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2013 Model Year – Ford, GM Truck and Ram Approved Models for Snowplow Installations With Recommended Minimum Equipment Options.

 Ford, GM, and Ram have issued their minimum recommended equipment and/or preparation packages for snowplow installation on their respective 2013 model-year vehicles.

The following pages, taken directly from the chassis manufacturers’ documents, do not include FMVSS, EPA, or RFI compliance information for Ford, GM and Ram Trucks. Please refer to the appropriate
body builder book for all other compliance information.

If you have any questions concerning Snowplow Installations, call the NTEA at 1-800-441-6832 or contact Ford, GM and Ram at the following numbers.

Ford Commercial Truck — Builders Advisory Service (www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/).................1-877-840-4338
*Note: The models covered for 2013 doesn’t include the new offering of Ford’s F150 Pickup. The F150 Series Pickup information will be published as soon as the information from Ford becomes available.

GM Fleet Commercial — Upfitter Integration (www.gmupfitter.com)...................................1-800-875-4742

Ram — Commercial Vehicles (www.rambodybuilder.com)..................................................1-866-205-4102
*Note: Ram’s 2012 Snowplow Installation has been replaced with the new Ram 2013 Snowplow Installation information.

F-150 Snowplow Application, Required and Recommended Equipment

Model Affected: 2013 MY and later F-150 Super Cab and Super Crew pick up, with 6.2L engine and XLT, FX, Lariat and Platinum trim levels only.

Description: The 2013 MY and later F-150 Super Cab and Super Crew pick up, with 6.2L engine and XLT, FX, Lariat and Platinum trim levels are snow plow capable when the Outside Air Temperature (OAT) kit is installed. F-150 snow plow installation is intended for personal use only.

Details: A Snowplow OAT kit (DL3Z-14K073-A) is available through Ford Parts and Service. Outside air temperature information from the OAT sensor is required to maintain automatic interior climate control settings. Failure to relocate the OAT sensor with the installation of a snow plow will significantly degrade the vehicles ability to maintain automatic interior climate control settings, as well as display an incorrect outside air temperature reading.

Installation of this Kit is required if a snow plow is to be installed. See the additional attached pages for installation information.

Please note that only 2013 MY and later F-150 Super Cab and Super Crew pick-up, with 6.2L engine and XLT, FX, Lariat and Platinum trim levels are capable of snow plow installation. This bulletin does not apply to other 2013 MY F-150 pick-ups or previous model years.

Vehicle content will affect vehicle plow capacity. Upper and lower plow weight recommendations and rear ballast load requirements are listed in the 2013 MY 6.2L F-150 Snowplow Weight Chart. The 2013 F-150 Option weight chart lists the additional weight each option adds to both the front and total base curb weight.

Required Part Number:

F-150 Headlamp Interface:

The F-150 comes equipped with either factory standard halogen lamps or High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps. A connection to any circuit in the system controlled by the headlamp switch must be done using auxiliary relays in an appropriately designed interface harness. DO NOT CUT AND SPLICE DIRECTLY INTO HEADLAMP WIRING. Plow headlamps cannot be powered directly by the factory headlamp circuits or the Body Control Module (BCM). Additional loads on Ford provided fuses may cause permanent BCM damage and lighting failure. See electrical guidelines in the Body Builder Layout
Book.

Ford Super Duty F-Series Snowplow Application, Required and Recommended Equipment

The Super Duty F-Series vehicles tabled below are available for snowplow usage.

Minimum Required Equipment

• Snowplow Package includes:
  • Front spring / GAWR upgrade (refer to the Weight Ratings charts for specific spring/GAWR selection for each model)
  • Standard 157 amp alternator. Optional 200 amp Extra Heavy Duty alternator available (6.2L Gasoline). Optional dual alternators, 357 amp (6.7L Diesel)
• Plow and attaching hardware weight limits as tabled below

Recommended Equipment

• All-terrain tires and roof clearance lights (optional with SRW Pickup models, required with F-350 DRW and F-450)

Standard Equipment

• Front and rear stabilizer bar (rear standard on Chassis Cab and DRW pickup models)
• Roof clearance lights (standard on Chassis Cab and required on Pickup models)
• Steering damper
• Engine oil cooler, auxiliary automatic transmission oil cooler and maximum capacity engine coolant radiator are standard
• All available axle ratios are acceptable
• When snowplowing, operate automatic transmission with shift lever in Overdrive position

Completed Vehicle Weight

Snowplow weights (maximum recommended): Refer to the tables below.

The vehicle must not be operated when over-loaded. A vehicle is over-loaded when the weight of the completed vehicle with aftermarket equipment installed, plus driver, passengers, and cargo, exceeds
either the FGAWR, RGAWR, or GVWR displayed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.

