler straight blades. Unless you have experience with one and/or a specific job to own one, save your money. The plow salesman will try to sell you one - as the most expensive 'Cadillac' of every brand made. Never met anyone with one that thought they were worth the money or the wear and tear on the front end of their truck, as they are VERY heavy in comparison.

    Having been in the business for 5 seasons, I have never bought a new plow, and owned at least 10 different Westerns, usually purchased already on the truck. There are always plenty of good used for half of new. Shop Ebay for some great deals, but try to inspect in person before you buy. Anything bent or with cracked welds, repaired welds, etc. that won't sit flat on a concrete surface is a 'pass'. Here's a good buy... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-...72411025QQrdZ1
    Last edited by Mark Rinker; 12-30-2006 at 18:40.
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    RVing the USA
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    Default

    As I recall when I spec'd out my truck 4 years ago, the DMAX was not available with an option set up for plowing. Reason given to me was that the engine was heavier enough than the gasser that the front axle weight margin was not there for mounting a plow.

    Which is not to say it isn't done aftermarket. But plowing is rough on a truck and I think I would rather buy a beater to mount a plow...
    2003 K3500 Crew Cab, Banks Stinger Pkg, Exhaust Brake & Exhaust, OilGuard Bypass filter, Lube Specialist Secondary Fuel Filter, Allison Deep Pan, TTT Mirrors, B&W Turnover Ball and Companion Hitch, Truck Trunk Sliding Box and V-Box, LINE-X, Co-Pilot Live GPS, Hitchhiker 31.5 LKTG 5th Wheel 28' Wells-Cargo Gooseneck Car Hauler

  4. #4

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    I hestitated at first from mounting a plow on a Duramax. Was mostly concerned about the reported 'slow reverse' with the Allison.

    Once I tried one, I was sold. The D/A and plow combo is the smoothest thing going, but wouldn't hang a V-plow on a 2500. One ton springs are plenty stout.
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Ontario
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    Default

    I put a Boss V-Blade on the front of my D-Max and it works great.
    2007 2500HD Chevy
    1965 chevy P/U big block 410 gears 4 speed

  6. #6

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    You guys get the BIG snow up there. Can't believe its only raining here today, on New Years Eve...arrrggghhh
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Ontario
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    I put the plow on once and that was only because i wanted to play with it. No snow yet it is a balmy 5 degrees today and is going to stay around that temp for a while accourding to the weather network. I'll have to bring the lawnmower back out if it stays like this. LOLOL
    2007 2500HD Chevy
    1965 chevy P/U big block 410 gears 4 speed

  8. #8
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    Feb 2001
    Location
    Stafford, VA
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    Just FYI, when I bought my 06 K3500 crew cab I asked about adding a plow wondering if any suspension changes would be needed or was there a "plow upgrade" I needed to option. The response was no, the truck was full capable of handling a plow with no changes. I can't say for the earlier ones, but for mine plowing was ok and I believe this dealer in particular.
    Speed costs money. How fast can you afford?

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
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    Ontario
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    When I bought my 06 2500HD there is a plow option
    2007 2500HD Chevy
    1965 chevy P/U big block 410 gears 4 speed

  10. #10
    Join Date
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    Arlington,MA U.S.
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by hapaschold
    hi all,

    thinking of a plow for my 3500 dmax crew cab...

    any preferences on brand? weights ?

    thanks !
    What type of plowing are you doing? If it's just your driveway go strait blade if your doing any type of commercial plowing get a Blizzard or at least a V plow.
    1998 6.5 2500 4X4 dynatrac pro 60, ARB, 35"BFG's
    06 D Max Express 5"MBRP EFI live

  11. #11
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    Nov 2006
    Location
    Ontario
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    I'll second the V-Blade or Blizzard. There is a lot of time saved with one because of the cupping action of the two plows less clean up times.
    2007 2500HD Chevy
    1965 chevy P/U big block 410 gears 4 speed

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Posts
    41

    Default

    I don't have a plow on my truck, but a friend has an 04 extended cab with a large plow on it. The dealer told him as well not to put it on because of the extra weight of the dmax. What he has done is to fabricate a 1,000lb weight that he hangs off the hitch in back. This give him better traction and takes a little weight off the front end. He's had it on for a couple of years now w/o problems.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Blackie
    Posts
    95

    Default

    Does anyone have experience with the Myers snow blade if so what is their track record?? Will the snow plow option include a larger power steering pump for the added weight of the blade??

  14. #14

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    The ultimate snow removal tool IMO is the Bobcat S250 two speed machine with a 96" hydraulic plow.

    Using the 'Bobtach' hydraulic attachment change, with a 2yd snow bucket, and a small dirt bucket for scraping, you can be a one man snow removal operation even for 3-5 acre malls and shopping centers.

    ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT AND SHOULDER BELT. These machines are so fast that you can be ejected through the windsheild if you do not wear the safety gear.
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Sudbury, Ontario
    Posts
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    Not a crew cab but on my truck I have a 8 foot Boss super duty. Works great. Had a 7.6 on an older truck and no problems.

