These things are beast! They actually share a lot with the vans... We had them as ambulances and were pleased with them. We had some with over 250k miles and 14k hours. They are tanks!
I have a similar plow/salt truck set up...I've found the 9.2' boss v-plow to be all you need for width even in deep heavy snow while in straight blade/full angled plowing...the plow edge is still outside the tire track. Also these trucks have incredible vision when plowing in the "over the hood" perspective and out the side and rear side mirror perspective...the 2 wd version i have is great in wet heavy snow...I have the most aggressive Goodyear snow tread on the rears...i will load up at least a ton of salt for rear ballast and traction if needed...and the most important aspect of this plow rig is maneuverability...I can turn around on a secondary side street with out backing up again and again, just a quick u-turn and heading 180 degrees the other way!
Great Rig, something needed in Minne-Snowda. 3/4-1 ton trucks are adequate 98% of winter, but we have those snow events that require something heftier, and easier to maintain (get parts). Was looking at commercial truck trader for used commercial grade, and considering M939 (6x6), M1079, M1090
Sweet truck! I bet you'd love the new 10.5' XV2, those extension wings are horrible at windrowing. And you wouldn't have the expensive rubber edges on the bottom that wear pretty quick.
agreed, when i bought my rig new in 2006 the choice was a 9.2 or 10' power v with smart hitch and it worked out great..plowing width is outside the tire width, and could access the engine compartment by power tilt option on plow....if for some reason you lost all electric power then you had to manually remove plow from front of truck to roll back the hood...but thats the only small problem here...
You mentioned it a little bit but didn’t emphasize how awesome the turning radius is on these trucks. They can probably do a circle inside a three-quarter tons circle. I believe they are rated to have the best turning the radii in their class. I own six of these trucks, I believe they’re the best medium duty truck ever made. My only major complain about them is the ride comfort, they all seem to shake too much. I’m trying to find out how to get that rid of that, maybe upgraded leaf springs or air ride suspension. Haven’t figured it out just yet.
yes the best turning radius in the class and they ride excellent, I've gone to sand ballast wheel balancing and try to stay with 2wd kodiacs/top kicks...because these 4wd trucks have the classic GM front suspension wobbles as they wear out
Should have went with a western 9' 6" then put the wings on . that gives you 11'6" . I have the mvp3 9'6" on my 02 f-350 . works perfect . have 3an 1/2 inch leveling kit on it.
Hi, Thanks for the great review. One question - I'm contemplating purchasing one of these to tow a fifth wheel. How are they at highway speed? I'm concerned that with the deep ring and pinion ratio of the 4x4 it might not be a comfortable cruiser. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I would not reccomend at highway speed. maybe if it were geared differently. but it pretty much tops out at 74. it's great for visibility and stability but for long trips on the highway I think you would be disappointed. they are not really rated for much more towing than a 2500 diesel of similar year due to its weight. The more modern diesel 3500 will outperform this truck for towing. maybe this is more stable but power to weight ratio and comfort on the highway....I would go with a 3500.
mine seems to be a governed engine but mine is an 8.1l and tops out at about 76 mph, 2wd version, Allison 5 speed auto..but in the summer towing a full weight 24' enclosed equipment trailer down the xway is no problem...
also i believe there is a limitation to highway speeds with 4x4 versions of this truck...55 mph possibly, i don't recall...but these trucks are very comfortable drivers...like a Cadillac
Those of the later 06 were able to have the 6th gear activated.As I describe it I had to ask the 1,000 questions to be told that the 09 had it activated. Oh well .
Not much with the plow because the wings make it so wide. But the truck is a blast to drive on the road. Bouncy without weight in the bed but otherwise more fun than a pickup. It's not a good highway truck because the rear diff is so low. Tops out at about 74 mph
what fun is that? if you have the Boss smart hitch set up...just use the power plow frame tilt option and you can flop that hood up out of the way...botta boom botta bang! no problem!
you dont have to either leave it at your customers site....or haul it to a site... drop the plow off and go do your salting routes all over town....just saying this thing is to be a mobile unit with variable uses
well the cost for a similar set up in 2006-7 was about $65,000 now probably closer to $105,000...I would say you can safely have about 40,000 in a "used in great condition" set up like he has...so do the math...40,000 grand down on new rig(owing 65,000) or 40,000 grand down and paid for!