The addition of ballast weight placed rearward of the rear axle may be required to prevent exceeding the FGAWR, and provide good vehicle braking and handling. The ballast should be attached securely to
the vehicle with consideration for the normal driving dynamics of snowplowing, and occupant safety in accidents.

For Ford completed vehicles of 10,000 lb. GVWR or less, the weight of permanently attached aftermarket equipment must not exceed the Total Accessory Reserve Capacity (TARC) displayed on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label to maintain the compliance representation that came with the Ford built vehicle. Exceeding TARC may require recertification. This applies only to the permanently
attached equipment, such as the snowplow frame mounting hardware, and not to the removable portion of the snowplow blade assembly.

Front End Wheel Alignment and Headlight Aim

Front end wheel alignment (toe) and headlight aim may require readjustment after installation of snowplow equipment. Failure to reset front wheel alignment may cause premature uneven tire wear. If
required, reset to chassis manufacturer’s specifications found in the Ford Shop Manual.

Electrical Connections

Installation of any inductive load devices, such as electric motors or electric clutches for clutch pumps, must not be connected to Ford vehicle wiring or fuse panels. Power for such devices should be taken
directly from the battery or starter motor relay power terminal. Control of these devices should be achieved via relays. No direct current path should exist between Ford vehicle wiring and the installed load that is not filtered by the battery. These recommendations are intended to eliminate or minimize any induced reverse voltage into the Ford circuitry.

Warranty

The Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty applies to vehicles with snowplows installed in accordance with these guidelines. Consult your Ford dealer or the Owner’s Guide for any further questions.

More Information on approved model for Fords Snowplow Application can be found at the following website link: https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2013/maintoc.html

Check the Body Builder Layout Book’s Index for “Snowplow – Required & Recommended Equipment”

2013 GM Truck — Snowplow Prep Package

Snowplow Prep Package (VYU)

The chart on the following pages shows GMTG and General Motors approved models available with snowplow prep package-option VYU.

GM recommends that when a snowplow is mounted on a vehicle, only one passenger should accompany the driver. More than one passenger may exceed Front Gross Axle Weight Ratings.

Prior to installing a front mounted snowplow, the following process should be followed and necessary information obtained.

• Establish vehicle curb weight
• Establish chassis manufacturer’s front and rear axle weight ratings
• Chevrolet and GMC truck dealers can provide availability, specifications, Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR), and Front and Rear Gross Axle Weight Ratings (FGAWR/RGAWR). For vehicles already built, this information can be found on the certification label installed on driver’s door/door frame or provided on the cover of the Incomplete Vehicle Document.

The following information should be obtained and provided by the manufacturers of snowplows and salt spreaders:

• Specifications, weights and center of gravity data
• Vehicle installation guidelines and instructions
• Calculation of weight distribution for the front and rear axles

The loaded vehicle with driver, passenger, aftermarket accessories, snowplows, spreader, and cargo must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and Front and Rear Gross Axle Weight Ratings. In addition, the completed curb weight vehicle, with all installed aftermarket accessories, snowplow, and spreader, and with 400 lbs. for vehicles less than 10,000 lbs. and 500 lbs. for vehicles greater than 10,000 lbs. distributed in the driver-passenger area of the vehicle, must have a center of gravity location that is located within the trapezoid formed by the coordinates A, B, C, D, H1 & H2, plus it must be to the rear of vertical line E and forward of vertical line F as defined in the ALLOWABLE CENTER OF GRAVITY CHARTS. If the center of gravity location does not fall within the specified trapezoid,
ballast weight may be required to shift the center of gravity location until it falls within the specified trapezoid.

The snowplow manufacturer and the installer of the aftermarket equipment should determine the amount of rear ballast required to ensure that the vehicle, with the attached snowplow and aftermarket
equipment, complies with the Allowable Center of Gravity Trapezoid and the resulting front and rear weight distribution ratio as defined in the Allowable Center of Gravity Charts published in this manual.

Ballast Compensating Weight

The use of rear ballast weight may be required to prevent exceeding the Gross Axle Weight Rating of the front axle. The use of rear ballast weight may be required to ensure that the center of gravity location
of the completed vehicle, with the attached snowplow and other installed equipment, complies with the Allowable Center of Gravity Trapezoid and the resulting front and rear weight distribution ratio, even though the actual front weight may be less than the Gross Axle Weight Rating of the front axle. In either case, the rear ballast weight should be securely attached in the cargo box or behind the rear axle of
the vehicle in a manner which prevents it from moving during driving and stopping.

To help avoid personal injury, refer to Z-height setting procedure before adjusting torsion bars. If torsion bars are adjusted for aftermarket equipment, be sure to return them to specification when the equipment is removed. Otherwise, a front shock absorber may dislodge and damage a front brake line. This could result in an accident when minimum stopping distances are required.