    People really like those blizzard plows, we just got a dealer and have seen a few now.
    2006 Chev Silverado
    K-3500 SRW, Duramax, Allison.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    montrose michigan
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    22

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by JoeyD
    What type of plowing are you doing? If it's just your driveway go strait blade if your doing any type of commercial plowing get a Blizzard or at least a V plow.

    I beg the diff with the vblade, my brother in law owns a large plow business and when i retired last year I spent many hrs behind a plow, his words stay away from a vblade and get the smallest wheel base vehicle you can get for plowing, he owns 2 DRW 3500 regcabs cummings with salters in bed, 1 SRW quad cab 3500 cummings, 1 regcab 1500 6.5TD chevy,1 F350 regcab DRW,JD garden tractor with blade, 4100 JD to move mounds of packed, 1 bobcat with wheels/tracks, and access to a 6yard loader to move the big stuff, the longer it is the the longer it is to plow (no turning radius). DRW tend to float on snow but with 4 yards of salt and the salter you need the capacity of 4 tires, he plows banks lots, few driveways,tractor supplys lots 2ea, plenty of fast food lots, and walmarts 2ea, and a kmart, so he has to get them done fast and they have to be clean so no feet installed on blades but he goes thru plenty of scrapers per year, and all his blades have wings
    06 2500HD LBZ 4x4 crew White
    94 1500 suburban 4x4 teal green
    05 Timberlodge 30SKY

  17. #17

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    In retrospect, my comments on V-plows are probably too dismissive. Here is a more complete thought:

    If you have access to anything with a bucket (tractor, skidder, end loader, etc.) it is useful for lifting, loading, piling snow and is purpose built to do so.

    If you are trying to combine these functions into one machine - i.e. your truck and a plow, a V-plow will help you carry and stack in ways a straight blade cannot.

    However, you have to be realistic about the additional weight and repetetive, momentary loads/stress that you can bring to bear on your front end when using the V to carry, lift and stack. Your front suspension is NOT designed to be a loader tractor, or the lift arms on a Bobcat.

    We talk about the weight carrying capacity of the truck when selecting plows. That is not the entire picture. It is what you are about to DO with the tool, PLUS its weight.

    When you pick up a straight blade, it sheds its load. When you pick up a V-plow, it sheds its load. However, the V will let you amass a much heavier load than the straight blade - doing more 'work', which is good, but also comes with a toll on suspension, driveline, etc. When you stack with a straight blade, the plow lifts and becomes ineffective rather quickly. When you stack with a V-plow (instead of a machine with a bucket) it lifts and carrys and transfers alot of weight and stress to your suspension.

    A careful and knowledgable operator is the key in all scenarios. An idiot can wreck a truck, a plow, or the biggest CAT endloader made.
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  18. #18

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    Hello,
    I have been plowing for 8 years. I went to the dealership yesterday to find out the new specs on the 2007 HD's. I was told nothing has changed. GM still does not offer a plow prep package with a crew cab dmax. This is a joke. Gm has a awesome deisel motor and an awesome tranny, but a terrible front end. I have kids and need a back seat, but I also need to work with it. I cannnot believe nothing has changed. My father is a retired GM employee, and I get a huge discount, but it may be time to try a Ford. All I want is a srw 3500 crew cab, with a dmax and a short box and have the capacity to put a plow on it. GM its time to accomadate us plow guys.

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Jun 2000
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    Arlington,MA U.S.
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    Quote Originally Posted by jevanb
    I beg the diff with the vblade, my brother in law owns a large plow business and when i retired last year I spent many hrs behind a plow, his words stay away from a vblade and get the smallest wheel base vehicle you can get for plowing
    If he says stay away from the V blades it's because he doesn't know anything about them. They are more productive and thats what it's all about.
    1998 6.5 2500 4X4 dynatrac pro 60, ARB, 35"BFG's
    06 D Max Express 5"MBRP EFI live

  20. #20

    Default

    Terrible front end? How so? I couldn't disagree with you more.

    In the last six years, I have maintained 10+ acres of commercial lots, hauled literally millions of pounds of heavy industrial cargo for hire with 7 different 2500 and 3500 series Chevrolet trucks (5 diesels, 2 gassers) ranging from 1994 to 2005.

    In that time, I have not replaced a single CV joint.

    In that time, I have not replaced a single control arm bushing.

    In that time, I have not replaced a single spring or torsion bar.

    In that time, I have only replaced shock absorbers. Generally the OEMs get replaced after 50K miles.

    Total mileage - all trucks? 905,000 miles. 80% towing, plowing, hauling, hunting and humping.

    Chevrolet trucks have probably the best, most rugged front end that works hard during the day and rides like a Caddy unloaded. This is what makes GM hesitant to add more weight on the front end of the DMax trucks in the form of a plow.

    If they offer a snow plow prep package and frames start cracking/trannys failing, they'd be on the hook for warranty claim under our 100K drivetrain coverage. This is partially in response to the heavier and heavier plows that are hitting the market.

    My advice? Hang an 8' straight blade (well under 1000#) and go for it. Stay off the curbs. Don't try to use your truck to pile or lift snow. Have fun!
    Last edited by Mark Rinker; 01-18-2007 at 08:29.
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

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