The following charts lists of GM vehicles available with the snowplow prep package, option VYU, for the 2013 model year. GM recommends snowplow usage for only those trucks that have the option VYU,
Snowplow Preparation package.

Special Applications – FullSize K SerieS (4x4)

‘K’ Series Snow Plow Best Practices

1) OEM Steering gear, Suspension and Powertrain Component mounting holes & associated OEM fasteners should not be used to attach Snow Plow Mounting equipment.
2) A suggested allowance of 10 mm minimumclearance to stationary OEM components example: Bumper Asm, Steering Box, Cooling System components is highly recommended. Note these components have varying positional tolerances.
3) A suggested allowance of 20 mm minimum clearance to OEM components subject to movement example: Steering Gear, Suspension (A-Arm, Axle, Strut, & Stab Bar asms) at full jounce is highly recommended. Note these components have varying positional tolerances.
4) Snow Plow & Associated Mounting Equipment should not exceed front axle available payload rating of vehicle as optioned. Plow Blade height, width & mass should be in accordance with Snow Plow Manufacturers recommended requirements for specific vehicle.

More Information on GM Truck Snowplow Prep Package can be found at the following website link: http://www.gmupfitter.com/publicat/2013_BB/2013_LD_SpAppSnoP_071612.pdf

2013 Ram Pickup-Snowplow Installation

INTRODUCTION

The factory-installed Snowplow Preparation Groups (or their equivalent components) are recommended and listed for each vehicle. The normal warranty applies to Dodge Ram trucks that have after market snowplows installed in accordance with these guidelines.

Maximum Vehicle Loading Requirements:

Installation of snowplows and their mounting hardware may result in a vehicle weight distribution or a front axle loading which is detrimental to brake performance or which exceeds the front GAWR. The following load requirements are applicable:

1. The loaded vehicle, including all after market accessories, the snowplow system, passengers, and cargo, must not exceed the gross vehicle weight (GVW), front or rear gross axle weight (GAW) ratings specified on the Safety Compliance Certification label located in the driver’s side door opening.
2. The empty truck with all permanently attached accessories and snowplow components must not exceed 62 percent of its total weight on the front axle to comply with FMVSS/CMVSR 105 Brake
   Certification. Permanently attached snowplow parts are those parts not easily removed when the blade is removed. The permanently attached parts are: subframe, hydraulic pump, hydraulic lift cylinder, lamps, wiring, snowplow controls, etc.

If the front axle loading exceeds either 62 percent of the empty truck total weight, or the front GAWR, ballast compensating weight must be securely attached at the rear of the truck to bring front axle weight within weight specifications as defined above.

* Front GAWR 5,200 Gas / 5,500 Diesel 2500
* Front GAWR 5,250 Gas / 6,000 Diesel 3500

Engine Codes: EZC: 5.7L V8 Gas
                      ETK: 6.7L Diesel

Notes for Heavy Duty Snowplows:

• At any time, the maximum number of occupants in the truck must not exceed two
• Under Any Circumstances, vehicles should NOT exceed GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), Front or Rear GAWRs (Gross Axle Weight Ratings)
• Snowplow prep packages are NOT available with Sport (AAG) package
• Cargo capacity will be reduced by the addition of options
• Ballast should be securely attached inside the box at 9 inches from the rear tailgate for pickups
• The total weight of permanently attached hardware should not exceed 125 lbs
• Max snowplow weight should not exceed values for models shown in this section

The snowplow weights shown in the charts on the next page are the manufacturer recommendations based on maximum vehicle option content. Other plow weight values may be possible, based on the specific capability of the vehicle being modified (actual weight, GVWR, front and rear GAWR). The maximum allowable plow weight can be determined by the dealer /supplier / manufacturer. In all cases, the loaded vehicle weight, including the snowplow system, all aftermarket accessories, driver, passengers, options, and cargo, must not exceed either the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight (GAWR) ratings. The GVWR and GAWR weights are specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver’s side door opening.

Snowplow Packages (AHD) Availability on 2013 HD RAM 4x4 Pickup Models

Snowplow Packages (AHD) Availability on 2013 HD RAM 4x4 Ram Box Models

2013 Ram Chassis Cab – Snowplow Installation
Snowplow Packages (AHD) Availability on 2013 Ram 3500 4x4 Pickup Models

Snowplow Packages (AHD) Availability on 2013 Ram 3500 4x4 Pickup Models

ELECTRICAL CONSIDERATIONS

HEADLAMPS

Each headlamp bulb is independently Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) controlled by an electronic control module. This module also monitors each bulb to detect failures (i.e. bulb burned out) on both the high beam and low beam filaments. When this failure occurs, the “LAMP OUT” telltale indicator in the instrument cluster will illuminate whenever the ignition is in the RUN position. The module also provides the DRL function when required and therefore there is no separate DRL controller.

Therefore, the any aftermarket wiring kits should use the following guidelines:

• Disconnection of the OEM headlamps will be interpreted by the electronic module as a burned out bulb therefore; it is recommended that the aftermarket lamps utilize the OEM headlamp circuits. NOTE – the aftermarket bulbs must draw no more current than the OEM bulbs (9007QL).
• Provide a means of allowing the customer to manually switch between the OEM headlamps and the aftermarket headlamps. Connection of both the OEM and aftermarket lamps at the same time will cause the control module to disable the circuit due to an overload condition and illuminate the “LAMP OUT” indicator in the instrument cluster.
• Also, assure that the OEM headlamps cannot be inadvertently disabled when the aftermarket lamps are disconnected (i.e. when the snowplow is not on the vehicle).
• Do NOT splice the right and left headlamp circuits together. Connection of both lamps to the same circuit will cause the control module to disable the circuit due to an overload condition and lluminate the “LAMP OUT” indicator in the instrument cluster.

TURN LAMPS

Each turn lamp - front driver, front passenger, rear driver, and rear passenger is independently controlled by an electronic control module. This module also monitors each bulb to detect failures (i.e. bulb burned out). When this failure occurs the “LAMP OUT” tell tale indicator in the instrument cluster will illuminate whenever the ignition is in the RUN position.

In order to successfully connect the plows turn signal lamps to the vehicle’s wiring the following must be done:

• The front driver circuit is L61, 18 gauge WT/LG
• The front passenger circuit is L60, 18 gauge WT/TN
• Both L60 & L61 need to be spliced into in order to control a set of relays (please see attached drawing on page 5). These relays are necessary for proper function of the turn signals while the plow lamps are attached to the vehicle’s electrical system. Failure to do so will cause the front turn signals to be inoperable or intermittent.

NOTE: The electronic module is only capable of detecting bulb failure in the vehicles lamps.

PARK LAMPS

The vehicle park/tail/license/marker/tailgate lamps are partitioned into three subsets – driver side, passenger side, and trailer tow connectors with the total vehicle load balanced between the driver and passenger side. Aftermarket wiring kits must have provisions that:

• Maintain separation between all three subsets. The preferred method for aftermarket park lamps is to use one of these circuits as a sense line to control a relay to activate aftermarket lamps. The relays power feed needs to be a fused battery feed provided by the kit.
• If aftermarket park lamps need to be wired directly to the vehicle circuits. The load should be balanced between driver and passenger side, with neither side sourcing more than 2A of additional load current.
• The driver side circuit is L161, 20 gauge WT/YL wire – see wiring schematics. The easiest place to find and splice into this circuit is in the harness bundle near the connection to the driver headlamp
  assembly.
• The passenger side circuit is L160, 20 gauge WT/GY wire – see wiring schematics. The easiest place to find and splice into this circuit is in the harness bundle near the connection to the passenger headlamp assembly

IGNITION RUN FEED

If required, the only location to obtain an ignition run feed is to splice into circuit F306. Circuit F306 18 gauge PK/YL is a dedicated Ignition Run feed to the Cigar Lighter.

The best location to splice into F306 is right at the connection into the back of the Cigar Lighter. This connection can be accessed by removing the center stack trim piece which the Cigar Lighter is mounted into. There will be two wires going into the connector. Circuit F306 is the 18 gauge PK/YL wire. The other wire will be (Z736) BK/YL tracer.

The spliced in aftermarket wire should be a minimum 18 gauge high temperature rated wire due to the 20A fuse for the Cigar lighter.

The load placed on the aftermarket circuit should not exceed 2A. Exceeding 2A will potentially blow the Cigar Lighter fuse when activating the Cigar lighter and the aftermarket load simultaneously.

Note: Circuit F306 is an Ignition Run and ACCESSORY feed, meaning it will be hot with the ignition key in the Run position and also the Accessory position.

Note: If more than a 2A ignition feed is required, then the aftermarket application will have to add an external relay, with appropriate battery fusing and use the recommended F306 circuit to turn the relay on and off.

Note: There is no other acceptable place to find a vehicle Ignition Run source, in cab or underhood.

More information on approved models on RAM’s Pickups and Chassis Cabs for Snowplow Installation can be found at the following website links:
• RAM Pickups: http://www.rambodybuilder.com/2013/docs/ram/ramspi.pdf
• RAM Chassis Cabs: http://www.rambodybuilder.com/2013/docs/cc/dddpspi.pdf